How do you choose a corporate relocation company?
Start by verifying that any candidate holds a valid USDOT number for interstate moves, certification from the American Trucking Association, and BBB accreditation. Then evaluate whether they have a dedicated corporate relocation program, not just residential moving with a corporate label, including assigned coordinators, guaranteed delivery windows, and the ability to handle employee moves across multiple states. Check their geographic coverage, review post-move satisfaction data and Google Reviews, and confirm they can scale with your volume quarter to quarter. The employee relocation experience reflects directly on your company, so service quality and track record matter as much as price.
Employee relocation is one of the more complex logistic challenges HR and operations teams face. Done well, it supports talent acquisition and employee satisfaction. Done poorly, it creates friction, erodes trust, and can cost you the employee you just moved.
The difference almost always comes down to the relocation partner you choose.
Quick Reference: What to Evaluate in a Corporate Relocation Partner
Licensing: Valid USDOT number, state licensing
Certifications: ProMover, BBB A+, Mayflower Agent
Corporate expertise: Dedicated coordinator, guaranteed dates
Geographic coverage: Multi-state + national/international
Employee experience: Post-move survey scores, references
Scalability: Can handle volume spikes without service drop
Google Reviews: Minimum 4.5-star rating with recent, detailed reviews that mention corporate or commercial moves specifically, volume and recency matter as much as the star rating.
1. Verify Licensing, Insurance, and Certifications
ProMover certification: A designation from the American Trucking Association requiring background checks, adherence to a code of ethics, and ongoing compliance reviews. It is one of the strongest credentialing signals in the moving industry.
Before evaluating anything else, confirm that every candidate is properly licensed and insured. For interstate employee moves, the company must hold a valid USDOT number and comply with FMCSA federal consumer protection regulations.
Additional credentials that signal genuine professionalism:
- Google Reviews
- ProMover Certification – background checks, ethics compliance, ongoing review
- BBB Accreditation with an A or A+ rating
- Mayflower Authorized Agent Status – agents must meet rigorous network quality standards
Premier Relocations holds all four, including an A+ BBB rating and annual recognition from Mayflower for performance excellence.
2. Evaluate Their Corporate-Specific Expertise
Not every moving company is built for corporate accounts. The questions that separate genuine corporate movers from residential companies with a corporate page:
- Do you have dedicated corporate relocation coordinators, not shared with residential dispatch?
- Can you handle moves for employees in multiple cities simultaneously?
- Do you offer guaranteed load dates and firm delivery windows?
- Can you manage auto transport as part of the employee relocation package?
- Do you provide lump sum or managed cap relocation program options?
Premier Relocations’ corporate relocation services are purpose-built for business clients, with customized programs for both the corporation and the individual employee.
3. Understand Exactly What’s Included
A low quote often means something critical has been excluded. When reviewing proposals, compare line by line:
- Is professional packing and unpacking included, or itemized separately?
- What valuation protection is offered for employee goods in transit?
- Are delivery dates guaranteed or estimated?
- What is the claims process if something is damaged?
- Is storage available if there’s a gap between the employee’s move-out and move-in dates?
Learn more about the specific benefits Premier offers to corporations and employees as part of its managed relocation program.
4. Confirm Geographic Coverage Matches Your Needs
A mover with strong local roots but no reach elsewhere covers only a fraction of your potential relocation needs. Your partner should be able to serve employees wherever they’re moving, whether that’s Detroit to Columbus, Buffalo to Chicago, or domestic to international.
Premier Relocations operates across Michigan, Ohio, New York, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts, with access to the full Mayflower national network for moves anywhere in the country. For employees relocating abroad, international moving services are also available.
5. Review the Employee Experience Track Record
The relocation experience reflects directly on your company. An employee who has a stressful, disorganized move will associate that frustration with the decision to ask them to relocate. Ask every candidate for:
- Post-move survey scores or satisfaction data
- References from HR contacts at similar companies
- How they handle problems, not just how they describe their process
Premier Relocations consistently earns recognition from Mayflower for performance excellence based on post-move survey scores, and has received Angie’s List’s Super Service Award for customer satisfaction. Read client testimonials here.
6. Confirm They Can Scale With Your Volume
Relocation needs vary significantly by quarter. A partner that handles one executive move in January must be able to handle ten employee relocations in June at the same service level. Ask specifically about peak-season capacity, crew depth, and how they manage volume spikes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a corporate relocation company?
A corporate relocation company is a professional moving firm that specializes in managing employee moves on behalf of businesses. Services typically include household goods transport, packing, storage, auto shipping, and coordination support, often through a dedicated account manager assigned to the company.
What should HR look for when choosing a relocation partner?
HR teams should verify USDOT licensing, ProMover certification, and BBB accreditation. Beyond credentials, evaluate whether the company has dedicated corporate coordinators, guaranteed delivery windows, multi-state coverage, and strong post-move satisfaction scores from employee surveys.
What is a ProMover certification for moving companies?
ProMover is a certification program that requires moving companies to pass background checks, adhere to a professional code of ethics, and maintain ongoing compliance. It is one of the strongest indicators of a reputable, professional mover.
What is a lump sum relocation package?
A lump sum relocation package is a fixed amount of money given directly to a relocating employee to manage their own move expenses. It gives employees flexibility but places the coordination burden on them rather than the company. Managed relocation programs, by contrast, handle logistics directly through a relocation partner.
How much does corporate relocation cost per employee?
Corporate relocation costs vary widely based on move distance, household size, services included, and whether packing and storage are part of the package. Local moves may cost $2,000-$5,000 per employee; long-distance or executive moves can range from $10,000 to $75,000 or more. Getting a no-cost estimate for each move type gives companies budget data.
What states does Premier Relocations serve for corporate moves?
Premier Relocations serves corporate clients around the entire country, wherever you are located. We also have national coverage through the Mayflower network and international moving support for global employee relocations.
Ready to discuss your company’s relocation program? Contact Premier Relocations for a customized corporate consultation.
