When you’re planning a move—especially across state lines—you’ll likely encounter two types of companies: movers and brokers. While they may seem similar at first glance, understanding the difference can save you time, money, and stress. Here’s what you need to know—and how Gerber Moving & Storage fits into the equation.
What Is a Broker?
A household goods broker is a company that arranges for moving services, but doesn’t actually transport your belongings. Instead, a broker acts as a middleman, connecting you with a licensed mover who will handle the move.
What Brokers Do:
- Collect your moving details and provide an estimate (often over the phone or online).
- Contract a moving company (or several) on your behalf.
- Coordinate logistics between you and the mover.
What Brokers Don’t Do:
- Physically move or store your items.
- Take direct responsibility for your belongings.
- Always guarantee pricing—some clients are surprised when the final mover charges more than the broker’s estimate.
What Is a Mover?
A mover (also called a household goods motor carrier) is the company that actually handles your belongings. They load, transport, and deliver your shipment using their own trucks and trained staff.
What Movers Do:
- Perform the physical work of your move.
- Provide binding or non-binding estimates.
- Assume legal liability for your belongings during transport.
- Offer valuation coverage and help resolve claims directly.
Why It Matters:
When you hire a mover directly, you’re dealing with the company responsible for your belongings. There’s less chance of miscommunication, fewer surprise fees, and more transparency when it comes to timelines, handling, and accountability.
How This Impacts Clients
The differences between a mover and a broker aren’t just technical—they can impact your experience, budget, and peace of mind. Here’s how:
- Responsibility and Accountability: When you hire a broker, they pass your job off to a third-party mover. If something goes wrong, you may find yourself caught between two companies. With a mover, the team you hire is the team that shows up—so responsibility is clear and direct.
- Pricing Surprises: Brokers often give low initial quotes to win your business, but the actual moving company may charge more once they arrive. A direct mover is more likely to provide accurate estimates based on an in-person or virtual survey.
- Communication Gaps: With a broker, you may not even know who your mover is until moving day. That can lead to confusion, delays, and frustration. With a mover, you have one point of contact from start to finish.
- Claims and Complaints: If there’s damage or delay, filing a claim can get complicated if you booked through a broker. A direct mover handles claims in-house, making resolution faster and simpler.
Peace of Mind: Working directly with a mover gives you more control and transparency throughout the entire process—from scheduling to delivery—so you can feel confident every step of the way.
Where Gerber Moving & Storage Fits In
Gerber Moving & Storage is a licensed mover, not a broker. That means:
✅ We own the trucks, employ the movers, and handle your belongings ourselves.
✅ We provide estimates based on direct surveys—so you get accurate, upfront pricing.
✅ We are directly responsible for your shipment’s care, safety, and on-time delivery.
✅ We offer valuation protection, handle claims personally, and stand behind our service.
When you choose Gerber, you’re not trusting your move to an unknown third party. You’re hiring a team that’s accountable from start to finish—and that’s been serving customers with honesty and professionalism for decades.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, knowing who you’re hiring is crucial. Brokers can complicate your move with unclear roles and shifting responsibility. Movers, like Gerber, offer hands-on service, clear communication, and peace of mind.
Have questions about your upcoming move? Reach out to Gerber Moving & Storage—we’re here to help, no middleman required.
Request an Estimate
The best way to give you a fair, accurate price is to have a Gerber representative visit your home or business. This service is free—there is no charge for us to do an on-site survey and prepare an estimate.
