What Loomis does and who uses it

Loomis is an armored car company that picks up cash and valuables from businesses, transports them securely, and deposits them at banks or other destinations. You do not use Loomis as a consumer — your bank or the business you work for contracts with them. Loomis operates in the United States, Canada, and several other countries, and handles everything from retail store deposits to casino cash to payroll deliveries.

If you own a business that handles physical cash — a restaurant, retail store, laundromat, gas station, or any operation that collects coins or bills — you may contract with Loomis directly. If you work at a business that uses Loomis, you will see their armored trucks arrive on a schedule to collect your store's deposit bag or cash drawer. The service is not free; businesses pay a fee per pickup, per pound of material, or a flat monthly rate depending on the contract.

Loomis also offers related services: they can store cash and valuables in their vaults, process coin and currency (counting and sorting), and provide safes or lockboxes for on-site storage. Some businesses use Loomis only for transport; others use their full suite of services.

Key Takeaways

  • Loomis picks up cash and valuables from businesses under a contract, not from individual consumers.
  • Businesses pay per pickup, by weight, or a monthly flat fee — the cost depends on how often you need service and how much cash you handle.
  • You schedule pickups in advance, and Loomis provides a receipt and tracking information for each delivery.
  • Loomis is insured and bonded, so if cash goes missing during transport, the company is liable up to the declared value.
  • If you work at a business using Loomis, you prepare your deposit according to their instructions and hand it to the driver when they arrive.

How to set up a Loomis account

To start using Loomis, you contact their sales team directly by phone or through their website. You will need to provide basic business information: your legal business name, address, the type of business you run, and an estimate of how much cash you handle per week or month. Loomis will ask about your current cash handling process — whether you store cash on-site, how often you need pickups, and whether you need additional services like coin processing or vault storage.

Loomis will then propose a service plan and pricing. The cost varies widely based on pickup frequency, the amount of cash, your location, and whether you use additional services. A small retail store might pay $50 to $150 per pickup; a high-volume business like a casino or bank branch might have a custom contract. You will sign a service agreement that outlines the pickup schedule, fees, liability limits, and your responsibilities.

Once the account is active, Loomis assigns you a regular driver and provides you with deposit bags, forms, or other materials you need to prepare cash for pickup. They will also give you a phone number to call if you need to schedule an extra pickup or report a problem.

What happens during a Loomis pickup

On your scheduled pickup day, a Loomis armored truck arrives at your location. The driver is armed and trained in cash handling and security. You hand over your prepared deposit — usually in a sealed bag or container — and the driver counts it or weighs it to verify the amount. You receive a receipt showing the date, time, amount, and destination (usually your bank).

The driver then transports your cash in the armored vehicle, which is equipped with GPS tracking and security features. Loomis deposits the cash at your designated bank account or other location. You can track the status of your deposit through Loomis's online portal or by calling their customer service line. Most deposits are completed within one business day.

If there is a discrepancy — the amount you recorded does not match what Loomis counted — you will be notified and given a chance to investigate. Loomis keeps records of all pickups and deposits, so you can request documentation if you need it for accounting or audit purposes.

Pricing and what affects your cost

Loomis charges for service in several ways. The most common model is a per-pickup fee, which might range from $25 to $200 or more depending on your location and service level. Some businesses pay by weight — for example, a certain rate per pound of coins or currency. Others negotiate a flat monthly fee if they have regular, predictable pickups.

Your actual cost depends on: how often you need pickups (daily, weekly, or monthly), how much cash you handle per pickup, your geographic location (rural areas cost more), whether you need after-hours or weekend service, and whether you use additional services like coin processing or vault storage. A business that needs daily pickups will pay more than one that needs weekly pickups.

Loomis will provide a written quote before you sign up, so you know the cost upfront. If your cash volume changes significantly, you can renegotiate your contract. Some businesses find that using Loomis actually saves money because they no longer need to store large amounts of cash on-site or make their own bank runs, which reduces theft risk and employee time.

Insurance and liability

Loomis is insured and bonded. This means if cash or valuables go missing during transport — due to theft, accident, or employee error — Loomis is responsible for reimbursing you up to the declared value of the shipment. You must declare the value of each pickup when you hand it over, and Loomis will note it on the receipt.

However, Loomis's liability is not unlimited. Your service agreement will specify a maximum liability per pickup and per year. If you are shipping very high-value items, you may need to purchase additional insurance or negotiate higher liability limits. Read your contract carefully to understand what is and is not covered.

Loomis also requires you to follow their procedures for preparing and sealing deposits. If you do not follow their instructions — for example, if you leave a bag unsealed or do not use their approved containers — they may deny a claim if something goes wrong. This is why it is important to train your staff on the correct process.

Alternatives to Loomis

Loomis is the largest armored car company in North America, but it is not the only option. Other major armored car services include Brink's, GardaWorld, and Dunbar Armored. Each has different pricing, service areas, and features. If you are considering armored car service, it is worth getting quotes from at least two or three companies to compare cost and service level.

Some businesses use a combination of approaches: they might use Loomis for large deposits but make smaller deposits themselves, or they might use a bank's night deposit box for after-hours deposits and Loomis for daytime pickups. A few businesses with very low cash volume use their own safe and make deposits themselves, though this carries higher risk and requires more employee time.

If you are just starting a business or are unsure whether you need armored car service, talk to your bank and other business owners in your industry. They can tell you what is standard practice and whether the cost is worth it for your situation.

Common questions about Loomis service

Many business owners wonder whether they really need armored car service or whether they can just deposit cash themselves. The answer depends on how much cash you handle, how often, and your risk tolerance. If you handle more than a few thousand dollars per week, armored car service usually makes sense because it reduces theft risk, frees up employee time, and provides insurance protection. If you handle very little cash, you might not need it.

Another common question is whether Loomis can pick up from multiple locations. Yes — if you own several stores or locations, Loomis can set up a route that picks up from each one and consolidates the deposits. This is more efficient than separate pickups from each location.

Business owners also ask whether they can change their pickup schedule. Yes, you can usually request extra pickups or skip a scheduled pickup by calling Loomis customer service. However, your contract may specify a minimum number of pickups per month, so changing your schedule too frequently might affect your pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I need a pickup outside my regular schedule?

You can call Loomis and request an extra pickup, usually with a few hours' notice. There may be an additional fee for out-of-schedule pickups, depending on your contract. If you find yourself needing extra pickups regularly, it might be worth renegotiating your service plan to include more frequent scheduled pickups.

Can Loomis pick up from my home or personal account?

No. Loomis serves businesses, not individuals. If you have a personal need to transport cash or valuables, you would need to use a bank's safe deposit box, a personal safe, or a bank's night deposit box. Loomis contracts are for business accounts only.

What happens if there is a discrepancy between what I recorded and what Loomis counted?

Loomis will notify you of the discrepancy and provide documentation of what they counted. You then have a chance to investigate — for example, to check your own records or ask staff whether they miscounted. If the discrepancy cannot be resolved, Loomis's count is usually considered final per the service agreement, though you can dispute it in writing.

How do I know my cash actually made it to my bank?

Loomis provides a receipt at pickup and tracking information so you can follow the deposit. You can also check your bank account to confirm the deposit was received. Most deposits appear in your account within one business day. If a deposit does not appear, contact both Loomis and your bank when ready.

Is Loomis service required by law or insurance?

No law requires you to use armored car service. However, your business insurance policy may require it if you handle large amounts of cash, or your insurance premium may be lower if you use it. Check with your insurance agent to see whether armored car service affects your coverage or rates.