History

The history of Atlas® began more than 70 years ago. What started as a fledgling group of entrepreneurs is now a worldwide network of professionals helping people go new places®.

Business by the Golden Rule.

ATLAS® - THE AGENTS’ VAN LINE™

In 1948, a group of 33 entrepreneurs in moving and storage formed an alliance. These entrepreneurs believed they could help one another build their businesses by better serving customers. They envisioned their own cooperative from coast to coast, doing business according to the golden rule. Taking the name "Atlas® Van Lines," the group established headquarters in Chicago, Illinois. This group of independent Agents (commonly referred to around the halls of Atlas as moving companies, or simply local Atlas movers) have gone on build a global network of moving companies that help our customers go new places®.

TODAY, ATLAS® VAN LINES IS A SUBSIDIARY OF ATLAS® WORLD GROUP

Atlas is comprised of a family of companies headquartered in Evansville, Indiana. Atlas provides comprehensive, global services for people and businesses that need to relocate. True to their vision, the packers and crew at Atlas Van Lines continue to handle customers’ belongings as if they are their own. More than 430 independent Atlas moving companies across the U.S. and Canada, plus 1,500 global partners in 17 countries, work in concert to bring reliable, stress-free service to customers every day.

Historical Timeline

2022
The Atlas Van Lines website received a complete makeover in favor of interactive elements, enhanced speed, and a more positive online experience. Alexander’s Mobility Services announced the retirement of Professional Van Operator Robert (Bob) Pound, who worked for Alexander’s for over 50 years. Atlas Van Lines introduced the Atlas® Containerized Service Solution (CSS). Atlas International launched a new and improved website for enhanced user experience. 19 Atlas World Group team members received promotions. Atlas Logistics acquired Progressive Transportation, Inc., which offers accelerated growth of padded-van solutions within Atlas Logistics’ offerings. Atlas agent Powell Relocation Group expanded into Texas, broadening their service area to include 46 new cities.
2021
The Atlas World Group 74th Annual Convention was held in San Antonio, Texas. Steve Hermann retired after 42 years at Atlas, as well as Nancy Priebe after 16 years at Atlas. Atlas added a new Customer Service Representative (CSR) Profile feature to the Atlas® Customer Portal. All 10 Atlas Van Lines office’s celebrated BRAVO or Boosting Recognition of Atlas Van Operators by commending PVO’s hard work and commitment. For eight years in a row, Hampton Roads Moving and Storage participated in sponsoring Wreaths Across America, an organization that remembers our fallen U.S. veterans. 87 members of Atlas raised nearly $3,200 walking for the Evansville Heart Walk in support of the American Heart Association. Atlas Canada received the prestigious HR Reporter Award, naming Atlas Canada the 2021 #1 relocation service provider. Atlas agent Guardian Relocation loaded and delivered a trailer full of supplies to Atonement Lutheran Church & School in Metairie, Louisiana for victims of the devastating Category 4 Hurricane Ida.
2020
Atlas Agent Nelson Westerberg teamed up with Sodexo Healthcare to deliver 139 pallets of MRE meals to Chicago to help feed families in need. Apex Moving + Storage was awarded Agent of the Year. DMS Moving Systems was awarded Supplier of the Year. Atlas Van Lines committed to proactive measures to help fight against COVID-19. Atlas Logistics acquired $50 million full-service logistics company TopHAT Solutions. Atlas Van Lines Canada transitioned to new AtlasNet technology. Barry Schellenberg was promoted to President and Chief Operations Officer of Atlas® Van Lines. David Smith was promoted to Vice President and Chief Information Officer of Atlas® Van Lines. Phil Wahl was promoted to President and Chief Operations Officer of Atlas Logistics®. Anthony Bosco-Schmidt was promoted to Vice President of Client Financial Services at Cornerstone Relocation Group®. Bristol Global Mobility named Atlas Van Lines 2019 Technology Partner of The Year. Atlas agent The Paxton Companies received Move for Hunger awards.
2019
After three years of research, Atlas World Group International launched Moveware. The new operating system offers an all-in-one business solution to agents and customers alike. Atlas Van Lines served as the official mobility team for Disney’s Mickey: The True Original Exhibition. 17 Atlas agents were recognized and awarded by CARTUS and BGRS for their domestic household and supply chain excellence. Atlas Van Lines committed to support our nation’s wounded warriors through the Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) and the nonprofit’s programs. The Atlas agent Ace Relocation Systems took a stand against Breast Cancer by participating in the walk for “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer®.”
2019
After three years of research, Atlas World Group International launched Moveware. The new operating system offers an all-in-one business solution to agents and customers alike. Atlas Van Lines served as the official mobility team for Disney’s Mickey: The True Original Exhibition. 17 Atlas agents were recognized and awarded by CARTUS and BGRS for their domestic household and supply chain excellence. Atlas Van Lines committed to support our nation’s wounded warriors through the Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) and the nonprofit’s programs. The Atlas agent Ace Relocation Systems took a stand against Breast Cancer by participating in the walk for “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer®.”
2018
Atlas meets new market demands with the launch of SimpliCity™, a containerized transportation system for moving smaller shipments more quickly. The Board of Directors promotes Jack Griffin, former Vice Chairman & CEO, to Chairman & CEO of Atlas World Group. Atlas International sees a 300 percent jump in volume with their largest corporate client. New features including availability to corporate clients and the PVO Profile enhance Atlas® Customer Portal. The number of certified sustainable agents increases to 56 after the release of level 2 applications. Atlas Logistics introduces TEAM (Titan Electronic Account Management), bringing state-of-the-art tools to order and warehouse management. Atlas launches a new feature, Smart Tonnage, showing available shipments as pins on a map. Atlas Canada marks a 55-year milestone at its annual convention.
2017
Atlas celebrates 50 years of corporate relocation and begins planning for the next 50 with strategic plan “Vision 2020.” Atlas® Chairman & CEO, Glen Dunkerson retires, after 40 years with the company. The Board of Directors names Jack Griffin Vice Chairman & CEO and hires Joe Stackhouse as President & COO of Atlas Van Lines. Atlas establishes its first mentoring program by pairing up employees cross-departmentally. Atlas Logistics advances their technology for sustainable growth. Atlas Subsidiary, Avail Move Management, brings a brand refresh and new features to their web-based service, mymovr.com. A new online application, Atlas® Customer Portal, launches providing a single resource for shipment tracking, document library, credit card payments, and online claims. Fred Paxton III of Atlas Agent Paxton Van Lines, Inc. is named president of FIDI Global Alliance. Atlas Strategy Team introduces Tariff ATVL1000TR to meet market expectations and regulations. Atlas Canada adds 8 new locations to their network, creating a total of 138 agencies across the provinces.
2016
Atlas World Group earns the Torch Award from the Tri-State Better Business Bureau. Atlas Chairman & CEO, Glen Dunkerson, is awarded the Richard Schlottman Business Person of the Year from the Southwest Indiana Chamber. Atlas Flex™ is introduced as a new service offering designed for small shipments. NEI Global Relocation honors Atlas Agent Nelson Westerberg with the Partner of the Year Award. Atlas launches Atlas® Video Survey, a new mobile app that instantly connects customers with a mover to receive an accurate estimate on moving services with no onsite visit required. NAV CANADA honors Atlas Canada with the Supplier Recognition Award of Excellence. Atlas introduces two-way texting between the customer and everyone in the Atlas service chain to inform every aspect of service.
2015
The annual Atlas Corporate Relocation Survey shows corporate relocation volumes and budgets continue to increase. The Southwest Indiana Chamber of Commerce recognizes Atlas as “Business of the Year.” Atlas appoints James K. McMurray as Vice President and General Counsel. Fifty-six Atlas Agents earn the company’s top service honor for household goods, the Milt Hill Quality Award. Eleven Atlas Agents earn top honors for work in the commercial arena, the Specialized Transportation Group Quality Award. A new sustainable certification program encourages and rewards green business practices for Atlas Agents.
2014
The Atlas Board of Directors ratifies Vision 2018, a five-year strategic plan that includes updated mission and brand statements. Atlas is named an "Honored Employer" by the Indiana Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). As a corporate sponsor of Evansville's first Honor Flight, Atlas makes it possible for 70 veterans to fly to Washington, D.C., and see the memorial built for them. Cartus Corporation recognizes Atlas Van Lines with its Commitment to Excellence Gold Award, plus Atlas International and ten Atlas agents earn awards for distinguished service. Atlas agents across the U.S. and Canada hold more than 1,300 events during BRAVO week to honor the dedication of Atlas Professional Van Operators. Atlas launches AtlasLogistics.com, presenting a compelling value proposition for fleet and third-party services. A new Spanish version of the Atlas website supports the company’s aim to help all people go new places®. The Moving & Storage Institute honors Mike Shaffer, Atlas Chairman Emeritus and Board Member, with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum completes a restoration of the famed Atlas hydroplane, the Blue Blaster, in tribute to the legendary Bill Muncey, who piloted the craft to 24 wins and two championships.
2013
Atlas joins the Move For Hunger and Atlas agents collect more than 100,000 pounds of shelf-stable food items for local food banks across the country. For the fifth straight year, Atlas is named to the InfoWeek 500 list of top technology innovators, notably for the development of an app which streamlines the inventory process. The introduction of Atlas Logistics brings total logistics solutions to the market. Atlas unveils a series of how-to videos on YouTube to help consumers prepare well when they move. The AMSA recognizes Joel Barber, professional van operator for Atlas Agent Alexander's Mobility Services, as the AMSA Household Goods Super Van Operator of the Year; Atlas Agent Collins Brothers Moving Corp. earns the Moving and Storage Agent of the Year Service Excellence Award. The Atlas family mourns the passing of Senior Vice President Dennie Lynn, an Atlas employee for more than 40 years, and the passing of Chairman Emeritus Norman Gee, who led the company's return to agent ownership in the 1980s.
2012
The Atlas brand gets new luster and introduces a fresh marketing message, Go New Places™. A new app for PVOs saves time in the inventory function; this and other advancements put Atlas in the upper tier of the InformationWeek 500. In affiliation with the PGA Tour and Web.com Tour, Atlas sponsors Birdies for the Brave® Patriots' Outpost and collects cash and more than 4,000 new baby items for military families. AWG Logistics launches, bringing non-asset based, full-service logistics services. A new Wellness Center on the Evansville campus makes health and fitness more convenient and affordable for Atlas employees. The Tri-State Better Business Bureau awards Atlas a Business of Integrity Torch Award for outstanding commitment to the community.
2011
All Atlas Van Lines agents become members of the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) and receive the ProMover certification, the association's public assurance of quality and ethical business practices. Trippel Survey and Research, LLC, cites Atlas Van Lines as the top mover of household goods according to a comprehensive survey of employees who move. For the second year in a row, the company transports shoes to support the work of Soles4Souls, an international charity. Atlas Van Lines receives the Fleet Safety Initiative Award from AMSA for systems to support compliance with government safety regulations. Atlas introduced moveAtlas™, a free, easy-to-use application for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Android devices. For the second consecutive year, Atlas leads its local community as a Pacesetter company for the annual United Way campaign. Atlas premieres BRAVO, a weeklong celebration to honor the company’s van operators.
2010
A partnership with AAA provides discounts on Atlas moving services to AAA members via the Show Your Card & Save® program. For the second straight year, InformationWeek ranks Atlas among the country's 500 most innovative users of technology. Atlas celebrates 50 years of corporate citizenship in Evansville, Indiana, home of Atlas headquarters. The company transports thousands of pairs of shoes to support the work of Soles4Souls, an international charity. Atlas conducts "50 Ways to Help Your Neighbor" to assist the United Way in providing for the basic needs of families. Atlas Canada introduces "No Stranger in Your Home" and leads the provinces as the first carrier to require background checks on employees. The Atlas SmartVault® becomes the first plastic container to pass the U.S. military's performance tests for containerized shipments.
2009
Atlas is among the first in the industry to receive the ProMover(SM) designation, a quality credential of the American Moving and Storage Association. The company honors its more than 3000 professional van operators across the U.S. and Canada in the 22nd annual ROAD Day celebration. Atlas acquires principal interest in Smart Move®, the moving and storage industry's most flexible container service. Atlas World Group places 192 in the InformationWeek 500 list of firms that are the most innovative users of business technology. Atlas Canada is the longest-serving national sponsor of the MS Society of Canada annual Bike Tours. Atlas International enters an exclusive licensing agreement in the UK with Fox Group Ltd. Glen Dunkerson becomes the Chairman and CEO of Atlas World Group.
2008
Atlas Van Lines marks 60 years of success in the moving and storage industry. Building on a culture of service, the company attains registration for its quality management systems according to the ISO 9001:2000 standard. To enhance the speed and accuracy of in-home estimating, Atlas introduces an advanced, proprietary system. Jim Stamm becomes Chairman of Atlas World Group, and Jack Griffin is named President and COO of Atlas International. Ben Stein delivers the principal address at the Atlas Forum on Moving in Chicago. Atlas subsidiary Titan Global Distribution provides logistics services for the Lumiere Casino and adjoining Four Seasons Hotel, anchors for the $500 million Lumiere Place entertainment and hospitality complex.
2007
Atlas Van Lines awards 52 agents with the Milton M. Hill Quality Award. Pat Head Summit, head coach with the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers, delivers the principal address at the 40th Atlas Forum on Moving in Chicago. Atlas introduces Accel, a premium expedited delivery option, to 42 metro areas; it soon expands to 58 markets. Employees raise more than $83,000 for United Way of Southwestern Indiana. Chairman Mike Shaffer retires after a career with Atlas spanning five decades. The Surface Transportation Board ends joint ratemaking for carriers of household goods and Atlas develops a proprietary tariff, ATVL 1000, to take effect January 1, 2008.
2006
Atlas World Group reports record revenue of $949 million for 2005. Techpoint recognizes Atlas World Group as a Mira Awards finalist for outstanding contributions to technology by Indiana-based companies. Atlas World Group names Jim Stamm to CEO, and Atlas Van Lines promotes Glen Dunkerson to president and COO. For the second consecutive year, Atlas Van Lines earns the Family Friendly Health and Benefits Award at the Diversity and Family Friendly Conference. Subsidiary BDS Worldwide becomes Titan Global Distribution.
2005
The Atlas network rallies to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina. Subsidiary Red Ball International is the first in the industry to adopt RFID technology. Through a new college scholarship program, Atlas awards $12,000 to employee families. Now the second-largest carrier of household goods in the industry, Atlas earns its eighth consecutive Quest for Quality Award for excellence in on-time performance, value, information technology, customer service, and equipment and operations.
2004
Atlas underwrites the construction of its second Habitat house and Atlas employees provide the labor to build it. BDS Worldwide, a leading third-party logistics provider, joins the Atlas family of companies. Atlas launches a redesigned public web site. Atlas Specialized Transportation Group (STG) commits to the installation of satellite tracking for all trailers in its corporate fleet. The company ends the year with record income of more than $860 million.
2003
Atlas introduces "Sniffer," a golden labrador retriever puppy, in print materials promoting Atlas World Group companies. The company welcomes 57 agency sales people into its President's Club of top producers. Newly formed Atlas subsidiary Avail Resource Management provides move management solutions that help Atlas clients better manage their transportation resources and improve business performance.
2002
Atlas introduces a broadened brand identity and modified logo to communicate long-held values of integrity, quality and solutions and core competencies in global relocation, benefits, recruiting, logistics and travel. Atlas Van Lines is rated "Best Value" among major carriers according to data compiled by the Department of Defense. Thirty-two Atlas Agents earn the Milton M. Hill Quality Award.
2001
Atlas hosts its first national sales symposium in Evansville and introduces a proprietary dispatch planning tool — PowerSuite — the industry's most advanced operating system. For the fourth consecutive year, Atlas earns top honors in the Quest for Quality Awards sponsored by Logistics Management Magazine.
2000
"Relax, Let Atlas take You Home," a 30-second television commercial for Atlas Van Lines, earns top honors for 3-D animation in the Omni Intermedia Awards. Atlas acquires Cornerstone Relocation Group, a premier provider of complete relocation solutions for families of corporate clients. A new 65,000 sq. ft. headquarters welcomes Atlas employees.
1999
Atlas breaks ground on a new headquarters at its corporate campus in Evansville. Atlas Van Lines is recognized by the Indiana Private Industry Council as "Employer of the Year." Elizabeth Dole addresses the 32nd annual Atlas Forum on Moving in Chicago.
1998
Atlas Specialized Products Division launches an immediate response service and satellite tracking to ensure efficient, worry-free service for transportation of electronics equipment. Over 1,100 Atlas agency owners and staff, families, and special guests gather at the Hilton Walt Disney World Resort to celebrate the company's 50th anniversary. Atlas enters its second half-century of service as the fourth-largest van line in the U.S. and third in the household goods market.
1997
Atlas announces the two largest conversions in the history of the van line industry with the joining of Atlantic Relocation Systems (more than 600 vehicles and nearly 700 employees) and Bekins Northwest (more than 250 vehicles and operations in five states).
1996
Atlas establishes the Milton M. Hill Quality Award to recognize agents who meet or exceed the highest standards for service excellence. Four Atlas Agents earn the distinction and are presented the award at the company's convention the following year. The company launches a public Web site, the first by a major van line.
1994
Atlas World Group, Inc. is established as the holding company for Atlas Van Lines, Inc. and seven subsidiaries.
1993
Revenues exceed $283 million and net income rises 153 percent; the company opposes industry-proposed rate increases.
1990
Atlas celebrates its 30th anniversary in Evansville; the mayor proclaims March 21 as "Atlas Van Lines Day." Atlas Specialized Products Division relocates the computerized records of Amoco Corporation from Chicago to an expanded data center in Tulsa, Oklahoma, using 14 climate-controlled vans. Ardene Carroll becomes the first Atlas van operator to complete two million accident-free miles.
1988
Atlas returns to agent ownership. The company holds its first ROAD Day celebration to honor Atlas van operators. Revenues exceed $242 million.
1985
Atlas marks its 25th anniversary in Evansville. The company now employs 412 people, maintains a network of 475 agents throughout the U.S. and Canada, and generates more than $140 million in revenues.
1984
Atlas becomes the target of a hostile takeover and board members court a friendly buyer to thwart the attempt.
1982
Chip Hanauer pilots the Atlas hydroplane in a Cinderella season that includes five major wins, four world-record qualifying laps, and a clean sweep of the sport's top events.
1981
Legendary hydroplane driver Bill Muncey perishes in an accident while racing in Acapulco, Mexico.
1980
Atlas becomes a publicly held corporation with agents retaining a controlling interest. Deregulation comes to the trucking industry with the passage of the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 and the Household Goods Transportation Act of 1980.
1979
A consortium of five major oil companies signs an exclusive contract with Atlas International, the largest such household goods contract in the history of the industry.
1975
Ronald Reagan addresses more than 600 guests at the 8th Forum on Moving, where his remarks foreshadow the deregulation that will come to the industry during the first term of his Presidency.
1974
Revenues reach $48,480,000.
1973
The Atlas O. H. Frisbie Training Center for van operators opens on the Evansville campus. Atlas Van Lines (Canada) Ltd. occupies a new headquarters in Oakville, Ontario.
1971
The Traffic Managers' Forum On Moving is renamed Forum on Moving. Bill Muncey pilots the Atlas Van Lines hydroplane to win the President's Cup and Kentucky Governor's Cup. Over the next ten years Muncey would garner 37 victories, including 4 APBA Gold Cups and 4 URC National Championships.
1970
With 465 agents and 178 corporate employees, Atlas ranks seventh in size among domestic household goods carriers. The company drops the hyphen from its name and introduces a bold "Flying A" logo. International Sea Van, Inc. becomes Atlas Van Lines International Corp.
1969
Newscaster Lowell Thomas airs nationally under Atlas sponsorship.
1968
Atlas celebrates its twentieth anniversary. The Traffic Managers' Forum On Moving conference brings Atlas representatives and customers together for candid discussions on relocation issues.
1967
Atlas begins sponsorship of unlimited hydroplane racing to increase its name recognition.
1966
Atlas offers "piggyback" rail shipping: forty-foot trailers are loaded onto rail cars and transported to selected railheads, then unloaded and driven to their destinations. International Air Transport Association grants approval for overseas air shipments.
1964
National advertising begins in prominent home, business, and trade magazines.
1963
Atlas Van-Lines (Canada) Ltd. commences operations from offices in Toronto.
1962
Atlas recruits 63 new agents and existing agents open 16 new branch offices. Revenues exceed $10 million.
1961
The company expands operations with service to South Dakota, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming via Colorado.
1960
New world headquarters is dedicated at 1212 Saint George Road in Evansville. Five vans transport 106,000 pounds to complete a textbook relocation in 56 hours.
1959
The company breaks ground on a new headquarters in Evansville, Indiana. Atlas becomes first moving and storage firm to adopt NCR and IBM data processing systems, bringing breakthrough service advances to agents and their customers.
1958
Atlas Van-Lines, Inc. signs an agreement with Atlas Van Service to become truly a "coast-to-coast" carrier.
1957
Robust growth necessitates relocation to larger offices on South Ashland Avenue. Revenue approaches $5 million.
1954
The Department of Commerce, U.S. Patent Office, registers the company's trade name as "Atlas Van-Lines, Inc." The Atlas Amplifier magazine begins regular publication, covering "things every Atlas Agent should know."
1950
Atlas Van-Lines outgrows its offices on 67th Street and relocates to a larger space on South Western Avenue, where it employs 45 people.
1949
The company reports $1 million in revenue.
1948
A group of 33 entrepreneurs in transfer and storage incorporates as Atlas Van-Lines with operating authority for 37 states and the District of Columbia. The company establishes its headquarters in Chicago, Illinois and employs 10 people.
1947
Members of the Independent Movers' and Warehousemen's Association (IMWA) meet at the resort town of French Lick, Indiana. They discuss the idea of forming a cooperative for the interstate transportation of household goods from coast to coast. Their organization will be modeled on ideals of equality, mutual respect, open communication and democratic control.