Moving can be a confusing event and most moving companies are more than happy with the status quo. The less consumers know, the easier it is to continue with a business model that often includes charging full price for trucks that are only half full and tacking on “surprise” charges like fuel, driver and transportation fees. As “full-service” movers, most of these companies offer no options that might allow customers the ability to cut their moving costs. Many people mistakenly think that their only choice is between the expense of a full service move and the hassle of renting a van, loading it up and driving themselves. Of course the rental van (or truck) has its own issues such as fuel costs, insurance, deposits, license requirements and the fact that many people aren’t comfortable in driving a vehicle of this size.
There is another option, the so-called “you pack, we drive” service. The most well known of these moving companies is ABF U-Pack, operated by ABF Freight System Inc., a company that has been in operation for over 80 years, with an exemplary safety record. ABF U-Pack earns high ratings on sites like Epinions.com, a rarity in the world of movers. There are several terms you’ll hear in association with ABF U-Pack, and these are important in helping to understand why their services are less expensive than traditional full service movers -even if you opt to have ABF U-Pack do the lifting as well.
The first is Relo-Cube. If you are a student, or you’re moving from an apartment, the Relo-Cube is an excellent option. Compact (only eight feet on its longest side), this container is dropped outside the building for up to three days so you can load it without rushing. It fits in a standard parking space, so it’s not in the way. The second term is ABF Trailer. For bigger moves, this 28-foot trailer has space to spare. In combination with the third term, Bulkhead, the ABF Trailer is a big reason for lower costs. While most moving companies charge customers for use of that entire trailer, whether they use it or not, ABF U-Pack charges only for the space used. If your belongings only fill a third of the trailer, a bulkhead is installed, sealing your things in. The rest of the trailer is used to ship commercial goods instead of remaining empty.
As its name would suggest, another primary advantage of ABF U-Pack over other movers is that most customers load and unload their own belongings, eliminating labor costs without having to worry about driving the vehicle.
About the Author:
As the superintendent of a large apartment complex, Tom Elliot has had more experience with movers than most people. By his reckoning, moving is one of the most stressful things anyone has to deal with. Tom points out most moving companies seem indifferent to what people think of their service, but a few go out of their way to offer options and a quality experience that’s reflected on consumer opinion sites.