**Los Angeles to Montreal update/decision

[joyful17]

I really wish to thank you all for this great site...I have decided to make my move with North American( Andy's Transport, Glendale,CA) Their estimator, Kent Delaney has been very, very thorough...listing everything properly ( and taking much time!) He has returned for a 2nd time, after I had Gemini (United) here also.
Nothing really wrong with Gemini...rep was fine, but he did miss important items( like 2 window ACs..) and while he offered a binding estimate.. (price wise almost same as NA) I had real fears that when the driver would show up...there could be problems.

So I had Andy's return...showed what I was going to remove from the shipment, reduced the weight and brought the cost down by $1,500. This time he gave me a binding agreement.
He was always courteous and very detailed in answering all my questions.

Monday, the company will be able to firm the date and the (Canadian) driver who will do the transport. The pick-up is planned for mid-late May so I will have everything in Montreal on or before June1st.

I too, am moving 2 dogs ( miniture poodles)and have made sure they are up to date on shots and any other doggy 'repairs' my vet suggests! Like teeth cleaning! Done on one...next week the other.

Worried about the car...now a possibility that my daughter will drive it ( with my grand daughters) to make it a cross country see America adventure in June!
Again, I cannot praise the writers who give their experience and sound advise , enough.
You all are performing a true service....
and are greatly appreciated.

[Fred0844]

Have them stop at Niagara Falls (a must see since they will be in the area). They can take a trip on "The Maid of the Mist' to the base of the Falls. It will be something they never forget.

[joyful17]

It is getting closer to moving date. NAVL has given me a May15th moving date with a delivery date to Montreal between May22 and 30th.
There is a holiday (Memorial Day and another in Canada) so they could not be more precise.

I have been assured that I will have a Canadian driver from the 'pool'.
As of this date, I have not yet been told who that driver is...again, I have been advised that when I know the driver's name , I can actually ' check' on him!

I was referred to a packer who has worked for moving companies in the past...and slowly, and somewhat expensively, the antiques, art work and all items are being professionaly packed.
The final driving deal is that my son is coming in from Miami, and will drive my car from LA to Montreal.
I am still convincing him that my 2 dogs will be delightful travelling companions for him!!

I will arrive in Montreal on the 16th May...and while my new residence is available to move into, I have wait until the van arrives with all stuff!


I have reconfirmed the advise given to me by Fred, and have taken the additional insurance for protection.

I will be pleased to let this forum know how the move and movers made the trip...I am hopeful that all will go well and I will have happy news to relate.

Moving is exhausting and stressful work. Sorting and deciding a life time of photos, books, papers etc., is beyond anything one is prepared for...and as the packed boxes pile up and fill each room...the realization that this all really happening is pretty awesome!

[zachman]

I too will be moving from L.A. to Montreal - and I am currently going through the searching process right now. In the end, you were happy with your decision?

z

[joyful17]

Hi Zach,
I was really pleased with my decision to use Andy's ( North American)..they were efficent and did a good job. The best was the connection I had with the Montreal driver...I called Kenwoods in Montreal and checked who they were sending..he and his crew were great! name Ghanna Kahn...something like that..he brought all my things thru customs and arrived perfectly on time!

Again, the crew were very, very helpful in unloading and placing the many,many pounds of books, antiques and furniture.
So, good luck and make use of this great site..and the people who are really experts in giving advise.

Also, welcome to Montreal!!

[zachman]

I have four quotes:

Andy's(North American) - $ 5,497
MIGroup(Montreal based moving company found through Fidi) - $ 8,800 +/-
Europack(Montreal based moving company found through Fidi - would use BHT) - $ 6,450
Ace Relocation(Atlas) - $ 5,489

Obviously the Montreal based companies are considerably more expensive(they do the packing and would pack for basically a maritime type of shipment - even though it would be overland) Probably a bit overkill. If I had more money at my disposal, I'd probably choose MI.

Andy's and Ace are fairly simliar. Haven't really made a decision but based on Joyful17 and other's decision, would probably go with Andy since I'm doing a fairly similar move.

Everyone was very prompt and polite coming to the apartment. I didnt' feel like they were necessarily "selling me" as much as just informing me(i.e. I didn't feel pressured).

I'll update this (for whoever reads this in the future)

[farrah7031]

I think that Andy's would be an excellent choice. Please let us know how it goes.