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Tri-State Moving Service review 2026 (Erie, PA)

In business since 2026 · Updated

Tri-State Moving Service is an Erie, PA mover ranked #75 of 235 movers in Pennsylvania with a 4.16/5 rating.

84% of Tri-State Moving Service's 170 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its affordable rates, while the most common complaint involves unexpected charges.

Tri-State Moving Service has been in business since 2026. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.

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How Tri-State Moving Service measures up

Across 170 reviews, Tri-State Moving Service in Erie, PA is rated 4.5/5 on Google (126 reviews) and 3.1/5 on Yelp (10 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Tri-State Moving Service ranks #75 out of 235 movers in Pennsylvania with a moveBuddha Score of 4.16 out of 5.

  • moveBuddha Score

    moveBuddha Score

    The moveBuddha Score is a single 0–5 rating that combines everything we know about a mover, so you can compare companies without cross-referencing a dozen review sites.

    It weighs customer service, quote accuracy, review quality, industry experience, website quality, brand strength, and ratings from Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau.

    It is not a paid placement. Partners and non-partners are scored the same way.

  • Google rating

    Based on 126 reviews
  • Yelp rating

    Why does the Yelp score look different?

    Tri-State Moving Service has a 3.1 rating on Yelp across 10 reviews, noticeably lower than its 4.5 on Google (126 reviews) and its A+ rating at the BBB.

    Yelp volume is low, so a small number of negative reviews has an outsized effect.

    We weight the much larger Google sample more heavily, but flag the Yelp score transparently so you can judge for yourself.

    If you’re comparing movers, get a free Tri-State Moving Service quote and see how their price and responsiveness feel in practice.

    Based on 10 reviews
  • Better Business Bureau

    Based on BBB profile
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Is Tri-State Moving Service moveBuddha Certified?

Tri-State Moving Service 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. Tri-State Moving Service 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 Tri-State Moving Service?

Out of 170 verified reviews, 84% of customers left a positive review about Tri-State Moving Service in Erie, PA. 14.7% of reviews are negative and 1.2% are neutral. Tri-State Moving Service has a 5% lower positive review percentage than the average Pennsylvania moving company (84% vs the Pennsylvania state average of 89%).

  • Positive84.1%(143)
  • Neutral1.2%(2)
  • Negative14.7%(25)

Based on 170 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.

What customers like about Tri-State Moving Service

  • Affordable rates

    Many reviewers found Tri-State Moving Service to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.

  • Flexibility

    Clients liked that Tri-State Moving Service was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.

  • Quick moving process

    The team at Tri-State Moving Service often gets the job done faster than expected, saving clients time.

  • Respectful of property

    Customers appreciated how carefully Tri-State Moving Service's team maneuvered furniture through tight spaces without damaging walls or floors.

  • Efficient service

    Many customers praise Tri-State Moving Service for completing moves smoothly and with minimal downtime.

What positive reviewers say

  • “Carl is very personable and gives great service. His team of workers are friendly, efficient and fast, while still being careful with moving furniture.”

    Patty JVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “From the beginning, Carl was fantastic to work with. He returned my call quickly, was flexible with my schedule and moving goals, and provided a very transparent, competitive quote.”

    Matt CotterVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “The movers were a little late, but they made short work of my move and stayed until the job was done. They were very careful with our items, and the price was right.”

    SheaVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “Carl was very responsive and willing to work with my schedule. There was not a single scratch on any of my walls or furniture. They were very careful but also super quick and efficient. Great work for a great price.”

    Leah BerryVerified ReviewerGoogle

What mixed reviewers say

  • “The guys were good. The issues I have is they left their trash all over my driveway, left items in storage unit when all items would have fit in truck. Fast loading but took a lot of time unloading.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer

Most common complaints about Tri-State Moving Service

  • Unexpected charges

    Hidden fees or surprise costs caused dissatisfaction among some Tri-State Moving Service clients.

  • Misleading marketing

    Some felt that Tri-State Moving Service's website or sales reps promised services that weren't actually provided.

  • Damage to items

    Some customers reported that items were damaged during packing or loading.

What negative reviewers say

  • “He quoted $675 for 4 hours. At the end of the move his guy brings me the receipt and it's for $1025.”

    Jenn KennedyVerified ReviewerGoogle
  • “We were told 4 guys for 4 hours for the base rate and $140 extra for any additional hours needed. The owner later tried to charge us for a full extra hour because of 'commute' time.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer
  • “When we had our truck unloaded at our destination we found several smashed boxes and totes. There were wheels broken, the back of a piece of furniture was damaged and a bicycle was twisted.”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer
  • “Poor quality can’t even take their own photos of their work. They have to steal other people’s pictures false advertising!!!!”

    GoogleVerified Reviewer

Tri-State Moving Service

4.16Erie, PASince 2026

Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.

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No obligation · Fast, easy, and free

Or call (814) 881-9085

What services does Tri-State Moving Service offer?

Tri-State Moving Service offers full-service moving, labor-only loading help, local moves, long-distance moves, and commercial moves.

Services offered

Is Tri-State Moving Service licensed and insured?

moveBuddha holds no federal licensing record for Tri-State Moving Service in Erie, PA. That is not the same as the company being unlicensed. Movers operating only within one state are licensed by that state rather than by the FMCSA.

Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Tri-State Moving Service holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.

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 Tri-State Moving Service cost?

Tri-State Moving Service does not publish hourly rates or flat fees publicly. Based on moveBuddha's data on moving companies operating in Pennsylvania, you can expect to pay approximately $137/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 Pennsylvania moving companies similar to Tri-State Moving Service typically bill the amounts below using a $137/hr rate for a 2-person crew and scaling up for larger homes that need more movers and hours.

Typical local move totals from similar movers
Home sizeTypical totalTime and crew
Studio / 1 bedroom$400–$7503–5 hours, 2 movers
2-3 bedrooms$850–$1,7505–8 hours, 2–3 movers
4+ bedrooms$1,700–$3,4008–12 hours, 3–4 movers

What similar movers typically bill for a long-distance move

Tri-State Moving Service offers interstate moves, which are typically priced by weight and distance. Ranges below reflect totals from similar full-service Pennsylvania moving companies.

Typical long-distance move totals from similar movers
Home sizeDistanceTypical total
2-3 bedrooms500–1,000 mi$4,500–$7,500
4+ bedrooms500–1,000 mi$7,000–$11,500

What payment options and discounts does Tri-State Moving Service offer?

Accepts
Credit Cards
Deposit
Not listed, so ask
Discounts
MilitarySeniorStudent

Tri-State Moving Service accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.

Tri-State Moving Service also offers military, senior, and student discounts. Ask what you qualify for and how much you could save before you book.

How Tri-State Moving Service compares with other local movers

With a moveBuddha score of 4.16 out of 5, Tri-State Moving Service trails the one top-rated movers in the Erie area, 0.22 points behind B.F. Fields Moving & Storage.

The one highest-scoring nearby movers, by moveBuddha score.

#MoverScoreReviews
1B.F. Fields Moving & StorageErie4.3849
2Tri-State Moving ServiceThis mover · ranks #24.16170

How does Tri-State Moving Service compare to other Pennsylvania movers?

  • moveBuddha score#75 of 235(better than average)

    4.16vs 3.76 avg

    Tri-State Moving Service scores 4.16, above the Pennsylvania average of 3.76, and ranks #75 of 235 Pennsylvania movers.

  • Positive reviews#156 of 235(worse than average)

    84%vs 89% avg

    Tri-State Moving Service has 84% positive reviews, below the Pennsylvania average of 89%, and ranks #156 of 235 Pennsylvania movers.

  • Negative reviews#159 of 235(worse than average)

    15%vs 10% avg

    Tri-State Moving Service has 15% negative reviews, above the Pennsylvania average of 10%, and ranks #159 of 235 Pennsylvania movers. A lower percentage is better.

  • Reviews analyzed#84 of 235(worse than average)

    170vs 290 avg

    Tri-State Moving Service has 170 reviews analyzed, below the Pennsylvania average of 290, and ranks #84 of 235 Pennsylvania movers.

  • Yelp rating#64 of 235(worse than average)

    3.1vs 3.5 avg

    Tri-State Moving Service has a Yelp rating of 3.1, below the Pennsylvania average of 3.5, and ranks #64 of 235 Pennsylvania movers.

  • BBB rating#22 of 235(better than average)

    A+vs A avg

    Tri-State Moving Service has a BBB rating of A+, above the Pennsylvania average of A, and ranks #22 of 235 Pennsylvania movers.

  • Years in business#85 of 235(worse than average)

    0 yearsvs 32 years avg

    Tri-State Moving Service has been in business for 0 years, below the Pennsylvania average of 32 years, and ranks #85 of 235 Pennsylvania movers.

MetricThis moverPennsylvania avg
moveBuddha score#75 of 235 in Pennsylvania4.163.76
Positive reviews#156 of 235 in Pennsylvania84%89%
Negative reviewsLower is better#159 of 235 in Pennsylvania15%10%
Reviews analyzed#84 of 235 in Pennsylvania170290
Yelp ratingBased on only 10 reviews#64 of 235 in Pennsylvania3.13.5
BBB rating#22 of 235 in PennsylvaniaA+A
Years in business#85 of 235 in Pennsylvania0 years32 years

Compared with 235 Pennsylvania movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in Pennsylvania.

Tri-State Moving Service

4.16Erie, PASince 2026

Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.

Get My Free Quote

No obligation · Fast, easy, and free

Or call (814) 881-9085

Final verdict: Tri-State Moving Service

Tri-State Moving Service earns a 4.16/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #75 among Pennsylvania movers, with 84% positive feedback across 170 customer reviews.

Customers consistently praise its affordable rates and flexibility. It is best for customers prioritizing helpful crews, efficient moves, and reliable service experience.

With a track record dating to 2026, it has less history than the average Pennsylvania mover, and the most common complaint is unexpected charges.

All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated October 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 Pennsylvania 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.

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

Read the full scoring methodology

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.

Tri-State Moving Service
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