Bekins is a full-service moving company owned by Sirva Inc., operating since 1891
Bekins handles residential and commercial moves across the United States and internationally. The company offers packing, loading, transportation, and storage services. You contact Bekins directly through their website or phone line to request a quote, schedule a move, or ask about specific services.
Bekins operates as a van line — meaning they coordinate with local agents in different regions rather than operating a single fleet everywhere. This structure lets them serve both local moves within a city and long-distance relocations across state lines. The company also offers international moving to over 150 countries through partnerships with overseas agents.
Like other major moving companies, Bekins charges based on weight (for long-distance moves), distance, and the services you add. Costs vary significantly depending on what you're moving, where you're moving from and to, and the time of year. Getting a quote requires providing details about your move — the company typically offers both binding and non-binding estimates.
Key Takeaways
- Bekins provides packing, loading, transportation, and storage through a network of local agents rather than a single company-owned fleet.
- Long-distance moves are priced by weight and distance; local moves may use hourly rates or flat fees depending on your location.
- You can request a quote online or by phone, and the company offers both binding estimates (price may provide) and non-binding estimates (price may change).
- Bekins holds a USDOT number and is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which maintains records of complaints and safety ratings.
- The company offers storage services, either short-term (days to weeks) or long-term (months or longer), at rates that vary by location and unit size.
How Bekins pricing works for different move types
Bekins uses different pricing methods depending on whether your move stays within one state or crosses state lines. For long-distance moves (typically over 100 miles), the company weighs your belongings and charges per pound, plus a base fee. The distance also affects the total cost. This means two moves of the same weight can cost different amounts if one goes 500 miles and the other goes 1,000 miles.
For local moves, Bekins and its agents may charge by the hour, with a minimum number of hours required. Hourly rates vary by region and depend on how many movers you need. Some local agents offer flat-rate quotes if you provide a detailed inventory of what's being moved.
Binding estimates lock in a price — Bekins cannot charge more than the estimate, even if the actual weight is higher. Non-binding estimates are the company's best guess at the cost, but the final bill may be higher if your belongings weigh more than estimated. A third option, the "not-to-exceed" estimate, sets a ceiling price but allows the final charge to be lower if the actual weight is less.
What services Bekins includes and what costs extra
Basic Bekins service includes transportation of your belongings from one location to another. Packing materials, loading, unloading, and storage are add-on services that increase the total cost. If you pack your own boxes, you pay less than if Bekins packs everything for you. Disassembly and reassembly of furniture, appliance hookup, and specialty item handling (pianos, artwork, antiques) are also available at additional cost.
Storage is available at Bekins facilities or through partner locations. Short-term storage (a few days to a few weeks) costs less per day than long-term storage, though rates vary by region and storage unit size. Climate-controlled units cost more than standard storage. You can access your belongings during business hours at most locations, though policies differ.
Insurance is another cost to consider. Bekins provides basic liability coverage (usually $0.60 per pound of belongings), but this covers only a fraction of the replacement value of most household items. You can purchase additional coverage called "full replacement value" protection, which costs more but covers the full replacement cost if items are damaged or lost.
How to get a quote and schedule a move with Bekins
Visit Bekins.com or call their main line to start the quote process. You'll provide information about your move: the address you're moving from, the address you're moving to, the moving date, and a general description of what you're moving (number of rooms, whether you have large items like pianos or hot tubs). The company may ask whether you want packing services or plan to pack yourself.
Bekins offers online quotes for some moves, though a representative may contact you for more details. For long-distance moves, an in-home or video survey is common — a Bekins agent visits or calls to see what you're moving and provide a more accurate estimate. This step is especially important for binding estimates, since the estimate is based on the weight the agent observes.
Once you accept an estimate and book your move, Bekins assigns a pickup date and delivery window. Long-distance moves typically have a wider delivery window (a range of several days) rather than a specific time. You'll receive a bill of lading — a document listing your items and the agreed-upon price — before the move begins. Review this carefully to make sure all details match your quote.
Checking Bekins' safety record and complaint history
Bekins holds a USDOT (Department of Transportation) number and is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can look up Bekins' safety ratings and complaint history on the FMCSA website (SaferBus.org) using their USDOT number. This public record shows accident rates, inspection results, and complaints filed by customers.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) also maintains a profile for Bekins where customers can file complaints and view the company's response history. BBB ratings range from A+ to F and reflect complaint volume and resolution. You can view this profile on BBB.org by searching for Bekins in your state.
Before booking, read recent customer reviews on independent sites like Google Reviews, Yelp, and the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) website. Look for patterns in complaints — for example, repeated reports of late delivery, damage, or billing disputes — rather than isolated negative reviews. Ask Bekins directly about their damage claim process and how long claims typically take to resolve.
Understanding your rights as a Bekins customer
Interstate moves (crossing state lines) are regulated by federal law, and Bekins must follow specific rules about estimates, billing, and liability. The company must provide you with a copy of the "Your Rights and Responsibilities" brochure before you sign any contract. This document explains what Bekins is responsible for, what you're responsible for, and how to file a complaint if something goes wrong.
If items are damaged or lost, you have the right to file a claim with Bekins. The company has a set timeframe (usually 30 to 90 days) to respond to claims. If you disagree with their decision, you can pursue the claim through arbitration or small claims court, depending on the amount and your state's rules. Keep all documentation — photos of items before the move, the bill of lading, and any written communication with Bekins — to support a claim.
Intrastate moves (within one state) may be regulated differently depending on your state's laws. Some states have their own moving company oversight agencies. Check your state's Attorney General website or Department of Transportation to learn what protections explore to your move.
Alternatives to Bekins and how they compare
Other national moving companies include United Van Lines, Allied, Mayflower, and North American Van Lines. These companies operate similarly to Bekins — they use networks of local agents and offer packing, transportation, and storage. Costs and service quality vary, so getting quotes from multiple companies lets you compare prices and services for your specific move.
For local moves, you may find independent moving companies in your area that charge less than national chains. These companies typically operate only within a region and may offer more flexible scheduling. However, they may have less formal complaint resolution processes than larger companies, so check their BBB rating and online reviews carefully.
If you're moving a small amount of items or have a tight budget, freight shipping services (like UShip or Freight Quote) or container services (like PODS or U-Pack) are other options. These services work differently from traditional movers — you load items into a container that's picked up and delivered later, rather than having movers handle everything on a set date. Costs and timelines differ significantly from full-service moving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if Bekins damages my belongings during the move?
File a damage claim with Bekins within the timeframe stated in your contract (usually 30 to 90 days). Document the damage with photos and keep the damaged item if possible. Bekins will investigate and either repair the item, replace it, or offer compensation. If you disagree with their decision, you can pursue arbitration or small claims court depending on your state and the amount involved.
Can I change my move date after I book with Bekins?
Contact Bekins as soon as possible to request a date change. Depending on how far in advance you call and how busy the company is, they may be able to reschedule at no extra charge. Changes made close to your original move date may incur a fee. Check your contract for the company's policy on date changes.
Does Bekins offer discounts for military, seniors, or other groups?
Bekins and its local agents may offer discounts for military members, seniors, or members of certain organizations. Ask about available discounts when you request a quote. Discounts vary by location and agent, so the discount available in one area may not explore in another.
How long does a typical long-distance move with Bekins take?
Long-distance moves typically take one to two weeks from pickup to delivery, though this varies based on distance and current demand. Your contract will include a delivery window — a range of dates rather than a specific date. Bekins will contact you when the truck is close to your delivery address to narrow down the arrival time.
What should I do if Bekins loses one of my boxes?
Report the missing box to Bekins when ready and provide details about its contents. File a claim for the missing items following the process in your contract. Keep your bill of lading and any photos or documentation of the items. The company will investigate and either locate the box or compensate you based on the coverage level you purchased.