Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. review 2026 (Salinas, CA)
In business since 1964 · Updated
Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc., a Salinas, CA moving company, ranks #225 of 1125 movers in California, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.34/5.
79% of Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc.'s 34 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its experienced movers, while the most common complaint involves misplaced or lost items.
In business since 1964, Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #1281833) and operates 9 trucks. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. measures up
Across 34 reviews, Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. in Salinas, CA is rated 4.4/5 on Google (16 reviews) and 3.6/5 on Yelp (12 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. ranks #225 out of 1125 movers in California with a moveBuddha Score of 4.34 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 4.34.
- Website
- 5.0
- Industry experience
- 4.7
- Brand
- 4.5
- Review quality
- 4.5
- Customer service
- 4.1
Google rating
Based on 16 reviews
Yelp rating
Based on 12 reviews
Better Business Bureau
Based on BBB profile
Is Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. moveBuddha Certified?
Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. 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. Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. 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 Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc.?
Out of 34 verified reviews, 79% of customers left a positive review about Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. in Salinas, CA. 14.7% of reviews are negative and 5.9% are neutral. Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. has a 11% lower positive review percentage than the average California moving company (79% vs the California state average of 90%).
- Positive79.4%(27)
- Neutral5.9%(2)
- Negative14.7%(5)
Based on 34 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc.
Experienced movers
With years of experience, Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc.'s crew brought confidence and know-how to each move.
Affordable rates
Many reviewers found Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.
Flexibility
Clients liked that Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.
Friendly and approachable staff
Many customers felt at ease working with the courteous and personable team at Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc..
Good communication
Reviewers frequently mention clear, consistent updates from Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. throughout the moving process.
What positive reviewers say
“I've done numerous moves as a member of the military...this was the best company I've ever had. Consummate professionals.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “The price for moving out seemed very reasonable, as did the storage fees. Everything was so well packed. The final bill was much less than I thought it was going to be.”
Glenn R.Verified ReviewerYelp“Quick to respond and coordinate. Got us scheduled within the next week. Fast, efficient, and nice movers; all items were intact and delivered with ease.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “When I explained my hearing problem, Gabby was immediately really cooperative. The movers were very polite and communicated with me constantly; everything went very smoothly.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “Jose and Joseph were so careful with everything. The front office interactions were also a pleasure, and the final bill was substantially less than the estimate.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
Most common complaints about Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc.
Misplaced or lost items
In some cases, belongings went missing or were delivered to the wrong location.
Damage to items
Some customers reported that items were damaged during packing or loading.
Delayed arrival or delivery
Several reviewers experienced frustrating delays either on moving day or with final delivery.
What negative reviewers say
“They scratched up my dinner table, broke a leg off a couch, and lost half the hardware for my kids' bunk beds.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Everything they moved for me, about 6 items, arrived at my new place broken, damaged, put together incorrectly, and so on.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “They were supposed to arrive between 8am and noon but did not arrive until 4:30pm. There was a verbal apology, but no compensation was offered.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc.
4.34Salinas, CASince 1964
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc.
4.34
Salinas, CA · Since 1964
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc., then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Salinas.
Compare prices side by side
See where Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
What services does Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. offer?
Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. offers full-service moving, local moves, and long-distance moves. It also provides commercial moves, packing, and storage.
Services offered
Is Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. licensed and insured?
Federally licensed, operating authority active
US DOT 1281833 Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 1281833, as MONTEREY TRANSFER AND STORAGE INC, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a California intrastate license, number 0094991.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- 0094991Issued by California. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
- Registered legal name
- MONTEREY TRANSFER AND STORAGE 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
- 9Power units reported to the FMCSA
- Miles driven
- 190,000Reported to the FMCSA for 2024
- Roadside inspections
- 0Recorded by the FMCSA
- FMCSA record last updated
- July 2026
How much does Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. cost?
Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. 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. Long-distance (500-1,000 mi) 2-3 bedroom moves from similar movers typically run $4,500–$7,500.
What similar movers typically bill for a local move
Full-service California moving companies similar to Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. 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.
| Home size | Typical total | Time and crew |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $400–$750 | 3–5 hours, 2 movers |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $850–$1,750 | 5–8 hours, 2–3 movers |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,700–$3,400 | 8–12 hours, 3–4 movers |
What similar movers typically bill for a long-distance move
Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. is licensed for interstate moves, which are typically priced by weight and distance. Ranges below reflect totals from similar full-service California moving companies.
| Home size | Distance | Typical total |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 bedrooms | 500–1,000 mi | $4,500–$7,500 |
| 4+ bedrooms | 500–1,000 mi | $7,000–$11,500 |
What payment options and discounts does Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. offer?
- Accepts
- Credit Cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
How Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. compares with the top 5 Salinas movers
With a moveBuddha score of 4.34 out of 5, Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. places fifth when ranked against the five top-scoring Salinas movers, just behind Tavares Packing & Loading and 0.08 points ahead of South Bay Moving Systems Inc.. Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc.'s score rests on 34 reviews, fewer than any of the five.
The five highest-scoring local movers near Salinas, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Poulos Moving SystemsSalinas | 4.52 | 310 | 4.8 | 4.1 | A+ |
| 2 | Cardinale Moving & Storage, Inc.Castroville | 4.48 | 102 | 4.4 | 4.1 | A+ |
| 3 | Scarr Moving & Storage, Inc.Salinas | 4.48 | 45 | 4.5 | 4.7 | A+ |
| 4 | Tavares Packing & LoadingSalinas | 4.38 | 130 | 4.0 | 4.4 | — |
| 5 | Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc.This mover · ranks #5 | 4.34 | 34 | 4.4 | 3.6 | A+ |
| 6 | South Bay Moving Systems Inc.Salinas | 4.26 | 588 | 4.8 | 3.1 | — |
How does Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. compare to other California movers?
- moveBuddha score#225 of 1125(better than average)
4.34vs 3.68 avg
Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. scores 4.34, above the California average of 3.68, and ranks #225 of 1125 California movers.
- Positive reviews#899 of 1125(worse than average)
79%vs 90% avg
Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. has 79% positive reviews, below the California average of 90%, and ranks #899 of 1125 California movers.
- Negative reviews#847 of 1125(worse than average)
15%vs 9% avg
Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. has 15% negative reviews, above the California average of 9%, and ranks #847 of 1125 California movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#783 of 1125(worse than average)
34vs 270 avg
Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. has 34 reviews analyzed, below the California average of 270, and ranks #783 of 1125 California movers.
- Yelp rating#286 of 1125(worse than average)
3.6vs 4.3 avg
Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. has a Yelp rating of 3.6, below the California average of 4.3, and ranks #286 of 1125 California movers.
- Years in business#28 of 1125(better than average)
62 yearsvs 22 years avg
Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. has been in business for 62 years, above the California average of 22 years, and ranks #28 of 1125 California movers.
| Metric | This moverMonterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. | California avg | California rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#225 of 1125 in California | 4.34 | 3.68 | #225 of 1125 | +0.66(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#899 of 1125 in California | 79% | 90% | #899 of 1125 | −11 pts(worse than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#847 of 1125 in California | 15% | 9% | #847 of 1125 | +6 pts(worse than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#783 of 1125 in California | 34 | 270 | #783 of 1125 | −236(worse than average) |
| Yelp ratingBased on only 12 reviews#286 of 1125 in California | 3.6 | 4.3 | #286 of 1125 | −0.7(worse than average) |
| Years in business#28 of 1125 in California | 62 years | 22 years | #28 of 1125 | +40(better than average) |
Compared with 1125 California movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in California.
Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc.
4.34Salinas, CASince 1964
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc., then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Salinas.
Compare prices side by side
See where Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc.
4.34
Salinas, CA · Since 1964
Final verdict: Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc.
Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc. earns a 4.34/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #5 among Salinas movers, with 79% positive feedback across 34 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its experienced movers and affordable rates. It is best for customers prioritizing strong communication, crew professionalism, and reliable service experience.
With 9 trucks and a track record dating to 1964, it has more history than the average California mover, and the most common complaint is misplaced or lost items.
All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated October 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.
Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc.
4.34
Salinas, CA · Since 1964
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.
Contact Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc.
- Phone
- (831) 422-6683
- Website
- montereytransfer.com
Helpful California moving resources
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
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.