Twenty years ago, Smart Express started as a side hustle in a spare room. With just one van, co-founders Susan and Devan set out to change the moving industry in New Zealand. They saw a gap in the market for high-quality, reliable moving and delivery services—so they built a business to fill it.
On February 14, 2005, Smart Express officially launched, signing their first customer, Damba Chairs, and welcoming their first employee. Fast forward to today, and we’ve grown into a nationwide operation with 27+ branded vehicles, multiple locations, and thousands of moves and deliveries every month.
Key Milestones in Our 20-Year Journey
2005-2010: Laying the Foundation
Day 1: Started as a side business in Devan’s spare room.
First year: Took 12 months to acquire the first truck.
2006: Hired second employee, Nick, who played a crucial role in expanding the business.
2009: Devan left his previous job to join Smart Express full-time.
2011-2015: Growth & Breaking Into the Industry
2012: Susan officially became a Director.
2013: Moved into Hannigan Drive office.
Started offering residential moves and advertising in local newspapers (Yellow Pages was out of budget!).
2015: Signed first major retail customer, Big Save Furniture, taking on tough deliveries like Sunday runs and challenging routes.
2016-2020: Expanding Across New Zealand
2016: Smart Express became finalists at the Westpac Business Awards (Excellence in Marketing).
2018: Opened Tauranga operations and launched the online quote platform, 2 Big 4 Your Car.
2019: Acquired Tiger Transport, expanding into residential and office moves.
2019: Won Westpac Business Awards for Excellence in Customer Service & Best of the Best.
2020: Expanded further with operations in Hamilton.
2021-2024: Industry Leadership & Innovation
2021: Moved into the current headquarters and launched warehousing operations.
Became a preferred moving supplier for Summerset Retirement Villages across New Zealand.
2023: Established a clear company vision and values, focusing on trust, respect, and exceptional service.
2024: Won People’s Choice Award at the 2Degrees Business Awards, reflecting our commitment to outstanding service.
Opened operations in Wellington and achieved Totika Health & Safety prequalification.
Looking Back at What Made Us Different
Through the years, Smart Express has stood apart in the moving industry by focusing on: Customer-first approach: We don’t just move boxes—we move people, memories, and futures. Long-term employees & supplier relationships: Many of our team members and business partners have been with us for years. Innovation & adaptability: From early EFTPOS integration to custom-built quoting systems, we’ve always stayed ahead. Community impact: Whether it’s helping during floods, supporting local businesses, or creating jobs, we take pride in giving back. Diversity & leadership in logistics: With Susan as a leader in a male-dominated industry, we continue to champion women in logistics.
Celebrating 20 Years—And the Road Ahead
On February 14, 2025, we officially celebrate 20 years of Smart Express. We’re marking the occasion with a renewed commitment to service excellence, sustainability, and expanding our reach across New Zealand.
A huge thank you to our incredible customers, hardworking team, and everyone who has been part of our journey. We can’t wait to see what the next 20 years bring!
Our vision is to be the most trusted and respected moving and delivery company in New Zealand by delivering an exceptional service that exceeds all expectations
James and his team were great. it was not an easy move and they handled it well. no damage to the properties or the goods transported. everything was completed faster than expected also. thanks team!
Have used this company for many years now starting back when it was Tiger Transport. What a great team, on time friendly professional . No breakages. Great job done. Full recommend James and Thomas. Nice guys. Thanks again
We moved from Omokoroa to a retirement village in Auckland. Dallas and his crew were amazing. A quick pick up, but a difficult drop off - steps, lifts and corridors to negotiate. Nothing was too much trouble. They certainly took the stress out of our day. Would recommend them very highly indeed
Used your crew to move my family today from our family home to our forever home.
I had Peter leading Noah and Chris. Holy heck these guys are a dynamic team. So bloody good. I had you guys move mum recently too from up north to Papakura and she raved about the team.
I really really appreciate the skill the guys have and the strength. A testament to the training and culture you have built there.
Uncomplicated and professional from 1st phone call for a quote to the end. Thank you for making my small move easy & pleasant. Rahul you were kind & courteous, and Dan you came up with a safe & logical way to load and unload the truck. Great team work guys.
Another great team moved full contents of my apartment into Mini Storage today. It was a much bigger job than they knew of, however James and Tony were amazing and worked tirelessly and without issue to get the truck loaded and unloaded. Full marks to these two very hard workers.
Movers did the job with no major hiccups and were nice and friendly. Although double check your invoice because they did overcharge me (which was later resolved) - and pay attention to how long they are there for as you are charged per half hour. 😊
I recently had the team of Sukh and Karan from Smart Express do a houselot move for me. Good communication and they were fast, friendly and efficient. Thanks very much guys for a job well done!
Incredible service! I've always been let down by moving specialists but this team, and especially Dan, were so great today!! They didn't waste anytime, great problem solvers with moving awkward furniture carefully and efficiently, really friendly and calm. Super happy with their work!
The packers movers and cleaners were very efficient and all very nice people. We found the accounting system difficult to understand, and unnecessarily complicated. Why is the actual amount of GST not listed in money amounts on the invoice? We would use the company again.
Tan and his team were absolutely amazing. Could not have asked for better. They were careful considerate, professional and went beyond expectations. Would highly recommend Smart Express and Tan particular
Wouldn't use any other moving company. Before my move, I got quotes from over 8 places. These guy were the only ones that gave me a flat rate. Non of the BS if there stairs we charge, if it's less than 2hrs we charge minimum rate. Go to company all day everyday... fast, efficient, on time, pleasant, professional ... the list goes on. Work in the field of logistics, and you get what you pay for...
Team Anki and Joban were really efficient and knew exactly how to manouevre a very heavy vending machine through a narrow door and onto their truck. They were an impressive team who worked quickly and communicated well.
Rahul and Tony from Auckland helped us with our move last Saturday. They made the move run so smoothly and arrived first thing in the morning. They were friendly efficiently and made sure all our belongings were delivered to our new place safely. Highly recommend.
Awesome work from the team, Tan, Ofa, and Sam were amazing, they made our move super easy and hassle free, would recommend 100% to anyone. Excellent work team.
I received fantastic, swift, and professional service for moving my belongings from overseas. They are the local partner of my international relocation company, and I am highly satisfied with their performance. I had a great experience with them and highly recommend their services to anyone seeking peace of mind.
Retirement moving specialists - moving my parent’s belongings to retirement village.
From the first conversation I had with Emma, to delivery of packing products, to moving day with Jack and James - this company knows how to move homes - they all did an awesome, and attentive job. Jack and James were a hoot to spend the morning with. They were cheerful and helpful, they did the job swiftly, with smiles on their faces (even with dramas with lifts and access), they were always polite and made it so easy for us on an emotional day.
We did all the packing ourselves, but I would trust this company to do the entire job - if you need a trustworthy company to do it all - they are amazing!
Thank you Sarah, Emma, Jack and James and the rest of your team! You Rock!
Have used Smart Express twice now and both times it has been the easiest process ever, and done in less than an hour. Can’t recommend this company enough, great communication both times and friendly service, will never use anyone else
Awesome team work Dan's team (Tony/ Rahul) It was a late Saturday afternoon and the hot humid weather didn't let up. Hugh respect goes out to Rahul & Tony for the professionalism in all aspects. No damages and job completed in exactly 4 hours. To the Smart Express management team these 2 deserve a bonus! Some of my furniture was bulky and very heavy. Some furniture requied dismantling to fit in the house. My solid mdf vanity unit which weighs about 100kg was carried up these stairs. Top effort guys, keep up the great work.
Prabh and Pinda were absolute professionals. They lifted heavy and delicate items with ease, worked their way in and out of the property without a hitch, and packed in the new house exactly how we wanted. Friendly and professional the entire way through. Highly recommend!
Excellent I recommend Prabh and Pinda. Highly professional and safe delivery. I will definitely have them move my belongings again. Fantastic guys a credit to your Company. Margaret
Used smart express to move our flat. Tony and Rahul was professional, they took care for our furniture to make sure it wasn't damaged and was very accommodating. Will definitely use their service again in the future.
I recently moved my belongings from a storage unit in Pakuranga to my new home in Papakura, and the team from Smart Express—Dan and Cristi—absolutely exceeded my expectations! They were professional, efficient, and paid close attention to every detail. Not only did they handle my furniture with great care, but they also assembled everything quickly and left the place spotless. Strong, reliable, and incredibly organized, they turned what could have been a stressful day into a smooth and hassle-free experience. Highly recommend their services!
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Wayne, Sam, and their incredible team for their outstanding service during our recent furniture move.
From the moment they arrived, their professionalism and efficiency were evident.
They handled our belongings with utmost care, ensuring everything was packed securely and transported without a scratch.
The team’s positive attitude made the entire process enjoyable and stress-free. I highly recommend their services to anyone looking for reliable movers.
Thank you, Wayne and Sam, for making our move a smooth and pleasant experience!
Shay and Junior were fantastic, early, friendly, helpful, quick and just all round nice guys. Moving in any shape or form can be a pain in the bum, the team at Smart Express never fail to deliver in all ways than one. You're in safe hands, with affordable options and prompt service. I'm a loyal customer for these reasons - highly recommend.
Jack and Tom have just helped us move offices in Auckland!! They were awesome, nothing was too much trouble, they were just fabulous and looked after all our possessions s if they were their own. Would absolutely recommend.
Very impressed with the professionalism and efficiency of Brett and Nuku with my central suburbs move in Auckland this week. Its a very stressful and unsettling time when moving homes and to have this help is really priceless! Thank you so much :)
Excellent service. We have just used them for a huge move..valuable antiques and mirrors. All wrapped and handled with utmost care. Nothing was a problem..very heavy lifting was required often. Very impressed..would not hesitate to recommend and use again
Prabh, Pinda, and Tony showed up right on time and did an amazing job! They managed to get everything done in just 4-5 hours, all while keeping the vibe positive and communicating clearly. They really listened to all our worries about moving the refrigerator and other large sized furnitures through the front door and made it look so easy! I would definitely recommend them to anyone needing help with a move. Thank you, team!
If there was a real life example of service with a smile it would be these guys, we have had a previous experience with a different moving company that was dreadful, but Smart Express are a cut above the rest, nothing is too hard, they are careful, take notice of the little things, and definitely go the extra mile. We will never use another moving company again, it's smart express all the way for us! Mel and Rohan
Terrific people, terrific service. I was a 'clutter bug', the Team not only are extremely personable they are very good at their job. I have a personal health issue, that did not worry them, they just worked around me, they were better than excellent and I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone in a situation I was in or otherwise considering working with Smart Express in the future
Navi, Navjot & Kaka from the Sandeep Team were incredible! The item they were moving was extremely heavy and they managed to transport it into the house creatively and without a single glitch. Polite and efficient - highly recommend.
We needed to move a studio's worth of furniture into a retirement village, plus some seriously big pot plants. I can say that everything about the experience was good! My telephone enquiry was answered promptly and helpfully, and I found the online quote process and email revisions really quick. On moving day, a terrific team turned up (Yad, Pinda, Prabh) and were wonderfully polite and efficient. And they coped with us saying "be careful with this" on numerous items. They WERE careful. The job was done in about 2 hours and we will book them again. It was such a pleasure to have them helping us at a stressful time.
I’ve used Smart Express for every move and hands down they’re the best in the business. Incredible service from pick up to delivery and they take such great care of your belongings. Id particularly like to shout out Sandeep’s team (Nav & Prabh) - these guys are fantastic, 10 out of 10. Many thanks Adrianne
We moved house this weekend and engaged Navjot, Prabh and Kaka from Smart Express, after being recommended the company by a colleague. They were on time, efficient, conscientious and diligent. They were careful with our belongings and new house - putting down carpets wherever they went. Nothing was scratched or damaged. They also did things like connected our washing machine and dryer, and offered to put together our beds (and had allen keys and other things available to help us do this too). I would highly recommend Smart Express for a stress free experience.
Was absolutely stoked with these lads. Very careful and professional. Some of the hardest workers I have met. Able to overcome challenges. Very recommended. Thanks again.
These guys were incredible. When I realised that we didn't have enough manpower to help us move on moving day, I called these guys up to see if on the off-chance they had some movers available last-minute and they were able to accomodate. Louise was super helpful in getting me a quote instantly, and the guys who moved all of our stuff were awesome. They came early and managed to move a lot more than we'd hoped. Really reasonably priced too. 10/10, absolutely recommend using these guys for your next move!
Couldn’t be happier with the service provided by Kaka, Navjot, Prabh and Navi. They moved our 4 bedroom house efficiently, politely and most importantly with no damage to any of stuff or either house. Great job.
Excellent service! Dropped off our new couches, unpacked them, installed the feet and took all the rubbish away. Very friendly and efficient! Thank you
"Hello, I recently used your moving services and I am extremely satisfied. The work was done with great speed, precision, and organization. Your staff were very polite and professional, and they handled every step of the move with utmost care. I would also like to extend special thanks to Mr. Yad for his excellent support. I truly appreciate that everything went smoothly and was completed in the best possible way. I will definitely recommend your company to others. Best regards, (Ebadi)
Navi and Navjot (from Sandeeps team) were absolutely incredible. Completely took the stress out of the move and were efficient, hard working and super friendly. Nothing was a problem, and everything was communicated at every step of the process. I was blown away at how good they were. Everything was handled with care and looked after, and on the other side, placed exactly where requested.
I will be recommending these guys to anyone I know considering a move. A+ 10/10 movers. Thanks so much team!!!
Incredible service, highly recommend, faultless Navi, Navjot, Kaka from Team Sandeep, tireless effort and went above and beyond, a credit and asset to your business
I had the best service on Saturday 28 October by the Sandeep Team (Navi & Navijot) from Smart Express. Their communication was great and were such a helpful polite team! I will definitely recommend them and will also request them next time!
Our house with a heaps of heavy, delicate, awkward items were expertly moved by Tan, Ofa, and Samu. They did everything so quickly and efficiently, and were exactly to the quote. I highly recommend.
Hamish and the team were amazing! Highly recommend they were all super helpful effective and got the job done! Our house was huge so it was no easy feat! Hamish's comms were perfect for the day he managed to save me from unnecessarily stressing!
Big thanks to Team Sukh and Joban for making our move stress-free! Absolutely loved it. I couldn't recommend them enough ! Quick and easy to book and the guys were really professional and put the standard real high! fast emptying our apartment and transferring it to our new address(and through rain)! My dining table didn't fit through the Door and both of the guys didn't hesitate to find a solution real quick.
To Sukh & Joban, you made our move much more enjoyable! Awesome team! Keep up the good work! Hope you liked the french treats 😀
I recently moved and couldn't have done it without Prabh and Pinda. They were incredibly helpful, ensuring everything was packed and transported safely. Their professionalism, efficiency, and positive attitude made the process so much smoother. I highly recommend them to anyone looking for reliable moving assistance!
I have used Smart Express twice the past few weeks Karan and Parry moved two very heavy and fragile pieces of furniture for me today to two different locations . They were respectful and careful. I would highly recommend them and would use their services again . Thanks guys for a great job!!
Used Smart Movers today - they were AWESOME. Moved so fast, very helpful and went above and beyond to help us settle into our new place. Thank you Ankish and Tem!
These guys were the most professional and respectful movers we’ve had. They kept our place tidy after moving and assembly, took all the rubbish, it was like they’d never been there (with the exception of our furniture having been delivered and assembled). They had great care in delivering and hadn’t scuffed the walls while going up the stairs.
True professionals whom we would happily hire again. Thanks guys for your great work.
Can't recommend Smart Express highly enough. From quoting to delivery and timeliness, efficiency and work ethic of the two hard workers that made our move stress free. I think one of the drivers is Shuk. Give them a shot!
FIVE STAR experience from Allan & team. Firstly the initial inquiry was superb, Allan was very knowledgeable to all my questions and always very responsive. On the day of the move the team arrived on time and the team were friendly and handle the stuff with care. The entire move was seamless and nothing was lost or damage. Allan and team even helped re-install my washer and hanging up the dryer without hesitation.
I strongly recommend Smart Express for moving and kudos to Allan, Navin and team.
Yad, Prabh, and Pinda were very polite, helpful and extremely efficient. Very grateful for their professional attitude and can-do spirit! Best move ever. :)
Dallas Trixs & Hare were primo!! They did an excellent job moving us from house to house. Fast - Efficient - Friendly - Happy. No hesitation recommending them to anyone. Thanks guys we really appreciated your hard work & expertise in packing & unloading
Mickey and Garry did an excellent job with our delivery. They were careful with the handling and assembly and very friendly. 🤗 Deb and John. Big Manly Beach.
Dallas & Hare moved my furniture from Tauranga to the Eastern Bay today. They were amazing, great communication, checking in & letting me know how they were going with the move, they took such care with my furniture and were genuinely great guys, I couldn’t have asked for better! Thank you so much
Customer-first approach: We don’t just move boxes—we move people, memories, and futures.
