Late January move from Los Angeles to Upper MI

[rozh1]

I am moving from LA to Escanaba, MI in late Jan. I went through United Van Lines in the destination office in Escanaba and have an appt. in Jan. for a local estimator to come and give me an on-site estimate. I believe they are reputable company. I contacted Moovers, Inc. but because they are in the Bay Area they won't do an on-site estimate, which from everything I have read is an absolute must that they come on-site. I thought I would arrange for an on-site estimate from Bekins and Allied Van Lines, any thoughts on them? Should I be scared witless about my stuff crossing country in the dead of winter? Any thoughts on the above, besides I am crazy.
Thanks,

[Diane]

Here are a couple of threads summarizing what has been said here about moving companies in your area -
http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtop ... 7572#57572
http://www.movingscam.com/forum/viewtop ... 7573#57573

People have said to avoid the Bekins agents in the Los Angeles area. United and Allied, on the other hand, are worth considering.

Delancey Street Movers in LA could do an in-residence estimate and it might be worth calling them. Although they are tied up through the first of the year with Christmas tree sales, since your move is late in the month it might be OK. Their contact info and review thread is on the second link I listed above.

[Michael]

Escanaba, my gosh, what a change in everything. Going to the UP the only thing I would recommend is perhaps preparing for a longer delivery spread, or delay in delivery.

[rozh1]

Thank you, Diane. i will check those out.

Rpz

[rozh1]

Thanks, Michael. I know what can be said - what is life without a little bit of adventure once in awhile?!

Roz

[Big Dog]

Maybe call North American for an Estimate. They have an office in Marquette, MI that I have used over the years & they seem to do a good job.

[rozh1]

Thanks, Big Dog! Now I just have to find the time to contact all of these people.

[jengsa]

Also looks like United has an office right in Escanaba according to my AMSA book...

[rozh1]

Yep, they do. They were the first movers I contacted. Thanks, jengsa

[Michael]

Roz,

Good luck up there. Being from Michigan I know its beautiful. BUT OH goshhhh the cold weatherrrrrrrrrrrrrr, lol.

[rozh1]

Thanks for the head's up Michael. I know, that is what everbody asks me "Do you know how cold it gets up there?" I guess I'll find out (I have been there in the winter), but visiting and living are two different things. At least it will be a newer home so heating and insulation will be good.

[Michael]

Usually in the low teens. Its the wind chill that kills ya.

[farrah7031]

And you nooooo dey talk funny up der too, ya, ya noooooo....

[rozh1]

Results of my move from Los Angeles to Upper MI:
I contacted Anna Norman of Escanaba Moving System an agent of United Van Lines at my destination in MI, first. After reading the many comments on MovingScam.com I decided to obtain three on-site estimates. After I consulted the Open Community Forum I obtained estimates from Andy's Transfer, agent for North American Van Lines, Jensen Relocation, agent for Allied Van Lines, and Gemini Moving Specialists, agent for United Van Lines. Estimates: Jim Smith of Andy's gave me an estimated weight of 4,374 lbs. He was the only one who gave me all of the required documents at the time he gave me the estimate. Jim gave me a lot of great information. I can only say good things about him. He provided an estimate that day by e-mail. Thomas Caputo of Jensen Relocation gave me an estimated weight of 4,300 lbs. He presented me with his estimate on site. The agent from Gemini Moving raced through the apartment and I was later provided with an estimated weight of 6,594 lbs. Yeah, same place. Decision: It was a toss up between Andy's Transfer and Jensen Relocation, the estimates from them were only a few dollars apart, I was impressed with both of the agents and finally decided to go with Andy's because I felt more comfortable with Jim Smith. BUT enter Anna Norman of Escanaba Moving Systems. She inquired why I didn't use them to move me. I advised that their local agent at Gemini gave an estimate of almost 2,000 lbs over the other two estimates. She couldn't believe it and after sending her a list of what I had, plus pictures of my stuff she met the offer of the other two. She indicated that she really wanted to be my "mover". Long story short, Anna worked so hard, she met the price, they were familiar where I was moving and my needs. I went with Escanaba Moving Systems agent for United Van Lines, the move went very smoothly. Please note that I think I could have gone with any one of the three companies and been satisfied.(':D')
Very Happy

[Diane]

Thanks, Roz, for your review, which I'll add to the Superlist, as well as your good remarks about Jim Smith of Andy's Transfer. I do have a couple of questions:

1. What company actually picked up your things - was it a driver from United Van Lines? What did the truck say on the side?

2. What was the actual weight of the shipment?