Allied Van Lines Review 2026: Real Customer Experiences
Here’s the bottom line: Allied Van Lines is a full-service mover that ranks as best for contents coverage on our list of the best interstate moving companies. Founded in 1928, Allied moves households in all 50 states and more than 130 countries through a network of local agents, with binding estimates, custom crating, and no deposit to book. Our Allied Van Lines review covers real customer experiences from our Better Moves Project, plus Allied’s pricing, services, and top competitors.
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
Pros & cons of Allied Van Lines
- Top pick for international moves
- Online shipment tracking
- Custom crating & fragile-only packing
- Portable containers with a loading crew
- No deposit to book
- No instant online quotes
- Slow claims, per some customers
- Pricier than many competitors
- Service varies by local agent
Why moveBuddha:
- On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
- When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
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What do customers say about Allied Van Lines?
Most Allied Van Lines customers we’ve interviewed through the Better Moves Project would hire Allied again, and they single out its communication and on-time delivery. Negative reviews mostly involve damaged items and slow claims.
When Pavan relocated from Warren, Michigan, to Jacksonville, Florida, for work, he wanted a full-service mover to handle every detail of his cross-country move. He booked Allied and its local agent, Rose Moving & Storage, for his move from Michigan to Florida. His final bill came to $8,798 against a $9,081 quote.
“I would definitely use Allied again, thanks to their excellent communication, on-time service, and safe and timely delivery of my belongings.”
—Pavan R., Better Moves Project
Pavan’s move coordinator reached out before and after every step, so he always knew what came next. Stephanie rated Berger Allied’s communication a perfect 5 out of 5, noting that the team answered all her questions and kept her at ease from start to finish.
Both moves were handled with care, though each had minor damage. Pavan found a small dent in his stainless steel trash can and a TV stand wheel missing its ball bearings. Stephanie’s pieces had a few small dings, but her antiques arrived intact.
Stephanie hired Berger Allied, a local Allied Van Lines agent, for her move from Austin, Texas, to Los Angeles. She paid exactly her $4,000 binding quote, even though her shipment weighed more than estimated.
“My move was mostly antiques, and Berger Allied was the only moving company that could do an in-person estimate. They were very organized and professional. Great communication! They were always available to answer my many questions.”
—Stephanie B., Better Moves Project
Why do Allied Van Lines reviews vary?
Allied Van Lines reviews vary because local agents, not one national crew, handle most moves. Rose Moving & Storage handled Pavan’s move, and Berger Allied handled Stephanie’s, so your experience depends on the agent assigned to you.
As of September 2026, the Better Business Bureau gives Allied an A+ rating and lists 61 complaints filed in the past three years. Service or repair issues make up 26 of those complaints, and delivery issues make up 15. Check reviews for your local Allied agent, not just the national brand, before you book.
How much does Allied Van Lines cost?
Allied Van Lines typically charges $50 – $200 per hour for local moves, based on moving quotes we’ve obtained. Long-distance moves are priced by weight and distance instead of by the hour.
Allied’s long-distance price depends on the scope of your move, including:
- Shipment weight: Allied prices interstate moves by the total weight of your belongings, so a larger home costs more to move.
- Distance: The farther your belongings travel, the higher your transportation charges.
- Services you add: Packing, crating, storage, and vehicle transport each add to your bill.
- Move date: Peak season runs from May 15 to September 15, so the time of year you move affects both price and availability.
- Coverage level: Upgrading from basic liability to full value protection raises your total cost.
Both Pavan and Stephanie found Allied’s pricing transparent and fair. Pavan’s final cost came in about $300 under his not-to-exceed estimate, and Stephanie’s binding quote held even though her shipment outweighed the estimate.
Here are the estimates Pavan got from each of the moving companies he considered for his two-bedroom move:
| Company | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Allied Van Lines | $9,081 |
| Safeway Moving | $7,653 |
| JK Moving Services | $6,995 |
We’ve pulled sample Allied quotes to help you gauge its prices. Get your own quotes too, since they’re free and carry no obligation. If you find a better price elsewhere, Allied may be willing to negotiate.
| Move Distance | Move Size | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Same city | 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,300 |
| 1,000 miles | 2 – 3 bedrooms | $4,300 |
| 2,500 miles | 2 – 3 bedrooms | $6,300 |
moveBuddha’s moving cost calculator factors in distance, home size, services, and access together, so you get a price range for your actual move to measure an Allied estimate against.
moveBuddha users save more than 30% on average by comparing moving quotes instead of booking the first one they receive.
Learn MoreWhat services does Allied Van Lines offer?
Allied Van Lines offers a full range of local, long-distance, and international moving services. Here are the highlights:
- Household moving: Allied customizes each household move to the customer’s needs. Household moves include basic furniture disassembly and reassembly.
- International moving: Allied handles international moves to more than 130 countries. Its international team helps you complete customs clearance paperwork.
- Cross-country moving: Allied handles residential and commercial long-distance moves in all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii.
- Military moves: Allied supports Personally Procured Moves (PPMs) for military moves. Its international shipping and storage options make it a popular choice for service members.
- Packing & loading: Allied offers full packing services, fragile-only packing, and custom crating for high-value items like antiques and large TVs.
- Corporate relocation: Allied offers corporate moving packages with add-ons like packing and temporary storage. Options vary by local agent.
- Storage services: Allied offers short-term storage for up to 90 days with no long-term commitment. It also offers climate-controlled long-term storage.
- Vehicle transportation: Allied can transport cars, boats, and other vehicles on open or enclosed carriers. Car shipping generally takes 3 – 7 business days from pickup to delivery.
- Moving containers: Allied Express is a container option similar to PODS and U-Pack. Unlike those companies, Allied sends a crew of 2 – 4 professional movers to load and unload your container.
- Packing supplies: Allied sells specialized supplies for bulky items like mirrors and mattresses. You can buy packing supplies like bubble wrap even if you skip packing services.
- Coverage options: Allied includes basic liability coverage that pays $0.60 per pound per item for lost or damaged belongings. Its full value protection repairs or replaces items at current market value for an extra cost.
rating
4.23 / 5
How does Allied Van Lines compare to other movers?
Allied Van Lines has an extensive lineup of services, but it isn’t the best fit for every move. moveBuddha scores movers across 72 data points covering reputation, licensing, pricing transparency, and customer service. Here’s how Allied compares to a few of our other best interstate moving companies:
| Company | BBB | States | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Van Lines | A+ | 50 | Contents coverage |
| Safeway Moving | A+ | 48 | Overall value |
| Mayzlin Relocation | B+ | 48 | Personal service |
| American Van Lines | C | 48 | Move experience |
To compare Allied against other movers without calling each one, the moveBuddha Mover Marketplace gets you up to five no-obligation quotes from one request, matched to movers’ real-time availability.
rating
4.23 / 5
- Specialty packing services
- White-glove reputation
- 80+ years' experience
Allied Van Lines vs. Safeway Moving
Safeway Moving and Allied Van Lines both offer full-service long-distance moves with packing, loading, and transport. Safeway quotes guaranteed flat-rate prices and serves the lower 48 states, while Allied also covers Alaska, Hawaii, and international moves.
Both companies give back. Safeway supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Allied lists Move For Hunger and Susan G. Komen as charity partners.
Safeway is also a moveBuddha Certified mover, which adds $1,000 in move coverage and dispute mediation if something goes wrong. Choose Safeway if price and Certified protection matter most, or Allied if you’re moving outside the lower 48 states.
Laurel gave Safeway’s crews and communication top marks, but her final bill nearly doubled because she accepted a phone estimate instead of an in-person one.
“I’d choose a different mover next time because of the pricing gap, and I still think Safeway is a great deal if you get an accurate in-person quote.”
—Laurel H., Better Moves Project
rating
4.9 / 5
Allied Van Lines vs. Mayzlin Relocation
Mayzlin Relocation is a licensed carrier (USDOT 3182355) that runs its own trucks and warehouses. Allied has moved families since 1928, while Mayzlin opened in 2016 and is much less known.
Mayzlin requires a 25% deposit when you book. You get it back only if you cancel in writing at least seven business days before pickup. Allied doesn’t require a deposit at all.
Choose Mayzlin if you want a smaller company handling your move directly. Choose Allied if you’d rather skip a deposit or you’re moving outside the lower 48 states.
Jana loved Mayzlin’s clear communication, professionalism, and careful handling of her artwork.
“Mayzlin made my interstate move easy and stress-free. From day one, they were communicative, transparent, and careful with all my belongings, including my fragile painting. Despite a small fee increase for extra supplies I needed, their professionalism and quick, safe delivery were worth every penny. I’d highly recommend Mayzlin!”
—Jana B., Better Moves Project
rating
4.79 / 5
Allied Van Lines vs. North American Van Lines
North American Van Lines (NAVL) and Allied Van Lines are sister brands under the same parent company, SIRVA. Both move households through local agent networks, and both bring nearly a century of experience. Allied dates to 1928, and North American dates to 1933.
Both companies offer estimates that cap your price. Since service quality depends on the local agent for either brand, compare each agent’s reviews and quote before you choose.
Marcie recommends NAVL after it honored her guaranteed not-to-exceed estimate, even though her belongings weighed about 500 pounds more than estimated.
“I would use [North American] again. The weight of my belongings was about 500 lbs. more than the original estimate, but I didn’t have to pay more because of their binding estimate price guarantee. I know it could have been thousands more with another company.”
—Marcie N., Better Moves Project
How does moving with Allied Van Lines work?
Moving with Allied Van Lines starts with a survey-based estimate, and a local agent handles your move from packing to delivery. Here’s what each step looks like.
How do you get an Allied Van Lines quote?
Allied Van Lines doesn’t offer instant online quotes. You submit your details through Allied’s quote form or by phone, and a sales representative contacts you to schedule an estimate.
Allied builds every quote from an in-home or virtual survey of your belongings. If you live near an Allied agent, a representative may visit your home to give you a binding quote, which locks your price unless you add services.
Pro tip: Ask your Allied agent for a binding or not-to-exceed estimate in writing before you sign, since both cap what you’ll pay. Our guide to binding vs. non-binding estimates explains what each type protects.
Once you sign your estimate, your move is booked. You don’t have to put down a deposit when you hire Allied Van Lines.
What happens on moving day?
If you book packing, Allied’s crew typically packs your belongings the day before loading, as Pavan’s did. If you pack yourself, the truck arrives on moving day with a crew ready to load, and the crew inventories every item as it goes on the truck.
Your belongings then head to your new home or to a storage facility, depending on your plans. While your shipment is in transit, you can track it online at any time.
On delivery day, the crew checks each item against the inventory as it comes off the truck, so you can confirm everything arrived. If you booked unpacking, the crew helps you unpack.
Stephanie’s packers and movers arrived on time, and her belongings reached Los Angeles as scheduled. Pavan’s belongings arrived in Florida on schedule, seven days after pickup in Michigan.
Allied doesn’t guarantee a delivery date on household moves, but most customers we’ve talked to report on-time or early delivery. Customers who use short-term storage often work with different crews for loading and unloading.
Allied Van Lines FAQ
Is Allied Van Lines legit?
Yes, Allied Van Lines is a legit, federally licensed mover that has operated since 1928. It holds active FMCSA authority under USDOT 76235 and MC-15735. The BBB gives Allied an A+ rating and has accredited it since 2012.
Is Allied Van Lines a broker?
No, Allied Van Lines works as a carrier, and its local agents perform your move. FMCSA also lists broker authority under Allied’s registration, which is common for large van lines. Check reviews for your assigned agent before you book.
Are Allied Van Lines & North American Van Lines the same company?
No, Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines are separate brands owned by the same parent company, SIRVA. Each runs its own agent network. Get quotes from both, since prices can differ.
Does Allied Van Lines serve all 50 states?
Yes, Allied Van Lines serves all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. It has local agents in cities like Anchorage and Honolulu. Allied also handles international moves to more than 130 countries.
Does Allied Van Lines require a deposit?
No, Allied Van Lines doesn’t require a deposit to book your move. Allied says you pay for your move at delivery. Confirm payment terms with your local agent before you sign.
Can I cancel a move with Allied Van Lines?
Yes, you can cancel a move with Allied Van Lines by calling your local agent. Allied says you shouldn’t owe moving costs if you cancel before loading begins. Follow up in writing with your reference number.
Does Allied Van Lines offer binding estimates?
Yes, Allied Van Lines offers binding estimates after an in-home or virtual survey. A binding estimate locks your price unless you add services. Stephanie B.’s price stayed at $4,000 even though her shipment weighed more than estimated.
Our research & review process
- We’re not a broker. We never sell or share your information.
- We mystery shop movers to get firsthand data.
- We interview moving customers through the Better Moves Project.
- We review movers’ licensing, insurance, and service history through moveBuddha Certified.
- We compare quotes and track market trends to provide accurate pricing guidance.
How we chose the best moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.
Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.
Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.
State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.
Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).
Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.
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