2024 Suddath Relocation Systems Review

We researched 20+ companies, interviewed customers and industry experts, and analyzed 50+ estimates to find the best professional moving companies.
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3
  • pro
    National and international storage locations
  • pro
    Positive customer reviews
  • con
    Tracking only available for military moves
Asha Kennedy
Feb 13, 2023
Icon Time To Read7 min read

Bottom line

Suddath (Suddath Relocation Systems) has delivered high-quality moving and storage services for local and long-distance moves for over a century. And as a United Van Lines’ top-rated partner, Suddath has access to a global network that helps service over 80,000 residential moves a year, along with military and office relocations.

Suddath’s numerous positive customer reviews make it an attractive option, especially if you’re looking for highly-trained staff that provides white-glove service. That said, it’s a bit tricky to get ballpark pricing in advance, because Suddath won’t provide it unless you chat with a salesperson and go through the entire home-inventory process.

Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of choosing Suddath for your next move.

Pros and cons

pro
Pros
pro National and international storage locations
pro Background-checked crews and drivers
pro Positive customer reviews
pro 250+ employee training hours
pro Advanced survey technology
pro 80,000 residential moves per year
con
Cons
con No online or instant estimates
con Tracking only available for military moves
con Closed on weekends

Learn more about the highest-rated companies on our Best Long-Distance Movers list.


How does Suddath compare to other companies

Suddath is a top customer choice for any type of move, whether local, long-distance, or even international—and a strong competitor against other leaders in the industry. Plus, if you’re a military service member or corporate employee looking to relocate, a Suddath relocation may be the best option for you.

Here’s how Suddath compares to other industry leaders:

Company
Company type
Local and long-distance moves
Auto shipping
Learn more
Suddath
Broker and carrier
Icon Yes  DarkYes
Icon Yes  DarkYes
northamericanNorth American Van Lines
Broker and carrier
Icon Yes  DarkYes
Icon Yes  DarkYes
americanvanlinesAmerican Van Lines
Carrier
Icon Yes  DarkYes
Icon Yes  DarkYes
internationalvanlinesInternational Van Lines
Broker and carrier
Icon Yes  DarkYes
Icon Yes  DarkYes
safewaySafeway Moving
Broker
Icon Yes  DarkLong distance only
Icon Yes  DarkYes

Suddath moving costs

As with many other full-service movers, Suddath’s prices are determined by factors like the total weight of your shipment, gas prices, and the distance between locations. Since these can differ from one move to the next, prices may vary.

For that reason, Suddath doesn’t offer specific pricing information online or over the phone, which can, admittedly, make it hard to start budgeting. You get a quote only after you’ve completed a virtual or in-home survey.

While it does mean you have to invest a little more time upfront to get Suddath’s pricing, it also means that you’ll probably be receiving a quote that is very close to final costs. We’ve noticed this isn’t always the case across all professional movers.

Price Tag
How long-distance movers calculate moving prices

Most long-distance moving companies calculate moving costs the same way. They determine the charges by the overall size of your shipment, including both weight and density. Then, they’ll account for how many movers are needed, costs for the truck and gas, and any additional fees—like storage. Another way professional movers may charge is by calculating linear feet.

What is included in a Suddath move

For reference, here are the services that are always included in the pricing:

Remember, it’s a good idea to get multiple quotes from different moving companies to ensure you’re getting the best (and most accurate) price for your move.

Pro-tip: Once you get your in-home estimate from Suddath, compare it against our moving costs article to see how your estimate measures up with the national average.

Want to see how much your move with Suddath will cost?


What to know about Suddath

Families and employees around the globe appreciate Suddath’s widespread availability and positive customer service record. And its long-standing reputation (103 years!) has only followed the company and allowed it to expand across the world. There’s a lot to like about this company.

Excellent customer reviews

Based on numerous customer reviews across various locations, communication and professionalism are a couple things Suddath does right. Customers seem to consistently experience clear communication and well-versed moving crews that get the job done quickly.

A little tip, though: make sure to get all your moving questions answered during the week because there aren’t any customer service agents available over the weekend.

“Our virtual estimator was accurate, and she was a pleasure to work with. Our move team(s) were incredible! Prompt, pleasant, and hardworking. [The driver] kept in touch on his arrival date/time, and he ‘delivered’ by backing into a tight space in storage like it was no big deal. . . . They made a very stressful move into a pleasant experience.”
—Joanne Burgess, Suddath customer

See full customer testimonial on Suddath’s website.

Access to a massive global network

As United Van Lines’ highest-rated partner, Suddath is able to leverage its extensive network to effectively service over 80,000 moves per year—and it has the customer reviews to back it up. Suddath provides its customers over 3 million square feet of insured warehouse storage space across 30+ national locations—making it one of the largest and most successful commercial movers in the business.

“Contracted with Suddath to relocate our household belongings from Tampa, FL to Cartagena, Colombia. Sawsan and Carolyn with Suddath along with their Colombian Agents, (Aviomar) provided us with a stress-free and uneventful move. Pricing was transparent, service was both professional and excellent, nothing was broken or damaged, and the entire process took a lot less time than we were expecting. I would not hesitate to recommend the team at Suddath and Aviomar for your move.”
—Steve Hermann, Suddath customer

See full customer testimonial on Suddath’s website.

Accurate home inventory pricing tool

We’ve mentioned that Suddath’s lack of online or instant phone quoting can make it a bit difficult to get a quick answer regarding pricing. But that just gives you more time to interact with their customer service professionals, who customers say are some of the best in the business!

Using modern moving technology, Suddath is able to provide pretty accurate pricing—once you complete the home survey process. So, while it may sound like more legwork upfront, you’ll receive pricing that is very close to what you’ll actually pay.

Experienced with military and corporate relocation

If you’re looking for an experienced military or corporate relocation company, Suddath’s record as the nation’s largest commercial mover will come in handy. We know you don’t always get to choose your mover if your employer is paying for it, but you can rest easy if you know Suddath’s assigned to your move.

Light Bulb
Suddath is partners with United Van Lines

United is one of our top picks for moving van lines for many reasons, including its transparent pricing. As one of its top agents, Suddath leverages United Van Lines’ massive network and service capabilities to bring value to customers worldwide. So if you choose to work with Suddath, you can rest easy knowing it has the backing of one of the country’s largest movers.

Looking for competitive prices and excellent customer service?


Features and services

Suddath at a glance

DescriptionSuddath information
MC#165543
USDOT#29609
Broker or carrierBroker and carrier
Carries basic insurance
Icon Yes  DarkYes
Availability (# of states)50
Average customer service rating4.8
Years in business103

Standard services

Suddath is truly a full-service mover capable of handling moves at any distance and at almost any size. It offers various services for local, long-distance, international, military, and corporate moves, including:

  • Dedicated and trained coordinators
  • Full and partial packing services
  • Unpacking services
  • Blanket-wrapped furniture
  • Short- and long-term, temperature-controlled storage
  • Concierge moving services
  • Virtual video surveys
  • Auto, motorcycle, and boat shipping
  • Custom crating
  • Pet shipping
  • Piano and bulky item moving
  • Transit coverage/protection

Specialized services

Suddath also offers an array of specialized services for corporate relocation customers, which are included on top of the standard services mentioned above:

  • 24/7 information and resource availability
  • Modern, digital moving technology
  • Global mobility, including visas and immigration
  • Customized insurance programs
  • Temporary, permanent, and portable storage
  • Specialized crating, packing, and appliance services
  • Third-party settling-in services

International services

Suddath is a globally-recognized international mover, capable of moving its customers almost anywhere in the world. With 20 domestic and 14 global locations (including regional headquarters in the United States, United Kingdom, and Singapore), Suddath can provide world-class customer service, move management, and storage solutions in over 180 countries. So if you need to move for work or for your next military assignment, you’re in expert hands.

If you’re looking for more information about international movers, check out our Best International Moving Companies.


Suddath long-term review

Suddath started as a small moving company from Jacksonville, Florida, in 1919. Since then, Suddath has grown into a global industry leader—now, a $655 million global transportation, relocation, and logistics company, serving 180 countries with more than 2,300 employees worldwide.

In 2021, Suddath acquired Daryl Flood, Inc., another moving company based out of Coppell, Texas. This acquisition has allowed Suddath to increase the number of residential moves it can complete annually, now exceeding 80,000.[1]

Another highlight we should mention: there haven’t been any complaints filed against Suddath with the FMCSA over the last four years. Pretty impressive!


Our recommendation

If you’re looking for an experienced national and international mover with decades of experience in the business, Suddath is a great option. For one, it’s hard to ignore the numerous positive customer reviews. Between that, its fully vetted and trained moving crews, and its strategic partnership with United Van Lines, it’s easy to understand why Suddath is a customer-favorite professional moving company.

Does Suddath sound like the right mover for you?

You can also take a look at some of Suddath’s top competitors on our Best Long Distance Movers list or even our list of Best Moving Van Lines.


Suddath Moving FAQ

How many locations does Suddath have?

Suddath is a global logistics company that has over 20 locations worldwide, including 16 in the US—and over 3.5 million square feet of warehouse storage space. That means that Suddath probably has the availability to help you move, no matter where you are.

Is Suddath associated with United Van Lines?

Yes, Suddath van lines are associated with United Van Lines. In fact, Suddath is United’s #1 agent (and a licensed UniGroup partner, too)!

What is our Suddath review?

We definitely recommend the Suddath companies to our readers because of its numerous positive reviews and excellent availability. Because Suddath is available in all 50 states and over 180 worldwide, we’re confident it can help you move—whether you’re headed to New York or Nairobi.

What will movers not pack?

There’s actually quite a few items that movers will not pack for you, but the best way to think of it is: if it smells or looks dangerous, it probably won’t ship. That includes things like:

  • Nail polish and remover
  • Fertilizer and pesticides
  • Paints and paint thinners
  • Propane tank or gasoline
  • Lighter fluid
  • Fireworks

How early should you start packing to move?

According to our moving checklist, we recommend starting to pack your first box at least eight weeks before your move. But the majority of your packing should probably be starting two weeks before move day. Don’t forget to pack your suitcases the week before, though, with all the essentials you won’t be able to access until you move in.

How much should you tip your movers?

In general, we recommend tipping 15–20% of the overall cost of the move for larger moves, and 5–10% for smaller ones. This can also be broken down to about $20 per person for a half day move, and $40 per person for a full day. That said, it’s entirely up to you and not required.


Methodology

Move.org evaluates and identifies the moving industry’s best full-service movers using a fivefold research approach:

  • Compare pricing transparency. We gather quotes, check for binding estimates, and read customer reviews about pricing to ensure each moving company’s prices are trustworthy.
  • Review accreditation. We check every company’s records in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database to confirm companies are properly authorized to transport household goods.
  • Mystery shopping. We review every company’s website, pose as customers in calls to companies, and read customer reviews to analyze every company’s moving services, transit protection, and customer service. We also interview actual customers to learn how their moves went from start to finish.
  • Site visits. We invite moving companies to our headquarters in Salt Lake City, UT, to share data and expertise. We verify the information they provide by comparing it to data gathered through independent research and interviews with other movers.
  • Regular review. We routinely repeat this process to update our recommendations to reflect current data and trends. We also revise each review annually and make updates throughout the year.

Sources

  1. Fort Worth Business Press, “Suddath acquires Coppell-based company.” Published April 2021. Accessed March 9, 2022.
  2. Suddath, “Suddath Wins Unigroup’s 2018 Top Booking Agent.” Published November 2018. Accessed March 9, 2022.
Asha Kennedy
Written by
Asha Kennedy
Asha Kennedy is a researcher and content writer who brings almost 5 years of experience working directly with multiple carriers as a Move Coordinator, including Mayflower, United, and Allied International. During her career, she has successfully partnered with diverse clientele to coordinate Military, International, Interstate and Corporate relocations—and uses this experience to create meaningful and educational content for future movers! Asha graduated from Hampton University with honors in English. Asha enjoys being in nature, reading books, and learning new things.