Moving is often cited as one of the most stressful life events. One way to help alleviate some of that stress is to use a reliable mover.
Fred Wallace started One Big Man & One Big Truck in 1983. As the service became increasingly popular, Wallace hired help, and then formed a partnership with Paul Dubois and Wolfgang Matt.
One Big Man & One Big Truck specializes in smaller local moves throughout the Bay Area.
The company's hourly rates are $130 for a two-person crew and truck, or $160 for a three-person crew and truck. There's also a one-time flat rate travel fee of $50 (two-person crew) or $60 (three-person crew) inside a Local Service Area, and a fee that varies outside a Local Service Area (depending on how far from the Local Service Area your move takes place). They bill in 15-minute increments with no minimum time. And if you pay with cash, rates are $10 less per hour.
One Big Man & One Big Truck's service includes:
• A confirmation sheet with your rates, and the date and time your move is scheduled
• A confirmation call four days before your move date to answer any last minute questions
• A follow-up phone call after your move to make sure everything went well
• Trained and uniformed employees
• A clean 24'- or 14'-truck, 50 quilted moving pads for your furniture, 4 wardrobe boxes for hanging clothing, plastic wrap for upholstered items, handcarts, and dollies
The website even offers packing tips.
One Big Man & One Big Truck has earned the Bay Guardian's Best of the Bay Award, been on the Better Business Bureau's Honor Roll seven times, and was also listed in 7x7 Magazine's 2006 Best of Service. The magazine says, "Not only do we love the name, but these guys (there are more than one) are dependable and friendly."
Have you used One Big Man & One Big Truck? Leave a review below.
(Edited from a post originally published 06/13/06; new rates listed above)
Jonya & Brad's Modern A–Frame 
Quick Cleaning Tip: Keep Baseboards Cleaner With Fabric Softner
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Profile Chair by Ma...
15 Essential Building Blocks for Quick Weeknight Meals
Summer Recipe: No-Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake
Comments (3)
The one time I used "One Big Man", I had an excellent experience. They were on time, professional, friendly, fast, and they didn't break the elevator (or anything else).
Update: I was finally able to resolve things with One Big Man. I spoke with a guy named Paul who was eminently reasonable. One Big Man paid for the damage to the elevator and reimbursed me for the damage to the mattress by discounting my invoice by 75%. The company stepped up and did the right thing.
I have used One Big Man twice now. Both times I was very happy with how friendly and professional the men were and how quickly they moved my stuff. A huge bonus for me was the fact that they charge by the quarter hour, which (as far as I know) no other company does.
Next time I move, I'll definitely call them up.