If you are planning a move and are debating between using freight movers or a classic moving company, this guide is for you. There are many options to choose from when moving, such as U-Pack, U-Box, or completing a move yourself. Read on to discover more about freight movers and how they compare to a classic moving company±
Moving companies offer comprehensive services and moving packages, which often include packing, loading/unloading, rearranging of furniture, etc. Freight movers, on the other hand, typically drop off a 28-foot trailer at your home for you to pack yourself, and return to pickup the trailer and deliver it to your new location. Freight movers do not provide any labor help.
Here are the differences between the two companies, to help you make the best choice for your move.
| Pros and Cons | Freight Movers | Professional Movers |
| Local & long distance moves | ✗ Freight movers only service long distance moves | ✓ Professional movers offer both local and long distance moving services |
| Labor help | ✗ Services such packing and loading/unloading are not offered | ✓ Professional movers will arrive with a fully equipped moving truck and pack, load, and unload your items |
| Less chances of damage and loss | ✗ Multiple customers will load their items with yours in the trailer, so it can happen that your items get damaged or stolen | ✓ Trained professionals will handle your belongings with care, therefore chances of damage are significantly less |
| Costs | ✓Since you are only paying for the space you use in the trailer and no packing or labor services, your move can cost less | ✗ Since moving companies provide more services to help with your move, it can end up costing a bit more |
ADVANTAGES OF FREIGHT MOVERS
Freight movers will drop off a 28-foot trailer at your home and give you 3 days to load the truck yourself. You can use as much space as you need and only pay for the space you use. The company’s designated employee will pick up the trailer, drop it off at your new residence, and you’ll have 3 days to unload it.
Here are the advantages of hiring freight movers:
1. Cheaper cost of moving
With freight movers, you pay only for the space you use in the trailer. Freight trailers are measured in terms of linear feet, so they will quote you a rate per linear foot for your move. Every moving service company has a minimum, and freight movers typically have a 3-4 foot minimum (size of a small bedroom). Beyond the minimum, you are allowed to use as little or as much space you need.
For example, if you are quoted a price for 10 linear feet at $2,500 with freight movers, the price per foot was $250. If you are moving 250 miles away with a moving company, the price for a 1 bedroom move ranges from $900- $1,400, 2-3 bedrooms from $1,200- $1,700, and 4-5 bedrooms from $1,800- $2,700. Freight moving can significantly reduce your moving costs.
Lastly, be wary of hidden fees. Sometimes freight moving companies add additional smaller services/add ons that were not mentioned in the beginning.
2. More preparation time
Freight movers will drop off the trailer and give you 3 days to pack and load your belongings. Moving companies will come to your house and load the boxes right away, meaning everything must be prepared before the movers arrive.
If you want to take your time and do all of the loading and packing on your own, freight moving might be the choice for you.
DISADVANTAGES OF FREIGHT MOVERS
1. No moving help
When using freight movers, you will have to do all of the packing and loading of your household goods yourself. If you are inexperienced with moving, this can be a tough and cumbersome task. You will need to strategically load all the bulky furniture and your belongings so that you maximize space in the trailer, as you’re paying for the space you use.
You will not only need to shrink-wrap everything but also crate or palletize your shipment as well. If you are not experienced in packing and loading, this can be a stressful and challenging process. Professional movers will pack your items and deliver them to your home safely, saving you a lot of time to focus on other important tasks when moving.
2. No local moves
Freight trailers are available for moves of all sizes, but not moves of all distances. Freight moving companies typically only offer their services for long distance moves.
If moving locally, it is a better option to go with a moving company. You can receive a good rate for your move and all of the labor will be done for you, taking a huge weight off of your shoulders.
3. Higher chance of loss or damage of your items
With freight movers, you will need to do all of the packing, loading, and securing of your items yourself. This means that if you are not experienced, there is a high chance of your belongings being damaged in transit. Keep in mind, other people’s belongings may be packed in the same truck as yours, so it is also possible that your belongings will be damaged or lost due to their poor packing.
Using freight movers can be tricky, since your belongings are not 100% secured. When using a professional moving company, you can place your trust in the experienced movers carrying out your move!
ADVANTAGES OF PROFESSIONAL MOVERS
Professional movers will assist you with every aspect of your move. Whether moving locally or long distance, they are able to help you with packing, labor, transportation, and much more!
Here are some advantages of using a professional moving company:
1. Offers both local and long-distance moving services
Unlike freight movers, who only offer long distance moves, professional moving companies can help you move both short and long distances. Moving companies also offer great deals and discounts at times, which means you can save a few extra dollars!
2. Packing and labor services
Packing and loading all of your household belongings is an exhausting task. Professional moving companies have movers with years of experience to ensure the safest packing and loading of your belongings, saving you time and energy!
3. Peace of mind
When planning a big move, there’s a lot to keep track of. By hiring reliable movers, you can rest easy knowing your possessions are in good hands. From planning, to packing and transporting your items, movers will be there to help every step of the way!
DISADVANTAGES OF PROFESSIONAL MOVERS
1. You’ll pay slightly more for moving services
Compared to the freight movers, professional moving companies like Three Movers take care of all the heavy lifting, loading/unloading of the moving truck, and provide additional packing services, which is why they end up costing slightly more.
If you are on a tight budget, freight movers might be the best choice for you.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, freight movers and professional moving companies both have their advantages and disadvantages. Freight movers are an inexpensive way to complete a long distance move, but require more effort when packing and loading the trailer. Professional movers are slightly more expensive, but offer an easy and seamless way to get your belongings safely from point A to point B. The choice is yours!
