Mayflower Boosts National Network with Strategic BMS Partnership

ST. LOUIS, MO – January 05, 2026 – Mayflower, one of the most recognized names in the American moving industry, has significantly expanded its national service capabilities by welcoming BMS Moving & Storage into its agent network. The partnership, which officially commenced on January 1, 2026, integrates BMS's extensive 16-location footprint into Mayflower's operations, marking a powerful first move in a year parent company UniGroup has slated for major growth and network expansion.

This strategic alliance combines BMS's 80-year history of service with Mayflower's century-long brand recognition and vast resources. The move is poised to enhance customer service, expand operational capacity, and accelerate growth for both entities across key U.S. markets, reinforcing UniGroup's dominant position in the transportation and relocation sector.

A Strategic Alliance in a Shifting Market

The integration comes at a pivotal time for the U.S. moving services industry, a sector projected to reach $23.4 billion in 2026. While overall mobility rates have been tempered by housing affordability challenges, the demand for high-quality, professional moving services remains robust, particularly among relocating homeowners and a growing number of small and midsize businesses. In this competitive landscape, companies are increasingly differentiated by their technological capabilities, service reliability, and geographic reach.

UniGroup, a $1 billion transportation cooperative that owns both Mayflower Transit and United Van Lines, already handles an estimated one in three professional interstate moves in the nation. The addition of BMS Moving & Storage is a clear strategic step to consolidate and expand that market share. UniGroup has been actively investing in technology to stay ahead, notably acquiring the home services booking platform "Handled" in 2021 to digitize the customer experience for its agent network.

"BMS brings exactly what we're looking for in a partner — exceptional customer service, impressive scale and a commitment to innovation," said UniGroup President and CEO Kevin A. Krakora. "Their teams are known for doing things the right way, and together, we're expanding the power of the Mayflower brand for customers across the country. We're thrilled to welcome them into the UniGroup family."

From Local Roots to a National Powerhouse

The partnership also marks a significant new chapter for BMS Moving & Storage, a company with a rich history of entrepreneurial growth. Founded in 1944, BMS evolved from a single-location operation into a national and international logistics provider. This transformation was guided for over four decades by owner David Caruso.

"When I took the company over from my parents more than 40 years ago, we were a local mover in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania," Caruso stated. "A lot of work has turned BMS into 16 moving locations across the United States and four FF&E and logistics operations overseas. I've respected the Mayflower and UniGroup names for decades, and this partnership is a big step forward for the business and the legacy we continue to build."

Formerly operating as Bekins Moving Solutions, BMS has built a strong reputation for its customer-first mindset and a comprehensive service portfolio that includes residential, commercial, long-distance, and international logistics. Its proven track record of dependability and professionalism made it an ideal candidate for UniGroup's high-performance network.

Forging Synergies for an Enhanced Customer Journey

The collaboration is designed to create immediate and tangible benefits for customers. By joining Mayflower's network of over 200 affiliated agencies, BMS gains access to UniGroup's national infrastructure, industry-leading resources, and advanced technology stack. This integration is expected to enhance BMS's capabilities, allowing it to leverage sophisticated digital tools for booking, logistics management, and customer communication.

For Mayflower customers, the addition of BMS's 16 locations provides broader service coverage and increased flexibility, particularly for complex or long-distance moves. The combined operational strength promises a more seamless, end-to-end relocation experience, backed by the trusted reputations of both companies.

Scott Harvey, President & COO of BMS Moving & Storage, emphasized the mutual benefits of the alliance. "This partnership is a natural fit," he said. "Innovation and an exceptional customer experience drive everything we do, and our team, especially our Van Operators, delivers every time. Partnering with Mayflower and UniGroup gives us the strength, technology and nationwide reach to keep raising the bar. We're proud to carry the Mayflower name and even more excited about what this sets in motion for 2026 and beyond."

UniGroup's Blueprint for a Landmark Year

UniGroup leadership has been clear that the BMS partnership is not an isolated event but rather the cornerstone of a broader, aggressive growth strategy for 2026. The move signals a proactive approach to strengthening its agent-owned cooperative by aligning with high-performing, growth-oriented partners who share a commitment to service excellence.

To ensure a smooth transition, Mayflower has already hosted the BMS leadership team for comprehensive training, indicating a deliberate and collaborative integration process is well underway. This focus on operational alignment is critical to realizing the full potential of the expanded network.

As Krakora noted, this is just the beginning. "2026 will be a year of growth and network expansion for UniGroup, and our partnership with BMS is the first of many exciting initiatives that will advance UniGroup forward this year," he added. This collaboration not only strengthens two industry leaders but also sets a new benchmark for network-driven growth and customer service in the competitive transportation sector.