J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer review 2026 (Durham, NC)
In business since 1882 · Updated
J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer is a Durham, NC mover ranked #8 of 8 Durham movers and #95 of 313 in North Carolina with a 4.14/5 rating.
98% of J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer's 159 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its transparent pricing, while the most common complaint involves lack of communication.
J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer has been in business since 1882. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer measures up
Across 159 reviews, J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer in Durham, NC is rated 5/5 on Google (91 reviews) and 4.7/5 on Yelp (54 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer ranks #95 out of 313 movers in North Carolina with a moveBuddha Score of 4.14 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 4.14.
- Industry experience
- 5.0
- Review quality
- 4.2
- Website
- 4.0
- Brand
- 3.5
- Customer service
- 3.0
Google rating
Based on 91 reviews
Yelp rating
Based on 54 reviews
Better Business Bureau
Based on BBB profile
Is J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer moveBuddha Certified?
J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer 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. J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer 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 J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer?
Out of 159 verified reviews, 98% of customers left a positive review about J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer in Durham, NC. 1.9% of reviews are negative and 0.6% are neutral. J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer has a 7% higher positive review percentage than the average North Carolina moving company (98% vs the North Carolina state average of 91%).
- Positive97.5%(155)
- Neutral0.6%(1)
- Negative1.9%(3)
Based on 159 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer
Transparent pricing
Many reviewers felt confident booking with J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer due to honest, upfront pricing and no surprise fees.
Affordable rates
Many reviewers found J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.
Experienced movers
With years of experience, J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer's crew brought confidence and know-how to each move.
Knowledgeable staff
Several reviewers pointed out that J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer's crew answered questions confidently and provided useful advice.
Flexibility
Clients liked that J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.
What positive reviewers say
“Jay responds immediately and communicates clearly. He is honest and transparent about costs.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “The rates are extremely reasonable and the service is without peer.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “I have moved over 12 times and Ladd Moving is the best company I have EVER used.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “Due to the fragility of the piece, I wanted experienced movers. They overdelivered! Easy to schedule, on time, very careful, extremely knowledgeable about antiques.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “This company was a real pleasure to deal with, before the move accommodating my having to change the dates a couple of times.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer
What mixed reviewers say
“I've reached out to them three times already and not one person has reached out to me regarding my incessant request for a quote. Update: I received a nice message from the company apologizing.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
Most common complaints about J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer
Lack of communication
Poor or inconsistent updates from J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer left some customers feeling in the dark.
Misplaced or lost items
In some cases, belongings went missing or were delivered to the wrong location.
What negative reviewers say
“After calling, then an email, they asked a few questions, stated they needed to see my items, then crickets. Several more calls, emails, and texts got nothing. I took my business elsewhere.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “The only response to the quote I requested was a text message asking what floor I was moving to. No further response was provided after I sent that information.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “About 1/3 of our stuff was in the wrong place. Boxes labeled fragile were in the barn under heavy boxes, and after two weeks I still hadn't found everything. Our subwoofer was broken, and furniture was scratched.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer
J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer
4.14Durham, NCSince 1882
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer
4.14
Durham, NC · Since 1882
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Durham.
Compare prices side by side
See where J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer 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 J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer offer?
Beyond standard household moves, J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer handles piano moving, pool table moving, fine art handling, and antique handling.
Services offered
Is J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer licensed and insured?
Yes, J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer holds a North Carolina intrastate license, number NCUC-628. There is no FMCSA record, which is expected for a mover working only within one state: the FMCSA regulates interstate moves, and state agencies regulate the rest.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- NCUC-628Issued by North Carolina. 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.
How much does J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer cost?
J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer does not publish hourly rates or flat fees publicly. Based on moveBuddha's data on moving companies operating in North Carolina, you can expect to pay approximately $124/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 North Carolina moving companies similar to J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer typically bill the amounts below using a $124/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
J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer offers interstate moves, which are typically priced by weight and distance. Ranges below reflect totals from similar full-service North Carolina 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 J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer offer?
- Accepts
- Credit Cards
- Deposit
- Required to book
J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer accepts credit cards. A deposit is required to book. J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer's terms: No deposit is required to receive a free estimate. A modest booking deposit is described as normal for holding a move date; the company states it does not require a large percentage upfront, cash, or wire transfer. The balance is settled when the move is complete, not before the truck is loaded.
How J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer compares with the top 7 Durham movers
With a moveBuddha score of 4.14 out of 5, J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer trails the seven top-scoring Durham movers, 0.14 points behind Dogwood Moving Company. At 159 reviews, J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer has fewer reviews than six of the seven. Where J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer falls behind is website, with the lowest website score in the group.
The seven highest-scoring local movers near Durham, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Miracle MoversRaleigh | 4.56 | 925 | 4.7 | 2.3 | B |
| 2 | Truckin' Movers CorporationDurham | 4.52 | 341 | 4.9 | 4.2 | A+ |
| 3 | TWO MEN AND A TRUCKDurham | 4.50 | 1,665 | 4.7 | 2.1 | A+ |
| 4 | Athens Moving ExpertsRaleigh | 4.50 | 1,494 | 4.9 | 3.9 | A+ |
| 5 | Bellhop MovingDurham | 4.36 | 114 | 4.1 | 3.1 | F |
| 6 | The Armstrong CompanyDurham | 4.34 | 214 | 4.4 | 2.9 | A+ |
| 7 | Dogwood Moving CompanyRaleigh | 4.28 | 2,674 | 5.0 | 4.7 | A+ |
| 8 | J.E. Ladd & Son TransferThis mover · ranks #8 | 4.14 | 159 | 5.0 | 4.7 | A+ |
How does J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer compare to other North Carolina movers?
- moveBuddha score#95 of 313(better than average)
4.14vs 3.71 avg
J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer scores 4.14, above the North Carolina average of 3.71, and ranks #95 of 313 North Carolina movers.
- Positive reviews#82 of 313(better than average)
98%vs 91% avg
J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer has 98% positive reviews, above the North Carolina average of 91%, and ranks #82 of 313 North Carolina movers.
- Negative reviews#80 of 313(better than average)
2%vs 8% avg
J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer has 2% negative reviews, below the North Carolina average of 8%, and ranks #80 of 313 North Carolina movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#115 of 313(worse than average)
159vs 369 avg
J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer has 159 reviews analyzed, below the North Carolina average of 369, and ranks #115 of 313 North Carolina movers.
- Yelp rating#13 of 313(better than average)
4.7vs 3.4 avg
J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer has a Yelp rating of 4.7, above the North Carolina average of 3.4, and ranks #13 of 313 North Carolina movers.
- BBB rating#37 of 313(better than average)
A+vs A- avg
J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer has a BBB rating of A+, above the North Carolina average of A-, and ranks #37 of 313 North Carolina movers.
- Years in business#2 of 313(better than average)
144 yearsvs 25 years avg
J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer has been in business for 144 years, above the North Carolina average of 25 years, and ranks #2 of 313 North Carolina movers.
| Metric | This moverJ.E. Ladd & Son Transfer | North Carolina avg | North Carolina rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#95 of 313 in North Carolina | 4.14 | 3.71 | #95 of 313 | +0.43(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#82 of 313 in North Carolina | 98% | 91% | #82 of 313 | +7 pts(better than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#80 of 313 in North Carolina | 2% | 8% | #80 of 313 | −6 pts(better than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#115 of 313 in North Carolina | 159 | 369 | #115 of 313 | −210(worse than average) |
| Yelp rating#13 of 313 in North Carolina | 4.7 | 3.4 | #13 of 313 | +1.3(better than average) |
| BBB rating#37 of 313 in North Carolina | A+ | A- | #37 of 313 | +2 steps(better than average) |
| Years in business#2 of 313 in North Carolina | 144 years | 25 years | #2 of 313 | +119(better than average) |
Compared with 313 North Carolina movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in North Carolina.
J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer
4.14Durham, NCSince 1882
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 J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Durham.
Compare prices side by side
See where J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer 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.
J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer
4.14
Durham, NC · Since 1882
Final verdict: J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer
J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer earns a 4.14/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #8 among Durham movers, with 98% positive feedback across 159 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its transparent pricing and affordable rates. It is best for customers prioritizing crew professionalism, helpful crews, and reliable service experience.
With a track record dating to 1882, it has more history than the average North Carolina mover, and the most common complaint is lack of communication.
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 North Carolina 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 J.E. Ladd & Son Transfer
- Phone
- (919) 596-2469
- Website
- laddmoving.com
Helpful North Carolina 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.