1/31/2007
ALLIED VAN LINES RELEASES 39th ANNUAL MAGNET STATES REPORT
For second consecutive year, Texas, North Carolina and the Southeast ranked most “magnetic” in the U.S.; Residents depart from California and Michigan
CHICAGO, January 31st, 2007 — Allied Van Lines today announced Texas as the number one destination state in 2006, according to the 39th Annual Allied Van Lines’ Magnet States Report. According to the report, which tracks U.S. migration patterns, Texas had the highest net relocation gain (inbound moves performed by Allied Van Lines minus outbound moves) in 2006.
North Carolina came in second to Texas for highest net relocation gain, with Georgia a close third. Texas was joined by California, Florida, North Carolina and Arizona as the top five states for total number of inbound moves; however, outbound residents outnumbered inbound residents for California and Florida, resulting in net relocation losses.
“Our statistics are in harmony with Money Magazine’s 2006 report of Best Places to Live,” said Mike McMahon, President of SIRVA Moving Services, Allied Van Lines' parent company. “Both Texas and North Carolina have cities in the top five, and offer a great living experience, from cost of living and standard of life to economy and job opportunities.”
Texas experienced 9,185 inbound shipments and 6,642 outbound shipments, for a net relocation gain of 2,543— a large jump from last year’s 1,991 net gain. Its 15,827 shipments also made it the third most mobile state behind California and Florida. North Carolina had a net relocation gain of 1,948 out of 7,592 total shipments, while Georgia had 1,150 out of 6,550 shipments, rounding out the top three “Magnet States.”
Outbound States
This year, Michigan, suffering from the downsizing of the automotive industry, joined typical states of Florida, California and New Jersey for America’s top outbound states in 2006 for Allied Van Lines. Michigan posted 3,502 outbound shipments compared to 1,715 inbound, for a net relocation loss of 1,787. Florida was the leading outbound state with had 8,894 outbound shipments compared with 6,953 inbound, for a net relocation loss of 1,941. California had net relocation loss of 1,740, while New Jersey had net relocation loss of 1,098 — not a significant difference from last year’s statistics.
Mobile States
For the fourth year in a row, the top three mobile states (inbound and outbound moves combined) were California with 19,540 shipments, Florida with 15,847 and Texas with 15,827.
About Allied Van Lines
Established in 1928, Allied Van Lines, with more than 500 agent locations in North America, is an experienced leader in household goods moving and specialized transportation services. Allied is one of the well-known global brands of SIRVA, Inc., (NYSE: SIR), a leader in providing relocation services to corporations, consumers and governments around the world. For more information about Allied Van Lines, visit www.allied.com.
About SIRVA, Inc.
SIRVA, Inc. is a leading provider of relocation solutions to a well-established and diverse customer base around the world. The Company handles all aspects of relocation, including home purchase and home sale services, household goods moving, mortgage services and title insurance. SIRVA conducts more than 300,000 relocations per year, transferring corporate and government employees along with individual consumers. The Company operates in more than 40 countries with over 5,000 employees and an extensive network of agents and service providers. SIRVA's well-recognized brands include ADAM, Allied, Allied Arthur Pierre, Allied International, Allied Pickfords, Allied Special Products, Allied Varekamp, DJK Residential, Global, Huet International, Kungsholms, Majortrans, northAmerican, northAmerican International, Pickfords, Rettenmayer, SIRVA Mortgage, SIRVA Relocation and SIRVA Settlement. More information about SIRVA can be found on the Company's Web site at www.sirva.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are not historical, but are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs concerning future developments and their potential effects upon SIRVA, Inc. and its subsidiaries. There can be no assurance that future developments affecting us will be those anticipated by management. These forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, including without limitation those described under the caption “Business Risks” and other risks described in our 2005 Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports we submit to the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. We do not intend, and are under no obligation, to update any particular forward-looking statement included in this release.
Media Contact
Kim Hildreth
Marketing Director
(630) 570-3807
kim.hildreth@sirva.com
U.S. DOT No. 076235