Bekins Van Lines, Inc. is an American domestic and international private and corporate household goods relocation service provider.[1] Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, Bekins also offers special commodities and logistic services.[2] The United States Military is one of Bekins' largest customers.[2]

Quick Facts Company type, Industry ...
Bekins Van Lines, Inc.
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryMoving and Storage
Founded1891; 133 years ago (1891)
Headquarters,
United States
Number of locations
Over 300
Area served
International
Number of employees
Over 5,300 (over 5,000 drivers and 300 agents) (2009)
ParentWheaton World Wide Moving
Websitewww.bekins.com
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History and operations

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A postcard of a Bekins storage facility in Omaha, NE from the early 20th century.

In 1891, in Sioux City, Iowa, John Bekius and Martin (né Bekius) Bekins, brothers, started a furniture moving business.[3][4][5][6]

In 1894, Martin Bekins brought the Bekins business to Los Angeles.[7] In 1927, he built his Eagle Rock, Los Angeles estate.[7]

Bekins was purchased by Minstar Inc., controlled by Irwin L. Jacobs, for $89.2 million in 1983.[8] In 1987, Bekins' management team, led by president Thomas E. Epley, purchased 60% of the company for $66 million.[9] Jacobs re-acquired Bekins through IMR Fund L.P. in January, 1993.

In 2009, the company had over 300 locations and a fleet of over 2,100 vehicles.[2] The company also owns warehouse space that exceeds four million square feet.[2]

Bekins was acquired by Wheaton World Wide Moving in 2012.[10] After the acquisition, the Bekins Van Lines brand name continued to be used as a separate brand.[10]

It is the oldest, currently operating, household moving, company in the United States.[11] It is one of the largest moving companies in North America.[2][10]

See also

References

Further reading

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