Since 1958, Carlyle Van Lines, Inc. has been committed to moving household goods shipments. A multimillion dollar worldwide operation, Carlyle is the "flagship" of a group that encompasses Interstate Commerce Commission approved motor carriers and freight forwarders. Carlyle's headquarters is located in Warrensburg, Missouri. This mid-west location functions as a central hub coordinating agents, drivers, and customers across the country and around the world.

The Carlyle Story
When Bill Carlyle founded the predecessor to Carlyle Van Lines in 1958, he didn't have much to work with. In fact, he had only one other employee, a single truck, and zero revenue. He did have, however, an entrepreneur's dream and a willingness to work hard to meet the needs of his relocating customers. Bill soon moved the company to Warrensburg, MO (About 60 miles southeast of its former Kansas City location) and for the next 20 years enjoyed steady growth and expansion. In 1981, two major events took place that would shape the company's future. First, it received authority from the Interstate Commerce Commission to operate on a nationwide basis. Second, Bill renamed the company Carlyle Van Lines. Since that time, the company has broadened its scope and become active across the United States, and has expanded into the international marketplace.

The Carlyle Family Participates
A major factor in the success of Carlyle Van Lines is the active participation of the Carlyle family within the company. All five of Bill and Barbara Carlyle's children (Bill Jr., Roy, Larry, Nancy and Susan) are active in the management of the corporation. Roy serves as president; Bill Jr. is executive vice president, overseeing fleet operations; Larry is vice president of accounting and international operations; and Bill Sr. is available for consultation as Chairman of the Board.
Although Bill Sr. is no longer active in the day-to-day operations, his business philosophy is still evident throughout. His "formula for success" -- "work at something you like and surround yourself with quality people" -- is still followed at Carlyle Van Lines.

Experienced Employees
The atmosphere at Carlyle instills into each company employee an attitude of teamwork. Employees perform in a spirit of cooperation with customers and coworkers, knowing that teamwork is the true way to succeed in business.
Each department (dispatch, maintenance, safety, claims, accounting, marketing, quality control, information systems and international) is headed by a key employee, averaging over 20 years' experience in the moving industry.

The Agency Family
To better assist clients, Carlyle Van Lines Inc. has established a strong working relationship with hundreds of moving agencies worldwide. This growing team of agents, combined with Carlyle's full complement of household goods moving services, ensures that the families and organizations being served receive on-time, top priority service.

Carlyle Van Lines is dedicated to the relocation of the families it serves.

Moving Tips

1. You can save a lot of money if you do the bulk of the packing on your own. Limit yourself to non-fragile items such as books, linens, clothing and shoes; and replaceable items such as plates, dishes (not fine china or expensive silverware), and small kitchen appliances. Leave the furniture, mattresses, and heavy appliances to be packed by the mover.

2. The heavier the item, the smaller the box it should occupy. Don't toss everything into one huge box. A good rule of thumb is if you can't lift the box easily, it's too heavy! Keep the weight of the box under 50lbs and remember to always lift with your knees, not your back.

3. You should never let the movers pack your jewelry, family heirlooms, or other priceless items. Should they be lost or damaged, the insurable value will not come anywhere near the value you would place on them. Pack these items yourself and take them with you, either in the car or as carry-on luggage if size allows.

4. Get the proper boxes for your items - the right sizes and strengths. Have enough wardrobe boxes, as they'll save you ironing time later. You can pack t-shirts and jeans in suitcases and regular boxes but you don't want to pack your fine clothing such as suits or dresses in the same place. Save space by tossing in shoes at the bottom of the wardrobe box, but be reasonable. Don't let the box become too heavy or susceptible to fallout from the bottom.

5. Take the time to pack everything carefully. It is important for you to buffer and separate the fragile items that you pack with old newspaper, bubble wrap, sheets, blankets, pillows and towels. Wrap each fragile item separately. Fill in empty spaces to minimize movement during transit. Pack plates and glass objects vertically, rather than flat and stacked. Purchase strong tape either duct tape or the plastic and strapping tape that movers use.

6. For the safety of your items, movers are required to inspect each box tendered for shipment. Immediately point out to your mover each and every box that you packed yourself, especially if they're fragile or valuable. The mover will advise you on whether the boxes need to be repacked in sturdier, more appropriate boxes. They have the right to refuse to load any box they deem improperly packed. Any improperly packed boxes must be repacked either by you or the mover. All repacking services are additional costs. However, if you agree to use used boxes, they may give them to you for free. Keep in mind that movers are not liable for items they didn't pack.

7. To protect themselves, movers will not disconnect your major appliances. Before the movers arrive to pack and load, unplug and prep your refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, washer and dryer. Also prep your computer and back-up your important files.

8. Movers will not transport living things such as your plants or pets.

9. Movers will not transport or allow you pack hazardous materials. These items include: paint, thinners, solvents, oils, varnishes, firearms and ammunition, bottled gas, propane, lamp oil, anything flammable, explosive or corrosive, motor fuels and oils, nail polish remover, bleach and aerosol cans.

10. Make the loading process easier and more organized by designating a room in your home/apartment, preferably the one closest to the door, in which to place all of your boxes. Keep related boxes together since they'll end up in the same room. This will help cut on the carrying time and make the move much more efficient.