As we step into 2025, labor shortages continue to be one of the biggest challenges facing the moving industry. It’s a problem that’s been brewing for years, but recent economic shifts, changing workforce dynamics, and lingering post-pandemic effects have made it even more difficult for moving companies to hire and retain talent.
This isn’t just a temporary hurdle—it’s a fundamental shift in how the industry operates. A study by Descartes revealed that 37% of organizations are struggling with high labor shortages, with 61% experiencing transportation disruptions and 58% reporting negative impacts on customer service (Global Trade Magazine).
At Yembo, we hear it directly from our customers: fewer surveyors available, rising operational costs, and increasing customer expectations make it harder than ever to keep up with demand. But here’s the thing—AI-powered solutions are changing the game, and moving companies that embrace them will be the ones that thrive.
Why Labor Shortages Are Here to Stay
The reality is that traditional jobs requiring in-person attendance—especially in industries like moving and logistics—are struggling more than others. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce notes that these jobs have faced hiring and retention challenges even before the pandemic, and the situation hasn’t improved (U.S. Chamber of Commerce).
With an aging workforce and fewer younger workers entering the industry, moving companies can’t afford to wait for things to go back to "normal"—because they won’t. Instead, the best way forward is to leverage technology to do more with less.
How AI-Powered Virtual Surveys Solve the Labor Shortage Problem
This is exactly where AI-powered virtual surveys come in. At Yembo, we’ve built a solution that allows moving companies to complete more surveys with fewer resources—without sacrificing accuracy or customer experience.
Traditionally, a moving survey meant sending a surveyor onsite, spending time walking through a home, manually taking notes, and then translating that information into an estimate. It’s time-consuming, labor-intensive, and prone to human error.
With Yembo’s AI-powered virtual surveys, that entire process is transformed. Using computer vision and AI, Yembo instantly recognizes furniture and calculates volume, generating an accurate inventory without the need for a physical visit.
Our customers are already seeing the impact. Patrick Gomez, Head of Virtual Operations at Imlach Group, shared this with us:
"Yembo has enabled 3 X more surveys while improving survey accuracy. Our surveyors went from doing 2-3 surveys a day to 8-10 surveys."
(Yembo AI).
That’s a massive productivity boost. Instead of requiring more surveyors to handle peak demand, moving companies can scale their operations efficiently with the team they already have.
Easily Handling Seasonal Peaks with Non-Expert Surveyors and Homeowners
One of the biggest operational challenges for moving companies is dealing with seasonal demand spikes. Whether it’s the summer moving rush or end-of-year relocations, most companies need more surveyors during peak seasons—but hiring and training temporary staff is costly and time-consuming.
With Yembo’s AI-powered virtual surveys, non-expert surveyors and even homeowners can conduct accurate, AI-assisted surveys.
✅ Homeowners can complete self-service surveys at their convenience, reducing the need for a company-employed surveyor.
✅ New or seasonal employees can quickly be trained to do or guide surveys remotely without needing years of experience.
✅ Surveyors can work from anywhere, conducting multiple video surveys in a fraction of the time.
By making the survey process more accessible, moving companies can handle seasonal peaks effortlessly without scrambling to hire temporary staff or overloading their existing teams.
More Flexibility, Faster Sales, Lower Costs
Beyond seasonal demand, AI-powered virtual surveys give moving companies unparalleled flexibility in how they operate. Yembo’s platform supports multiple survey methods:
✅ Self-Service Surveys – Let customers complete surveys on their own schedule.
✅ Guided Video Surveys – An agent remotely guides the customer through a live video survey.
✅ Onsite AI-Powered Surveys – Use AI to assist surveyors in capturing inventory faster.
✅ Fully Managed Surveys – Outsource the entire survey process to Yembo’s managed service.
By reducing the need for onsite visits and automating inventory generation, companies not only save time but also cut operational costs. This means surveyors can focus on high-value tasks rather than repetitive manual work.
The Future of Moving Is AI-Driven
As labor shortages persist in 2025 and beyond, the moving industry must adapt. Companies that embrace AI-powered solutions like Yembo will not only survive but thrive.
The bottom line? AI doesn’t replace people—it empowers them. It helps moving companies overcome hiring challenges, boost efficiency, and deliver better customer experiences. And in an industry where speed, accuracy, and service matter, that’s what will set companies apart in the coming years.
If you’re ready to see how AI can transform your moving business, let’s talk. Book a demo today and discover how Yembo can help you stay ahead of the curve.