John Pellitteri brings over 20 years of experience in the moving industry. Since joining Colonial Van Lines as Vice President in 2013, he has been a driving force behind the company's significant year-over-year growth in revenue, market share, and fleet operations.
John's role extends across both managing the sales team and overseeing operations. He has b een able to help streamline processes and increase efficiency to deliver top-tier service. John is particularly proud of what his team has been able to accomplish—acknowledging that its their expertise and dedication driving Colonial's success. With an average tenure of a decade within the sales team and department leadership, he remains optimistic about the future, noting, "It's been a fun ride, but we're just getting warmed up!"
Colonial Van Lines' corporate headquarters in Pompano Beach, FL, spans 50,000 square feet on 5 acres, housing more than 120 dedicated team members across various departments like Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, Dispatch, and Operations.
Edwards: What are the biggest trends you see in the moving industry in 2025?
Pellitteri: The moving industry is shifting fast in 2025. Regulators are cracking down on scams, pushing for more transparency and accountability. AI and automation are making moves smoother with smart scheduling, real-time tracking, and better customer support.
People also want more flexible options—some prefer hybrid moves where they pack, and pros handle the rest, while others go full-service for convenience. Sustainability is big, too, with movers using reusable packing, electric trucks in the near future, etc. Overall, moving is becoming smarter, safer, and greener.
Edwards: What new challenges are moving companies facing this year, and how are they adapting?
Pellitteri: This year, moving companies are facing higher advertising costs and increased prices for operational materials, like boxes and packing supplies. With digital ad spend on the rise, reaching the right customers has become more expensive and competitive.
To adapt, companies are getting more strategic with their marketing efforts—focusing on targeted advertising to make sure their messages reach the right audience without overspending. Additionally, many are streamlining operations, optimizing routes for fuel efficiency, and finding cost-effective sources for packing materials.
Edwards: What statistic in the moving industry do you think would surprise most people?
Pellitteri: One surprising stat? About 80% of moving company complaints involve fraudulent brokers rather than actual moving carriers. Many people don’t realize they’re hiring a broker—not a mover—until it’s too late.
The carrier that the broker passes the job to often raises prices on moving day, leaving customers with no choice but to pay more. This leads to unethical practices and stressful situations for many families. That’s why it’s so important to research licensed movers and understand the difference between a broker and a carrier!
Edwards: How do you expect the housing supply to impact moving in 2025?
Pellitteri: Housing supply will definitely impact moving in 2025. With inventory still tight, especially for affordable homes, some people might hold off on buying.
High prices and mortgage rates could slow local moves, but long-distance relocations may stay strong as people look for more affordable places to live. If more homes hit the market, we could see moving pick up again.
Either way, the housing supply and interest rates will play a big role in where and when people decide to move. There is residual activity in both upward and downward trends – people move for both.
Edwards: How do customers typically underestimate the cost, time, or effort involved in a move?
Pellitteri: A lot of customers underestimate the cost, time, and effort involved in a long-distance move, especially since it’s often their first time hiring a professional moving company.
Many people have experience with local moves, but long-distance moves are a whole different ballgame—with more complex logistics, regulations, and planning involved.
For example, customers might not realize how much coordination goes into routing thousands of moves at once. This includes things like scheduling pickups and deliveries on specific dates, managing labor, and balancing the overall costs to maintain top-tier service. There’s a lot happening behind the scenes!
On top of that, protecting household items requires a high level of skill. Our team goes through specialized training at Colonial Van Lines University (CVLU) to ensure they handle belongings with care—whether it’s packing, loading, or unloading. All this expertise and training is what makes the difference in ensuring a smooth, safe, and successful long-distance move.
Edwards: Do you see trends in people preferring moving containers vs professional movers over the last three years?
Pellitteri: Over the last three years, we’ve seen fewer people opting for moving containers, mainly due to rising costs. While containers were once seen as a budget-friendly option, increasing rental fees, fuel surcharges, and additional costs have made them less appealing.
Edwards: How are economic conditions, like inflation and housing market fluctuations, impacting moving demand?
Pellitteri: Economic factors like inflation and housing market fluctuations are definitely shaping moving trends. Many are opting to rent instead of buy, while others are relocating to more affordable areas. Even in a tight housing market, there’s always movement. These shifts create residual moving activity, keeping the industry active despite economic ups and downs.
Edwards: What is the biggest myth people have about moving?
Pellitteri: One of the biggest myths about moving is that all moving companies are the same. On the surface, it might seem like any company can load and transport your belongings— but in reality, a professional move requires skill, experience, and attention to detail.
At Colonial Van Lines, we know that proper planning, expert packing, and careful handling make all the difference. Our team is trained to navigate the challenges of moving, ensuring your belongings arrive safely and your experience is as smooth as possible. A great move isn’t just about trucks and boxes—it’s about expertise.
Edwards: What’s the biggest mistake people make when hiring a moving company?
Pellitteri: The biggest mistake people make is not hiring a legitimate moving company due to being misled by misleading ads or unlicensed brokers.
Many individuals try to cut costs by opting for what seems like a cheaper or simpler option, but they end up dealing with hidden fees, poor service, or even potential scams. Hiring a reputable, licensed moving company ensures that your belongings are in the hands of experienced professionals who are trained to handle every aspect of your move.
At Colonial Van Lines, we prioritize transparency, safety, and expert service, so customers can trust us to deliver a smooth, stress-free moving experience.
Edwards: Has the rise of AI and automation changed the way moving companies operate?
Pellitteri: Yes, AI and automation are changing the way moving companies operate. They help streamline processes like estimating costs, tracking moves in real time, and optimizing routes, making everything faster, more efficient, and cost-effective.
AI also plays a role in marketing, helping companies target the right audience with personalized messaging.
By leveraging data-driven insights, moving companies can better connect with potential customers and improve overall service quality.
Edwards: Is AI helping with logistics, scheduling, or customer service in the moving industry?
Pellitteri: Absolutely. AI is improving logistics, scheduling, and customer service by automating tasks like providing estimates customer friendly and accuracy, managing schedules, and enhancing customer communications through technology.
With better communication and organization through technology, moving companies can deliver a smoother, more efficient experience from start to finish.
Edwards: What do you think will be the most impactful innovations in the moving industry in the next three years?
Pellitteri: In the next few years, we expect virtual surveys and communication tools to grow, making the moving process more convenient and accessible. Another key innovation will be the rise of electric equipment, like electric trucks and eco-friendly packing options. These changes will help make moving more sustainable and cost-effective, reducing both environmental impact and expenses for customers.
Edwards: How is your company keeping itself a leader in the moving industry?
Pellitteri: At Colonial Van Lines, we stay ahead with innovations like our industry-first moving service app, which simplifies the moving process by letting you get estimates, order supplies, and stay organized—all from your phone.
We also have Colonial Van Lines University (CVLU), where we train our team in real-world scenarios to ensure they meet our high standards for safety, specialty packing, and careful handling of your belongings.
By combining cutting-edge tech with expert training, we make your move smooth and professional from start to finish. Beyond technology and training, we use decades of industry experience and historical data to anticipate customer needs and develop new solutions. By staying proactive and constantly improving, we ensure every move is smooth, efficient, and stress-free.
Edwards: What makes Colonial Van Lines different from competitors in the moving industry?
Pellitteri: Experience sets us apart. With decades in the moving industry, we use historical data and real customer insights to refine our process, anticipate challenges, and continuously improve our services.
We combine this expertise with cutting-edge technology, like our industry-first moving service app, which simplifies everything from getting an estimate to staying organized.
Plus, our Colonial Van Lines University (CVLU) ensures our team is highly trained in safety, specialty packing, and expert handling. By blending past experience with innovation, we deliver a smoother, more reliable moving experience that stands out from the competition.
Edwards: What is the top thing your customers say they like about Colonial Van Lines?
Pellitteri: Our experience and professionalism are what customers appreciate most about Colonial Van Lines. They also love our transparent pricing and the peace of mind that comes with it. They appreciate that there are no hidden fees, and they always know what to expect.
Our industry-first app and expertly trained team also get a lot of praise for making the moving process easier, smoother, and more organized.
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