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AMS Bekins review 2026 (Brisbane, CA)

In business since 1949 · Updated

AMS Bekins, a Brisbane, CA moving company, ranks #171 of 1153 movers in California, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.38/5.

90% of AMS Bekins' 633 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its organized packing, while the most common complaint involves damage to items.

In business since 1949, AMS Bekins holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #2256609) and operates 1 truck. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.

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How AMS Bekins measures up

Across 633 reviews, AMS Bekins in Brisbane, CA is rated 4.8/5 on Google (411 reviews) and 3.2/5 on Yelp (120 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

AMS Bekins ranks #171 out of 1153 movers in California with a moveBuddha Score of 4.38 out of 5.

  • moveBuddha Score

    moveBuddha Score

    The moveBuddha Score is a single 0–5 rating that combines everything we know about a mover, so you can compare companies without cross-referencing a dozen review sites.

    It weighs customer service, quote accuracy, review quality, industry experience, website quality, brand strength, and ratings from Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau.

    It is not a paid placement. Partners and non-partners are scored the same way.

  • Google rating

    Based on 411 reviews
  • Yelp rating

    Why does the Yelp score look different?

    AMS Bekins has a 3.2 rating on Yelp across 120 reviews, noticeably lower than its 4.8 on Google (411 reviews) and its A+ rating at the BBB.

    Yelp volume is low, so a small number of negative reviews has an outsized effect.

    We weight the much larger Google sample more heavily, but flag the Yelp score transparently so you can judge for yourself.

    If you’re comparing movers, get a free AMS Bekins quote and see how their price and responsiveness feel in practice.

    Based on 120 reviews
  • Better Business Bureau

    Other names on file at BBB

    The Better Business Bureau also lists AMS Bekins as Bekins AMS Relocation, Inc., AMS Relocation, Inc., and Bekins.

    Businesses are often filed at BBB under a legal, parent-company, or former name rather than the one they trade under, so if you look AMS Bekins up on BBB, search for these names too.

    View the BBB profile

    Based on BBB profile
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Is AMS Bekins moveBuddha Certified?

AMS Bekins is not moveBuddha Certified. Certified movers are licensed carriers vetted by moveBuddha and spot-checked every quarter. They meet higher standards for insurance, pricing transparency, and customer care.

With a Certified mover, moveBuddha does the vetting for you and provides added protection. AMS Bekins hasn't gone through that certification process, so it's important to check licensing, insurance, estimates, and claims policies yourself before booking.

What movebuddha certified movers offer

  • Up to $1,000 in added move coverage*. Extra protection for eligible moves.
  • Vetted for licensing and insurance**. We verify state-required insurance for local movers and liability and cargo coverage for interstate movers.
  • Dedicated moveBuddha support. Help through the move process.
  • Dispute mediation. moveBuddha steps in if issues arise.

Before you book, check:

  • USDOT and MC numbers. Look up the license and complaint history on FMCSA's site.
  • Insurance coverage. Ask for proof of liability and cargo insurance.
  • A written estimate. Binding or not-to-exceed, with every fee listed.
  • The claims process. Ask how damage claims are filed and how long they take.

* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind. About moveBuddha Certified

** Local movers must hold insurance that meets state requirements for local moves. Interstate movers must carry auto liability of at least $750,000, general liability of at least $1M, and motor truck cargo coverage at or above $5,000 per vehicle and $10,000 per occurrence.

What do customers say about AMS Bekins?

Out of 633 verified reviews, 90% of customers left a positive review about AMS Bekins in Brisbane, CA. 9.8% of reviews are negative and 0.6% are neutral. AMS Bekins has a 1% lower positive review percentage than the average California moving company (90% vs the California state average of 91%).

  • Positive89.6%(567)
  • Neutral0.6%(4)
  • Negative9.8%(62)

Based on 633 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.

What customers like about AMS Bekins

  • Organized packing

    AMS Bekins is often recognized for labeling boxes clearly and packing with structure and care.

  • Consistency and follow-up

    Reviewers liked that AMS Bekins stayed in touch before and after the move to ensure everything went smoothly.

  • Flexibility

    Clients liked that AMS Bekins was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.

  • Careful handling

    Belongings are treated with caution, and many customers report zero damage thanks to AMS Bekins's attention to detail.

  • Good communication

    Reviewers frequently mention clear, consistent updates from AMS Bekins throughout the moving process.

What positive reviewers say

  • “Jana was so organized and took care of all the paperwork. Two days later everything arrived safe and sound. None of my furniture or clothes were damaged or missing.”

    YelpVerified Reviewer
  • “Every step of my chaotic short notice move went well. Jim handled the estimate, Jana followed up, and the moving team arrived on time and worked quickly.”

    YelpVerified Reviewer
  • “They literally built an entire crate to shelter our mirror during transport. The crew clearly was experienced, had good teamwork, and everything went really smoothly.”

    YelpVerified Reviewer
  • “We had some difficulty getting the 18 wheeler in our new house, but they rented a small uhaul truck to go back and forth. They did it and still had a smile on their face.”

    YelpVerified Reviewer
  • “Austin's communication was constant, professional, and spot on. Eric communicated every step of the way, plus was always professional and polite.”

    YelpVerified Reviewer

What mixed reviewers say

  • “The crew arrived at 9:30 after I was told 7–8am. Nothing broke on the 400-mile move, and they arrived around the date and time they said they would.”

    YelpVerified Reviewer
  • “The pickup was smooth, but delivery arrived after the promised window. The driver apologized, yet I still had no clear idea why the shipment was delayed.”

    YelpVerified Reviewer

Most common complaints about AMS Bekins

  • Damage to items

    Some customers reported that items were damaged during packing or loading.

  • Misplaced or lost items

    In some cases, belongings went missing or were delivered to the wrong location.

  • Unexpected charges

    Hidden fees or surprise costs caused dissatisfaction among some AMS Bekins clients.

What negative reviewers say

  • “The packers arrived grossly underprepared, and Bekins charged $700+ over the estimate for extra supplies. Delivery was late, unloading was rushed, items were broken, and management stopped responding.”

    Zach AdamsVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “They lost one of our boxes containing expensive kitchen items and family memories. Dispatch and the driver stopped responding, and the claims department did not know what was happening.”

    Henry MillstoneVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “The movers broke my hydraulic bed and arrived an hour late, leaving too little time for paid unpacking. The company referred me to insurance and showed little interest in resolving it.”

    Max BolingbrokeVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “They tried to charge us more than the written not-to-exceed price and threatened to send our belongings to a warehouse unless we paid.”

    YelpVerified Reviewer

AMS Bekins

4.38Brisbane, CASince 1949

Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.

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What services does AMS Bekins offer?

AMS Bekins offers packing, plus storage.

Services offered

Is AMS Bekins licensed and insured?

Federally licensed, operating authority active

US DOT 2256609 Check on SAFER

Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha

Yes, AMS Bekins is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 2256609, as BEKINS VAN LINES INC, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a California intrastate license, number 0168138.

Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover AMS Bekins holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.

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State license number
0168138Issued by California. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
Registered legal name
BEKINS VAN LINES INCThe entity behind the trading name, as filed with the FMCSA
FMCSA safety rating
Not ratedMost carriers are unrated. A rating is only assigned after a compliance review. It is not a failed one.
Trucks registered
1Power units reported to the FMCSA
Miles driven
55Reported to the FMCSA for 2023
Roadside inspections
0Recorded by the FMCSA
FMCSA record last updated
May 2026

How much does AMS Bekins cost?

AMS Bekins does not publish hourly rates or flat fees publicly. Based on moveBuddha's data on moving companies operating in California, you can expect to pay approximately $129/hr. Total local-move costs from similar movers typically run $400–$750 for a studio or 1-bedroom, $850–$1,750 for a 2-3 bedroom, and $1,700–$3,400 for a 4+ bedroom home.

What similar movers typically bill for a local move

Full-service California moving companies similar to AMS Bekins typically bill the amounts below using a $129/hr rate for a 2-person crew and scaling up for larger homes that need more movers and hours.

Typical local move totals from similar movers
Home sizeTypical totalTime and crew
Studio / 1 bedroom$400–$7503–5 hours, 2 movers
2-3 bedrooms$850–$1,7505–8 hours, 2–3 movers
4+ bedrooms$1,700–$3,4008–12 hours, 3–4 movers

What payment options and discounts does AMS Bekins offer?

Accepts
Credit Cards
Deposit
Not listed, so ask

AMS Bekins accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.

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How AMS Bekins compares with other local movers

With a moveBuddha score of 4.38 out of 5, AMS Bekins trails the five top-rated movers in the Brisbane area, 0.10 points behind Dependable Movers, LLC. At 633 reviews, AMS Bekins has fewer reviews than four of the five. Where AMS Bekins falls behind is review quality, with the lowest review quality score in the group.

The five highest-scoring nearby movers, by moveBuddha score.

#MoverScoreReviews
1Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.San Bruno4.62675
2Pure Moving CompanySan Francisco4.562,911
3Got2MoveSan Francisco4.52766
4Gentle Giant Moving CompanySan Bruno4.50134
5Dependable Movers, LLCSan Francisco4.482,554
6AMS BekinsThis mover · ranks #64.38633

How does AMS Bekins compare to other California movers?

  • moveBuddha score#171 of 1153(better than average)

    4.38vs 3.67 avg

    AMS Bekins scores 4.38, above the California average of 3.67, and ranks #171 of 1153 California movers.

  • Positive reviews#761 of 1153(worse than average)

    90%vs 91% avg

    AMS Bekins has 90% positive reviews, below the California average of 91%, and ranks #761 of 1153 California movers.

  • Negative reviews#782 of 1153(worse than average)

    10%vs 8% avg

    AMS Bekins has 10% negative reviews, above the California average of 8%, and ranks #782 of 1153 California movers. A lower percentage is better.

  • Reviews analyzed#129 of 1153(better than average)

    633vs 268 avg

    AMS Bekins has 633 reviews analyzed, above the California average of 268, and ranks #129 of 1153 California movers.

  • Yelp rating#320 of 1153(worse than average)

    3.2vs 4.3 avg

    AMS Bekins has a Yelp rating of 3.2, below the California average of 4.3, and ranks #320 of 1153 California movers.

  • Years in business#20 of 1153(better than average)

    77 yearsvs 23 years avg

    AMS Bekins has been in business for 77 years, above the California average of 23 years, and ranks #20 of 1153 California movers.

MetricThis moverCalifornia avg
moveBuddha score#171 of 1153 in California4.383.67
Positive reviews#761 of 1153 in California90%91%
Negative reviewsLower is better#782 of 1153 in California10%8%
Reviews analyzed#129 of 1153 in California633268
Yelp rating#320 of 1153 in California3.24.3
Years in business#20 of 1153 in California77 years23 years

Compared with 1153 California movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in California.

AMS Bekins

4.38Brisbane, CASince 1949

Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.

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Final verdict: AMS Bekins

AMS Bekins earns a 4.38/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #171 among California movers, with 90% positive feedback across 633 customer reviews.

Customers consistently praise its organized packing and consistency and follow-up. It is best for customers prioritizing strong communication, helpful crews, and reliable service experience.

With 1 truck and a track record dating to 1949, it has more history than the average California mover, and the most common complaint is damage to items.

All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated October 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.

AMS Bekins

Brisbane, CA · Since 1949

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Why moveBuddha?

  • 30%+Average savings

    On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.

    Calculate your California moving cost 
  • $1,000Added move coverage*

    When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage*, plus dedicated support throughout your move.

  • 1-on-1Dispute mediation

    If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.

* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind.

How we score moving companies

Every mover on moveBuddha is scored on the same six factors, weighted by how much each one changes a move.

  • Quotes & payment optionsWeighs most

    The heaviest factor, because price certainty is where moves go wrong. We reward estimates you can hold a mover to, and terms disclosed before you pay.

  • Online reputationMajor factor

    An objective read from third parties rather than from the mover. The Google rating for the company's headquarters sets the band; Trustpilot, BBB, and independent review sites are read alongside it.

  • ServicesMajor factor

    The range a mover can actually cover, scored across seven categories, with extra credit for the uncommon ones most companies hand off to a subcontractor.

  • Customer supportSupporting factor

    How easily you can reach a human, and how clearly the mover sets expectations before, during, and after the move. Verified against company documentation and direct outreach.

  • Review feedbackSupporting factor

    A company's share of positive customer feedback, converted straight to points, with no curve and no editorial adjustment.

  • State availabilityMinor factor

    The lightest factor, and deliberately so: wide coverage helps more readers reach a mover, but it says nothing about how good the move will be.

What the scores are built on

  • 4,500+Moving companies analyzed
  • 1M+Authenticated reviews
  • 25+Independent data sources
  • 1,000+Live price points a month
  • $0Paid for a ranking
  • MonthlyRefreshed and re-verified

Read the full scoring methodology

Written by

Ryan CarriganCo-founder, moveBuddha

Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.

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