What America's Best Moving System Offers and How It Works

America's Best Moving System is a network of independent moving companies, not a single national carrier

America's Best Moving System (ABMS) is a franchise network where independent moving operators across the country use shared branding, training standards, and operational practices. You do not call a central office; instead, you contact a local ABMS-affiliated mover in your area who handles your move. Each franchise owner runs their own business, sets their own pricing, and employs their own crews, though they follow ABMS guidelines for customer service and safety.

This structure means your experience depends partly on which local franchise serves your region. Some ABMS movers specialize in long-distance relocations, others focus on local moves within a state or region, and some handle both. Before booking, you will want to confirm that the specific franchise you are contacting actually serves your origin and destination cities.

ABMS is one option among many moving networks in the United States. Other similar franchise systems include United Van Lines, Mayflower, and Bekins. National carriers like Allied, North American, and Penske operate differently—they own their trucks and employ their own crews directly. Understanding which type of company you are working with helps set realistic expectations about pricing, scheduling, and how disputes get resolved.

Key Takeaways

• America's Best Moving System is a franchise network of independent operators, so you book with a local company that uses the ABMS name and standards.
• Pricing, availability, and service quality vary by the specific franchise in your area, so getting multiple quotes from different ABMS locations is important.
• ABMS movers typically offer binding and non-binding estimates, and you should understand which type you are receiving before signing a contract.
• The company is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for interstate moves, and you can check a mover's safety record and complaint history through FMCSA databases.

How to get a quote from an ABMS franchise in your area

Start by visiting the America's Best Moving System website and using their location finder to identify franchises that serve your moving route. Enter your origin city and destination city to see which ABMS operators cover that corridor. Some franchises may not appear in the results if they do not service your specific route.

Contact the franchises that appear and request a moving estimate. Most ABMS movers offer free in-home or virtual surveys where they assess the volume of your belongings, note any special items (pianos, artwork, antiques), and discuss your timeline. During this conversation, ask whether they are quoting a binding estimate (the price will not change unless you add items) or a non-binding estimate (the final bill may be higher based on actual weight or time). Binding estimates protect you from surprise costs; non-binding estimates give the mover more flexibility but leave you exposed to overages.

Request the mover's FMCSA number and check their safety and complaint record on the FMCSA's SaferBus portal before committing. This public database shows accident history, inspection results, and customer complaints filed against the carrier. A mover with a clean record and few complaints is a stronger choice than one with multiple safety violations or unresolved disputes.

What ABMS movers typically include and what costs extra

A standard ABMS moving quote usually covers loading your belongings onto the truck, transporting them to your destination, and unloading at the new location. The crew will wrap furniture, use dollies and equipment, and take reasonable care to prevent damage. For local moves, you pay by the hour plus mileage; for long-distance moves, you typically pay by weight (the truck is weighed before and after loading) or by a flat rate if you have a binding estimate.

Costs that often appear as add-ons include packing services (the mover supplies boxes and materials and packs your items), specialty item handling (pianos, pool tables, artwork require extra care and equipment), storage (if your new home is not ready on move-in day), and travel time for the crew if they must drive a long distance to reach you. Some franchises charge fees for stairs, long carries from the truck to your door, or elevator reservations in apartment buildings. Ask about these specifics during your estimate so there are no surprises on moving day.

Insurance is another cost to clarify. ABMS movers carry basic liability coverage, but it may not fully reimburse you if your belongings are damaged or lost. You can purchase additional moving insurance through the mover or through a third-party provider. Understand what is and is not covered before signing the contract.

Binding versus non-binding estimates and what they mean for your bill

A binding estimate means the mover agrees to charge you the quoted price, regardless of the actual weight of your shipment or time spent on the job. This protects you from unexpected costs, but the mover must have accurately assessed your belongings during the survey. If you add items after the estimate, the price goes up; if you remove items, the price may go down. Binding estimates are generally more expensive upfront because the mover is taking on the risk of underestimating.

A non-binding estimate is an educated guess based on the survey. The final bill is calculated after the move, based on actual weight (for long-distance moves) or actual hours worked (for local moves). Your final cost could be 10 to 20 percent higher or lower than the estimate. Non-binding estimates are often cheaper initially, but you face the risk of a larger bill than expected. Some movers offer a "not-to-exceed" option, where they quote a non-binding estimate but cap the final bill at a certain amount—a middle ground that can work in your favor.

Before signing, confirm in writing which type of estimate you have received. Ask the mover to explain how the final bill will be calculated and what circumstances could change the price. This clarity prevents disputes after the move is complete.

How to file a complaint if something goes wrong

If an ABMS mover damages your belongings, misses a scheduled pickup, or overcharges you, start by contacting the franchise directly with photos, documentation, and a written description of the problem. Most reputable movers have a claims process and will work to resolve issues within 30 days. Keep all receipts, contracts, and correspondence.

If the franchise does not resolve the complaint to your satisfaction, you can file a formal complaint with the FMCSA through their online complaint system. The FMCSA investigates complaints about interstate movers and maintains a public record of unresolved disputes. You can also contact your state's Attorney General office or the Better Business Bureau, both of which track complaints and may pressure the mover to respond.

For damage claims, most moving contracts require you to file within a specific timeframe—often 30 to 60 days. Do not delay; read your contract to confirm the deadline. If the mover denies your claim, you have the option to pursue small claims court or hire an attorney, though the cost may not justify the recovery for minor damage.

Comparing ABMS to other moving networks and national carriers

America's Best Moving System competes with other franchise networks like United Van Lines, Mayflower, and Bekins. These networks operate similarly—independent franchisees use shared branding and standards. The main difference is which franchises are available in your area and how their pricing and service reputations compare. Check FMCSA records and online reviews for the specific franchise you are considering, not just the network name.

National carriers like Allied, North American, and Penske own their own trucks and employ their own crews. This can mean more consistency in service quality and pricing, since you are dealing with one company rather than a franchise owner. However, national carriers are not necessarily cheaper or better—it depends on the specific company and your move. Get quotes from both franchise networks and national carriers to compare.

Local, independent movers (those not part of a franchise network) may offer lower prices for moves within a single state or region, but they typically do not have the resources or insurance coverage of larger networks. For long-distance moves, a franchise network or national carrier is usually the safer choice because they have established procedures for handling interstate commerce and customer disputes.

Questions to ask an ABMS mover before booking

Beyond the estimate itself, ask these questions to understand what you are getting: Does the mover have experience with your type of move (local, long-distance, specialty items)? What is their cancellation policy if you need to reschedule? Do they provide boxes and packing materials, or do you supply your own? Will the same crew handle your move from start to finish, or will the shipment be transferred between different crews? What is their process if the truck breaks down or the move takes longer than expected? How do they handle fragile or valuable items, and what insurance options are available?

Ask for references from recent customers and actually contact them. A mover willing to provide names is usually confident in their work. Ask those references whether the move stayed on schedule, whether the crew was professional, and whether the final bill matched the estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I negotiate the price on an ABMS moving estimate?

Yes, especially if you have received competing quotes from other movers. Bring those quotes to the ABMS franchise and ask if they can match or beat the price. Franchises sometimes have flexibility, particularly during slower moving seasons. However, do not sacrifice quality or insurance coverage just to save a few hundred dollars.

What happens if my belongings are damaged during the move?

Report the damage to the mover in writing within the timeframe specified in your contract, usually 30 to 60 days. Include photos and a detailed description. The mover will investigate and either pay the claim, deny it, or offer a settlement. If you disagree with their decision, you can pursue a complaint with the FMCSA or take the mover to small claims court.

Is an ABMS mover required to have insurance?

Yes, ABMS movers must carry liability insurance to operate legally. However, basic liability coverage may not fully reimburse you for lost or damaged items. Ask about additional moving insurance options during your estimate and understand what is covered before the move begins.

How far in advance should I book an ABMS mover?

For local moves, two to four weeks is usually sufficient. For long-distance moves, especially during peak season (May through September), book four to eight weeks ahead to secure your preferred dates. Last-minute bookings may be possible but often come with higher prices or limited availability.

What if the ABMS franchise in my area does not serve my destination?

Contact the franchise anyway and ask if they partner with other ABMS franchises to handle your route. Many franchises coordinate with each other for long-distance moves. If they cannot help, they may refer you to another network or carrier that does serve your destination.