Van Line Agency Networks

After you have chosen the van line ownership model you wish to be involved with, you should next look to see the coverage of the van line you are using. Many van lines offer nationwide service, but not many van lines have nationwide local coverage.

What is the difference?
Nationwide service is transportation and deliveries that are performed from 53' tractor trailers. It is fine if you are looking for dock deliveries or deliveries with good access, but what about those that require smaller trucks or extra men for unloading? Is your closest local agent going to have to drive from 2 states away for your service. This is the concept of an agent network. Van Lines accept agents who have shown specialty handling skill in high value products, and then created the network in which products are moved and delivered. If your van line boasts Nationwide Service, but only has 10 agent locations, make sure that you do not have any locals services that are required, because long drives and non-contracted agents can add up and decrease your service levels.

So how do I know how many agents my van line has?
Many van lines have constantly changing agent networks. This is a good and a bad thing. Although it is good because the coverage could change to an area that benefits you, it is also bad because high turn over of agents can often be a sign of either low payments to agents, or low volumes to agents. If agents have high volumes and highly paid contracts they will never want to leave and the service will be great. Unfortunately many van lines have troubles creating this network without loosing a good amount of competitiveness with pricing.

A good example of this is North American Van Lines. The North American parent company (Sirva) recent announced thier exit from the Logistics and High Value businesses. The customers of this Van Line are now wondering how they will be serviced. Although the van line is still open for business with the same name, the service agents have all changed. The network of family agents has shrunk from over 300 to less than 50. Of course this will greatly impact the levels of local service and pricing that happens in non-metro areas.

These are signs to look for when choosing your carrier. Many High Value Customers forget that when you are moving this type of commodity you are not looking to Roll the Dice on your Shipments. If you were, you would use Common Carriers, so why take another risk. Instead wisely investigate the Van Lines and chose the best one for your needs. Once you have chosen the van line, you should take the next step, Finding an Agent.