Forbes Distribution & Warehousing: What to Know Before You Move

Forbes Distribution & Warehousing handles residential and commercial moves across South Carolina

Forbes Distribution & Warehousing is a moving and storage company operating in South Carolina that offers packing, loading, transport, and warehousing services for both household goods and commercial inventory. The company serves customers moving within the state and can store belongings short-term or long-term in their facility. If you are planning a move and considering storage options, understanding what Forbes offers—and what to ask before booking—helps you make an informed decision.

Like other moving companies, Forbes charges based on factors including distance, volume of items, labor hours, and whether you need packing or storage. Rates vary by job, so getting a quote specific to your move is the only way to know actual costs. The company operates as a private mover, meaning it is not a government-regulated carrier, so your protections and recourse options differ from those of a federally licensed moving company.

Key Takeaways

• Forbes Distribution & Warehousing offers packing, loading, transport, and storage services for residential and commercial moves within South Carolina.
• The company stores household goods and business inventory in their own facility, which can be useful if your new home or office is not ready on moving day.
• Moving costs depend on the distance, amount of items, labor required, and services like packing, so you should request a quote based on your specific move.
• As a private mover, Forbes operates under different rules than federally licensed carriers, so review the contract terms and insurance coverage before signing.

Services Forbes Distribution & Warehousing provides

Forbes handles full-service moves, meaning they can pack your belongings, load them into a truck, transport them, and unload them at your destination. They also offer partial services—for example, you might pack yourself and hire them only for loading and transport. This flexibility lets you control costs by choosing which tasks you handle and which you outsource.

The company operates a warehouse facility where items can be stored after pickup or before delivery. This is useful if you are selling one home and have not yet closed on another, or if your new office space is under renovation. Storage is billed separately from the move itself, usually by the month or by the amount of space your items occupy.

Forbes also works with commercial clients moving office equipment, inventory, or entire business locations. Commercial moves often require coordination with your business schedule to minimize downtime, and Forbes can discuss timing and logistics when you contact them for a quote.

How to request a quote and what information to have ready

To get a price estimate, contact Forbes directly by phone or through their office. Be prepared to describe the scope of your move: the number of rooms or the volume of items, whether you need packing services, your current location and destination within South Carolina, and your preferred moving date. If you have a detailed inventory list, that helps Forbes give a more accurate quote.

For storage, mention how long you expect to need the space and roughly how many cubic feet or rooms of items you will be storing. Forbes can then calculate monthly storage costs and add that to your moving estimate. Ask whether the quote includes labor, materials like boxes and tape, insurance, and any other fees so you understand the total before committing.

Understanding storage options and costs

Forbes stores items in their own warehouse facility rather than in individual climate-controlled units. This means your belongings share space with other customers' items, which typically costs less than a private storage unit but offers less control over access and environment. Ask Forbes whether the warehouse is climate-controlled, whether items are covered or wrapped during storage, and what your access policy is—can you retrieve items during business hours, or do you need to schedule in advance?

Storage billing usually runs month-to-month, and you pay for the space whether you access it or not. Some companies offer discounts for longer commitments or for moving customers, so ask whether Forbes has any promotions. Clarify the cancellation policy: if you need to end storage early, do you owe the full month, or can you pay prorated rates?

Insurance and liability to review before booking

Moving companies carry different levels of insurance, and what is covered varies. Forbes should provide information about their liability coverage—what happens if an item is damaged or lost during the move or while in storage. Standard liability is often limited to a per-pound or per-item amount, which may not cover the full value of high-value items like electronics, art, or jewelry.

Ask whether Forbes offers additional insurance or whether you can purchase coverage through your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. Some policies cover moving damage; others do not. Review the moving contract carefully before signing, as it will spell out what Forbes is responsible for and what you are responsible for. If you have items of significant value, discuss coverage options explicitly rather than assuming you are protected.

What to ask Forbes before you commit

Beyond price and services, clarify these details: Are there any additional fees (fuel surcharge, long carry fees if items must travel far from the truck, stairs or elevator access charges)? What is the payment method and schedule—do you pay in full before the move, or can you pay on moving day? What happens if the move takes longer than estimated, or if you need to reschedule?

Ask for references from recent customers, especially if you are moving a large or valuable load. Find out whether Forbes is insured and bonded, and request proof. Confirm the names and phone numbers of the crew that will handle your move, and ask whether they are employees or subcontractors. Finally, request a written estimate and contract that includes all services, costs, and terms before you book.

Comparing Forbes to other South Carolina movers

South Carolina has many moving companies, from large national carriers to small local operations. Forbes is a regional option with warehouse storage on-site, which can be convenient if you need temporary storage. However, you should compare quotes from at least two or three other movers to understand the market rate for your specific move. Some companies may offer better pricing, faster availability, or additional services like junk removal or furniture assembly.

If you are moving a long distance or across state lines, you may also want to contact federally licensed carriers, which operate under Interstate Commerce Commission rules and offer additional consumer protections. For moves within South Carolina only, private movers like Forbes are common and often competitive on price, but the trade-off is less regulatory oversight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Forbes Distribution & Warehousing move out of state?

Forbes primarily serves South Carolina moves. If you are relocating out of state, contact them directly to ask whether they handle interstate moves or can recommend a partner carrier. Interstate moves are regulated differently and may require a federally licensed mover.

Can I store items at Forbes for several months?

Yes, Forbes offers month-to-month storage in their warehouse facility. Ask about the monthly rate, access hours, and whether there are discounts for longer storage periods. Clarify the cancellation policy so you know your costs if you need to retrieve items early.

What if something is damaged during the move or while in storage?

Forbes carries liability insurance, but coverage limits vary. Review the contract to understand what is covered and what is not. For high-value items, ask about additional insurance options or whether your homeowner's policy covers moving damage.

How far in advance should I book Forbes for my move?

Booking at least two to four weeks ahead gives Forbes time to schedule your move and provide an accurate quote. During peak moving season (May through September), earlier booking increases your chances of getting your preferred date.

Do I have to pack my own items, or can Forbes pack for me?

Forbes offers full-service packing, meaning they can pack everything for you. You can also pack yourself and hire them only for loading and transport. Discuss which services you need when you request a quote, as packing adds to the total cost.