Industry Pioneers
$300 and a dream. The story of how two college friends changed the moving industry forever.
Est. October 22, 1976
$300 and a Dream
On October 22, 1976, with $300 and a lot of hope, two college friends launched Truckin' Movers. Their goals were to provide high quality moving services, lower costs to consumers, and to bring free enterprise back to the moving industry.
At that time, the moving industry was heavily regulated by both State and Federal agencies. These regulations prevented competition and kept the cost of moving artificially high. A government license was required to do long distance moving, and new licenses were not being issued.
Doug Carlton, one of Truckin' Movers' founders, worked as a mover during summers in both high school and college. He graduated from Duke University in June of 1976 with a double major in economics and political science. That summer Doug did some interstate moving for Duke faculty and graduate students. He decided to do something about the lack of free enterprise in the industry.
Shaking Up Monopolies
During a cross-country move, Doug came up with a unique concept for long distance moving that legally avoided government regulations. The approach was simple: on a long distance move, the customer rented and drove the truck, and Truckin' Movers did everything else.
Truckin' Movers brought the empty truck to the customer's home and provided every element of a full service move: packing, loading, and unloading. A crew member even rode in the cab next to the customer. But with the customer at the wheel, the move became unregulated.
In its first three years, Truckin' Movers moved approximately 500 families throughout the United States by this method. The success quickly came to the attention of the established moving industry. Conflict ensued.
The Landmark Victory
In its first year, Truckin' was investigated by the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), and audited by the IRS. Trucks were often detained and inspected at weigh stations.
In 1982, after a nine-month legal battle in Washington, DC, Truckin' Movers won a landmark case that helped pave the way for industry deregulation. The ICC granted the company a license to operate in all 48 contiguous states and set its own rates. A significant victory for free enterprise.
Today, nearly five decades later, the pioneering spirit that started with $300 and a dream continues to drive everything we do.
Our Journey
1976
Founded with $300 and a revolutionary concept for unregulated moving
1982
Won landmark ICC case. Licensed for all 48 contiguous states.
2000s
Expanded into international moving and storage services
Today
49+ years, 600+ reviews, 4.9 rating, serving NC and beyond
Our Credentials
USDOT
#0233952
US Dept. of Transportation
FMCSA
#MC159007
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
NCUC
#C-2262
NC Utilities Commission
BBB
A+ Rating
Better Business Bureau
What Our Customers Say
4.9 out of 5
Based on 281+ Google Reviews
Since opening my window coverings business a few years ago, I’ve spent a lot of time getting to know other business owners in the NC Triangle. Between the Home Builders Association of Durham, Orange & Chatham Counties, Wake Up Wednesdays in Pittsboro, and my weekly Bull City Business Leaders BNI mee
I worked with Truckin’ Movers for my local move from Durham to Raleigh and cannot recommend them enough! Jeff made everything easy to understand and was quick with the communication. Chris L, Alfonso, and Johntez arrived on time, handled everything with care, and were incredibly kind, professional,
Truckin Movers did a wonderful job moving my Aunt from North Carolina to Chicago. They were so easy to work with. Chris and John were so professional and friendly. They worked quickly but also were very sure to handle everything with care. Thank you for taking the stress out of the moving proces
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