Unpredictability is nothing new to the moving industry. However, businesses are facing more than simply weather delays and peak season rushes in 2025. They are dealing with systemic issues that are changing the way business is conducted. Even the most seasoned operators are being put to the test by labor shortages, erroneous quotes, and growing operating expenses.
Hiring a moving company typically saves you a great deal of hassle. Even while the majority of movers put up a lot of effort to provide dependable service, complaints about broken furniture, unexpected costs, and delayed deliveries are more common than they ought to be. This blog will examine some of the most prevalent issues with moving firms and provide some helpful advice for avoiding them to help your move go well.
Problems with Pricing
Most of the time, miscommunication or misunderstandings lead to unanticipated expenses; either homeowners don’t fully express their wants or comprehend their contract, or movers don’t thoroughly explain their price structure. On the other hand, some businesses purposefully deceive their clients by providing a low quote before the move and then requesting more payment after everything is put onto the truck. These businesses, sometimes known as “rogue movers,” can charge clients thousands of dollars in fraudulent fees. Fortunately, it’s not too difficult to tell pirate movers from genuine ones because they don’t follow standard procedures.
The Labor Shortage: The Absence of Workers
In the moving industry, hiring has always been a problem, but it is currently a major catastrophe. Like a large portion of the logistics business, the moving industry is facing a severe labor crisis that is only becoming worse.
According to a ManpowerGroup survey from 2024, 74% of companies in the transportation and logistics sector are having trouble filling positions. Drivers, packers, and warehouse employees are all included in this. A quarter of freight companies claim that manpower shortages are their biggest operational concern, according to SupplyChainBrain. In the meantime, the transportation industry lost more than 70,000 jobs in a single month, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
When Approximations Are Off
It’s no secret that there has always been some guesswork involved in moving quotes. Customers, however, demand accuracy in today’s market, and anything less might quickly backfire.
The issue is that a lot of estimates are still made without a clear scope of work or a complete inventory check. A consumer calls, provides a general description, and is given an approximate phone number. On the day of the relocation, that “small apartment” turns out to be completely crammed; all of a sudden, the task takes twice as long and is significantly more expensive than anticipated.
Insurance Conflicts
Every moving company is mandated by law to insure your possessions. However, issues occur when consumers are ignorant of their options or believe that basic coverage pays more than insurance actually does. Homeowners should be aware of their coverage before the movers arrive so they are prepared in case something goes wrong, as insurance disputes can take weeks or even months to settle.
Nearly one in four respondents (22%) to a 2025 This Old House survey claimed their final bill was much greater than the estimated amount. Such a surprise undermines trust in addition to reducing profits.
Slow Service
Local movers often charge by the hour, with a minimum price to cover expenditures, which is typically similar to two to four hours of work, whereas long-distance movers offer a fixed amount for their services. The purpose of this arrangement is to prevent clients from paying for longer than necessary periods of time.
Sometimes, though, the opposite occurs. Customers pay significantly more than they had planned since jobs take longer than necessary. Selecting a moving company with an efficient reputation is the best approach to avoid delayed service. To keep your movers on schedule, there are a few more things you can do.
Deliveries that arrive late
One of the main complaints consumers have about moving firms is delays, particularly when moving across the nation. The issue frequently arises due to factors without the mover’s control, like service regulations, constrained route alternatives, and the challenges of driving a commercial truck on public roads.
Nevertheless, you can still take specific steps to reduce the possibility of delays.
Weather-related issues
Similar to traffic, you have no control over the weather. Even if you do everything correctly as a mover, the weather may still not cooperate. Because of the unpredictable nature of the weather, bad luck may come as a surprise. But if you prepare well, you can also conquer it. Before committing to a specific day, check the forecast to be sure the relocation or delivery date will be safe.
Damaged Products
One of the most frequent issues with moving firms is broken items. When teams are under pressure, lack training, or take shortcuts, damage frequently results. Selecting movers who take their time, employ safe lifting techniques, and carry the tools needed to move, store, and secure home items is the first step towards protecting your possessions.
Examine the complaints and evaluations of each business you get in touch with. Check their qualifications and inquire about their equipment, supplies, and training. Although choosing a reputable moving company is the most crucial step, there are a few other safety measures you can take to protect your possessions.
Final Tip
Homeowners set the foundation for a successful move; movers handle the heavy lifting and logistics. To steer clear of typical issues with moving companies:
l Look into local movers.
l Select a trustworthy group
l Request everything in writing.
l Examine your contract.
l Make use of secure packing techniques
l Express your needs. Clearly
l Oversee the loading and unloading procedure.
You can be sure your move is in capable hands by following these easy procedures and watching out for warning signs. You can concentrate on the thrill of moving into your new house since the appropriate moving company ensures that the relocation procedure goes smoothly from start to finish.
Conclusion
North American aims to minimize the stress of relocation. From planning to packing to shipping, storage, and final delivery, our assistance helps you prevent issues throughout the whole relocation process. Our specialists guarantee peace of mind from beginning to end with solutions that are tailored to your requirements, timetable, and financial constraints. For a free quote, get in touch with us right now!’
FAQs
Q1: What is the most challenging part of being a mover?
Moving professionals frequently face a range of problems, such as lifting and hauling heavy or awkwardly shaped things, working in unpredictable weather conditions, and navigating small locations like short staircases or elevators.
Q2: What is the largest moving firm in the United States?
United Van Lines LLC is among the largest moving companies.
Rank: Moving Company HQ City
1. United Van Lines LLC, Fenton, MO
2: ABF U-Pack, Fort Smith, AR
3: Atlas Van Lines, Inc., Evansville, IN
4: Mayflower Transit LLC, Fenton, MO
Q3: What is a difficult item for a mover?
Large plants in their pots. Large plants or trees in heavy ceramic or clay pots are difficult to transport.
Q4: Why is moving such a challenge?
Moving is more than simply packing and unpacking; it is an emotional process with the potential to cause stress, anxiety, and unanticipated loss.
Q5: What equipment is utilized to move?
Using the proper equipment is one of the most important suggestions for avoiding injuries on moving day. Hand trucks, dollies, moving straps, bungee cords, and a first-aid kit are some of the essential items that movers always carry.