Market
Van lines still serve the primary purpose for which they were originally formed: to tie together a network of movers around the country so return loads can be obtained on long-distance trips. The domestic van line marketplace is a $3.8 billion market. International transportation, from or to the United States from another country, represents another $500 million of the market.
The moving industry is primarily involved with the movement of individual householders’ personal effects. Household goods is a generic term, defined by federal law as consisting of three categories or “provisos.” First proviso is personal effects belonging to a householder for use in a dwelling; second proviso is used furniture, fixtures, and equipment from a store, office, or establishment, but not stock-in-trade; and third proviso is objects of art, displays and trade show exhibits, and other similar articles requiring specialized handling and equipment. Third proviso is very broad and includes such items as high-value electronics.
Mayflower Transit’s market is composed of residential household goods, third proviso, government, national accounts, and international. Mayflower is recognized as the fifth-largest van line in America and has continued to gain in market share for the past four years.
