Moving Companies vs. Moving Brokers: What’s the Difference?

As you approach your upcoming relocation, getting the assistance you need can make all the difference. Because of this, it’s important to understand the differences between types of moving services. Considering working with moving companies or moving brokers but not sure what solutions are right for your needs? Both solutions play crucial roles in streamlining relocations, but they function differently and offer distinct services.

Before you book any services, make sure you know exactly what you’re looking for and how these different solutions can benefit you. Keep reading to discover the difference between movers and brokers—and which option is right for you!

The Role of Moving Companies

What do moving companies do? Moving companies provide services that physically handle the transportation of your belongings from one location to another. These companies own the trucks, employ the moving staff, and have direct responsibility for the execution of your move. In the simplest terms, moving companies act as your one-stop shop for moving solutions, as no middleman is involved when booking or receiving these services. 

• What services do moving companies offer?
  • Transportation: The core service of moving companies is transporting your goods safely and efficiently to your new location. At the baseline, this is what you will receive when you book movers.
  • Loading and Unloading: Movers will also load your belongings onto the truck and unload them at your new home. This is another one of the most common services that moving companies provide.
  • Packing and Unpacking: Many moving companies offer comprehensive packing services, providing materials and labor to pack your items securely. They can also unpack at the destination and dispose of supplies and debris for you.
  • Storage: Some companies provide short-term or long-term storage solutions, either with portable units or in a storage warehouse. This storage space can be used during a relocation or simply for additional storage space year-round.
  • Specialty Services: If you’re seeking assistance handling fragile, valuable, or oversized items like pianos, art, or antiques, some movers provide these services. Their specialized knowledge can help to keep these belongings safe in transit.

• Pros of working with moving companies
  • Direct Communication: Because you work directly with moving companies rather than using a middleman, direct communication with these service providers is a major perk. This means that you can communicate much more efficiently without waiting on a third party to facilitate correspondence, which can ultimately help resolve any issues or questions more quickly.
  • Full Accountability: When working with moving companies, these movers have full accountability and responsibility for the services they provide. Any issues or mistakes that may occur will fully fall on them. This can allow for easier resolutions when compared to using a middleman like a moving broker.
  • Comprehensive Services: Hiring a moving company for your relocation means you gain access to their comprehensive menu of services. This allows you to conveniently and efficiently address all of your relocation needs with one company, often resulting in your needs being more completely addressed.

• Cons of working with moving companies
  • Availability: Especially during peak moving season, availability can be an issue with reputable movers. These companies are typically booked out well in advance during the busy season, which means you need to book early to ensure you work with a dependable company that offers all the services you’re seeking.
  • Increased Cost: Moving companies can end up being more expensive than moving brokers due to the comprehensive nature of the services they offer. 

The Role of Moving Brokers

What do moving brokers do? Moving brokers serve as intermediaries between the customer and the moving company. They do not own moving trucks or employ movers. Instead, they coordinate the logistics of the move by subcontracting the job to actual moving companies. While moving companies facilitate the actual services, moving brokers serve as the middleman in this process.

• What services do moving brokers offer?
  • Quote Provision: Brokers typically provide estimates and quotes for your move based on your requirements. This can allow you to skip the oftentimes extensive research process, as moving brokers can tackle this step for you.
  • Coordination: Moving brokers find a moving company for your relocation and arrange your services, managing scheduling and logistics. This is another instance where certain steps are taken off of your plate by the brokers.
  • Customer Service: Brokers handle customer interactions and communication, passing along any special requirements to the moving company.

• Pros of working with moving brokers
  • Flexible Solutions: Because of their familiarity and knowledge with many moving companies, brokers can often find and book available movers more efficiently than you could do on your own. This can be especially beneficial when you’re searching for movers during peak season.
  • Competitive Pricing: Moving brokers understand the industry very well, and with this expertise, they can scope out the most competitive rates for the services you need. When working with brokers, many customers end up finding discounted solutions, offering financial advantages.
  • Enhanced Convenience: Convenience is key when it comes to moving brokers. Their services allow customers to focus on other aspects of their relocation while the brokers handle the logistical elements. This can be very effective for reducing your stress, allowing you to take some tasks off of your plate.

• Cons of working with moving brokers
  • Indirect Communication: As previously stated, moving brokers work as a middlemen between the customer and the moving company. This means that you as the customer will not be communicating directly with your movers, and that can sometimes result in delays or miscommunication. 
  • Resolving Issues: In some instances, when issues arise, the resolution process can be more complicated while using brokers. Is the issue the responsibility of the moving company or the moving broker to resolve? This can present some problems if these aspects aren’t clearly laid out in advance.
  • Quality Inconsistencies: Because the moving brokers find the moving company for you, there can sometimes be inconsistencies in the quality you receive. When you find the movers yourself, you can have more control over the caliber of the company you work with.

Do You Need a Moving Company or Moving Brokers?

As with anything else involving your relocation, choosing between moving companies and moving brokers requires careful thought and research. No matter which type of service you opt for, you should take the time to read reviews and confirm that the company is in good standing with the appropriate authorities. Once you decide on a service, thoroughly reviewing any contracts before signing is a must. Your contract will serve as an important guide to the services you receive and the aspects that your movers or brokers are liable for. 

Use the pros and cons outlined above to direct your decision. Although both options offer valuable solutions to an array of moving needs, the above aspects of these services can be helpful in choosing the right option for you.

Finding the Right Services for Your Needs

Moving can be complicated, but with the right service providers helping you through the process, you can significantly reduce the stress of this significant life change. 

Decided that movers are the right option for you? Count on RLD Relocation & Logistics to provide top-rated moving services in Northeast Ohio. We have provided high-quality moving, packing, and storage solutions for over two decades, and our team prioritizes quality and affordability through every service we offer. Request a free quote online today, and discover how RLD can transform your move!