Federal Companies

This company gave me an estimate for my moved based on weight and distance. The person who did the walking estimate made asumptions that were wrong; the pick up of an additional storage place 10 mins from my place became a 3 1/2 hr worth of overtime extra charge labor w/o justification. There was none the day of the move to change the instructions to the crew.

At the end they inflated the cost to match the value of the estimate though it was significantly less 3000K less.

Move size: 3 Bedroom Home Service cost: $14000

We contracted with Federal Companies for a local (2 miles) move in January, 2018 (St. Louis region). As we set up in our new home, we discovered damage to personal property and to the walls, stairs, bannister etc. We followed Federal’s claim procedure in good faith providing photos, cost estimates and coordinating with the assigned third party with appointment to inspect the damage.

There was no argument that the damage was due to the move. None the less, we were reimbursed by Federal at 8% of the replacement value and less than 32% of the repair estimate provided by the qualified third party. While we did not have an expectation that we would be reimbursed at 100% of replacement value for the damaged items, we did expect that we would be reimbursed at a level that allowed full financial support for repair even if we had to pay for and manage the pick-up and delivery.

We wrote to the local branch manager. He responded “candidly, we did not have to pay that amount to you” and “Since I did not witness carrying procedures or supporting procedures I cannot answer to this statement since I was not there. We train our people the proper processes”.

We did decline additional insurance coverage since the insurance cost was high for no deductible (38% of our total move estimate!) and the other options included high deductibles. Most importantly, we believed that they would in fact perform as stated in their terms; “the company agrees to exercise all reasonable and customary care in handling and transporting the articles”. When we met with the sales representative and asked what steps are taken to protect household items during packing and transit - we were told that ‘this is our business and we wouldn’t be in business if we didn’t take responsibility and care in handling all items during packing, transit and unpacking’. In other words, you can trust us.


The terms and conditions also state (paraphrased) that ‘no responsibility is assumed by the company for 1) fire, rust, the elements 2) items packed by the owner 3) the mechanical non-operation of appliances, electronics etc. None of these (3) exclusions applied. There was no fire. There was no damage to items packed by us/owners. Our claim did not include any mechanical non-operation. The damage was solely a result of techniques and handling by Federal movers and in our opinion was extensive.


Moving is stressful and it is important that the selected moving company can be trusted to uphold and take responsibility for professional performance as stated in their terms and pre-move communications. Unfortunately, we trusted Federal Companies.

Move size: 4+ Bedroom Home Service cost: $1648

Allied Van Line, sub-contracted with Federal/Gateway Moving and Storage. 1975 W. Walton Road, St. Louis Missouri 63114.


We moved from Missouri to Virginia.

The company forged my signature on the Household Goods Inventory form and refused to locate or reimburse me for the items which they lost or destroyed.

I asked them to put some items in my garage, and they threw it in and piled things up with no since of care or order.

The delivery drivers did not do a walk through with me to verify that all items were delivered. Although it is clear that it is not my signature, the company refused to resolve this. They lost approx. $4,000 worth of furniture and boxes.

Move size: 4+ Bedroom Home Service cost: $12000

Federal Gateway Moving as well as their partner company Allied Van Lines was a complete disaster. With our cross-country move, they damaged property and a couple of items were simply not there (lost or stolen). The main contact that we had as well as their customer service were hard to get a hold of and once they realized how bad of a mistake they made, their agent simply wouldn't pick up the phone. If we could give negative stars on this review, we would. It was such a mistake on our part for choosing them, and we don't want others to fall for their bad business practices as we did.

Regarding the delivery date, we understand that moving companies provide ranges especially considering all of the factors with traffic and weather that may occur with a cross-country move. The day before delivery, they typically tell you it will arrive on the next day so that you can plan for it. When that day came, we had not heard anything from them. I called up the agent directly, since they didn't call, and after multiple calls, I finally got a response. They said they didn't know and that I should call the truck directly. First, as an "agent" isn't that part of their job and why we are paying them? Second, I understand that it helps to have the truck driver's number to coordinate with them directly. The problem, we felt like we had to do all of that legwork and coordination, and, for part of the time, the driver couldn't respond because of cell reception problems and because you're not suppose to be on the cell phone while driving.

Finally, I got a hold of the driver who informed us that they wouldn't be able to deliver until the next day. Although this was not the driver's fault, we were livid! We ended up having to find a hotel room at the last minute that would accept a pet we had with us, which was a bit of a challenge. I contacted their customer service line, and they deferred the problem down to the agent, which must be a convenient way for them to avoid the problem. I finally talk to the agent's manager, and she basically made it sound like we were the problem and unreasonable in suggesting that we expected them to deliver on the day that they said, and later on to cover the damage and lost or stolen property that they were responsible for covering.

The poor judgment of our agent, the rude and unprofessional behavior of her boss and the company in general showed a clear sign for their lack of coordination, inability to do the job, difficulties contacting and receiving response, and for simply not caring. Moving is a big deal for a family and good reliable customer service is essential. We understand that things come up, but not answering the phone or following up is unacceptable in any industry, and probably more so with a moving business since they basically are transporting everything we own.

With all of the moving companies out there, don't be fooled by Federal Gateway Moving or Allied. They low ball their prices to lure you in, but you will regret it. The experience horrible and made us anxious. If you want to avoid the pain that myself along with other reviewers who have had similar experiences, go with another moving company that gets better reviews and has a better reputation even if it costs a little bit more. In the end, you'll be happier, your belongings will be in better hands, and you'll sleep better than we did.

Service cost: $3006

Moved from MO to SC. My moving experience with this company was a nightmare. The driver with the truck was over an hour late arriving on both the pack and load and delivery. When it arrived there were 4 young men who had never packed before. One was the driver's grandson. There were 2 packers already there looking around and waiting. Similar experience with the delivery. The same driver hired local movers that acted inexperienced and complained the entire time while unpacking. Some items were packed carefully wrapped and secure. Some items were just put in a box with some packing paper on top. There was damage to items that were delivered. Leather love seat looked like a cat clawed it. Dining room chairs stained. Some glass items are broken and/or chipped. Lost pillow for chaise. These are just a few items. My claim was about 7 pages. There was damage to the hardwood floor of a brand new home. The movers did not cover the floor or shoes and pushed/pulled the dolly all over the floor damaging it with black streaks. I asked the movers were they going to cover the floor and was told they forgot whatever they needed to use. They were aggressive and argumentative when I mentioned things were not being handled properly and the floor was damaged. I did not feel safe with 3 men arguing with me so I spoke immediately and directly with the company about the damage. I filed a claim and received compensation for some items but nothing for the floor. The company has closed the file. I was also told there was a risk of damage to all homes when moving. The quality of furniture items today is different from those purchased years ago. Some items can not be replaced. I recommend using anyone else.

Move size: Partial Move Service cost: $8200