Mayflower Transit
Encyclopedia
Mayflower Transit, LLC is a moving company, now part of UniGroup, Inc. Founded in 1927, it is the nation's oldest van line and has the most recognized name in moving.
Operating on a 24-hour schedule, Mayflower moved thousands of families of industrial and military personnel who were being mobilized during World War II. When the war ended, America and Mayflower prospered. Always striving to maximize profits, Mayflower replaced single-unit trucks with more advanced tractor-trailers and extended its transportation service to Mexico and Canada.
Celebrating its silver anniversary in 1952, Mayflower launched another initiative to add to the company's capacity and increase the efficiency of its operation — "owner-operators" who owned their own tractors, but pulled Mayflower-owned trailers. These movers were trained in "mover's school," learning expert packing, handling and loading methods used throughout the Mayflower system. Mayflower also established new standards for protecting household goods by eliminating the shredded paper and wooden barrels of the past and introducing new scientifically sized, corrugated cushion packs, along with the Mayflower slogan "Packed with Pride." As more businesses relocated and sought expert transportation services, Mayflower was there to move entire companies or transferred employees, which dramatically increased Mayflower's business. In addition to the household goods aspect of the moving business, trade exhibits and conventions also began to use Mayflower's services in transporting their shipments from city to city on nationwide tours.
As business continued to expand beyond household goods shipping, Mayflower established a special fleet of van operators and vehicles to handle sensitive shipments such as complex computer systems, electronics and high-tech exhibits. When Mayflower moved its headquarters to a new, modern campus in Carmel, Indiana
, it also expanded its driver training school, teaching new recruits everything from precise techniques in packing and loading to completing necessary paperwork.
The 1990s brought further significant changes to Mayflower. The van line updated its image through the application of a new paint scheme to its vans and signage. National studies confirmed that Mayflower had the highest unaided brand name recognition in the moving industry. The company debuted the "Discover America" program through which children in agent-sponsored classrooms learn geography by following the travels of a van operator.
In March 1995, it was acquired by UniGroup, Inc. UniGroup is the parent company of Mayflower and other subsidiaries that support the worldwide operations of the leading household goods transportation company; Vanliner Group, Inc. (providing specialized insurance coverage for movers); Total Transportation Services, Inc., which sells and leases vehicles and sells movers' supplies; and UniGroup Worldwide, Inc., a global mobility management company.
at the time, Mayflower became notorious when its vans were hired to move the Baltimore Colts
to Indianapolis
in March 1984. The Mayflower vans departed Colt headquarters in Owings Mills, Maryland
loaded with the team's playing and office equipment in the middle of the night for their new home in Indianapolis.
History
During the early 1930s, Mayflower entered into agreements with a network of local household goods movers who owned storage warehouses. Using this new program, Mayflower was able to provide customers with better service at both origin and destination. Baltimore Storage Company was appointed as Mayflower's first exclusive agent. By 1932, 85 agents adorned their vans with Mayflower's nationally trademarked logo and painted them in Mayflower's vivid colors. As the decade ended, annual revenues neared the $2 million mark, and more than 340 agents became affiliated with Mayflower.Operating on a 24-hour schedule, Mayflower moved thousands of families of industrial and military personnel who were being mobilized during World War II. When the war ended, America and Mayflower prospered. Always striving to maximize profits, Mayflower replaced single-unit trucks with more advanced tractor-trailers and extended its transportation service to Mexico and Canada.
Celebrating its silver anniversary in 1952, Mayflower launched another initiative to add to the company's capacity and increase the efficiency of its operation — "owner-operators" who owned their own tractors, but pulled Mayflower-owned trailers. These movers were trained in "mover's school," learning expert packing, handling and loading methods used throughout the Mayflower system. Mayflower also established new standards for protecting household goods by eliminating the shredded paper and wooden barrels of the past and introducing new scientifically sized, corrugated cushion packs, along with the Mayflower slogan "Packed with Pride." As more businesses relocated and sought expert transportation services, Mayflower was there to move entire companies or transferred employees, which dramatically increased Mayflower's business. In addition to the household goods aspect of the moving business, trade exhibits and conventions also began to use Mayflower's services in transporting their shipments from city to city on nationwide tours.
As business continued to expand beyond household goods shipping, Mayflower established a special fleet of van operators and vehicles to handle sensitive shipments such as complex computer systems, electronics and high-tech exhibits. When Mayflower moved its headquarters to a new, modern campus in Carmel, Indiana
Carmel, Indiana
Carmel is a city in Hamilton County, Indiana, United States located immediately north of Indianapolis, Indiana. The population was 79,191 at the 2010 census, and is one of the most affluent communities in the Midwest....
, it also expanded its driver training school, teaching new recruits everything from precise techniques in packing and loading to completing necessary paperwork.
In March 1995, it was acquired by UniGroup, Inc. UniGroup is the parent company of Mayflower and other subsidiaries that support the worldwide operations of the leading household goods transportation company; Vanliner Group, Inc. (providing specialized insurance coverage for movers); Total Transportation Services, Inc., which sells and leases vehicles and sells movers' supplies; and UniGroup Worldwide, Inc., a global mobility management company.
Baltimore Colts
Based in IndianaIndiana
Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is...
at the time, Mayflower became notorious when its vans were hired to move the Baltimore Colts
Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are a professional American football team based in Indianapolis. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League ....
to Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
in March 1984. The Mayflower vans departed Colt headquarters in Owings Mills, Maryland
Owings Mills, Maryland
Owings Mills is an unincorporated community and a census-designated place in Baltimore County, Maryland, United States. It is a suburb of Baltimore. The population was 20,193 at the 2000 census. Owings Mills is home to the northern terminus for the Baltimore Metro Subway and to Owings Mills Mall....
loaded with the team's playing and office equipment in the middle of the night for their new home in Indianapolis.