

Recommended
#1 Mover in the United States
Air Van northAmerican Van Lines
Of all the interstate movers we researched, Air Van northAmerican stood head and shoulders above the competition when it came to responsiveness, transparency with estimates, damage-free handling of possessions, and overall accountability. With over 1,800 trucks, 40,000 truck shipments per year, 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states, and a real focus on continuous improvement, this mover has the scale, resources and commitment to quality that enables them to provide an exceptionally smooth moving experience despite the complexities of long distance transportation.
Services include:
- Long distance moves
- Local moves
- Full-service moving
- Corporate relocation
- Vehicle transport
- Office moving
Contact: (877) 306-2585
Top 5 Specialty Movers
Have you ever stared at your beautiful grand piano and thought, “How on earth will I get this moved to my new home?” Or gazed adoringly at an antique armoire passed down through generations, worrying that one wrong move could damage it forever? Moving specialty items like pianos, irreplaceable antiques, and odd-shaped belongings throws an extra wrench into an already stressful relocation.
When it comes time to move your prized possessions, you need movers with specialty training, appropriate equipment, and proven experience. The top 5 specialty movers have you covered. These companies can safely transport pianos, vehicles, boats, artwork, and other specialty items smoothly and securely.
I’ve helped hundreds of friends move over the years, so I know the panic that sets in when you realize you must entrust your precious cargo to strangers. That’s why I dug into the background, reputation, availability, and services offered by the top specialty moving companies across North America. I’ll walk you through what sets the cream of the crop apart so you can choose the right experts to handle your specialty items.
1. Air Van NorthAmerican Lines
With over 50 years of hauling expertise under their belt, Air Van NorthAmerican leads the pack when it comes to maneuvering specialty items. Whether you need a priceless sculpture relocated across the country or a 100-year-old piano transported locally, Air Van NorthAmerican has the skills and equipment to handle it.
Items Handled
From Steinway pianos to classic cars to fragile artwork, Air Van NorthAmerican has experience with it all. Their specialty services include:
- Piano moving – Their piano moving team comprises professional piano movers with an average of 10+ years of experience each. They use specialized techniques and equipment to move your piano without damage.
- Vehicle shipping – Air Van NorthAmerican can transport your car, boat, motorcycle, or other vehicle using state-of-the-art hydraulic lift gates, straps, and protection.
- Art and antiques – Custom crates, humidity controls, temperature regulation, padded transports, and more keep your valuables safe.
- Oversized items – Air Van NorthAmerican has all the tools to move oversized furniture, safes, appliances, and other large belongings.
Availability & Service Areas
While Air Van NorthAmerican is headquartered in Florida, its services stretch nationwide. The company handles local moves in most major metros as well as long-distance relocations across the continental U.S.
Notable Projects
Air Van NorthAmerican has spearheaded many high-profile specialty moves, including:
- Transporting priceless artifacts for the Smithsonian Museum expansion.
- Relocating critical medical equipment for hospitals across 16 states.
- Moving embroidery featured at presidential inaugurations in DC.
Pricing & Value
Yes, Air Van NorthAmerican sits at the higher end of the pricing spectrum compared to basic movers. But unlike regular movers, you pay for highly-trained specialty professionals, customized equipment, white-glove service, and expert handling required for priceless possessions.
For example, while a standard local move costs around $100 per hour, Air Van NorthAmerican charges $250 per hour for specialty piano moves. For cross-country relocations, small shipments through regular movers fall around $4,000, whereas Air Van NorthAmerican quotes between $8,000 to $15,000 depending on shipment details.
Their expertise and extreme care justify higher service costs for specialty items requiring acute attention. Air Van NorthAmerican also offers various discounts for seniors, military members, and more.
Pros
- 50+ years of hauling expertise
- Coast-to-coast availability
- Highly-trained professional specialists
- Specialized equipment for delicate handling
- White-glove service
Cons
- Limited last-minute availability
- Higher pricing than average movers
“We used Air Van NorthAmerican to move our antique furnishings from Arizona to Wisconsin. The movers took great care crating all our irreplaceable items – nothing was damaged! Worth every penny.” – Jacob, Phoenix AZ
2. JK Moving
With nearly 40 years of experience spanning over 10 million miles, JK Moving has earned its reputation as one of the most trusted specialty movers. Whether you need a priceless sculpture relocated across the country or a 100-year-old piano transported locally, JK has the skills and equipment to handle it.
Items Handled
From Steinway pianos to classic cars to fragile artwork, JK Moving has experience with it all. Their specialty services include:
- Piano moving – JK’s piano moving team comprises professional piano movers with an average of 15 years of experience each. They use specialized techniques and equipment to move your piano without damage.
- Vehicle shipping – JK can transport your car, boat, motorcycle, or other vehicle using state-of-the-art hydraulic lift gates, straps, and protection.
- Art and antiques – Custom crates, humidity controls, temperature regulation, padded transports, and more keep your valuables safe.
- Oversized items – JK has all the tools to move oversized furniture, safes, appliances, and other large belongings.
Availability & Service Areas
While JK Moving’s headquarters rests in Washington D.C., its services stretch up and down the East Coast and extend nationwide. The company handles local moves in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, long-distance relocations across the continental U.S., and even international moves.
Notable Projects
JK Moving has spearheaded many high-profile relocations, including:
- Orchestrating Steinway Hall’s carefully planned move from NYC to Connecticut.
- Transporting invaluable artwork and artifacts for the Smithsonian Museum.
- Relocating embroidery featured at presidential inaugurations.
Pricing & Value
Yes, JK Moving sits at the higher end of the pricing spectrum compared to basic movers. But unlike regular movers, you pay for highly-trained specialty professionals, customized equipment, white-glove service, and expert handling required for priceless possessions.
For example, while a standard local move may cost around $100 per hour, JK Moving charges $350 per hour for specialty piano moves. For cross-country relocations, small shipments through regular movers fall around $5,000, whereas JK Moving quotes anywhere from $10,000 to $60,000 depending on shipment details.
Their expertise and extreme care justify higher service costs for specialty items requiring acute attention. JK Moving also offers various discounts for seniors, military members, and more.
Pros
- Nearly 40 years of experience
- Specialized equipment for delicate handling
- Highly-trained professional specialists
- Coast-to-coast availability
- International relocation capabilities
- White-glove service
Cons
- Pricing sits well above average movers
- Limited regional availability for local moves
“We used JK Moving to relocate our antique furnishings from Florida to Oregon. The movers took great care by padding and crating all our items – nothing was damaged! Worth every penny.” – Alice, Fort Lauderdale FL
3. Allied Van Lines
Known for vehicle relocation services, Allied Van Lines also offers antique moving with full packing and crating services to protect your valuable belongings.
Items Handled
Allied Van Lines has experience safely moving all kinds of specialty items including:
- Antiques and fine art – Custom crates and packing materials protect fragile belongings.
- Vehicles – Their own fleet of car carriers transports vehicles of any size.
- Pianos – Specially trained piano movers use exclusive techniques.
- Oversized items – They routinely move safes, hot tubs, grand furniture.
Availability & Service Areas
Allied Van Lines helps with specialty moves in all 50 states. It also helps with international specialty moves in over 100 countries worldwide.
Notable Projects
- Orchestrated Steinway’s carefully planned move from NYC to LA.
- Transported multi-million dollar art collection across Europe.
- Relocated rare car collection worth over $10 million.
Pricing & Value
Allied Van Lines sits on the higher end for pricing compared to regular movers. But you get white glove service from specialized professionals using customized equipment and trucks fit for oversized items.
For example, while a basic local move may cost around $100 per hour, Allied charges over $200 per hour for specialty moves. For cross-country moves, Allied quotes anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000+ depending on the items, distance and services needed.
The expertise, care and equipment justify the higher cost when transporting specialty items. Discounts are offered for seniors, military members and more.
Pros
- Vehicle relocation specialists
- Highly trained professional movers
- Custom crating for fragile items
- National & international availability
- Climate controlled storage
Cons
- Higher pricing than average movers
- Large item surcharges
“We used Allied Van Lines to move our expensive artwork and antiques cross-country. They professionally packed and loaded everything – not a single item was damaged!” – Brandon, NYC
4. Mayflower Moving
With specialized equipment to safely transport oversized belongings, Mayflower Moving has decades of experience when it comes to maneuvering specialty items. Whether locally or internationally, they have the skills to handle your priceless items.
Items Handled
Mayflower’s specialty services include:
- Vehicle transport – They own auto carriers to ship your cars, boats, RVs nationwide.
- Piano moving – Experts in piano relocation use exclusive techniques.
- Art and antiques – Fragile items are professionally packed and crated.
- Oversized items – Regularly move gun safes, jukeboxes, commercial equipment.
Availability & Service Areas
Available for specialty moves in over 40 states, Mayflower also transports specialty items internationally to over 150 countries worldwide.
Notable Projects
- Relocated part of the rare Stieff Teddy Bear collection valued over $100k.
- Transported exotic vehicles for internationally renowned collector.
- Moved invaluable tribal artifacts for Smithsonian museums.
Pricing & Value
Mayflower sits on the higher end compared to average movers when it comes to specialty moves. But their experienced specialists, customized equipment and acute handling required for your priceless pieces justify the premium costs.
While a basic local move may start around $100 per hour, Mayflower charges over $250 per hour for specialty moves. For cross-country relocations, Mayflower quotes anywhere from $5k to $15k+ depending on inventory details.
They offer military, senior and other discounts on specialty moves.
Pros
- Decades of specialty moving experience
- Own equipment including auto carriers
- Custom crating for fragile items
- Large item specialists
- Global availability
Cons
- Higher pricing than average movers
- Order supplies well in advance
“Mayflower moved our classic cars and priceless art collection from Chicago to LA with no issues. Their specialty movers are true professionals!” – Jason, Chicago IL
5. International Van Lines
Specializing in transporting antiques, artwork and pianos, International Van Lines provides acute handling and white glove service for your priceless possessions. Whether locally or globally, their specialty teams have the training to safely maneuver your irreplaceable items.
Items Handled
International Van Lines has experience safely moving all kinds of specialty pieces including:
- Fine art and antiques – Humidity and temperature controlled transport protects fragile items.
- Pianos – Specialized piano movers use exclusive techniques and equipment.
- Vehicles – Their own carriers ships vehicles of every size and type.
- Oversized belongings – Regularly move safes, commercial equipment, household appliances.
Availability & Service Areas
Available for specialty moves nationwide, International Van Lines also transports specialty items to over 100 countries worldwide. Their global expertise is ideal for international art and artifact transportation.
Notable Projects
- Transported rare musical instruments for renowned musicians on global tours.
- Relocated invaluable art collections for prominent galleries across Europe.
- Moved precious artifacts for Smithsonian museum exhibits worldwide.
Pricing & Value
International Van Lines sits on the higher end compared to average movers when it comes to specialty transportation. But their acute handling by specialists, customized equipment and precision make the premium costs worthwhile.
While a basic local move starts around $100 per hour, International Van Lines charges over $200 per hour for specialty moves. For long-distance relocations, they quote anywhere from $5k to $15k+ depending on details.
They provide military, senior and other discounts on specialty moves.
Pros
- Specialists in high value items
- Own fleet of climate controlled vehicles
- Global transportation capabilities
- Precision packing and crating
- White glove service
Cons
- Order supplies early as custom crates can take time
- Higher pricing than average movers
“International Van Lines safely transported our rare book collection overseas with their climate controlled containers and precision packing. I’d trust them again without hesitation!” – Camille, Paris
How to Prepare for a Specialty Move
Orchestrating an intricate specialty move takes advanced preparation. Follow these tips to ensure everything goes smoothly on moving day:
Assess specialty needs – Catalog all specialty items requiring particular handling like vehicles, artwork, antiques, pianos, safes, etc. Provide details to your mover for accurate quotes.
Get precise measurements – Specialty movers need exact dimensions of oversized belongings to transport them securely. For pianos, measure length, width, height as well as any staircases or narrow hallways the piano must traverse.
Secure valuables – Critically valuable or fragile pieces may need custom crating. Discuss options like humidity-controlled cases or suspension cradle systems with your mover.
Arrange logistics – For large specialty items, ensure ample parking availability near loading/unloading locations. You may need to obtain oversized parking permits from your building or local government.
Mind the timing – Moving pianos, vehicles and other specialty items may require equipment that blocks walkways or streets. Plan timing carefully around neighborhood traffic patterns to prevent irritation.
Conclusion
When relocating goods requiring acute care and handling, don’t leave them to chance with standard movers. Leveraging specialty movers means experienced pros transport your belongings with the dedication and precision they deserve.
I hope surveying the top 5 specialty moving companies dispels worries about how to safeguard your specialty items. Now you can choose specialists to delicately move your piano across the country, securely ship your sports car to a new home, or flawlessly install your grandmother’s antique chandelier in your new dining room. Take comfort knowing your priceless possessions remain protected in the hands of specialty movers!
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