Colonial Van Lines has years of experience handling long-distance moves and is known for their widespread availability and comprehensive offerings. Colonial doesn’t handle local relocations, but they’re a solid choice if you’re looking for a hands-on, professionally managed full-service experience for your cross-country or out-of-state move.
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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: 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 — all of which are pretty standard upcharges in the moving industry.
To book with Colonial, you’ll need to pay a deposit of 10%–40% 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.
Here's a deeper look at the services you can expect:
- 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: For those who need to temporarily store their belongings during or after a move, Colonial offers short- and long-term storage in secure, climate-controlled facilities. This is ideal for clients with delays in home closings, renovations, or extended travel.
- 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 — a significant perk if you're moving cross-country and don’t want to drive.
- Corporate relocation services: Colonial regularly handles employee and executive moves for companies. These services are customizable and can include direct communication with HR departments, scheduled delivery windows, and coordination of multiple relocation aspects for seamless transitions.
- International moving support: While primarily focused on moves within the continental U.S., Colonial partners with international shipping agents to offer overseas relocation. They can assist with customs paperwork, ocean or air freight, and secure packing of items for global transport.
- Virtual and phone estimates: While they don’t offer instant online quotes, Colonial does provide free virtual walkthroughs and phone consultations to generate personalized, itemized estimates. This gives customers a clear understanding of what services they need and what they'll cost.
Overall, Colonial Van Lines offers a high-touch, full-service moving experience with a focus on customer support. However, it’s important to note that — like most major van lines — they often partner with third-party local moving companies and other agents to deliver services.
Colonial Van Lines vs. the Competition
Colonial Van Lines is a strong player in the long-distance moving space, but they’re not the only well-established van lines to choose from.
Take a look at how Colonial compares to major competitors on key factors like pricing, customization options, services, communication, and customer satisfaction.
Colonial Van Lines vs. Safeway Moving
Both companies specialize in long-distance moves, but their approach to pricing, scheduling, and customer support differs significantly.
Here’s a closer look:
- 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 all 50 states and can coordinate international moves. Safeway focuses solely on domestic relocations.
Colonial Van Lines vs. American Van Lines
Colonial and American Van Lines (AVL) both handle complex interstate moves, but their 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. While Colonial can handle international moves — something AVL doesn’t offer — they are limited in their coverage areas.
- Pricing: AVL offers flat-rate pricing but typically does not price match. Colonial does, but their quotes tend to vary more from booking to moving day. Both companies offer multiple discounts, including for military members.
FAQs
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 their 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 10%–40% of the estimated total cost in order to book your moving date with Colonial.
