Presto Logistics is a regional moving company that specializes in intrastate and long-distance moves within and originating from California. For customers relocating from the Golden State, Presto offers a solid range of standard moving services and can handle heavy and specialty items. However, limited geographic reach and inconsistent pricing reports may make it a less-than-ideal choice for all customers.
Why Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint?
Our mission at FreightWaves Checkpoint is to provide readers with data-driven, unbiased moving and car shipping information and company reviews.
We evaluated more than 4,000 pro movers across the U.S. using our in-house ranking system. Our ratings are based on key factors like cost, customer satisfaction, and services. We also analyze thousands of online reviews to determine companies’ most common strengths and potential downsides.
We strive to deliver the information that is most relevant to your needs. Our team of experts regularly fact-checks all articles to ensure what we give you is always accurate and up-to-date.
Key Takeaways
- Best for moves within or starting from California
- Offers climate-controlled storage and specialty item handling
- Free quotes require a phone or video consultation
- Many reports of pricing inconsistencies on moving day
- Solid service reviews but limited in availability
In Our Review
Presto Logistics: Pros & Cons
Here's a breakdown of what stands out and what may cause concern when working with Presto Logistics:
Pros
- Handles specialty items like hot tubs and pool tables
- Custom crating for fragile items, including art and antiques
- Short- and long-term climate-controlled storage options
- Accommodates short-notice moves
Cons
- Not available for moves originating outside California
- Limited customer support beyond business hours
How Much Does Presto Logistics Cost?
Presto Logistics doesn’t publish standard pricing, and customers must complete a phone or video consultation to receive a personalized quote. Because they lack a formal price-lock guarantee, costs could shift between quote and move day.
Real-world example: One customer reported a quote of $7,500 that increased to $12,000 on move day due to adjusted inventory and added service charges.
You should always ask detailed questions about potential surcharges, including fees for stairs, long-carry distances, or heavy item handling.
Presto Logistics Services
Presto offers a well-rounded suite of moving solutions tailored to residential and commercial customers within their regional footprint, including:
- Packing and crating: Presto offers both full-service and partial packing options. For fragile or valuable goods, the company can build custom crates to protect items during transit.
- Storage solutions: Secure, climate-controlled units are available on a short- or long-term basis. Storage is mostly limited to California.
- Specialty item handling: The company can transport unusually heavy or large items like pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, and appliances.
- Residential and commercial moves: Presto handles both home and office relocations, including disassembly and reassembly of furniture and safe transport of sensitive electronics.
- Appliance moving and support: Major appliances like washers, dryers, and refrigerators can be transported. Installation may not be included.
- Vehicle shipping: Presto can coordinate auto transport with third-party partners as an add-on for long-distance moves.
Presto Logistics vs. the Competition
While Presto Logistics has a narrower geographic footprint than most national movers, they can be a competitive moving option for customers based in California who need flexible moving services with specialty item support.
Here's how they stack up to key competitors.
Presto Logistics vs. Colonial Van Lines
Presto and Colonial both offer full-service long-distance moves, but there are differences in geographic coverage, pricing transparency, and service reliability:
- Coverage area: Colonial Van Lines serves 48 states and offers international moves. Presto is limited to California-based relocations.
- Pricing transparency: Colonial provides flat-rate pricing and binding estimates. Presto does not, which can lead to day-of-move price increases.
- Specialty items: Both companies handle large or fragile items, but Presto’s hands-on support and focus on heavy objects stands out.
Best for: Presto is better for customers in CA with heavy or specialty items. Colonial is the winner for national or international moves with fixed-price quotes.
Presto Logistics vs. Safeway Moving
Presto and Safeway take very different approaches to moving, including pricing and service delivery:
- Pricing model: Safeway uses a flat-rate system with price-match guarantees. Presto offers variable pricing with no formal caps.
- Availability: Safeway operates in all 50 states, while Presto only serves relocations in and originating from California.
- Free storage and transparency: Safeway includes 30 days of storage and uses a triple-check system for quotes. Presto offers no free storage and fewer quote safeguards.
Best for: Presto is great for customers who prefer a smaller, regionally focused mover with a more personalized feel and flexibility during planning. Safeway is the stronger choice for price transparency, broader coverage, and added perks like free storage.
FAQs
Does Presto Logistics offer binding estimates?
No, Presto does not provide binding estimates. Instead, final costs may increase if your inventory changes or if extra services are required during the move. This makes it important to ask for a detailed breakdown and clarification on potential fees.
Where is Presto Logistics available?
Presto Logistics is only available for local and long-distance moves originating in California. If you're moving from any other state, you’ll need to consider a different provider.
What kind of storage options does Presto Logistics provide?
Presto offers climate-controlled storage in secure warehouse facilities. Storage options are most accessible in California, and durations range from short-term (days or weeks) to long-term (months or more).
Does Presto handle large or specialty items?
Yes. Presto specializes in transporting oversized or delicate goods, including pianos, safes, hot tubs, pool tables, and appliances. Additional fees typically apply for these services, so confirm pricing during your quote.
