TSI shipping review: Pricing, services & customer reviews
Here’s the bottom line: TSI (Transit Systems, Inc.) is a licensed moving broker that has arranged small long-distance moves and specialty shipments since 1989, and it holds an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). It works best for loads under 3,500 pounds moving more than 150 miles within the contiguous U.S. Because brokers hand your move to a separate carrier, moveBuddha doesn’t recommend working with brokers, so confirm which carrier will handle your shipment before you book.
rating
4.7 / 5
Pros & cons of TSI
- Specializes in small, long-distance moves
- Ships antiques, pianos & family heirlooms
- Offers white-glove packing & custom crating
- Arranges car & boat shipping
- Holds an A+ BBB rating & accreditation
- Doesn’t handle local moves under 150 miles
- Books moves through partner carriers as a broker
- Long pickup & delivery windows
- No moves to Alaska or Hawaii
Why moveBuddha:
- On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
- When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
Key takeaways:
- Licensed broker: TSI is a licensed household goods broker (USDOT 517872, MC-261796) based in Malvern, Pennsylvania. It matches your shipment with carriers from its nationwide network instead of running its own trucks.
- Strong track record: TSI made the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies six years in a row and has been an approved UPS provider for large-item shipping since 1993.
- Phone quotes: You can start a quote online, but a TSI logistics specialist confirms your price by phone, sometimes after a video survey of your items.
Jump to the TSI info you’re looking for:
What do customers say about TSI?
Most TSI customers rate their experience highly. As of September 2026, TSI holds a 4.3 out of 5 rating from 1,379 reviews on Shopper Approved. The BBB gives TSI an A+ rating, and TSI has been BBB accredited since 2009.
Happy customers praise TSI’s care with fragile items. Positive reviews mention well-packed antiques, pianos, grandfather clocks, and rugs that arrived in good condition, plus helpful coordinators who answered questions quickly.
Unhappy customers mostly complain about timing and damage. The BBB logged five complaints in the past three years, split between billing, delivery, and service issues. TSI answered all five. Negative reviews on other sites describe slow deliveries, late crews, and damaged furniture handled by TSI’s subcontracted carriers.
“TSI is a great company. I had several antique rugs to ship to Manhattan. The crew was wonderful and efficient. There were complex delivery instructions for the New York building where the rugs were going. They had to be carried a block. The crew handled everything perfectly. My experience with the central office was very professional and nice. They are definitely the only shipping company I will use.”
—Alice R., Shopper Approved
“This is the second time we’ve used TSI for our shipping needs and they’ve been great both times. The first time we shipped an old refrigerator from the 1950s and this last time we shipped a China Closet and Buffet table. They’re very professional and pickup and drop off from the crew each time has been amazing. I highly recommend using this company for your shipping needs.”
—Mike L., Shopper Approved
“We were please with the final result but the process too a long time over five months. The furniture and boxes were delivered nicely and as stipulated. Our only problem was the time involved”
—Robert, Shopper Approved
How much does TSI cost?
TSI prices small moves by weight, distance, and service level. According to TSI’s website, shipping 1,000 pounds from Philadelphia to Los Angeles costs about $2,900 with no special requirements, while a full small house of about 5,000 pounds moving 1,000 miles runs closer to $10,000.
Here are the rough price examples TSI publishes. Crating, indoor delivery, and other special requirements raise the price.
| Shipment size | Route or distance | TSI’s estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000 lbs | Philadelphia to Los Angeles | About $2,900 |
| 2,000 lbs | Chicago to Orlando, FL | About $3,394 |
| 1,000 lbs (a couple of rooms) | 1,000 miles | From $3,500 |
| 3,000 lbs (2-bedroom apartment) | 1,000 miles | At least $5,000 |
| 5,000 lbs (full small house) | 1,000 miles | Close to $10,000 |
You can start a quote online by entering your origin, destination, and move size. A TSI logistics specialist then calls to confirm your price. Larger moves are the most likely to need a virtual video survey so your estimate matches what’s actually shipping.
Pro tip: Ask TSI whether your quote includes indoor delivery and crating, since its published examples leave out special requirements. Our guide to binding vs. non-binding estimates explains which quote type protects you from price changes.
Once you have a TSI quote, compare it with moveBuddha’s moving cost calculator. The calculator weighs distance, home size, move date, and service level together, so the range you get reflects your actual move instead of a flat industry average.
What services does TSI offer?
TSI arranges long-distance moving and shipping through its nationwide network of carriers. Services include:
- Small moves: TSI defines a small move as anything under 3,500 pounds. That covers everything from one or two pieces of furniture to the contents of an average two-bedroom home.
- Interstate moves: TSI handles relocations of more than 150 miles across the 48 contiguous states. Its Full Service Expedited option suits larger moves on tighter timelines.
- College moves: Students choose from three options: Full Service Expedited, the Box-and-Ship program, or White Glove Consolidated for furniture. TSI recommends Box-and-Ship for most college moves.
- Storage unit moves: TSI can pick up from or deliver to a storage unit. That includes moving a whole home into storage or a few boxes between units.
- Senior moves: TSI’s Moves for Seniors division, launched in 2009, helps older adults downsize and relocate. It can also ship heirlooms to several family members in different states.
- White-glove service: White Glove Consolidated includes professional furniture prep and indoor pickup and delivery. It comes with limited liability coverage, so consider extra insurance for valuable items.
- Office moves: TSI’s commercial division handles office moves and employee relocations. Business clients get a dedicated account manager.
- Auto shipping: TSI arranges car, motorcycle, and boat shipping through partner carriers anywhere in the U.S. or Canada. Vehicles must run, roll, and steer.
- Professional organizing: TSI connects customers with organizers for sorting, decluttering, downsizing, and cleanouts before or after a move.
- Emergency shipping: TSI offers rush shipping for last-minute commercial needs, like getting products to a trade show. Pricing depends on the size of the job.
- Box shipping: The flat-rate Box-and-Ship program delivers empty boxes to you, then picks them up door to door. Each box includes $100 of insurance.
- Specialty shipping: TSI ships antiques, artwork, pianos, clocks, and other fragile items, with custom crating available.
- Insurance: TSI’s Moving Insurance costs $7 per $100 of declared value. Every claim carries a $100 deductible and requires proof of damage, proof of value, and a repair estimate.
TSI is particularly good for moving just a few items. Check out TSI’s specialized services and other options for small moves here
Learn MoreHow does TSI compare to other small movers?
TSI is one of the best moving companies for small loads, but it isn’t the only option. moveBuddha scores movers across 72 data points covering reputation, licensing, pricing transparency, and customer service, and these two small-load alternatives are worth a quote.
TSI vs. MiniMoves
MiniMoves is a full-service mover that focuses on small moves. MiniMoves has no minimum weight or size, and its binding estimates lock in your price for up to 30 days.
Both companies have more than 30 years in business, but they cover different ground. MiniMoves doesn’t serve Alaska, Hawaii, North Dakota, or South Dakota, while TSI covers all 48 contiguous states. MiniMoves also handles local moves and international moves through MM Worldwide, which TSI doesn’t.
TSI vs. U-Pack
U-Pack is a self-service moving container and trailer company. You pack and load yourself, though U-Pack can add hired labor through HireAHelper. TSI’s white-glove packing and crating make it the stronger pick for fragile items.
U-Pack serves all 50 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico, which gives it a wider reach than TSI. U-Pack doesn’t charge a deposit and can store your belongings at its service centers if you have a gap between homes.
rating
5 / 5
The table below compares all three small-move options side by side.
| Company | BBB rating | Service area | Service type |
|---|---|---|---|
| TSI | A+ | 48 states (not AK or HI) | Full-service broker, moves of 150+ miles |
| MiniMoves | A+ | 46 states (not AK, HI, ND, or SD) | Full-service mover, no minimum size |
| U-Pack | A+ | All 50 states, Canada & PR | Self-pack containers & trailers |
Bottom line: Choose TSI for fragile furniture and heirlooms, MiniMoves for small local or binding-price moves, and U-Pack for the lowest-cost DIY option.
How does moving with TSI work?
TSI consolidates your items with other shipments headed the same direction, which keeps costs down but stretches timelines. Expect 1 - 3 weeks for pickup and up to four more weeks for delivery, though busy routes can move faster.
After you book, you can list your inventory or complete a video survey so your quote stays accurate. Then decide whether to pack yourself or pay for professional packing.
A carrier from TSI’s network picks up your items, and boxes usually arrive faster than furniture. TSI offers priority pickup and Full Service Expedited service if you need a tighter window.
Confirm payment and cancellation terms before you book. TSI accepts credit cards, but some customers report paying 50% upfront and the balance on delivery. Ask a TSI representative for the exact terms in writing.
Pro tip: Note any damage on your delivery receipt and report it within 48 hours, since TSI’s insurance programs require both. Our guide explains how to file a damage claim after a move.
Should you use TSI to move?
TSI is a strong choice for shipping a few pieces of furniture, antiques, or a small household across the country. It’s a weaker fit for local moves, large homes, and tight deadlines.
Use TSI if:
- You need white-glove handling: TSI’s packing and custom crating protect antiques, pianos, and heirlooms in transit.
- You’re a senior downsizing: The Moves for Seniors division specializes in relocations for older adults and their families.
- You’re moving a storage unit: TSI picks up from and delivers to storage facilities across the contiguous U.S.
Don’t use TSI if:
- You’re moving locally: TSI focuses on moves of more than 150 miles.
- You’re moving to Alaska or Hawaii: TSI’s moving services cover only the 48 contiguous states.
- You have a firm deadline: Consolidated shipments can take several weeks, so a direct carrier may suit you better.
Before you book, check your TSI quote against moveBuddha’s pricing tools. They run on 1,000+ live price points collected every month and research on 4,500+ movers, so you have a real benchmark instead of a single quote. If you want $1,000 in added coverage and dispute mediation, compare quotes from moveBuddha Certified movers too.
rating
4.7 / 5
FAQ
Is TSI a legitimate moving company?
Yes. TSI is a licensed household goods broker under USDOT 517872 and MC-261796, and it has held an A+ BBB rating with accreditation since 2009. It has arranged moves since 1989.
Is TSI a broker or a moving company?
TSI is a licensed moving broker, not a carrier. It books your shipment with vetted carriers from its nationwide network, so a partner company does the actual pickup and delivery. Ask TSI who will handle your move before you book.
How long does TSI take to deliver?
Most TSI shipments take 1 - 3 weeks for pickup and up to four more weeks for delivery. Boxes usually arrive faster than furniture. Priority pickup and Full Service Expedited options can shorten that timeline.
What does a small move with TSI cost?
TSI estimates about $2,900 to ship 1,000 pounds from Philadelphia to Los Angeles. A 3,000-pound, two-bedroom move going 1,000 miles starts at about $5,000. Crating and indoor delivery cost extra.
Does TSI do local moves?
TSI focuses on long-distance moves of more than 150 miles within the 48 contiguous states. For a local move, a local full-service mover or labor-only company is usually a better fit.
How do I contact TSI?
Call TSI at 1-800-626-1257, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, or text 1-610-557-8491. You can also request a quote at tsishipping.com.
How we chose the best moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.
Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.
Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.
State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.
Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).
Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.
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