Worst Moving Companies to work for in 2024.
The moving industry is a vital part of our lives, helping us transition from one place to another with ease. Whether it’s moving to a new home, relocating for work, or simply transporting large items, moving companies play a crucial role in making these transitions possible. These companies specialize in providing professional services that ensure the safe and efficient transportation of belongings from one location to another.
The reality of working for a moving company
While moving companies may promise an easy and stress-free experience for customers, the reality for workers in this industry is often quite different. Employees of moving companies often face long hours of physically demanding work. They are required to lift heavy furniture and boxes, navigate narrow staircases, and maneuver through tight spaces. This physically demanding nature of the job can take a toll on their bodies, leading to fatigue and increased risk of injury.
In addition to the physical demands, workers in the moving industry also face low pay and lack of benefits. Many employees are paid hourly wages that are often below the average for other industries. Moreover, they often do not receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, or paid time off. This lack of financial security can create additional stress and hardship for workers.
Working for a moving company requires employees to engage in heavy lifting and repetitive motions daily. Carrying heavy furniture up and down stairs, loading and unloading trucks, and maneuvering through tight spaces can put a significant strain on the body. Over time, this can lead to chronic pain, musculoskeletal injuries, and long-term health effects.
The risk of injury is also a constant concern for workers in the moving industry. Improper lifting techniques, heavy loads, and challenging environments increase the likelihood of accidents and injuries. Without proper safety training and equipment, workers are left vulnerable to sprains, strains, fractures, and In addition to the physical demands, employees of moving companies also face emotional challenges in their work. Dealing with difficult customers and situations can be mentally draining. Customers may be stressed or anxious about their move, leading to heightened emotions and potential conflicts. Workers are often expected to remain calm and professional in these situations, even when faced with hostility or unreasonable demands.
Furthermore, the lack of support and resources for mental health can exacerbate the emotional toll on workers. The demanding nature of the job, coupled with long hours and low pay, can contribute to stress, anxiety, and burnout. Without access to adequate mental health support, workers may struggle to cope with these challenges and maintain their overall well-being. other injuries can have long-lasting consequences.
Avoid these moving companies in 2024.
They Claim to be #1 they are not United Van Lines worst moving company to work for
As a driver you will be treated just like a number, not human.
Discounts on moves are extremely high, so as a driver you will in turn receive less money on your earned commission.
When it comes to customer claims in most cases you as the driver will be charged for the claim even though you may have itemized inventory description of any previous damage before it was placed on the truck
United Van Lines forces you as the independent contractor to purchase their ELD and does not mention that under federal leasing laws you have the right to use your own and are not requires to purchase or rent any equipment upon entering a lease agreement, Period!
Another thing that United Van Lines Does is Binding Shipment, as a driver these shipments are the worst moves you can put on your truck especially if they are large shipments and or packed by a customer. example: say you have a binding shipment of 20,000 Lbs. and the shipment weighs 28,000 Lbs. And only if you contested the shipment prior to loading and forced to wait for free for two hours for salesman to adjust the amount charged or estimate to the customer will you get paid for anything above and beyond 22,000 lbs., the first 10 percent over, you are hauling for free.
Most of the United warehouses are understaffed and, on many occasions, you will wait for hours just to get your truck unloaded.
When it comes to labor for helping you unload your truck, the driver is charged 200.00 per day for labor regardless of the weight of the shipment, and do not bill in extra labor for drivers to add in the high cost of inflation.
They have the worst planners in the industry for drivers, not catering to one’s needs and treating their independent contractors as employees.
This can include paying below minimum wage, denying overtime pay, or misclassifying employees as independent contractors to avoid providing benefits. These unethical practices not only harm workers but also undermine the integrity of the entire industry.
Here are some of their reviews from customers, It all starts with paying your drivers well but unfortunately united van lines does not do this, so it reflects back to the customers.
Jose P
8/18/2021
Horrible, horrible company. Lost some of my items during the move. When going through their process denied any reimbursement, although I checked box stating “ALL ITEMS NOT RECEIVED”. They say I should’ve itemized what was missing. With over 400 asset tags, that would’ve taken a week while the driver waited. Just insane. No one replies to a call request, all email replies are standard pre-existing replies. This move was almost $13k, and they can’t even treat you like a customer. You are the enemy after they collect their money. DO NOT USE.
J
John T
7/20/2021
I moved from Pennsylvania to Colorado last year and had a contract with United Van Lines. Since the United staff said I had a number of high value pieces of furniture I should buy a Full Value Insurance Policy. They placed the value of my possessions at $30,000. The example given to me by United was a damaged $1000 stereo would be worth $60 without the Full Value Policy. Naturally I bought the policy in order to be secure in knowing I’d be covered in the event of damage. Upon delivery I found 3 damaged items including a hand made chair that cannot be replaced. United offered to glue it back together. I was appalled at their attitude since I had purchased the upgraded insurance that they… Read More
marctmitchell
6/17/2021
This is a shady company that I will be reporting for deceptive practices. I will explain why, and I will be naming names. First, and foremost, they brokered out to two different moving companies, so all this company did was make a few phone calls, which I wish I would have done myself, and saved time, and hassle. I initially spoke to Rick Gray who gave me an estimate of $7785 for full pack, or $6955 for self pack based solely on my verbal description of the amount of stuff we needed moved. I opted for the full pack, so he sent over a contract for the $7785, but made it for self pack. I missed that detail, so fair play on your scam, Rick. The movers (from another company) showed… Read More
J
Jen
5/4/2021
We just had an awful moving experience with United Van Lines. The packers showed up with attitude right off the bat because I politely asked them to remove shoes before stepping on the very light cream colored carpet. If they would have come prepared with carpet runners there would not have been any need to put them out as it seemed they had a strong reaction. When the mover guys showed up that’s when our nightmare and high stress really began. These guys were cutting corners to try and save time. They didn’t want to wrap our expensive wood furniture and we had to beg them to protect our things before going into the truck which made matters worse with their attitudes. We also asked..
North American Van lines (Worst Moving Companies to work for in 2024)
Given the challenges faced by workers in the moving industry, there is a pressing need for reform to improve working conditions and protect the rights of employees. Advocacy groups and labor organizations are calling for better working conditions, including fair wages, access to benefits, and improved job security. They argue that workers in this industry deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, given the physically demanding and essential nature of their work.
Furthermore, there is a growing call for increased regulation and oversight of the moving industry. Stricter enforcement of labor laws, licensing requirements, and safety standards can help ensure that companies operate ethically and provide a safe working environment for their employees. By holding companies accountable for their actions, policymakers can help create a more equitable and sustainable industry. North American Practices are basically the same as United Van lines ethics towards drivers.
Again, let’s see some of their reviews by drivers or customers.
Beltman group is by far the very worst agent to work for as there packing and line hauls suck!
KennethBaldwinsville, NY
Verified purchase
Customer ServiceMoversPacking
Reviewed Jan. 3, 2024
The name has a great reputation for moving – problem is the sub-contracted labor has no right to be in this business. The movers threw our household goods into boxes, they used our clothes as packing material, they did not follow any direction and did not finish the pack-out. They dropped our flat-screen TV at least four times, jammed our clock in with a painting and knew they had bent the clock up. We called and the support was not existing from corporate.
Poor Compensation: Low Wages and Lack of Benefits
One of the major issues faced by drivers at Wheaton Van Lines is the low wages they receive. Despite the demanding nature of their work, drivers are often paid significantly less than they deserve. This not only undermines their dedication and hard work but also makes it difficult for them to make ends meet. Additionally, the lack of benefits such as health insurance and retirement plan further add to their financial burden and insecurity.
They do not provide you with a billed copy of your freight bill to validate your income with your computer-generated statement that must be one of the same according to the Federal leasing regulations.
Wheaton vans Lines, with its new operations manager, has decided that all drivers take video classes each month and do not pay you for this.
You.re compensation rate will be based on how the customer rates you 1-5 scale 51% to 58% of the line haul, but you can be sure with there rating levels and requirements 99 percent of the time you will be paid at the lowest rate regardless of your skill level and safety record.
As the same as United Van Lines with binding shipments you will not be paid for anything 10 percent over the estimated weight, meanwhile you are still paying contract labor to help you load a shipment.
Effective communication and support from management are crucial for the smooth functioning of any organization. However, at Wheaton Van Lines, drivers often face a lack of communication and support from their superiors. Important information regarding routes, schedules, and customer requirements is often not adequately communicated, leading to confusion and inefficiency. Moreover, the absence of support from management when drivers face challenges or need assistance further adds to their frustration and dissatisfaction.
It all starts with paying your driver well and not undercutting or giving the money away to third party brokers, the driver is the one that takes pride and professionalism in their work ethics, at the same time your driver is the backbone of future, and all booked jobs.
Wheaton Van lines also require their drivers to get four inspections per year as the FMSCA only requires these once per year.
You will also be required to purchase their ELD and pay monthly fees.
Reviews from customers:
Laura Egbert
Jul 12, 2022
Long-distance move from Greenwood, SC to Cedar Rapids, IA
Worst mover EVER!
If you are reading this review and have not signed with Wheaton yet, DO NOT USE THEM! They moved us from SC to IA. The ruined a majority of our personal belongings but most importantly, they damaged our brand new home. Put holes in our walls, dented our front door, back door, broke shutter, scratched floors….. They ruined everything and did not care about our home or belongings.
Move size: 4 Bedroom Home
Atlas Van Lines not number one Worst moving companies to work for in 2024
While working for Atlas Van Lines may offer promising prospects, it is important to acknowledge the reality of the job. One of the main challenges faced by employees is the demanding nature of the work. Moving involves long hours of physical labor, often requiring individuals to lift heavy objects, navigate tight spaces, and handle delicate items. This can take a toll on the body and lead to fatigue and exhaustion.
Another significant drawback of working for Atlas Van Lines is the low wages and lack of benefits. Moving companies are known for offering relatively low pay compared to other industries. Additionally, many moving companies do not provide comprehensive benefits packages, leaving employees without access to healthcare, retirement plans, or paid time off. This can create financial strain and make it difficult for employees to meet their basic needs.
The demanding nature of the job and the low wages can also have a significant impact on work-life balance. Long hours and physically demanding work can leave employees with little time and energy for personal pursuits or spending quality time with loved ones. This imbalance can lead to increased stress, strained relationships, and a decreased overall sense of well-being.
And overall, as a driver you will be the lowest on the totem pole with no chance of increased revenue and underpaid with high discounts.
It begins with the driver or contractor if they are short changed, they will have to make cuts as well in hiring labor, holding off in getting repairs done to make ends meet.
The driver is the backbone of a company’s success now and in the future, here is a review from another customer.
EvanGreenville, NC
Customer Service
Reviewed Feb. 6, 2022
Updated on 03/11/2022: Atlas Van Lines provided one of the worst experiences I have had, ever. A cross-country move for a 4 bedroom home cost $16300, took 25 days, and results in multiple broken items. The company’s communication is near non-existent, until they are attempting to collect payment. Your move is NOT INSURED for broken items, unless you want to pay additional (over the $16k). Without paying additional large fees, you will receive $0.60 per pound of items broken, a ridiculous figure. If they break a $500 vase that weighs 3 pounds, you will receive $1.80. This is absolute insanity. They will intentionally quote you less than the final cost. Ours was underquoted by over $4000. Note, the reviews on their website are hand-selected, as they do not have an open review policy. Truly one of the worst companies I have ever encountered.
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Thanks Evan (17)Report
MatthewMarfa, TX
Customer ServicePriceMoversQuote AccuracyPacking
Reviewed Oct. 6, 2021
The crew and drivers who handled the packing, loading, and unloading were great. While friendly, the contact at Atlas was incompetent. Throughout the process she provided inaccurate, incomplete, or incorrect information — this included a low weight estimate (resulting in a higher than expected cost), surprise need for crating on day of move (resulting in a higher than expected cost), incorrect updates on delivery day, short noticed cancellation for delivery, etc. When I tried to discuss this with Atlas management, the contact was unable to hear my concerns and was rude (cursed at me), dismissive, and uninterested in truly resolving the situation. This was my third time using Atlas, and unfortunately, it will be my last–the first two jobs were great, but clearly they’ve experienced a decline in quality of service. I would strongly recommend finding a moving company other than Atlas.
Allied van lines worst company to work for in 2024
The company culture at Allied Lines and other moving companies can often be described as toxic. The high-pressure nature of the industry, combined with long hours and physically demanding work, can create a stressful work environment. This stress can lead to increased tension among employees, fostering a culture of competition rather than collaboration.
Furthermore, poor management practices can exacerbate the toxic work environment. Many moving companies struggle with issues such as lack of communication, favoritism, and a lack of support from supervisors. This can lead to low employee morale, decreased job satisfaction, and a higher turnover rate.
A toxic work environment can have a significant impact on employees’ mental health and overall well-being. It can contribute to increased stress levels, anxiety, and even depression. Moreover, a negative work culture can hinder productivity and teamwork, ultimately affecting the quality of service provided to customers.
Low pay rate to the drivers and horrible customer reviews
NIGHTMARE
We moved from Virginia to Austin Texas, we picked the most expensive package. Allied Van Lines is a nightmare company for this reasons:
HORRIBLE ATTENTION TO DETAIL when packing things, high and low value items badly package with not the correct size boxes items where swimming in too large boxes where space was not filled with paper which resulted in broken and damaged things.
DELAY on delivery dates.
At delivery BROKEN ITEMS because of bad handling and terrible packaging. Broken glassware and dish-ware, damaged furniture, broken legs on expensive furniture, artworks, etc..
LOST TIEMS. They lost artwork and some kitchen boxes with appliances that will not be refunded because we didn’t see it on delivery .We have so many items than on delivery its impossible to see if everything is there. Now they say is not their fault.
BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE. When things are going smooth there was no problem. But when delays started and when things showed up broken or we realized things where missing, the customer service was rude, hard to get on the phone and overall they treated us terribly.
AGAIN WE PAYED FOR THE MOST EXPENSIVE PACKAGE AND WE HAD A NIGHTMARE EXPERIENCE. NEVER AGAIN.
Date of experience: October 09, 2023
The trucking industry plays a vital role in driving the economy forward. It is responsible for the transportation of goods across the country, ensuring that products reach their intended destinations in a timely and efficient manner. Without truck drivers, the supply chain would come to a halt, impacting businesses and consumers alike. It is crucial to recognize the significant contribution of truck drivers and the importance of their role in keeping the economy moving.
Fair wages and working conditions are crucial for attracting and retaining skilled truck drivers. The demanding nature of the job, long hours on the road, and time away from family can take a toll on a driver’s well-being. Offering competitive wages and providing adequate rest periods and benefits is essential for ensuring driver satisfaction and reducing turnover rates. Recognizing the importance of their work and valuing their contributions through fair compensation is not only morally right but also economically beneficial. Skilled and experienced drivers are more likely to stay with a company that values their work, leading to improved efficiency and customer service, less poor reviews from customers, and fewer claims.
Bottom Line, Moving Companies Retention is key for longevity and sustainable driver retention, being recognized and paid extremely well, because without the drivers you would not have a company.
As a customer’s point of view and moving 25 times with 23 carriers, it is my suggestion to always hire a local small moving agent that has a small fleet so that you are not just a number as well, Moving corporations have all forgotten about taking care of their own fleet, with their personal greed and bonuses.
Truck Drivers of America
United We Stand truckersword.com
