Palmer Moving Services Celebrated its 115th Year Anniversary
Over the years, the moving industry has changed and grown in a variety of ways. As the industry has changed,
Palmer Moving Services has excelled at adapting to shifts and diversifying. The most important part of improving
our processes is our strong team and commitment to quality service.
The Beginning: 1910
Two horses and a wagon. What started out as a dairy delivery company, Robert Palmer began moving furniture for friends on weekends and realized there was a better life in cartage. It wouldn’t take long for this to blossom into full-fledged moving services, based out of Robert’s home in Detroit.
Mid-Century: 1940-1950
In 1940, after decades of working independently, Robert decided to bring his four children into the company. This made it an official family business, while he continued to operate out of his home. By the time 1950 rolled around, Robert was ready to begin looking towards retirement and decided to promote Robert Palmer II as President of the company.
Hits the Big Time: 1954-1958
Robert Palmer II was successful in his endeavors as President; so successful in fact, that the company was able to purchase its first warehouse on Gratiot Avenue in 1954 – only four years after taking over as the head of the company. Four years later, in 1958, Palmer Moving became an agent for North American Van Lines.
The Next Generation: 1970’s
Robert II’s son, Rick, took over as President in 1979. Under his tenure, the company expanded into the Public Warehousing and Final Mile Delivery sectors. Jeff Palmer took over as President of the Moving Company in 1990. Jeff’s commitment to his employees, partners, and customers was critical in building the high-quality comprehensive service offerings that the company provides.
Turn of the Millenium: 1999-2020
Finding a perfect location to operate in the Metro Detroit transportation industry, Palmer secured a new home base in 1999. Palmer Moving Services relocated into our current location in Warren, Michigan, boasting a 150,000 square foot warehouse. Always seeking new ways to grow, Palmer founded a new company in 2007, RHP Logistics. Time for change came about again in 2017, when Palmer shifted to become an agent for Atlas Van Lines.
Looking Forward: 2021- Present
Four years later, Palmer sought a new opportunity outside of the Detroit area by expanding operations again in 2021, opening a new warehouse in Ann Arbor, MI. In 2022, Palmer purchased Frisbie Moving, which allowed for additional expansion into a second Ann Arbor warehouse.
In 2021, Terri Palmer was named as the CEO of Palmer Moving Services, making the company officially a woman-owned business.
On to the Future: On December 1, 2025, Brandon Kress was promoted to President of Palmer Moving Services after five years of service as the Vice-President of Operations.
Please join us in congratulating Brandon on his new role and wishing him much success as the 6th president of Palmer Moving Services in our 115-year history!