Honest comparison
How A Plus Moving compares to other movers
There are three kinds of long-distance movers: national van lines, brokers, and independent carriers like us. Each has trade-offs. Here’s where we win — and where you might choose someone else.
A Plus vs National Van Lines
National van lines (Atlas, North American, United, Mayflower, Allied) operate as networks of independent agents under a shared brand. They’re big, recognizable, and you pay for the brand.
| Factor | A Plus Moving | National Van Lines |
|---|---|---|
| Crew assignment | Same crew end-to-end | Subcontracted local agent at each end |
| Quote type | Binding written quote | Often non-binding estimate |
| Pricing | 10–25% lower for equivalent service | Brand premium pricing |
| Customer service | Direct line to operations | Call center / agent routing |
| Brand recognition | Strong regional | National TV ads |
| Coverage | 48 contiguous states | All 50 + international |
Choose national van lines if: you need an international move, need Alaska/Hawaii, or value the brand name more than the price.
A Plus vs Broker Companies
“Brokers” don’t own trucks. They sell your job to whichever carrier bids lowest, then take a cut. Many of the cheap online quotes you see are brokers in disguise.
| Factor | A Plus Moving | Broker Companies |
|---|---|---|
| Who actually moves you | A Plus trucks & A Plus crew | Whoever wins the bid that week |
| Accountability | Single point of contact | Broker blames carrier, carrier blames broker |
| Cargo damage claims | A Plus handles directly | Bounced between broker and carrier |
| Quote reliability | Binding, in writing | “Estimate” that often jumps at pickup |
| Initial price quoted | Realistic | Often artificially low |
Choose a broker if: honestly, we can’t think of a good reason. If you find a broker quote dramatically below ours, that’s usually the bait — the real bill arrives later.
A Plus vs Local Mom & Pop Movers
The two guys with a truck doing local moves. Great for moving across town — not always equipped for interstate.
| Factor | A Plus Moving | Mom & Pop Movers |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate authority | USDOT, MC, full FMCSA-licensed | Often local-only; not licensed interstate |
| Cargo insurance limits | Higher coverage standard | Often minimum required |
| Storage option | Climate-controlled warehouses | Usually unavailable |
| HOA/COI handling | Included | Often not equipped |
| Local short moves | Available | Often cheaper for one-day local |
| Personalized service | Strong | Very high — same crew, every time |
Choose a local mom & pop if: you’re doing a local same-day move under 50 miles and don’t need storage, COIs, or interstate authority.
Where A Plus wins
- Binding quotes. The number in writing is the number on the invoice.
- Same crew end-to-end. No subcontracting, no swap-outs in transit.
- Senior-friendly service. Patient pace, downsizing coordination, 55+ community paperwork.
- Snowbird specialization. Annual NE→FL packages, storage at both ends.
- Direct customer service. Real people, no call centers.
- Transparent pricing. Published ranges and binding quotes — not negotiated bait-and-switch.
Where you might choose someone else
- International moves. We’re domestic only. National van lines (United, Allied) handle international.
- Alaska or Hawaii. We serve the contiguous 48. For HI/AK, look at carriers with shipping partnerships.
- Same-day local moves under 50 miles. A 2-person local crew may be cheaper for an in-town apartment move.
- You need the cheapest possible quote. Brokers will undercut us on paper. Just understand what you’re likely to get.
Binding quotes, every time
The single biggest difference between us and the brokers / van lines you’re comparing. Get our binding quote and compare apples to apples.
Comparison questions
How do I tell if a quote is from a broker or a real carrier?
Ask: “Do you own the trucks and employ the crew?” If they hedge, they’re a broker. Also check FMCSA SAFER for their USDOT — brokers are licensed differently (MC-only, no USDOT).
Will you match a lower competitor quote?
We’ll match any written binding quote from an equally credentialed carrier (USDOT, MC, BBB-accredited, comparable insurance). We won’t race-to-the-bottom against unlicensed operators.
Why do van line quotes vary so much?
Because each independent agent quotes separately. Two Atlas-branded movers in two cities can give wildly different quotes — they’re independent businesses under the brand.
What’s the difference between a broker and a carrier?
A carrier owns trucks and moves your stuff. A broker arranges the move with a different company and takes a fee. FMCSA requires brokers to disclose this; many bury it.
Is bigger always better in moving?
No. National van lines have brand power but the actual move is done by local agents — quality varies wildly by city. An independent carrier with a 5.0 review record (like us) often delivers better service than a mid-tier national agent.
More about A Plus Moving
Get our binding quote and compare
See exactly what you’re paying for, line by line. Then decide.