The US moving and household storage industry consists of about 8,000 companies with about $13 billion in combined annual revenue. Large companies include UniGroup, SIRVA, Atlas, and Bekins. 50 largest companies of the industry occupy about 45 percent of the market. Companies in this industry move household and office goods, and specialty items like pianos and trade show exhibits.
They provide their services either locally or interstate. Overseas shipping is also possible, however, that is quite expensive. Moving companies also provide long- and short-term storage for the items that they move, on the customer’s request. Industry earns 45 percent of its revenue from long-distance moving. Most of the companies in this industry are privately owned. The industry is divided into three tiers. The top tier includes long-distance move. This type of moving is performed with the help of a dozen large van lines like North American, Allied, Atlas, United, Mayflower, and Bekins. Shorter interstate moves constitute the second tier.
They are handled by about 2,000 smaller movers, who may also offer long-distance moves. The third tier is local movers, thousands of small, local companies. The typical local mover has 15 employees, two to three trucks, and annual revenue of less than $1 million. A large van line may operate 11,000 tractors and trailers and employ more than 6,000 drivers.
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