Introduction
A long-distance move is one of the most stressful events in life. For customers, it means uprooting everything familiar and trusting strangers to carry it safely across provinces or even countries. For movers, it requires systems, professionalism, and a network strong enough to back every promise.
That’s why long-distance moving with Atlas Van Lines stands apart. In this Movified podcast episode, host Mark Hirschi sits down with Matt Akins, owner of Sprint Moving Services in London, Ontario and an Atlas Van Lines agent. Matt shares how Sprint transitioned from local contracts to a full-service long-distance moving company, why Atlas was the clear choice, and how technology like SmartMoving CRM transformed his business operations.
If you’re a moving company owner, franchisee, or industry professional, this article breaks down the lessons, strategies, and systems from Sprint’s journey—and shows how you can apply them to scale your own moving company with confidence.
Key Takeaways
What You’ll Learn:
- Reputation beats price: The cheapest long-distance movers often cause the most expensive problems.
- The van line advantage: Atlas Van Lines provides a vetted national network that protects both movers and customers.
- Technology drives growth: Investing in software like SmartMoving saves time, reduces errors, and boosts profit margins.
- Culture is everything: Treating staff and customers like family leads to loyalty, referrals, and long-term success.
- Transparency wins trust: Accurate estimates, honest communication, and owning mistakes create repeat customers.
Table of Contents
- Why Long-Distance Moving with Atlas Van Lines Sets a Higher Standard
- What Makes Sprint Moving Different: Culture, Credibility, and Consistency
- How to Execute a Smooth Long-Distance Move (Step by Step)
- The Technology Edge: How SmartMoving Transformed Sprint
- From Risk to Reliability: Why Cheapest Is Often Costliest
- Lessons in Leadership: Turning Challenges into Positive Results
- Why Choose Movified
- Conclusion
Why Long-Distance Moving with Atlas Van Lines Sets a Higher Standard
When Sprint began, Matt focused on local delivery and moving contracts. But by 2018, customer demand for coast-to-coast service made one thing clear: Sprint needed a van line partner.
Matt didn’t shop around. He knew Atlas Van Lines was the leader in North America. Becoming an Atlas agent meant joining a family with standards, a nationwide support system, and credibility customers recognized instantly.
“Since becoming an Atlas agent, I’ve never had a bad long-distance experience. The support, the people, the systems—it’s the best decision we’ve made.” — Matt Akins
The result? Customers moving from Ontario to British Columbia—or even into the U.S.—now had access to a seamless process backed by Atlas standards. And Sprint had a proven platform to grow beyond local service.
What Makes Sprint Moving Different: Culture, Credibility, and Consistency
A Culture Built on Family Values
From the start, Sprint was guided by a simple rule: do exactly what you tell the customer you’ll do. This mindset extends to staff, too. Matt believes in paying fairly, leading by example, and treating crews like family.
This family-first approach has created a loyal workforce that stays longer, cares more, and delivers better service. In an industry plagued by turnover, that’s a competitive advantage.
Credibility You Can Verify
Matt’s advice to customers is straightforward: check Google reviews, memberships, and van line affiliations. Sprint’s reputation in London, Ontario, helped earn them Atlas agent status. It also reassures customers that they’re choosing a mover vetted by both locals and a national network.
“If you’re looking at a mover, don’t just ask about price. Look at reviews, associations like CAM, and the van line they represent. That tells you if they can be trusted.” — Matt Akins
Consistency Through Systems
Consistency is where many independents stumble. Sprint avoids that pitfall through process-driven service—accurate estimates, standardized packing, and clear communication. With Atlas standards layered on top, customers know what to expect, and Sprint delivers on it.
How to Execute a Smooth Long-Distance Move (Step by Step)
For Sprint, long-distance moves follow a clear structure designed to minimize surprises.
- Discovery & Estimate
A virtual or in-person walkthrough identifies the true scope. The quote reflects real weight and services, not bait-and-switch pricing. - Planning with Atlas Support
Once booked, the move enters the Atlas dispatch system, giving access to vetted drivers, trucks, and a network of support. - Packing & Protection
Crews follow Atlas-approved procedures to wrap, load, and protect. This reduces claims and builds customer confidence. - Linehaul & Communication
Customers receive regular updates on progress and ETAs. If there’s a delay, they know upfront. Transparency builds trust. - Delivery & Follow-Through
Delivery isn’t the end—it’s the final impression. Crews place items where they belong, confirm satisfaction, and resolve issues on the spot.
The Technology Edge: How SmartMoving Transformed Sprint
One of the biggest shifts for Sprint came from adopting SmartMoving CRM. While AtlasNet provided van line connectivity, Sprint needed software to handle local operations, quoting, scheduling, and follow-ups.
Matt invested nearly two months customizing SmartMoving for Sprint. The cost was high, but the ROI was immediate:
- Faster, more accurate estimates
- Improved crew scheduling
- Better customer communication
- Reduced errors and paperwork
“Implementing SmartMoving was the best decision in the last 10 years—besides becoming an Atlas agent.” — Matt Akins
This shows how technology isn’t just a tool—it’s a growth engine. Movers who resist digital adoption risk falling behind in efficiency and profitability.
From Risk to Reliability: Why Cheapest Is Often Costliest
Matt doesn’t mince words: the cheapest quote is rarely the safest choice. Customers chasing low prices often face hidden fees, damaged belongings, or even fraud.
Atlas Van Lines, by contrast, provides a safety net. With vetted agents and systems, the risk of scams is eliminated, and accountability is built in. Sprint’s affiliation gives customers peace of mind that they won’t face ransom tactics or lost shipments.
Checklist for Customers Choosing a Mover:
- Read recent Google reviews
- Confirm van line affiliation (Atlas, Allied, United, etc.)
- Check memberships (e.g., Canadian Association of Movers)
- Compare estimates realistically—not just price, but process
Lessons in Leadership: Turning Challenges into Positive Results
Being in the moving business for nearly two decades, Matt has seen both challenges and wins. His advice to fellow owners is simple but powerful:
- Treat staff like family: Pay fairly, lead with respect, and loyalty will follow.
- Own problems fast: If something is damaged, fix it immediately. That’s how you turn a negative into a lifelong customer.
- Keep learning: From van line systems to new CRMs, technology changes fast. Don’t fall behind.
Why Choose Movified
Movified is more than a podcast—it’s the voice of the moving industry. With decades of hands-on experience, host Mark Hirschi brings movers the insights they need to scale smarter. Guests like Matt Akins provide real stories, proven systems, and practical lessons you can apply today.
- Insider Access: Learn directly from movers who have scaled successfully.
- Proven Playbooks: From CRMs to van line partnerships, Movified breaks down the tools movers actually use.
- Trusted Voices: Guests aren’t theorists—they’re operators running trucks and crews every day.
Conclusion
Long-distance moving with Atlas Van Lines is about certainty, safety, and trust. For Sprint Moving Services, partnering with Atlas unlocked coast-to-coast service backed by standards, while adopting SmartMoving CRM ensured efficiency and consistency at every step.
For customers, it means choosing peace of mind over risky “cheap” options. For movers, it’s proof that culture, systems, and technology are the foundation of growth.
“Treat customers and crews like family. Own issues fast and fix them. That’s how you build a customer for life.” — Matt Akins, Sprint Moving Services
Meet The Host
Mark Hirschi is the founder and host of Movified. With over a decade in the moving and storage industry, Mark combines real-world leadership experience with a passion for mentorship and elevating industry standards.
