As a company that values professionalism and dedication to customers above all else, it is no wonder BMS Moving and Storage has grown exponentially since its inception. President and COO, Scott Harvey, tells us more.
MOVING ON UP
A family-owned company with a long and well-established history, BMS Moving and Storage (BMS) is committed to achieving industry excellence.
Founded in 1944, the family-owned company witnessed significant transformation under the leadership of David Caruso, who in 1980 took the helm of Ace Moving & Storage, as it was then known.
Since then, BMS has expanded from a single site to 17 locations across the US, strategically situated on the east and west coasts and with corporate offices in Florida.
“This growth has solidified our reputation as a leading provider of comprehensive transportation, warehousing, and logistics services,” introduces Scott Harvey, President and COO.
As the largest agent for Bekins Van Lines, which provides the business with access to a network of other moving companies, BMS’ extensive range of services comprise household and commercial moving, local and long-distance relocations, and interstate moves.
“Our core focus is centered around serving the general public, including an extensive military moving program with specialized moving and storage solutions,” he adds.
As such, in many of the markets where it operates, BMS is considered the highest-rated service provider for the nation’s military members.
In terms of commercial services, BMS handles traditional office moves as well as specialized services for warehousing and workplace logistics.
As one of the few independently owned transportation companies in the industry with multiple locations, BMS’ personalized touch and commitment to quality contribute to its reputation for excellence.
DEEP-ROOTED DEDICATION
Having started his journey with BMS over 24 years ago sweeping warehouse floors to fund his college education, Harvey embodies the company’s ethos of dedication and hard work.
Throughout his career at BMS, Harvey has worked his way up through various roles including moving, driving, general management, sales, and corporate positions, before assuming the role of President in 2017 under Caruso’s careful mentorship.
“I am deeply passionate about our customers, team, company, and the industry as a whole. We are growth-orientated and committed to achieving nothing less than being the best and most respected in the industry,” he asserts.
Today, BMS offers a variety of specialty moving services. These include a full blanket-wrap service and specialized home protection for local household moves to ensure the safety and security of its clients’ possessions throughout the moving process.
Additionally, the company offers a wide array of storage solutions, including both long-term and short-term options, 24/7 monitored warehouses, as well as climate-controlled warehousing for specific markets.
“On the commercial side, we provide comprehensive warehousing, office moving, and installation services handled by highly experienced tradesmen.”
As such, BMS’ professionalism and dedication to its clients is second to none.
“Our goal is excellence at every level,” Harvey states confidently.
TOP TIER TECHNOLOGY
As a long-standing company, BMS has witnessed significant industry evolutions in its time, including the incorporation of new technologies to better understand and meet its customers’ needs.
“Modern technology has revolutionized how we route our trucks, manage transportation lanes, and provide real-time data to our customer base,” Harvey imparts.
BMS utilizes advanced and innovative systems for dispatching purposes to reach out to its customers and conduct efficient inventory warehousing.
One of the company’s key innovations has been the development of a proprietary system designed to enhance storage offerings for its commercial customers.
“This system has enabled us to offer more cost-effective storage solutions and increased availability in high-demand markets across the US,” he reveals.
Furthermore, the company’s fleet of 300+ trucks feature air-ride suspension, e-track capabilities, and the latest technologies such as interior and exterior cameras, electronic identification (e-ID) to monitor driver hours, and real-time updates on engine issues.
In addition to new technologies, BMS’ commitment to fostering a company culture that promotes leadership, growth, and entrepreneurship has been instrumental in attracting top industry talent.
“Our dedicated team share our vision of prioritizing customer needs and delivering exceptional service.”
While customer satisfaction is paramount to the company, BMS recognizes its service providers as the backbone of its operations.
“Their dedication and expertise are essential to delivering superior services to our customers and ensuring our commitment to excellence is consistently met,” Harvey divulges.
NO STRESS WITH BMS
This exceptional company culture and focus on providing first-class customer service is what differentiates BMS from the competition.
“Our culture fosters open communication, allowing each and every staff member the opportunities to ask questions and receive support.”
Combined with genuine care for one another and a healthy sense of competition between branches, this creates an environment in which BMS’ teams thrive.
The company’s motto – ‘No Stress with BMS’ – further cements its dedication to addressing its customers’ needs.
“This is not just a slogan, but the driving force behind our customer experience,” Harvey points out.
BMS strives to relieve the stress associated with moving house by ensuring each customer interaction and service is geared towards making the process smooth.
“Our commitment to a stress-free experience sets us apart and makes us a preferred choice for many,” he enthuses.
In addition, BMS places high priority on the safety of its workforce, especially given the physical nature of the work.
As such, it has a dedicated safety and compliance department responsible for ensuring the company is continually up-to-date with the latest regulations and best practices.
“Our drivers are safety-minded. It is not unheard of to see BMS drivers stop on the road to help stranded motorists or other long-haul drivers,” Harvey prides.
“Our crews also undergo rigorous training and retraining programs focused on safe heavy lifting techniques and overall workplace safety.”
This continuous education helps BMS to ensure its employees are well-equipped to handle the physical aspects of their jobs.
“By prioritizing health and safety, we not only protect our workforce but also enhance the quality of service we provide to our customers,” he explains.
PROJECTS AND BEYOND
Amongst BMS’ notable clientele is the celebrity hotspot of California.
The company is currently managing the relocation of a high-profile client’s 50,000 square foot (sqft) residence, including handling an extensive and valuable art collection, demonstrating BMS’ professionalism and competence.
It is also engaged in various other significant projects, such as providing installation services for well-known establishments, warehousing for major furniture distributors, and moving services for major universities.
“These projects underscore our versatility and commitment to serving our diverse clientele,” Harvey reflects.
Beyond its projects, BMS is making significant investments in several key areas, including new equipment, comprehensive training programs, and advanced technologies.
“Our philosophy is to never be satisfied with the status quo; we strive to lead the moving industry rather than follow it,” he prides.
As a growth-oriented company, BMS is therefore continuously looking to expand. In the past five years alone, it has added four new locations whilst consistently growing its corporate team.
These strategic investments underscore BMS’ commitment to innovation, leadership, and providing top-tier services.
Looking ahead, the company’s key priorities are centered on diversifying its service offerings and enhancing its capabilities to better serve both commercial and consumer clients.
“For our commercial customers, we aim to expand our services to include additional project delivery and management solutions on a nationwide scale.”
This will enable BMS to meet a broader spectrum of needs and provide more comprehensive support for commercial clients.
On the consumer side, meanwhile, the company is investing in new equipment and advanced techniques to ensure the best possible protection for its customers’ personal items, which will maintain its high standards of care and efficiency.
Additionally, BMS plans to invest heavily in furthering its staff training.
“By embracing new techniques and technologies, we aim to enhance the overall customer experience and maintain our position as a leader in the moving and storage industry,” Harvey concludes.