Bekins Van Lines

Bekins Van Lines logo
Indianapolis, Indiana
  • Full-service moving nationwide and internationally.
  • Flexible storage options for short- and long-term needs.
  • Award-winning safety and eco-friendly practices.

Company Profile

Bekins Van Lines is one of the oldest moving companies in the United States, founded in 1891 by John and Martin Bekins. Starting with just three horse-drawn vans, Bekins has grown to nearly 150 locations nationwide. The company offers a range of moving services, including household, commercial, and specialized moves.

Company History and Milestones

Bekins Van Lines is one of the oldest moving companies in the United States, founded in 1891 by brothers John and Martin Bekins in Sioux City, Iowa. Starting with just three horse-drawn vans and twelve employees, the company has grown to nearly 150 locations nationwide. 

Over its 125-year history, Bekins has been a leader in many industry innovations. It was the first to specialize in moving household goods and introduced the first motor trucks in 1903. Bekins also built the first concrete and steel warehouses in 1906. They completed the first transcontinental motor van move in 1928 and created Bekins World Wide, now known as Bekins International, in 1960. In 2012, Bekins was purchased by Wheaton Van Lines. 

Today, Bekins offers a wide range of moving services, including international relocation, while continuing its tradition of expertise, reliability, and exceptional customer service.

Core Services and Offerings

Household Moves

Bekins offers residential moving services for families and individuals. They handle moves locally, long-distance, or internationally. Services include planning, packing, loading, and delivery. Bekins also offers tracking options and provides a personal move coordinator to assist throughout the process.

Employee Relocation

Bekins specializes in employee relocation services for businesses moving employees locally or across the country. They offer comprehensive moving packages that include planning, packing, and transportation. Employers and employees receive a single point of contact to ensure smooth and efficient transitions.

Commercial Moves

Bekins handles commercial moving services for businesses of all sizes. Their services include office relocation, furniture disassembly, packing, and transportation. They accommodate specific needs, such as minimizing downtime and handling sensitive equipment, to ensure a smooth business move.

Specialized Moves

Bekins offers specialized moving services for unique items like artwork, pianos, and antiques. They provide tailored solutions to safely pack and transport delicate, heavy, or valuable items. This service ensures that specialized belongings arrive at their destination without damage.

Senior Moves

Bekins assists with senior moves, providing customized moving services for older adults. They offer packing, transportation, and unpacking, with options for downsizing or moving to senior living facilities. A personal move manager helps ensure a stress-free transition for seniors and their families.

Packing and Shipping

Bekins offers professional packing and shipping services. Customers can choose from full-service packing, fragile-only packing, or DIY packing with provided materials. Bekins ensures that items are securely packed for safe transportation and can assist with international shipping.

Storage

Bekins provides short- and long-term storage options in secure, climate-controlled warehouses. Their storage services can accommodate household goods, commercial items, and more. Customers have access to stored items during the storage period and can combine storage with moving services.

Service Coverage and Availability

Bekins Van Lines provides moving services across the United States. With 350+ local agents nationwide, they offer both local and long-distance moves covering 95% of the United States. Their network allows them to handle moves anywhere in the country, ensuring reliable service no matter where customers are located. Bekins also provides international moving services, helping people move to or from the U.S. Their wide coverage area ensures customers can access their moving services wherever they need them.

Safety and Professionalism

Bekins Van Lines prioritizes safety and has been recognized for its outstanding performance on the road. The American Trucking Association’s Moving & Storage Conference awarded Bekins the 2022 Fleet Safety Award in the Over 10 Million Miles category, highlighting its exceptional crash record. This award acknowledges Bekins’ commitment to maintaining a high safety standard for drivers and other motorists. The company values the contributions of its drivers and staff in achieving a superior safety record compared to competitors.

Pricing

Bekins offers customized pricing for moving services based on individual needs. To get a price estimate, customers can request a free, no-obligation quote by filling out a form or calling the company. Bekins takes into account factors like the size of the move, the distance, and any special requirements, such as packing or storage. An in-home or virtual estimate is available for accurate pricing. Bekins provides a transparent breakdown of costs and works to give customers a clear understanding of their moving expenses before the move begins.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Bekins Van Lines is dedicated to social responsibility through community involvement and environmental efforts. They support families with critically ill children by sponsoring horseback riding at “Keaton’s Korral” in partnership with Give Kids The World Village, a nonprofit that provides cost-free vacations for these families. 

Bekins is also committed to fighting hunger through their relationship with Move For Hunger. They encourage customers to donate non-perishable food during moves, which is then delivered to local food banks. 

Additionally, Bekins works to reduce their environmental footprint by recycling materials, using energy-efficient lighting, and implementing eco-friendly practices. Their commitment to sustainability has earned them recognition as a “Green Business” by the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce.

Conclusion

Over its 125-year history, Bekins has led the moving industry with many innovations and a commitment to safety and customer service. They provide extensive coverage across the U.S. and offer social responsibility programs. Bekins continues to prioritize reliability and expertise in every move, serving families and businesses alike.

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