Colonial Van Lines is a nationwide interstate mover that typically charges $4,000 to $8,000 or more for a long-distance move. The company asks for a deposit of 20%–30% of your quoted cost to book a date. This review covers Colonial’s pricing, services, and customer feedback, plus how it compares to other long-distance moving companies and where to run your own numbers with our moving cost calculator.
4.2 / 5 rating (ConsumerAffairs)
Colonial handles long-distance and interstate moves nationwide, with climate-controlled storage and corporate relocation options.
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Key Takeaways
- Handles long-distance and interstate moves throughout the lower 48
- Offers full packing, storage, and auto transport services
- Known for experienced crews and corporate/military relocation expertise
- Doesn’t provide online quotes (must call or submit form)
- Receives mixed reviews on communication and final costs
In Our Review
Colonial Van Lines
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Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Colonial Van Lines: Pros & Cons
Here’s how Colonial Van Lines stacks up when it comes to standout benefits and notable limitations:
Pros
- Climate-controlled storage option
- App for ordering moving supplies
- Donation partnership with Move for Hunger
- Discounts on boxes and moving materials
Cons
- No local moving services
- No instant online quotes
How Much Does Colonial Van Lines Cost?
Colonial Van Lines typically charges between $4,000 and $8,000 or more for long-distance moves. Pricing depends on shipment size, distance, and any add-ons like packing or storage.
While the company offers flat-rate pricing on some moves, customers may still face extra fees for stairs, long-carry distances, or supplies. These are standard upcharges in the moving industry.
To book with Colonial, you’ll need to pay a deposit of 20%–30% of your total quoted moving costs.
Colonial Van Lines Services
Colonial Van Lines provides a full range of services designed to support long-distance, cross-country, and international moves.
- Full-service packing and unpacking: Colonial’s team handles the entire packing process, including fragile and high-value items like glassware, artwork, and electronics. They bring their own packing materials and can also unpack and reassemble your items at your destination.
- Climate-controlled storage solutions: Colonial offers short- and long-term storage in secure, climate-controlled facilities.
- Auto transport services: Colonial can coordinate vehicle shipping as part of your relocation package. This includes both open and enclosed transport options for cars, SUVs, motorcycles, and even boats.
- Corporate relocation services: Colonial regularly handles employee and executive moves for companies. These services can include direct communication with HR departments, scheduled delivery windows, and coordination of multiple relocation aspects.
- International moving support: While primarily focused on moves within the continental U.S., Colonial partners with international shipping agents to offer overseas relocation. It can assist with customs paperwork, ocean or air freight, and secure packing.
- Virtual and phone estimates: Colonial does not offer instant online quotes. It does provide free virtual walkthroughs and phone consultations to generate personalized, itemized estimates.
Overall, Colonial Van Lines offers a high-touch, full-service moving experience with a focus on customer support. Like most major van lines, though, it often partners with third-party local moving companies and other agents to deliver services.
Colonial Van Lines Reviews
| Review Platform | Rating | What Customers Commonly Mention |
|---|---|---|
| BBB (Better Business Bureau) | Not accredited / A+ rating | Professional packing, interstate experience, complaint handling |
| Trustpilot | 4.1 / 5 | Communication quality, pricing accuracy, delivery timelines |
| ConsumerAffairs | 4.2 / 5 | Move coordination, delays, final cost changes |
| Google Reviews | Varies by location | Driver professionalism, packing care, delivery experience |
What Customers Say About Colonial Van Lines
Colonial Van Lines earns positive feedback for professional packing and long-distance moving experience, especially on complex relocations. Most complaints tend to focus on communication gaps, delays, or higher-than-expected final costs, which are common issues across the interstate moving industry.
★★★★★ “Very happy with entire experience!”
Rating: 5/5 (Trustpilot)
… “entire team was professional with communication with me with updates almost every day from packing and pickup to delivery. Delivery team were courteous and set everything in place after assembling. “
– Robert
★★★★★ “Their organization of the move was amazing.”
Rating: 5/5 (Trustpilot)
“The workers were top notch, they were so careful, knew what they were doing, and super organized. … The communication, both email and by phone, was on a daily basis from the time we hired the company to the conclusion, making sure we knew what to do, what to expect, and the timeline.”
– Dan and Jo
★★★☆☆ “Physical movers were great on both ends …”
Rating: 3/5 (Trustpilot)
“Physical movers were great on both ends, however delivery was 2 days late, per the 12 day window that we were given. Communication about the whereabouts of our possessions and ETA from customer service was slow and non informative when they did respond.”
– Phil
See why customers keep choosing Colonial Van Lines
Compare your own move against Colonial’s full-service packing and nationwide coverage.
Colonial Van Lines Policies at a Glance
- USDOT/MC number: Colonial Van Lines is a registered interstate mover (USDOT 1434373, MC-681534). You can verify licensing status and complaint history through the FMCSA SAFER database.
- Service area: Colonial Van Lines specializes in long-distance and interstate moves across the continental U.S. The company does not typically handle local relocations under 50 miles.
- Payment and deposits: Colonial typically requires a deposit of 20%–30% to reserve your move date. Final payment is usually due before delivery, and accepted payment methods may vary depending on your assigned agent.
- Discounts: Colonial may offer discounts for military members, seniors, and some corporate relocations. Ask directly when requesting your estimate.
- Cancellation: Cancellation policies vary based on how close you are to your scheduled move date. Deposits may be partially refundable or non-refundable depending on contract terms, so review your estimate paperwork carefully before signing.
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Colonial Van Lines vs. the Competition
Take a look at how Colonial compares to major competitors on key factors like pricing, customization options, services, communication, and customer satisfaction.
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Colonial Van Lines
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Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Colonial Van Lines vs. Safeway Moving
Both companies specialize in long-distance moves. Approaches to pricing, scheduling, and customer support differ.
- Pricing model: Safeway offers flat-rate quotes with a price-match guarantee, while Colonial uses a more traditional estimate model that may include variable costs based on services and logistics.
- Storage offerings: Safeway includes 30 days of free storage with long-distance moves. Colonial offers climate-controlled storage, but it comes at an added cost.
- Service availability: Colonial serves the 48 contiguous states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) and can coordinate international moves. Safeway focuses only on domestic relocations.
Colonial Van Lines vs. American Van Lines
Colonial and American Van Lines (AVL) both handle complex interstate moves. Company strengths vary when it comes to specialty services, pricing, and international availability:
- Specialty services: AVL offers custom crating and climate-controlled storage for antiques or pianos. Colonial also provides secure storage, plus international and corporate relocation options.
- Availability: Both companies exclude Alaska and Hawaii. Colonial can handle international moves, something AVL doesn’t offer, but it is more limited in its domestic coverage areas.
- Pricing: AVL offers flat-rate pricing but typically does not price match. Colonial does, but quotes tend to vary more from booking to moving day. Both companies offer multiple discounts, including for military members.
Colonial Van Lines vs. Allied Van Lines
Colonial Van Lines and Allied Van Lines are both nationally recognized long-distance movers. The companies differ in network structure, global reach, and service consistency.
- Network structure: Allied operates as a traditional van line with one of the largest global agent networks in the industry. Colonial works through partner agents as well, but Allied’s network is generally broader and more internationally established.
- International capabilities: Allied offers extensive international moving services. Colonial can coordinate overseas relocations through partners, but Allied has more direct global infrastructure.
- Technology and tracking: Allied provides shipment tracking tools and structured move coordination. Colonial relies more heavily on direct communication with move coordinators.
- Pricing: Both companies require deposits and provide binding or non-binding estimates depending on the move.
FAQ
Does Colonial Van Lines do local moves?
No, Colonial does not typically handle moves that are 50 miles or less. The company specializes in long-distance and interstate relocations.
How do you get a quote from Colonial?
To get a quote from Colonial, you must call or request a virtual walkthrough. They do not have an instant online quote system.
Does Colonial use subcontractors?
Yes, Colonial utilizes its network of partner moving companies for some moves. While this is standard for van lines and major moving companies, it can sometimes lead to variability in service quality.
Are deposits required to book with Colonial?
Yes, you will typically have to pay 20%–30% of the estimated total cost in order to book your moving date with Colonial.
Is Colonial Van Lines a broker or a carrier?
Colonial Van Lines operates as a licensed interstate moving company but may use a network of authorized agents and partner carriers to complete certain moves. This is common among major van lines.
Does Colonial offer binding estimates?
Colonial may provide binding or non-binding estimates depending on your move details. A binding estimate locks in your price based on the agreed inventory and services, while a non-binding estimate can increase if your shipment weighs more than expected.
What valuation coverage options does Colonial provide?
Like all interstate movers, Colonial offers released value protection at no additional cost, which covers items at $0.60 per pound per article. They also offer full-value protection for an added fee, which provides repair, replacement, or reimbursement if items are lost or damaged.
