Powell Express Moving review 2026 (Dubuque, IA)
In business since 2002 · Updated
Powell Express Moving is a Dubuque, IA mover ranked #1 of 5 Dubuque movers and #12 of 65 in Iowa with a 4.30/5 rating. It is the top-ranked mover in Dubuque.
87% of Powell Express Moving's 135 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its proper equipment usage, while the most common complaint involves unfriendly or rude staff.
Powell Express Moving has been in business since 2002. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How Powell Express Moving measures up
Across 135 reviews, Powell Express Moving in Dubuque, IA is rated 4.1/5 on Yelp (69 reviews) and 4.8/5 on Google (57 reviews).
Powell Express Moving ranks #12 out of 65 movers in Iowa with a moveBuddha Score of 4.30 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 4.30.
- Industry experience
- 5.0
- Brand
- 4.5
- Review quality
- 4.2
- Customer service
- 4.1
- Website
- 4.0
Google rating
Based on 57 reviews
Yelp rating
Based on 69 reviews
Is Powell Express Moving moveBuddha Certified?
Powell Express Moving 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. Powell Express Moving 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 Powell Express Moving?
Out of 135 verified reviews, 87% of customers left a positive review about Powell Express Moving in Dubuque, IA. 11.9% of reviews are negative and 0.7% are neutral. Powell Express Moving has a 2% lower positive review percentage than the average Iowa moving company (87% vs the Iowa state average of 89%).
- Positive87.4%(118)
- Neutral0.7%(1)
- Negative11.9%(16)
Based on 135 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Powell Express Moving
Proper equipment usage
Movers showed up with the right tools and used them correctly, which helped ensure a safer move.
Transparent pricing
Many reviewers felt confident booking with Powell Express Moving due to honest, upfront pricing and no surprise fees.
Affordable rates
Many reviewers found Powell Express Moving to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.
Flexibility
Clients liked that Powell Express Moving was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.
Respectful of property
Customers appreciated how carefully Powell Express Moving's team maneuvered furniture through tight spaces without damaging walls or floors.
What positive reviewers say
“Was so happy to hire a reputable company and couldn't believe how quickly the 3 gentleman worked. They took extra care of our belongings and moved quickly.”
Lisa ObermanVerified ReviewerGoogle“Roger came ahead of time to assess what all we had to move and gave us a written quote. He went above and beyond while accommodating our difficult timing. Very fair price.”
Kelly SchemersVerified ReviewerGoogle“They wrapped the furniture with plastic so the drawers would not fall out and used elastic bands and covers as needed. Roger and his employee were very professional.”
Lisa LathamVerified ReviewerGoogle“Roger and Justin had all the right equipment and supplies, used it all appropriately, worked hard and quickly without rushing. There were no surprise charges or issues at all.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
What mixed reviewers say
“Price: $105/hr with 3 people -based on my research, it's reasonable. Hard working. Well equiped. We got a few of our furnitures scratches. They were late for over an hour and turned out a miscommunication.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
Most common complaints about Powell Express Moving
Unfriendly or rude staff
A few customers felt disrespected by curt or unhelpful movers or office staff.
Inaccurate estimates
Estimates from Powell Express Moving were sometimes way off from what customers were ultimately billed.
Unprofessional behavior
Complaints included movers using foul language, showing up late, or acting inappropriately.
What negative reviewers say
“The owner estimated my move after viewing items in my 1-bedroom apartment. What should have taken 3 hours turned into 5 hours, which was $350 over what I expected to pay.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer “When I asked him for more details on his insurance coverage, so I could compare it with my condo's requirements, he hung up on me. He continued to be rude.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “I had a couple of emails with him then nothing. Had me send a list of things then nothing.”
GoogleVerified Reviewer
Powell Express Moving
4.30Dubuque, IASince 2002
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Powell Express Moving
4.30
Dubuque, IA · Since 2002
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Powell Express Moving, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Dubuque.
Compare prices side by side
See where Powell Express Moving 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 Powell Express Moving offer?
Powell Express Moving handles local moves from Dubuque, IA, with services including small moves, senior moves, and packing.
Services offered
Is Powell Express Moving licensed and insured?
FMCSA operating authority is inactive
US DOT 2929859. Check the current record before booking. Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, Powell Express Moving is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 2929859, and its operating status is currently inactive.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Powell Express Moving 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 Powell Express Moving cost?
Powell Express Moving does not publish hourly rates or flat fees publicly. Based on moveBuddha's data on moving companies operating in Iowa, you can expect to pay approximately $140/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.
What similar movers typically bill for a local move
Full-service Iowa moving companies similar to Powell Express Moving typically bill the amounts below using a $140/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 payment options and discounts does Powell Express Moving offer?
- Accepts
- Credit Cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
- Discounts
- Military
Powell Express Moving accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
Powell Express Moving also offers a military discount. Ask what you qualify for and how much you could save before you book.
How Powell Express Moving compares with the top 4 Dubuque movers
Powell Express Moving outscores all of the four top-scoring Dubuque movers with a moveBuddha score of 4.30 out of 5, just ahead of Key City Moving & Storage. At 135 reviews, Powell Express Moving has more reviews than three of the four. Powell Express Moving stands out with the highest quote accuracy score in the group.
The four highest-scoring local movers near Dubuque, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Powell Express MovingThis mover · ranks #1 | 4.30 | 135 | 4.8 | 4.1 | — |
| 2 | Key City Moving & StoragePeosta | 4.26 | 54 | 4.8 | 4.3 | — |
| 3 | Errand BoysDubuque | 4.12 | 281 | 4.9 | 3.2 | A+ |
| 4 | UniMovers DubuqueDubuque | 4.00 | 24 | 5.0 | 5.0 | — |
| 5 | Marty's Moving LLCHazel Green | 3.48 | 22 | — | 5.0 | — |
How does Powell Express Moving compare to other Iowa movers?
- moveBuddha score#12 of 65(better than average)
4.30vs 3.84 avg
Powell Express Moving scores 4.30, above the Iowa average of 3.84, and ranks #12 of 65 Iowa movers.
- Positive reviews#40 of 65(worse than average)
87%vs 89% avg
Powell Express Moving has 87% positive reviews, below the Iowa average of 89%, and ranks #40 of 65 Iowa movers.
- Negative reviews#41 of 65(worse than average)
12%vs 9% avg
Powell Express Moving has 12% negative reviews, above the Iowa average of 9%, and ranks #41 of 65 Iowa movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#26 of 65(worse than average)
135vs 232 avg
Powell Express Moving has 135 reviews analyzed, below the Iowa average of 232, and ranks #26 of 65 Iowa movers.
- Yelp rating#13 of 65(better than average)
4.1vs 3.6 avg
Powell Express Moving has a Yelp rating of 4.1, above the Iowa average of 3.6, and ranks #13 of 65 Iowa movers.
- Years in business#21 of 65(worse than average)
24 yearsvs 36 years avg
Powell Express Moving has been in business for 24 years, below the Iowa average of 36 years, and ranks #21 of 65 Iowa movers.
| Metric | This moverPowell Express Moving | Iowa avg | Iowa rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#12 of 65 in Iowa | 4.30 | 3.84 | #12 of 65 | +0.46(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#40 of 65 in Iowa | 87% | 89% | #40 of 65 | −2 pts(worse than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#41 of 65 in Iowa | 12% | 9% | #41 of 65 | +3 pts(worse than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#26 of 65 in Iowa | 135 | 232 | #26 of 65 | −97(worse than average) |
| Yelp rating#13 of 65 in Iowa | 4.1 | 3.6 | #13 of 65 | +0.5(better than average) |
| Years in business#21 of 65 in Iowa | 24 years | 36 years | #21 of 65 | −12(worse than average) |
Compared with 65 Iowa movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in Iowa.
Powell Express Moving
4.30Dubuque, IASince 2002
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 Powell Express Moving, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Dubuque.
Compare prices side by side
See where Powell Express Moving 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.
Powell Express Moving
4.30
Dubuque, IA · Since 2002
Final verdict: Powell Express Moving
Powell Express Moving earns a 4.30/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #1 among Dubuque movers, with 87% positive feedback across 135 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its proper equipment usage and transparent pricing. It is best for customers prioritizing helpful crews, fair pricing, and reliable service experience.
With a track record dating to 2002, it has less history than the average Iowa mover, and the most common complaint is unfriendly or rude staff.
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 Iowa 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 Powell Express Moving
- Phone
- (563) 663-7016
- Website
- powellexpressmoving.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.