Tavares Packing & Loading review 2026 (Salinas, CA)
In business since 2013 · Updated
Tavares Packing & Loading, a Salinas, CA moving company, ranks #178 of 1153 movers in California, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.38/5.
83% of Tavares Packing & Loading's 130 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its affordable rates, while the most common complaint involves damage to items.
In business since 2013, Tavares Packing & Loading holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #3183311) and operates 1 truck. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How Tavares Packing & Loading measures up
Across 130 reviews, Tavares Packing & Loading in Salinas, CA is rated 4.4/5 on Yelp (113 reviews) and 4/5 on Google (20 reviews).
Tavares Packing & Loading ranks #178 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.
- Website
- 5.0
- Brand
- 4.5
- Review quality
- 4.5
- Industry experience
- 4.4
- Customer service
- 4.1
Google rating
Based on 20 reviews
Yelp rating
Based on 113 reviews
Better Business Bureau
No BBB profile found
Is Tavares Packing & Loading moveBuddha Certified?
Tavares Packing & Loading 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. Tavares Packing & Loading 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 Tavares Packing & Loading?
Out of 130 verified reviews, 83% of customers left a positive review about Tavares Packing & Loading in Salinas, CA. 16.9% of reviews are negative. Tavares Packing & Loading has a 8% lower positive review percentage than the average California moving company (83% vs the California state average of 91%).
- Positive83.1%(108)
- Negative16.9%(22)
Based on 130 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Tavares Packing & Loading
Affordable rates
Many reviewers found Tavares Packing & Loading to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.
Experienced movers
With years of experience, Tavares Packing & Loading's crew brought confidence and know-how to each move.
Flexibility
Clients liked that Tavares Packing & Loading was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.
Consistency and follow-up
Reviewers liked that Tavares Packing & Loading stayed in touch before and after the move to ensure everything went smoothly.
Quick response times
Customer support at Tavares Packing & Loading was often noted for responding to questions or concerns almost immediately
What positive reviewers say
“The price was very fair and the job was done very quickly. They used a smaller pickup for the rest and took great care of my items.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “They were very responsive and able to accommodate a few things I had to change last minute!”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “This was our fourth move with Tavares Packing and Loading over 8 years. Eddie squeezed us into the schedule on late notice. No one could have beat the price, and no one would have shown more care.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “I have moved multiple times and used various companies, but Tavares Company has been the best by far. They are highly professional, incredibly fast, and provide excellent customer service.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer
Most common complaints about Tavares Packing & Loading
Damage to items
Some customers reported that items were damaged during packing or loading.
Broken promises
Customers noted instances where Tavares Packing & Loading failed to deliver on services that were initially guaranteed.
Crew arrived unprepared
There were complaints about movers showing up late or without necessary supplies.
What negative reviewers say
“Booked Tavares about two weeks ago. Less than 24 hours before my move, they cancelled, leaving me scrambling to find someone else at more than double the expected price.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Absolutely, horrible experience with damage to our bed foundations, lawn furniture, furniture and over $1,000 in shoes stored in a damp container. The owner would not respond to our issues.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “When they arrived they did not have packing material. They were unwilling to get supplies and return the same day, so they left and I had to reschedule everything.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “I booked them for a small move across town, and on moving morning they did not show up. Calls and messages received no response, so I had to rent a U-Haul and move myself.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
Tavares Packing & Loading
4.38Salinas, CASince 2013
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Tavares Packing & Loading
4.38
Salinas, CA · Since 2013
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Tavares Packing & Loading, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Salinas.
Compare prices side by side
See where Tavares Packing & Loading 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 Tavares Packing & Loading offer?
Tavares Packing & Loading offers packing and packing materials, plus storage.
Services offered
Is Tavares Packing & Loading licensed and insured?
Federally licensed, operating authority active
US DOT 3183311 Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, Tavares Packing & Loading is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 3183311, as TAVARES PACKING & LOADING LLC, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a California intrastate license, number CAL T191257.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Tavares Packing & Loading holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- CAL T191257Issued by California. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
- Registered legal name
- TAVARES PACKING & LOADING LLCThe 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
- 15,000Reported to the FMCSA for 2024
- Roadside inspections
- 0Recorded by the FMCSA
- FMCSA record last updated
- July 2026
How much does Tavares Packing & Loading cost?
Tavares Packing & Loading 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 Tavares Packing & Loading 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
Tavares Packing & Loading 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 Tavares Packing & Loading offer?
- Accepts
- Credit Cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
Tavares Packing & Loading accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
How Tavares Packing & Loading compares with the top 5 Salinas movers
With a moveBuddha score of 4.38 out of 5, Tavares Packing & Loading places fourth when ranked against the five highest-scoring Salinas moving companies, 0.10 points behind Scarr Moving & Storage, Inc. and just ahead of Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc.. Where Tavares Packing & Loading falls behind is industry experience, with the lowest industry experience score in the group.
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 & LoadingThis mover · ranks #4 | 4.38 | 130 | 4.0 | 4.4 | — |
| 5 | Monterey Transfer & Storage, Inc.Salinas | 4.34 | 34 | 4.4 | 3.6 | A+ |
| 6 | South Bay Moving Systems Inc.Salinas | 4.26 | 588 | 4.8 | 3.1 | — |
How does Tavares Packing & Loading compare to other California movers?
- moveBuddha score#178 of 1153(better than average)
4.38vs 3.67 avg
Tavares Packing & Loading scores 4.38, above the California average of 3.67, and ranks #178 of 1153 California movers.
- Positive reviews#876 of 1153(worse than average)
83%vs 91% avg
Tavares Packing & Loading has 83% positive reviews, below the California average of 91%, and ranks #876 of 1153 California movers.
- Negative reviews#892 of 1153(worse than average)
17%vs 8% avg
Tavares Packing & Loading has 17% negative reviews, above the California average of 8%, and ranks #892 of 1153 California movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#478 of 1153(worse than average)
130vs 268 avg
Tavares Packing & Loading has 130 reviews analyzed, below the California average of 268, and ranks #478 of 1153 California movers.
- Yelp rating#198 of 1153(better than average)
4.4vs 4.3 avg
Tavares Packing & Loading has a Yelp rating of 4.4, above the California average of 4.3, and ranks #198 of 1153 California movers.
- Years in business#230 of 1153(worse than average)
13 yearsvs 23 years avg
Tavares Packing & Loading has been in business for 13 years, below the California average of 23 years, and ranks #230 of 1153 California movers.
| Metric | This moverTavares Packing & Loading | California avg | California rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#178 of 1153 in California | 4.38 | 3.67 | #178 of 1153 | +0.71(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#876 of 1153 in California | 83% | 91% | #876 of 1153 | −8 pts(worse than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#892 of 1153 in California | 17% | 8% | #892 of 1153 | +9 pts(worse than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#478 of 1153 in California | 130 | 268 | #478 of 1153 | −138(worse than average) |
| Yelp rating#198 of 1153 in California | 4.4 | 4.3 | #198 of 1153 | +0.1(better than average) |
| Years in business#230 of 1153 in California | 13 years | 23 years | #230 of 1153 | −10(worse than average) |
Compared with 1153 California movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in California.
Tavares Packing & Loading
4.38Salinas, CASince 2013
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 Tavares Packing & Loading, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Salinas.
Compare prices side by side
See where Tavares Packing & Loading 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.
Tavares Packing & Loading
4.38
Salinas, CA · Since 2013
Final verdict: Tavares Packing & Loading
Tavares Packing & Loading earns a 4.38/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #4 among Salinas movers, with 83% positive feedback across 130 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its affordable rates and experienced movers. It is best for customers prioritizing strong communication, crew professionalism, and reliable service experience.
With 1 truck and a track record dating to 2013, it has less 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.
Tavares Packing & Loading
4.38
Salinas, CA · Since 2013
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 Tavares Packing & Loading
- Phone
- (831) 402-8949
- Website
- tavarespackingandloading.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.