Thomas Transfer & Storage review 2026 (Emporia, KS)
In business since 1949 · Updated
Thomas Transfer & Storage is an Emporia, KS mover ranked #10 of 57 movers in Kansas with a 4.34/5 rating. It is one of the 10 top-ranked movers in Kansas.
69% of Thomas Transfer & Storage's 49 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its quick response times, while the most common complaint involves unprofessional behavior.
In business since 1949, Thomas Transfer & Storage holds active FMCSA registration (USDOT #153146) and operates 21 trucks. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How Thomas Transfer & Storage measures up
Across 49 reviews, Thomas Transfer & Storage in Emporia, KS is rated 3.8/5 on Google (34 reviews) and 3.7/5 on Yelp (3 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Thomas Transfer & Storage ranks #10 out of 57 movers in Kansas 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.
- Brand
- 5.0
- Website
- 5.0
- Industry experience
- 4.7
- Customer service
- 4.4
- Review quality
- 4.2
Google rating
Based on 34 reviews
Yelp rating
Based on 3 reviews
Better Business Bureau
Based on BBB profile
Is Thomas Transfer & Storage moveBuddha Certified?
Thomas Transfer & Storage 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. Thomas Transfer & Storage 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 Thomas Transfer & Storage?
Out of 49 verified reviews, 69% of customers left a positive review about Thomas Transfer & Storage in Emporia, KS. 30.6% of reviews are negative. Thomas Transfer & Storage has a 19% lower positive review percentage than the average Kansas moving company (69% vs the Kansas state average of 88%).
- Positive69.4%(34)
- Negative30.6%(15)
Based on 49 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Thomas Transfer & Storage
Quick response times
Customer support at Thomas Transfer & Storage was often noted for responding to questions or concerns almost immediately
Quick moving process
The team at Thomas Transfer & Storage often gets the job done faster than expected, saving clients time.
Efficient service
Many customers praise Thomas Transfer & Storage for completing moves smoothly and with minimal downtime.
Respectful of property
Customers appreciated how carefully Thomas Transfer & Storage's team maneuvered furniture through tight spaces without damaging walls or floors.
Professional and polite staff
Customers say the Thomas Transfer & Storage's crews and service representatives handled their move professionally and were friendly and helpful throughout the move.
What positive reviewers say
“Awesome movers! Ashley's crew from Wichita moved us and were fast and professional. Nothing was damaged, and everyone was super friendly and polite. Highly recommend!”
Kel ButlerVerified ReviewerGoogle“Skyler, Stephen, and Braeden were amazing. I highly recommend this Wichita, KS crew. They were quick and efficient (2 hours only!) but also took the time to bubble wrap and protect our sentimental furniture items.”
Sagar VVerified ReviewerGoogle“The warehouse was well organized and clean. Made loading extremely fast and easy. Thank you for being prepared and so helpful. Willie, a shout out to you for being so nice and helpful.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “They came in and handled business without complaint. Very responsive, professional, and helpful group of guys.”
Tyrell BiasVerified ReviewerGoogle“The 3 girls were efficient and friendly: Teresa, Chanelle and Haley. They did a great job packing my belongings and making sure my valuables were protected.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer
Most common complaints about Thomas Transfer & Storage
Unprofessional behavior
Complaints included movers using foul language, showing up late, or acting inappropriately.
Unfriendly or rude staff
A few customers felt disrespected by curt or unhelpful movers or office staff.
Higher-than-expected costs
Final bills were occasionally much higher than initial estimates, upsetting customers.
What negative reviewers say
“Diana on the phone was extremely rude. We couldn't do the time they requested, and she said we had to pick up the package instead of having it delivered.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “The driver and movers making the delivery were unprofessional and verbally insulting. The packers were terrible, and I had to request they pack things in boxes so they wouldn't get broken.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “To high priced. Went with a different company.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “We had 12+ boxes lost, serious irreparable damage, and they took no responsibility.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer
Thomas Transfer & Storage
4.34Emporia, KSSince 1949
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Thomas Transfer & Storage
4.34
Emporia, KS · Since 1949
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Thomas Transfer & Storage, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Emporia.
Compare prices side by side
See where Thomas Transfer & Storage 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 Thomas Transfer & Storage offer?
Thomas Transfer & Storage offers full-service moving, local moves, long-distance moves, international moves, and commercial moves.
Services offered
Is Thomas Transfer & Storage licensed and insured?
Federally licensed, operating authority active
US DOT 153146 Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, Thomas Transfer & Storage is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 153146, as THOMAS TRANSFER & STORAGE INC, and its operating status is currently active. It also holds a Kansas intrastate license, number 153146.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Thomas Transfer & Storage holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- 153146Issued by Kansas. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
- Registered legal name
- THOMAS TRANSFER & STORAGE INCThe entity behind the trading name, as filed with the FMCSA
- FMCSA safety rating
- SatisfactoryAssigned after a compliance review
- Trucks registered
- 21Power units reported to the FMCSA
- Miles driven
- 570,273Reported to the FMCSA for 2023
- Roadside inspections
- 0Recorded by the FMCSA
- FMCSA record last updated
- May 2026
How much does Thomas Transfer & Storage cost?
Thomas Transfer & Storage does not publish hourly rates or flat fees publicly. Based on moveBuddha's data on moving companies operating in Kansas, you can expect to pay approximately $114/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 Kansas moving companies similar to Thomas Transfer & Storage typically bill the amounts below using a $114/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
Thomas Transfer & Storage is licensed for interstate moves, which are typically priced by weight and distance. Ranges below reflect totals from similar full-service Kansas 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 Thomas Transfer & Storage offer?
- Accepts
- Credit Cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
Thomas Transfer & Storage accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
How Thomas Transfer & Storage compares with other local movers
With a moveBuddha score of 4.34 out of 5, Thomas Transfer & Storage places third when ranked against the four top-rated movers in the Emporia area, just behind Professional Moving & Storage and 0.06 points ahead of TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. Thomas Transfer & Storage's score rests on 49 reviews, fewer than any of the four. Thomas Transfer & Storage stands out with a review quality score higher than three of the four.
The four highest-scoring nearby movers, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | College Hunks Hauling Junk & MovingTopeka | 4.38 | 1,096 | 4.9 | 2.8 | A+ |
| 2 | Professional Moving & StorageLawrence | 4.38 | 494 | 4.8 | 2.8 | A+ |
| 3 | Thomas Transfer & StorageThis mover · ranks #3 | 4.34 | 49 | 3.8 | 3.7 | A+ |
| 4 | TWO MEN AND A TRUCKTopeka | 4.28 | 94 | 4.5 | 4.2 | A+ |
| 5 | Reliable Transfer & Storage, Inc.Manhattan | 4.12 | 51 | 4.1 | 2.7 | — |
How does Thomas Transfer & Storage compare to other Kansas movers?
- moveBuddha score#10 of 57(better than average)
4.34vs 3.73 avg
Thomas Transfer & Storage scores 4.34, above the Kansas average of 3.73, and ranks #10 of 57 Kansas movers.
- Positive reviews#48 of 57(worse than average)
69%vs 88% avg
Thomas Transfer & Storage has 69% positive reviews, below the Kansas average of 88%, and ranks #48 of 57 Kansas movers.
- Negative reviews#48 of 57(worse than average)
31%vs 11% avg
Thomas Transfer & Storage has 31% negative reviews, above the Kansas average of 11%, and ranks #48 of 57 Kansas movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#37 of 57(worse than average)
49vs 569 avg
Thomas Transfer & Storage has 49 reviews analyzed, below the Kansas average of 569, and ranks #37 of 57 Kansas movers.
- Yelp rating#6 of 57(better than average)
3.7vs 2.9 avg
Thomas Transfer & Storage has a Yelp rating of 3.7, above the Kansas average of 2.9, and ranks #6 of 57 Kansas movers.
- BBB rating#4 of 57(level with average)
A+vs A+ avg
Thomas Transfer & Storage has a BBB rating of A+, in line with the Kansas average of A+, and ranks #4 of 57 Kansas movers.
- Years in business#4 of 57(better than average)
77 yearsvs 31 years avg
Thomas Transfer & Storage has been in business for 77 years, above the Kansas average of 31 years, and ranks #4 of 57 Kansas movers.
| Metric | This moverThomas Transfer & Storage | Kansas avg | Kansas rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#10 of 57 in Kansas | 4.34 | 3.73 | #10 of 57 | +0.61(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#48 of 57 in Kansas | 69% | 88% | #48 of 57 | −19 pts(worse than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#48 of 57 in Kansas | 31% | 11% | #48 of 57 | +20 pts(worse than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#37 of 57 in Kansas | 49 | 569 | #37 of 57 | −520(worse than average) |
| Yelp ratingBased on only 3 reviews#6 of 57 in Kansas | 3.7 | 2.9 | #6 of 57 | +0.8(better than average) |
| BBB rating#4 of 57 in Kansas | A+ | A+ | #4 of 57 | ±0 steps |
| Years in business#4 of 57 in Kansas | 77 years | 31 years | #4 of 57 | +46(better than average) |
Compared with 57 Kansas movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in Kansas.
Thomas Transfer & Storage
4.34Emporia, KSSince 1949
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 Thomas Transfer & Storage, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Emporia.
Compare prices side by side
See where Thomas Transfer & Storage 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.
Thomas Transfer & Storage
4.34
Emporia, KS · Since 1949
Final verdict: Thomas Transfer & Storage
Thomas Transfer & Storage earns a 4.34/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #10 among Kansas movers, with 69% positive feedback across 49 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its quick response times and quick moving process. It is best for customers prioritizing strong communication, crew professionalism, and reliable service experience.
With 21 trucks and a track record dating to 1949, it has more history than the average Kansas mover, and the most common complaint is unprofessional behavior.
All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated November 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.
Why moveBuddha?
- 30%+Average savings
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
Calculate your Kansas 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 Thomas Transfer & Storage
- Phone
- (620) 342-1163
- Website
- thomasunited.com
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.