Best Interstate Moving and Storage

After lots of online research, I selected Best Interstate Moving to move me from Arizona to Illinois. My company promoted me and my relocation was part of the new job. I had a tight time frame to get to my new destination. I opted to have the movers pack all of my items. It saved me a ton of time and made sure my stuff arrived in perfect condition . I was pleased with how they worked with my company, since they paid for it. They sent the estimates, bills, weight tickets and anything else they requested in a timely fashion. In turn my company is using them again to move some of my coworkers.

Move size: 4 Bedroom Home Service cost: $9800

My daughter got her dream job in New York City and I offered to help find a moving company for her. We live in Florida and she’s always been nearby. I was a little anxious so I made sure to do my research. After speaking with four different companies, I decided to book with Best Interstate. I liked the idea that someone would help her throughout the process. We had a little issue with the truck not fitting down the side street in NYC but Best Interstate worked on our behalf to get the problem resolved quickly. All in all, I thought they offered a quality move for a reasonable price. I’d use them again.

Move size: Studio Service cost: $2500

I did not have a great experience with Best Interstate. I did a lot of research before picking a company to manage my move from Oregon to New York. Best Interstate had the best reviews, hands down. I have been overall quite disappointed though. This is a broker that contracts another company to move your belongings. Best Interstate contracted with United Transportation Moving and Storage for my move. The movers were 3 days late for pickup and 32 days late for delivery. I do feel that the majority of the blame for the extreme delay is on United, but I will comment upon Best Interstate's service in this review. The reason I gave them 2 stars is for the fact that they would contract with an extremely sub-par company to do the actual move, in addition to the lack of communication and poor customer service provided by Best Interstate.

When I booked my move with Best Interstate, I was assured that the movers could make an on-time delivery if I scheduled the pickup early enough. So the movers were scheduled to pick up my belongings nearly a month before delivery. After having been promised a pickup date of December 19, the movers finally showed up on December 22. My initial date for delivery was January 15, and my belongings finally showed up on February 15. I called Best Interstate about once a week from the time of pickup to the time of delivery. Nearly every time, I was assured that someone would follow up with me. It was apparent that Best Interstate was not doing anything to coordinate my move with United. Every time I called, the representative would call United, and tell me that the delivery date had been pushed back. My delivery date was pushed back countless times. It did not feel like Best Interstate was doing anything at all to coordinate the move or advocate for their customer. They were simply relaying information, and doing a very poor job of it.

It took extreme amounts of frustration on my part to get someone at Best Interstate to actually keep me updated and proactively manage my move. The purpose of a broker is to coordinate the move to make it go smoothly, and to advocate for their customer. You, as the customer, pay a fee for this service. Best Interstate did not deliver on this promise and did not warrant that fee.

Once I began writing negative, albeit truthful, reviews, I finally began getting better customer service. It is a shame that I had to resort to those measures. Overall, the service was still poor at best. Communication was either non-existent or sparse. And Best Interstate obviously has no problem contracting with shady business partners. I will not be using this company for any future move, nor recommending them to any friends.

UPDATE: Since delivery, Best Interstate has contacted me multiple times to address my concerns. I have spoken with Sheana multiple times, and she is probably the only person that has been understanding, attentive, and proactive. Best Interstate did offer some monetary compensation, which is appreciated. For this reason, I have updated the review to 3 stars.

Move size: 1 Bedroom Home Service cost: $1500

I can’t imagine a cross country move with 2 babies is ever easy. I started calling around and had every sort of response. Some wouldn’t help because it was too far, others prices were out of this world. Josh at Best Interstate was seriously a breath of fresh air. He was the epitome of what customer service should be, he worked around my busy schedule to call back when best suited me and did his best to offer the most competitive price. He was really empathetic towards how stressed I was about the whole situation. He made the process really easy and really helped me along. Until my belongings were delivered he made himself available for my calls. The actual move took a bit longer than I’d hoped for but they have really done their part to try to make things better. Most importantly, we’re finally home!

Move size: 2 Bedroom Home Service cost: $3000

I gave this an overall rating of good because of the delivery. The customer service from day one has been outstanding (especially Sheana), and the packers and movers who came to pack and move our belongings were fantastic. Our belongings went into storage for a month and 2 days and they charged us another whole month for the 2 days. The problem was the delivery. It was very sloppy and they didn't mark off the items as they brought them into the house. They also didn't put things where I asked them to and left furnishing (still shrink wrapped with the padding) in our garage. Wound up that I know of at least 2 boxes that were not delivered. Also never got 2 bookcases delilvered. Also from estimate, we had to pay an additional $2400.

Move size: 2 Bedroom Home Service cost: $7500

We contacted Best Interstate Moving and Storage about a move of furniture and home furnishings from Maryland to New Mexico. the professionalism of the people at Best Interstate was outstanding. they walked us through the entire process and made all the arrangements for the move to take place fast and efficiently. It was a pleasure to work with them and I would highly recommend them for your interstate move. There were a few minors issues with the movers but they handled all of the furniture (several antiques) with care. Would definitely use them again! Jim in Maryland.

Move size: Partial Move Service cost: $2800

I used Best Interstate Moving and Storage to move my mother from California to Kentucky. The moving coordinator was such a great help. She explained every step and made it much less intimidating. Almost everything went as explained. The only issues we had were a cabinet that was left unpacked (which may have been a communication error) and I have yet to find a frame that was on one of my mother's very valuable paintings. I do not know why they removed the frame but I am grateful the painting is fine and hopeful that when we finish unpacking the frame will be there. Also, the truck had items in it when it arrived and the driver had not had it weighed. He said he would have it weighed when he off loaded the other items. At the end of the day, the price was reasonable and they added packing services at the last minute due to my getting the flu. I was very grateful for their flexibility and help. The gentlemen that unloaded the truck were polite and helpful. They put the furniture where I wanted it and assembled any items that had been disassembled for shipping. So far, all the items I have unpacked are in good shape and were well protected. It is a little inconvenient to have to pay with cash or certified funds at both pick up and delivery. Still, we would use Best Interstate Moving and Storage again.

Move size: 1 Bedroom Home Service cost: $5238

I just experienced the best customer service from Sheana with Best Interstate Moving and Storage. I used them to coordinate our move from Texas to California. Even though our move was over the holidays we received updates and information regarding the status of our belongings. The price was reasonable for the move but when you add in the high level of service from Sheana, it was a great value. It is such a pleasure to have someone to speak with that really cares about her job. Yes, we had some items damaged but they are working with us to remedy the issues. Sheana is very thorough and really follows through on everything. I will definitely use them again for my next move.

Move size: 3 Bedroom Home Service cost: $7900

We used Best Interstate Moving for our move. They basically are the company that organizes the move and sends out a moving company to you. They were professional and helpful, the company who moved us were Rayan Vanlines and they were very professional and friendly as well. Be aware there is a moving date window on either side of the move, we were without furniture for a few days on moving in. However, we were aware of this from the start. We packed our own boxes and the movers wrapped the furniture. We had zero breakages, apart from a couple glasses which was my own packing error. Be aware, when estimating your weight for moving - over estimate rather than under, our weight was higher than we thought which added to the end cost. All in all it was a good experience, taking into consideration the usual stresses of moving.

Move size: 3 Bedroom Home Service cost: $4500

The BISM was consistently responsive and helpful, and generally concerned with issues I had w/ the contracted moving company. They helped as best as they could. I am tempted to give four stars because it took 28 days for my things to be delivered, but I do understand that I moved during a busy season and not many loads were coming out my direction. Additionally, everything came undamaged and nothing was lost. The moving company did lose screws to my chair, but BISM has been great about ensuring I receive my reimbursement. Overall great move!

Move size: Studio Service cost: $3000

I just moved from Houston to Henderson, NV. Along with the 1500 mile journey which was very exhausting, I couldn't get
through this ordeal without the help, follow through and true professionalism of Kelsey Thigpen. Kelsey gave me daily reports on the move, during the move and when the move finally made
it to my new home. I had many choices to hire an interstate mover and I was very lucky that I chose Best Interstate Moving and Storage. Just to reiterate, this is the company to use and ask for the services of Kelsey Thigpen. Believe me, you will be extremely
pleased.

Move size: 2 Bedroom Home Service cost: $8000

Everyone I worked with was very nice and professional. Handling fragile items could have been done more carefully. My mother passed away and they shipped the items she wanted me to have. Unfortunately a number of irreplaceable antiques that belonged to my grandmother were broken beyond repair. They were very nice about it and I hope the claims process is smooth, but they can never replace my grandmother’s things. I was hearnbroken. Over all most things arrived I damaged.

Move size: Partial Move Service cost: $3400

BIMS were great! Frank coordinated my move and he was very patient, accommodating and courteous. Frank made sure everything went smoothly. Frank and his team were always available no matter what time I contacted them. BIMS were able to give me an estimate without actually seeing what I had to move. This was great because I wasn’t in the same state as my move location. I was turned down by other movers because of this and BIMS literally saved the day!!
Thank you Frank for making my move stress free and smooth!

Move size: 4 Bedroom Home Service cost: $7000

We had a coast to coast move and found BIMS to be the most economical solution for our large family. We received a great sales pitch, were told they "were with us every step of the way" but things started breaking down close to moving day. Three days before the move, we were told WESTAR RELOCATION would be our moving company. I called my BIMS rep to tell her I wasn't happy with Westar reviews and was very nervous. She informed me I had nothing to worry about and Westar was A rated, etc. Moving day came and all of the things I read about in the Weststar reviews came to life - price gouging for plastic wrap ($25/item), being told we needed an extra truck, etc. BIMS is proud my packing cost was lower than estimated. If they took the time to ask, they would know we packed up 85% of our house before their packers came. If we hadn't the bill would have been 2-3x what was estimated. We also paid for an exclusive truck and direct delivery and Weststar told us we didn't get any of that. Loading and unloading on two trucks then to a semi is more handling, resulting in more shifting and breakage of goods (BIMS should know this). You name it, they tried to squeeze more money from us. I knew their game and called BIMS. BIMS stepped in after two full days of unnecessary stress from Weststar to help. BIMS also did help when Weststar refused to deliver the goods immediately, which was the original plan. Delivery day came and my boxes were handled like kids throwing legos at each other. Boxes that clearly said FRAGILE were thrown around in my garage. After noticing the lack of professionalism, I asked one of the workers if he was a professional mover - He and the three other guys were picked up in the Home Depot parking lot as day laborers on the south side of Philadelphia. One was a convicted felon, one was so hung over he threw up in my backyard (see picture) and he was illiterate so he couldn't read me the numbers on the boxes. The last guy appeared to be juicing on the job with whatever bottle he had in a brown paper bag. The Russian truck driver (not a professional mover, only a transporter) didn't speak english, demanded his all cash payment and proceeded to let these random street people unload my household goods while he sat in his air conditioned semi. Nobody affiliated with Weststar was at delivery. There were not professional movers involved at all.

We decided not to let the criminal and drunk (who cleaned up the vomit with his hands after we confronted the truck driver and then carried more boxes into the house) or the other street people in our house. They unloaded everything into the garage and driveway. They had no idea they were supposed to assemble the furniture disassembled at pickup nor were any of these guys qualified to do so. They literally dropped my washer / dryer off the truck upside down (over 3.5k to replace), they dropped numerous fragile boxes, broke furniture, rode in my kids battery powered ATVs, etc. Expensive bikes were all thrown together, like a mess of metal spaghetti. It was actually something out of a horror movie and I now know why I wasn't able to purchase moving insurance with this carrier. I still have over 50 unaccounted boxes. Opening the boxes on this end has led to all types of suprises like ceramic lamps thrown in boxes with heavy scales, baseballs. It was like someone blind just threw things into a box. No wrapping, no care of the items. Stupidly, we didn't self pack anything breakable thinking the "professionals" would do a better job. BIMS helped until the problems became serious and now that I am requesting resolution for the lack of professional movers (breach of contract), can't get any responses from those who were "there with you every step of the way." If BIMS resolves this perhaps I can update my review but beware as you are at the mercy of their "A" rated movers, which were nothing more than home depot day laborers in my situation.

Update - BIMS tried to resolve this for pennies on the $$ compared to what we paid them for a cross country move. It was laughable after sending a criminal and hungover/drinking vomiters to unload my goods. I have a 3.5k washer dryer needing repair and countless other broken goods not to mention a significant breach of contract. We paid them to hire "movers" not home depot parking lot pickups (who by the way absolutely were not background checked and had never moved a box in their lives). If BIMS wants to stay in business they really should vet their "A" listed moving companies better since these companies are a reparesentation of their "vetted" list.

Move size: 4+ Bedroom Home Service cost: $25000

We are happy with the services they provided. We got in touch with many moving companies for our move from Tennessee to Florida and BEST gave us the best rates. Right from day one of signing the contract, they provided assistance from planning the move to the final delivery. They hired Helix moving and storage company for our move and they were very professional. We liked the virtual inventory process which gave us an estimate that turned out to be very close to the final weight. The only downside was that the delivery was slightly delayed than what we expected. Overall, BEST services were the BEST and we will use their services again in the future. Thanks to Matt, Peter, Alan and Kelsey who were in touch with us through out the process and made the move look very easy!

Move size: 1 Bedroom Home Service cost: $3000

It goes without saying that interstate moving is stressful. I will admit I had a few problems throughout my move, and was angry because of one specific problematic mover (not affiliated with Best Interstate).
However, Jaclyn and Kelsey were great and helped resolve my issues. Seriously, if you have an issue I would suggest going straight to them. They were readily accessible by email and text and would continuously follow up with me.

In the end, I paid what was set out in my binding estimate and all my stuff arrived in good condition and on time. Thanks again Jaclyn and Kelsey!

Move size: 1 Bedroom Home Service cost: $2850

This is by far the worst moving company I have experienced. My parents moved from NC to GA and wanted to take the hassle out of moving. They decided to use Best Interstate Moving and Storage because of their high reviews. Even though they were more expensive than other companies my parents thought it was worth it based on the quality they thought they would get. Even though the company said they were not a broker they are. They hired Ocean Moving and Storage as the moving company without our knowledge (which has horrible reviews). Their team lead Shawn came with a crew and packed up my parents house. He left without giving my parents a chance to check the house. They ended up not packing an entire room. My parents had to make multiple trips to GA with the leftover things and rent a storage unit. Keep in mind they already spent over $7000 to the moving company. Both companies were very difficult to get a hold of when my parents were ready for the delivery. We finally got a hold of them to deliver where Shawn shows up with an attitude and completely inappropriate behavior. We just wanted the job done at that point so we put up with it. The other guy who was helping was asking very private questions about the house- who is living there, how much the house was which made my parents very uncomfortable. Again we just wanted the things delivered so we wouldn’t have to deal with them. Towards the end we saw them participating in illegal substances on my parents property. At that point I said something to them and then they literally ran to the truck and drove off very fast in the residential area. They left the work undone and not sure if the truck was even empty with our stuff. I called Iris the next day who is the manager and she acted sweet and understanding and said she will take care of it and will send a couple of guys to finish the job. A week goes by and no communication from the company or Iris. I called multiple locations and Iris but no communication. I then reached out to Best Interstate since they are the company my parents signed the contact with. Stephanie Little was suppose to get back but never did. Bottom line - stay away from both companies. They were awful to work with, rude, sent some shady people to my parents house and did not finish the job. They took zero responsibility for anything. They charged twice for some items and on top of all this they damaged quite a few items in the process. These guys are bad news, stay away from them save some grief.

Move size: 4+ Bedroom Home Service cost: $7000

The thing to understand about Best Interstate is that they are not a mover. They are a brokerage. Their business model is farming your move out to the cheapest group of guys that can rent a truck. If the reviews for BIMS are mixed it is because some of the movers are ethical. Most are not.
One consequence of this is that the AI/Video estimate that you get from BIMS is utterly irrelevant. The whole reason they do not visit your house is so that the estimate is *NOT* binding. The first thing that the actual movers to whom BIMS shopped our move did, was to rewrite the original estimate (based, btw, on a *binding* estimate generated on a home visit from Allied Van Lines) and demand an extra $5K to move our household.
We worked mostly with Francisco "Frank" Castillo and Jessica Arias(?), both of whom assured us, throughout the move, that everything was fine and that the overcharge was just an illusion.
Of course, it was not. The movers refused to unload the truck until they got ~$6K over our original estimate, in cash, for services they did not provide and the worst job of packing I've experienced in 6 moves.
Frank and Jessica don't seem outright evil. They seem, however, perfectly willing to turn a blind eye to evil done on their behalf and are definitely not above half-truths.
I cannot imagine a single good reason to entrust your move to a broker. If you really want to hire a group of thugs and a truck, just do it yourself. No need to pay BIMS to do it for you.

Move size: 3 Bedroom Home Service cost: $26000

DON'T DO IT! A horrific experience. This is a moving broker that sets your move up with another moving company. You might get lucky and get a good company - hence some online reviews are positive. But, this booking company is literally worthless. They are responsive and helpful until you pay them the booking fee and then they're beyond worthless. You're better off doing more up front leg work and finding your own movers to book directly. The moving co. I got held my items hostage demanding 1-2k dollars more for me to get my items. After days of "hostage negotiations," they delivered and unloaded my items at midnight! Missing items, broken items, and items that I paid extra for special packing came off the truck with literally no packing. See photo - personal favorite was trying to avoid knives while unpacking because knives were just thrown into a box with food products, wires, etc. With a simple google search, it was evident that my moving co. had just recently changed their name and got a moving license under a new name because of problems with the Better Business Bureau.

Move size: 1 Bedroom Home Service cost: $5470