You know you need a reliable team to drive your moving business forward. But finding quality movers with the right attitude is easier said than done.
The good news is, you don’t need every member of your moving crew to have herculean strength, plus the ability to turn on the charisma for customers.
You just need the right people in the right seats on the bus.
In this series, we'll reveal five straightforward steps to help you attract and hire a team of professional movers you can count on.
Why now is the time to get your team dialed in
The importance of hiring quality movers can never be overstated — but the mission of building a rockstar moving crew feels even more critical in the immediate here and now.
With business operating costs going up, fewer people moving, and a workforce that’s half of what it used to be, revamping your hiring process is critical in today’s market.
But it’s important to note that the moving labor market has also changed. Today’s job seekers aren’t the same as yesterday’s.
According to our latest benchmark report surveying over 400 moving company owners, the majority of a mover’s office staff is between the ages of 36-50, while most crew members are between the ages of 26-35.
This generation has witnessed a lot of change in the job market. They’re less likely to take on a role simply for the sake of being employed. Instead, they place more emphasis on how a company contributes to their quality of life, including important factors like:
- Flexible scheduling
- Clear processes and onboarding
- A strong culture and employer brand
And with plenty of offers coming in from other potential employers, they also expect a fast and personalized recruitment experience that says something about who you are as a company.
“You can protect yourself from any economy by insulating yourself with a great culture. And I don't mean pingpong tables,” said expert sales coach Andy Elliott during a recent session on Igniting a Winning Culture in Your Company at the Virtual Movers Conference. “Leaders should be present in the company, telling everybody who they are and how they operate.”
“You can protect yourself from any economy by insulating yourself with a great culture.” — Andy Elliott, The Elliott Group
Moving company roles and responsibilities
Building a great team is about so much more than finding people who know their way around a roll of bubble wrap.
No matter what business challenges you’re up against, the success of your company hinges on the success of your team. But in order to get there, each and every member of your staff needs to know exactly what success looks like.
And nothing will confuse your team faster than not knowing exactly what it is they’re responsible for in the first place.
To make sure everyone on the team knows what’s expected, start by taking a closer look at the specific tasks and characteristics required of each role.
|
Role |
Responsibilities |
Desired Qualities |
|
Movers |
Packing, loading, unloading, assembly, disassembly, heavy lifting |
Physically able, team player, good communication, attention to detail |
|
Customer Service |
Assist customers, handle complaints, preserve customer relationships |
Communication, empathy, listening skills, patience, conflict resolution skills |
|
Sales Representative |
Lead generation, CRM management, objection handling, closing |
Sales experience, communication, listening and negotiation skills |
|
Sales Manager |
Support sales team, drive revenue |
Strong leadership and management skills, proven sales track record, ability to coach and motivate team |
|
Quality Assurance (QA) Manager / Quality Control Manager (QCM) |
Ensure each team member delivers a quality sales process, make random inspections, check for arrival time, vehicle cleanliness, proper uniforms, proper building protection, etc. |
Attention to detail, proven moving industry experience, strong communication |
|
Operations Manager |
Supervise dispatch, movers, warehouse operations, and customer service |
Solid leadership qualities, excellent organizational skills, clear and effective communication |
|
Estimator |
Assess the scope of moving projects, review inventory, ensure that estimates match scope |
Strong analytical skills, knowledge of moving industry practices and regulations, attention to detail |
|
Accounting |
Manage financial transactions and accounting records, prepare and analyze financial statements, monitor and reconcile accounts |
Proficiency in accounting experience with accounting software, knowledge of tax laws and regulations relevant to the moving industry |
5 steps to building a high-performing moving team
The job positions on your team will vary based on a variety of factors, including whether you specialize in local moves vs. long-distance moves, your current level of involvement in the business, and your plans for future growth.
Once you’ve clearly defined your roles and job descriptions, it’s time to start preparing your recruitment process. We’ve broken it down to five simple steps:
- Organize your systems and SOPs
- Create a compelling job description
- Promote your open roles
- Interview your top candidates
- Onboard for success
Dig deeper into each step, get tips from moving experts, and grab a list of interview questions to ask in your hiring process. Check out part 2 in our hiring series here.
