NOR-CAL Moving Services review 2026 (Hayward, CA)
In business since 1983 · Updated
NOR-CAL Moving Services, a Hayward, CA moving company, ranks #179 of 1153 movers in California, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.38/5.
77% of NOR-CAL Moving Services' 345 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its organized packing, while the most common complaint involves unprofessional behavior.
In business since 1983, NOR-CAL Moving Services holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #1844592) and operates 23 trucks. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How NOR-CAL Moving Services measures up
Across 345 reviews, NOR-CAL Moving Services in Hayward, CA is rated 3/5 on Yelp (128 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
NOR-CAL Moving Services ranks #179 out of 1153 movers in California with a moveBuddha Score of 4.38 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 4.38.
- Brand
- 5.0
- Website
- 5.0
- Customer service
- 5.0
- Industry experience
- 5.0
- Review quality
- 3.8
Yelp rating
Based on 128 reviews
Better Business Bureau
Based on BBB profile
Is NOR-CAL Moving Services moveBuddha Certified?
NOR-CAL Moving Services 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. NOR-CAL Moving Services 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 NOR-CAL Moving Services?
Out of 345 verified reviews, 77% of customers left a positive review about NOR-CAL Moving Services in Hayward, CA. 21.4% of reviews are negative and 2% are neutral. NOR-CAL Moving Services has a 14% lower positive review percentage than the average California moving company (77% vs the California state average of 91%).
- Positive76.5%(264)
- Neutral2%(7)
- Negative21.4%(74)
Based on 345 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about NOR-CAL Moving Services
Organized packing
NOR-CAL Moving Services is often recognized for labeling boxes clearly and packing with structure and care.
Consistency and follow-up
Reviewers liked that NOR-CAL Moving Services stayed in touch before and after the move to ensure everything went smoothly.
Experienced movers
With years of experience, NOR-CAL Moving Services's crew brought confidence and know-how to each move.
Good communication
Reviewers frequently mention clear, consistent updates from NOR-CAL Moving Services throughout the moving process.
Careful handling
Belongings are treated with caution, and many customers report zero damage thanks to NOR-CAL Moving Services's attention to detail.
What positive reviewers say
“NOR-CAL is an Allied Van Lines partner. Excellent service. Excellent communication. I made a cross country move from CA to OH, and I appreciate the transparency provided by all of the staff.”
Tracye CVerified ReviewerGoogle“The movers were superb. Timely, courteous and delivered everything without any breakage. I give this crew the highest recommendation possible.”
Gregory K. TanakaVerified ReviewerGoogle“From the planning, the packing, and the move itself I encountered the best people. Even the auto transport was seamless with Nor-Cal.”
Tom HallVerified ReviewerGoogle“Great communication, excellent crew, fast, professional, reliable. Packed everything very careful with lighting speed. Great experience! Highly recommend them.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Paul Swaim and Gwen in the office made my out-of-state move worry-free. I was kept apprised of dates and times. The team who packed my things were professional and organized. No items broke or were damaged.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer
What mixed reviewers say
“Very tight parking for big rigs…”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “There was a slight 1 day delay but that's no sweat. Everything came back to me in tact. The drivers were funny and enjoyable. They had a pretty solid system including ticketing every single item.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
Most common complaints about NOR-CAL Moving Services
Unprofessional behavior
Complaints included movers using foul language, showing up late, or acting inappropriately.
Damage to items
Some customers reported that items were damaged during packing or loading.
Lack of communication
Poor or inconsistent updates from NOR-CAL Moving Services left some customers feeling in the dark.
What negative reviewers say
“They didn't bother to show up for the appointment quote. No call to reschedule, and I could not get ahold of them. Our system didn't assign it to anyone.”
Wild Pig Removal Inc., ExecutionerVerified ReviewerGoogle“The coffee table corners are crushed, the dresser handles are bent, and the standing light is broken. I would not recommend this company.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “The delivery did not arrive within the three-day window. The local Nor-Cal agent and Reebie agent did not answer calls or emails, leaving me without any update.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “Many wine glasses were broken, and packaging was damaged and open. A dining chair was packed inside a valuable antique cabinet, causing one leg to puncture its side.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Their truck blocked cars and a driveway almost the whole day, and employees were rude when asked to move it. I don't feel those employees are professional.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer
NOR-CAL Moving Services
4.38Hayward, CASince 1983
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
NOR-CAL Moving Services
4.38
Hayward, CA · Since 1983
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from NOR-CAL Moving Services, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Hayward.
Compare prices side by side
See where NOR-CAL Moving Services 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 NOR-CAL Moving Services offer?
NOR-CAL Moving Services is a full-service local, long-distance, and international mover in Hayward, CA, listing 6 services on moveBuddha, including storage.
Services offered
Is NOR-CAL Moving Services licensed and insured?
Federally licensed, operating authority active
US DOT 1844592 Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, NOR-CAL Moving Services is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 1844592, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a California intrastate license, number 0145636.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover NOR-CAL Moving Services holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- 0145636Issued by California. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
- 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
- 23Power units reported to the FMCSA
- Miles driven
- 100,000Reported to the FMCSA for 2024
- Roadside inspections
- 0Recorded by the FMCSA
- FMCSA record last updated
- July 2026
How much does NOR-CAL Moving Services cost?
NOR-CAL Moving Services 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 NOR-CAL Moving Services 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
NOR-CAL Moving Services 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 NOR-CAL Moving Services offer?
- Accepts
- Credit Cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
NOR-CAL Moving Services accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
How NOR-CAL Moving Services compares with the top 4 Hayward movers
With a moveBuddha score of 4.38 out of 5, NOR-CAL Moving Services places fourth when ranked against the four top-scoring movers in Hayward, just behind NC Moving & Storage Solutions and just ahead of Alexander's Mobility Services. At 345 reviews, NOR-CAL Moving Services has more reviews than three of the four. NOR-CAL Moving Services has the highest brand score in the group, but the lowest review quality score.
The four highest-scoring local movers near Hayward, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Upline MovingHayward | 4.48 | 641 | 4.4 | 4.3 | — |
| 2 | Chipman Relocation & LogisticsHayward | 4.44 | 254 | 4.2 | 3.6 | A+ |
| 3 | NC Moving & Storage SolutionsHayward | 4.42 | 46 | 4.6 | 2.7 | A+ |
| 4 | NOR-CAL Moving ServicesThis mover · ranks #4 | 4.38 | 345 | — | 3.0 | A+ |
| 5 | Alexander's Mobility ServicesHayward | 4.34 | 134 | 4.4 | 2.1 | B- |
How does NOR-CAL Moving Services compare to other California movers?
- moveBuddha score#179 of 1153(better than average)
4.38vs 3.68 avg
NOR-CAL Moving Services scores 4.38, above the California average of 3.68, and ranks #179 of 1153 California movers.
- Positive reviews#952 of 1153(worse than average)
77%vs 91% avg
NOR-CAL Moving Services has 77% positive reviews, below the California average of 91%, and ranks #952 of 1153 California movers.
- Negative reviews#953 of 1153(worse than average)
21%vs 8% avg
NOR-CAL Moving Services has 21% negative reviews, above the California average of 8%, and ranks #953 of 1153 California movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#233 of 1153(better than average)
345vs 268 avg
NOR-CAL Moving Services has 345 reviews analyzed, above the California average of 268, and ranks #233 of 1153 California movers.
- Yelp rating#326 of 1153(worse than average)
3.0vs 4.3 avg
NOR-CAL Moving Services has a Yelp rating of 3.0, below the California average of 4.3, and ranks #326 of 1153 California movers.
- Years in business#54 of 1153(better than average)
43 yearsvs 23 years avg
NOR-CAL Moving Services has been in business for 43 years, above the California average of 23 years, and ranks #54 of 1153 California movers.
| Metric | This moverNOR-CAL Moving Services | California avg | California rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#179 of 1153 in California | 4.38 | 3.68 | #179 of 1153 | +0.70(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#952 of 1153 in California | 77% | 91% | #952 of 1153 | −14 pts(worse than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#953 of 1153 in California | 21% | 8% | #953 of 1153 | +13 pts(worse than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#233 of 1153 in California | 345 | 268 | #233 of 1153 | +77(better than average) |
| Yelp rating#326 of 1153 in California | 3.0 | 4.3 | #326 of 1153 | −1.3(worse than average) |
| Years in business#54 of 1153 in California | 43 years | 23 years | #54 of 1153 | +20(better than average) |
Compared with 1153 California movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in California.
NOR-CAL Moving Services
4.38Hayward, CASince 1983
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 NOR-CAL Moving Services, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Hayward.
Compare prices side by side
See where NOR-CAL Moving Services 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.
NOR-CAL Moving Services
4.38
Hayward, CA · Since 1983
Final verdict: NOR-CAL Moving Services
NOR-CAL Moving Services earns a 4.38/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #4 among Hayward movers, with 77% positive feedback across 345 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its organized packing and consistency and follow-up. It is best for customers prioritizing strong communication, crew professionalism, and reliable service experience.
With 23 trucks and a track record dating to 1983, it has more history than the average California mover, and the most common complaint is unprofessional behavior.
All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated October 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.
NOR-CAL Moving Services
4.38
Hayward, CA · Since 1983
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 NOR-CAL Moving Services
- Phone
- (510) 241-2891
- Website
- nor-calmoving.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.