A van line is a national organization that provides moving services across the country in a symbiotic relationship with hundreds of smaller independent moving companies. A van line consists of a parent company or corporation partnered with a consortium of local independently owned moving companies or agents affiliated with that van line. The parent company provides national marketing, sales, branding, dispatching, safety, compliance, taxation, and other administrative services, while the local companies provide most of the actual moving services. Arpin RI is an agent for Arpin Van Lines. Arpin RI and Arpin Van Lines work cooperatively to serve their common customers. Arpin RI (the agent) will usually handle all the interaction between the customer and the van line. Arpin Van Lines will handle damage and delay claims if they occur.