Based in the Bay Area, NOR-CAL Moving Services has been serving California residents and businesses with their moving needs since 1982. Today, NOR-CAL is a local agent of Allied Van Lines, which provides them with a national network of relocation specialists and resources. As a result of these affiliations and resources, this company has become a popular option for those seeking movers in Oakland, CA, particularly for long-distance moves. NOR-CAL offers an extensive range of services, including packing, storage, warehousing, crating, and more. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and decades of experience, NOR-CAL Moving Services has built a strong reputation over the last 30 years.
NOR-CAL Moving Services
based on 1049+ data points 
The Great Guys Moving Rating Index (GGMRI) is an impartial score of the best movers in a city.
The Great Guys Moving Rating Index (GGMRI) is an impartial score of the best movers in a city.
Moving Services
- Residential moving services
- Commercial moving services
- International relocation services
- Packing and crating services
- Office furniture/installation services
- Business cleanouts
- Warehouse racking and industrial shelving services
- Storage services (temporary or longterm)
- Ewaste recycling/removal services
- Surplus items disposal
USDOT Interstate LicenseIf you’re moving across state lines, you likely need to hire a moving company with a VALID USDOT license. This licensing information comes from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and applies to a moving company's ability to perform a long distance INTERstate move (for example: from California to Texas). If your move crosses state lines within the same commercial zone, or metropolitan area (for example: DC to Alexandria, VA), it is generally not considered an interstate move and a moving company may not need an "Active" license from FMCSA to perform this type of move. INTRAstate moves (within the same state or city) are regulated by state and local jurisdictions and licensing requirements vary according to locale.
If you’re moving across state lines, you likely need to hire a moving company with a VALID USDOT license. This licensing information comes from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and applies to a moving company's ability to perform a long distance INTERstate move (for example: from California to Texas). If your move crosses state lines within the same commercial zone, or metropolitan area (for example: DC to Alexandria, VA), it is generally not considered an interstate move and a moving company may not need an "Active" license from FMCSA to perform this type of move. INTRAstate moves (within the same state or city) are regulated by state and local jurisdictions and licensing requirements vary according to locale.Authorized
for Interstate Moves
Last Checked: 01/09/25*Note: this license information has not been manually verified. Please confirm all license information at https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov/CompanySnapshot.aspx
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Summarized Review of NOR-CAL Moving Services
We've analyzed the customer reviews to provide a summarized snapshot. Imagine the challenge of sifting through and reading every single review a moving company has ever received. Could you spot the fake reviews? Could you formulate a well-rounded analyses, or would you be left relying on a gut feeling?
Our rigorous evaluation process addresses this by meticulously vetting each moving company based on 11 crucial aspects of the moving experience:
1. Quality
7.65/10
Nationwide Average: 8.44/10
NOR-CAL Moving Services is generally perceived as offering exceptional service, with the majority of reviews praising their professionalism, efficiency, and carefulness, although there are a few reports of dissatisfaction regarding rudeness, unprofessionalism, and damage.
Recent Reviews Mention...
“totally satisfied with a super move”
“they were AMAZING and very respectful”
“Nor-Cal moving services is perhaps the best”
2. Punctuality
6.85/10
Nationwide Average: 8.07/10
NOR-CAL Moving Services generally demonstrates reliability in showing up on time, despite a notable number of instances where they were late or did not show up as scheduled.
Recent Reviews Mention...
“on time the day of the move”
“consultant did not show up for appointment”
“They showed up when they said on both ends”
3. Affordability
5.44/10
Nationwide Average: 7.69/10
NOR-CAL Moving Services has a mixed reputation with several customers finding their services notably affordable and competitively priced, while a significant number of others criticize the company for high costs and lack of pricing transparency.
Recent Reviews Mention...
“paid $30k for the move”
“materially more expensive than other movers.”
“more expensive than other services”
4. Communication
6.61/10
Nationwide Average: 7.53/10
NOR-CAL Moving Services generally provides exceptional, responsive, and professional communication, though there are notable instances of unresponsiveness and poor customer service that detract from the overall experience.
Recent Reviews Mention...
“easy to organize details via email”
“very respectful and solution-oriented”
“kept me updated during the move”
5. Stick to Prices
5.74/10
Nationwide Average: 5.99/10
NOR-CAL Moving Services displays a mixed record, with numerous customers appreciating their adherence to initial estimates while a significant portion reports discrepancies and unmet promises.
Recent Reviews Mention...
“estimate process was swift and accurate”
“Backed out on promises”
“lies to you and doesn't fix situation”
6. Speed
7.86/10
Nationwide Average: 8.58/10
NOR-CAL Moving Services generally receives praise for their efficiency and quick moving process, despite a few criticisms concerning delays and slowness from some customers.
Recent Reviews Mention...
“transportation experts on loading efficiently”
“took their sweet time to move”
“very fast loading and unloading”
7. Friendliness
8.1/10
Nationwide Average: 8.91/10
NOR-CAL Moving Services generally exhibits a highly positive demeanor, with a vast majority of feedback praising the polite, respectful, and friendly nature of their team, though there are a few instances of dissatisfaction due to rudeness or unprofessional behavior.
Recent Reviews Mention...
“polite team”
“they were kind and very respectful”
“very rude employees”
8. Will Hire Again
6.87/10
Nationwide Average: 8.18/10
NOR-CAL Moving Services has a predominantly positive response from clients, showcasing high satisfaction and repeat business intentions despite a handful of dissatisfied voices.
Recent Reviews Mention...
“recommend this company and would hire again”
“couldn't be happier with how they handled everything”
“very rude and not professional, wouldn't hire again”
9. Professionalism
7.11/10
Nationwide Average: 8.31/10
NOR-CAL Moving Services generally receives high praise for their crew's efficiency, helpfulness, and professional conduct, though there are notable instances of rudeness, unprofessional behavior, and customer dissatisfaction.
Recent Reviews Mention...
“were professional and solution-oriented”
“Very professional personal office & warehouse”
“very rude employees and unprofessional behavior”
10. Conflict Handling
2.56/10
Nationwide Average: 4.07/10
NOR-CAL Moving Services displays a predominantly negative pattern of behavior with several instances of failure to acknowledge or rectify mistakes, despite a few positive actions towards problem resolution.
Recent Reviews Mention...
“didn't acknowledge fault”
“offered a settlement then reneged”
“Promised to make things right and then backed out”
11. Precision & Care
6.62/10
Nationwide Average: 8.01/10
NOR-CAL Moving Services generally receives high praise for their attentiveness and professionalism, though there are significant recurring complaints about damage and mishandling, highlighting a polarized customer experience.
Recent Reviews Mention...
“didn't break or scratch one thing”
“best on wrapping customers goods”
“nothing was broken”
Customer Insights
Local Move Duration: 4.5 hours from 5 reviews
Interstate Move Duration: 10 days from 9 reviews
Great Crew Members
| Paul, Luis | Paul organized details, and Luis headed a very good team |
| Reynaldo Iraheta | handled everything wonderfully |
| David Morgan | David ensured efficient move and good communication |
| Freddy,Bill,Mark | outstanding service, very helpful, and care about customers |
| Chris | Chris provided detailed explanations and good service |
How do we review a moving company?
Imagine the challenge of sifting through and reading every single review a moving company has ever received. Could you spot the fake reviews? Could you formulate a well-rounded analyses, or would you be left relying on a gut feeling?
Our rigorous evaluation process addresses this by meticulously vetting each moving company based on 11 crucial aspects of the moving experience:
- 1. Quality
Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.
- 2. Punctuality
Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?
- 3. Affordability
1 = extremely expensive, 10 = extremely affordable
- 4. Communication
Was the office staff quick to respond to questions prior to moving day? Did the moving crew notify you on the day of move regarding any changes to the original schedule? If there were any issues to resolve after moving day, was an office manager quick to respond and address problems encountered?
- 5. Stick to Prices
Was a lowball quote provided to earn business only to see the final moving day price increase substantially?
- 6. Speed
Did the movers seem to take their precious time in an attempt to increase the overall cost of the move? Remember, moving is HARD work and some breaks should be expected!
- 7. Friendliness
Was the moving crew cordial and friendly to be around on moving day?
- 8. Will Hire Again
How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again for their next move.
- 9. Professionalism
Did the moving crew behave in a professional manner on moving day?
- 10. Conflict Handling
Accidents can and will likely happen at some point on moving day. How a moving company responds to these accidents can say a lot about the company.
- 11. Precision & Care
Were walls scratched? Did furniture get scuffed, broken, or lost?
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
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Additional Resources
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