You're in the Driver's Seat
Why smart movers choose American Independent Movers over traditional full-service companies.
When planning a move in Southern Oregon, you have a fundamental choice: hire a traditional full-service moving company or choose the smarter, more flexible labor-only model from American Independent Movers. While full-service movers promise an all-in-one solution, that convenience comes with high costs, less control, and often, hidden fees.
At AIM, we put you in control.
Head-to-Head Comparison
See how our labor-only model stacks up against traditional full-service movers
| Feature | American Independent Movers | Traditional Full-Service |
|---|---|---|
| Control | You are in complete control. You choose the truck, the schedule, and the budget. | They are in control. You are locked into their schedule, their truck, and their pricing structure. |
| Cost & Savings | Significant savings (up to 50%). You pay a transparent hourly rate for labor and avoid massive overhead. | High cost. You pay a premium for bundled services, fleet maintenance, administrative bloat, and franchise fees. |
| Flexibility | Maximum flexibility. Perfect for rental trucks, PODS®, U-Pack® containers, or simply moving items within your home. | Rigid structure. Designed for one type of move: their truck, their rules. Not ideal for container or in-home moves. |
| Transparency | 100% transparent. A simple hourly rate and a single, flat travel fee. No hidden charges. Ever. | Often opaque. Complex contracts can hide fees for stairs, heavy items, fuel, and more. The final bill is often a surprise. |
| Expertise | Specialized expertise. Our crews are masters of the most difficult part of the move: the physical labor, packing, and loading. | Generalized service. Their expertise is split between driving, logistics, and labor, without specializing in any one area. |
| Emergency Services | Emergency load swaps. If your truck breaks down, we can transfer your load to a new truck to get you back on the road. | Limited options. A breakdown of their truck leaves you stranded and waiting on their schedule. |
Three Reasons to Ditch the Full-Service Model
1. Total Control and Flexibility
With a full-service mover, you're on their clock. They dictate the arrival window, the truck they use, and how your move is managed. With AIM, you are the project manager.
- Rent the right-sized truck—don't pay for a massive semi-trailer if you only need a 15-foot truck
- Move on your schedule—you set the pickup and drop-off times for your truck
- Perfect for modern moving—ideal for PODS®, U-Pack®, and other containerized solutions
2. Avoid Inflated Costs and Hidden Fees
The biggest drawback of full-service movers is the cost. Their bundled price isn't just for labor and a truck; it's loaded with overhead.
- Cut out the middleman markup—you rent the truck directly
- No hidden surcharges—we don't have surprise fees for stairs, long carries, or heavy items
- No corporate overhead—as a local, independent company, we don't have franchise fees to pass on
3. Specialized, Professional Expertise
Full-service movers are jacks-of-all-trades. Our movers are masters of one: the art and science of moving.
- Strategic loading—we pack trucks tightly and securely to prevent shifting and damage
- Furniture protection—we come equipped with pads and shrink wrap
- Efficiency—we work quickly and carefully, saving you money by getting the job done right
When is a Full-Service Mover the Right Choice?
To be fair, there are situations where a full-service mover might be a better fit. If you are moving long-distance (cross-country) and do not want to drive a truck yourself, or if you have a corporate relocation budget that covers the premium cost, a full-service van line might be the answer.
But for the vast majority of local and regional moves in Southern Oregon, the labor-only model provides the best combination of value, control, and professional service.
Make the Smart Choice for Your Move
Don't pay a premium for services you can easily manage yourself. By renting your own truck and hiring the professional crew at American Independent Movers, you get the best of both worlds: the cost savings of a DIY move with the expertise and peace of mind of a professional service.