If you’re preparing for a move within Canada, one key decision is whether to hire a local moving company or go with a national Canadian moving company.
This guide examines the key differences to consider when deciding what type of mover is right for your relocation.
When planning a move, one of the first steps is finding a reliable moving company.
Canada has both small local moving companies that operate within a city or region, as well as large best Canadian moving companies that handle moves across the country. But how do you choose between them?
This comprehensive guide examines the pros and cons of local vs national Canadian movers to help you determine the best option for your situation.
Factors to Consider
Here are some key considerations when evaluating local vs national Canadian moving companies:
Cost
- Local movers tend to have lower hourly rates but may charge premiums for long-distance transportation.
- National movers generally have higher hourly rates but include transportation costs in their estimates.
Service Area
- Local movers are limited to a city/region but have extensive knowledge of local conditions.
- National movers can handle moves across Canada but may be less familiar with specifics of each area.
Resources
- Local companies tend to be smaller with fewer trucks and personnel.
- Large van lines have extensive equipment/staffing to handle big interprovincial moves.
Specialization
- Local movers specialize in local/intraprovincial relocations.
- Many national movers also offer international and corporate relocation services.
Brand Reputation
- Well-established local companies have strong community reputation.
- Top national brands invest heavily in customer service training and satisfaction.
When to Choose a Local Mover
Using a local moving company is generally best for:
- Intracity moves – A local mover will be experienced with the area which can streamline planning.
- Short-distance relocations – Local movers have lower hourly rates which can minimize costs for nearby moves.
- Specialty moves – A local company may be better equipped to handle unique relocations like pianos or safes.
- Referral from trusted source – Having a positive recommendation for a local mover carries significant weight.
When to Go With a National Mover
There are also situations where a national moving company may be preferential:
- Long-distance interprovincial relocations – They have an extensive transportation network and volume discounts that can reduce overall cost.
- International moves – Many national companies also specialize in overseas relocations and simplify coordination.
- Corporate/employee relocations – National movers often have dedicated corporate divisions to handle high-volume business moves.
- Peace of mind – Top national brands invest heavily in customer satisfaction through staff screening, training, and service guarantees.
Key Takeaways
- For local/intracity moves, a trusted local mover generally provides the best value and experience.
- For long-distance interprovincial/overseas relocations, large national movers leverage their size and scope to simplify coordination and reduce cost.
- Carefully examine all estimates – local vs national status does not intrinsically determine price.
- Seek companies that instill confidence through community reputation, customer satisfaction ratings, safety standards, etc.
Doing thorough research and understanding these key factors will help guide you to the moving company that best fits your specific relocation needs.
