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November 10, 2023

Rounding Out 75 Years: A Look Back at the Last 25 Years of Atlas®

Reviewed By: Ryan McConnell, President + COO, Atlas Van Lines - 25+ Years in the Moving Industry

In the ever-evolving landscape of the moving industry, Atlas has not only weathered the storms of change but has also consistently embraced innovation as a guiding principle.

As we celebrate our 75th anniversary this year, we look back at the last twenty-five years of history and innovations we have achieved. As we journey through the past and present of Atlas Van Lines, we will also look at the cutting-edge moving technology that has allowed us to remain at the forefront of the industry as a leading full-service moving company.

Where We Came From

A Digital Pioneer

A Digital Pioneer

The image above displays the first capture of the Atlas website in 1996. Although a simple design now, this website was a revolutionary concept 27 years ago.

In an era where digital services were increasingly rare, Atlas Van Lines stood out as an early adopter of digital technology.

It was in 1996 when the internet was still in its infancy that we took a leap of faith. Atlas became the first moving company to establish and create a website.

This advanced move was not just about having an online presence; it was a testament to our commitment of providing an accessible and modern experience to our customers.

In late 1997, Atlas began offering online estimates and moving tips as part of our online presence. This was an unheard-of step toward the future.

With our website in place, we began to help customers obtain quotes, access valuable moving resources, and connect with Atlas agents across the country all with a few clicks of a mouse.

This step not only showcased our dedication to customer convenience but also set the stage for future innovations in the moving industry.

 

Transporting People, Products and Lifestyales

 

By late 2004, customers were able to track their moving shipments from anywhere in the world on our website. This is a common practice today, but it was not until 2006 that many companies adopted this practice.

Our early edge provided us the opportunity to further distinguish ourselves as a leading full-service moving company. That early innovation is what we prided ourselves on and what we continue to use as a driving-force today.

The 50th Anniversary Cover Story

Twenty-five years ago in 1998, we crafted a 50th anniversary cover story for Amplifier detailing the success we garnered by continuing to always innovate, look ahead, and focus on customer-first approaches.

In this cover story, we forecasted what the next 50 years of Atlas World Group could look like. Amongst other predictions, international moving was a topic of future interest.

This prediction ended up having merit. Less than five years later, this idea was brought to fruition and Atlas International was born. Since then, we have acquired numerous logistics companies and expanded our company’s growth more than we imagined.

During the 50 years of celebration story, we highlighted our creation of the Atlas Van Lines website and our Atlas Corporate Customer Access System (CCAS).

The CCAS was a proprietery Atlas technology that housed essential automatic moving data to update agents and accounts alike on the status of a move. At the time, this was cutting-edge technology that gave us an advantage no one else had.

Touching on even more innovations was the creation of the Atlas Satellite Equipment Tracking System (ASETS). This system allowed Atlas agents to track special shipments at any moment.

This technology could determine a shipment’s location within 300 yards of its location and allowed 24-hour communication between driver and agents. The ASETS system single-handedly produced more accurate ETA’s, quicker pickups, and deliveries, and provided an extra layer of security for high-value shipments.

Although we have advanced significantly since, technology was always the forefront of our growth and our greatest asset. Today, we continue to create new software systems and pave the way for moving innovation.

What We Have Done in the 25 Years Since

Atlas Van Lines has always had its finger on the pulse of emerging and proprietary technologies. Our commitment to innovation is evident in the cutting-edge moving technology we utilize.

A Journey of Continuous Improvement

Our journey through the last 75 years is a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation and customers’ ever-changing expectations. Each year, we have consistently sought ways to enhance the moving experience.

Over the decades, we have not only harnessed existing technology but have also taken the bold step of creating our own, revolutionizing the moving experience for customers, and setting new standards within the industry.

As the world around us changes, we have proven time and again that Atlas is ready to adapt and embrace new technologies. Atlas understands that the moving industry is not just about transporting goods; it's about providing peace of mind to families and individuals in transition.

The Road Ahead

As we celebrate our 75th anniversary, Atlas stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation. While we honor our rich history, we are also looking forward to the future. The moving industry continues to evolve, and Atlas is poised to lead the way.

Looking back on seven and a half decades of excellence, it is clear to all that our innovative spirit remains undiminished. Our technology-infused approach to moving will always redefine what customers can expect from a modern, full-service moving company.

As we look to the future, we can only imagine the exciting innovations that we will bring to the moving industry in the years ahead, continuing to redefine what it means to move with an expert. Our intention is to lean into best-in-class technology while providing world-class service to help people go new places®. This vision along with being the thought leader in the industry is what will place Atlas as the carrier of the future.

Move with innovation. Get your free quote today.