The True Cost of Cheap: Why ‘Per Load’ Moving Quotes Are a Financial Trap
Hello everyone,
As the CFO of Eezi Move, my job revolves around numbers, transparency, and value.
While it’s natural to look for the most competitive price when moving, there is a massive difference between a good deal and a financial trap.
Lately, we’ve seen a worrying trend: moving companies offering deceptively low prices by quoting “per truckload” instead of providing a fixed rate based on a complete inventory.
A recent incident at our Pretoria storage facility perfectly illustrates why this is so dangerous.
The Story: A Deal Too Good to Be True
We recently quoted a client moving from our Pretoria storage units to Bela-Bela, a 127km journey one way (254km return trip). The client turned us down, stating she had found a significantly cheaper price elsewhere.
When my team ran the numbers to see if we could match it, the math simply didn’t work. The competitor’s price would barely cover baseline operational costs, not just fuel and tolls, but the basic expenses of labour, insurance, and vehicle maintenance for a 254km round trip.
We gently urged the client to double-check the fine print and ensure the other company had all the correct details. She assured us they did. We wished her well, though we had a sinking feeling.
Moving Day: The Hyundai Bakkie Surprise
On moving day, the competitor arrived at our facility. Instead of a professional moving truck, they showed up in a Hyundai bakkie. Our team immediately saw that it wouldn’t fit even a quarter of her furniture.
Minutes later, the client called our office in a panic.
“They’re telling me it will take three to four trips, and they can only give me the final price once everything is loaded!”
She had missed the fine print: the competitor had quoted a rock-bottom price per load, not for the entire move. A trip that should have taken one large truck was now going to cost her three to four times the original estimate, dragging out over days. We quickly stepped in, re-quoted her on the spot, and sent the correct vehicle to save the day.
Unfortunately, it seemed like she would not be able to recover her deposit paid to the competitor.
Why a “Complete Inventory” Quote Wins Every Time
At Eezi Move, we refuse to play the “per load” game. When we give you a quote, it is backed by an itemized, complete inventory. Here is why that protects your wallet:
- The Right Vehicle: We assess your furniture beforehand, so we know exactly what size truck to send. Your move happens in one efficient trip.
- Guaranteed Pricing: An inventory-based quote means the price we give you is the price you pay. No hidden multipliers, no surprise extra trips.
- True Accountability: Companies quoting “per load” have a financial incentive to bring a smaller vehicle to stretch the move out. We take the responsibility to get it right the first time.
My Advice as a CFO
If a moving quote looks too good to be true, it is. Look closely at the terms before you sign. If you see phrases like “per load” or “subject to vehicle capacity,” or if they don’t ask for a detailed inventory list, run the other way.
At Eezi Move, we might not always look like the cheapest option on paper at first glance, but we will always be the most honest, transparent, and cost-effective choice when the moving day dust settles.