Colonial Van Lines Review (2026)

Colonial Van Lines has extensive experience in handling long-distance moves and is known for its widespread availability and comprehensive offerings. Colonial doesn’t handle local relocations, but it’s a solid choice if you’re looking for a hands-on, professionally managed experience for your cross-country or out-of-state move.

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

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 these are 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 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 can help you coordinate with 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.
• 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. It can assist with customs paperwork, ocean or air freight, and secure packing of items for global transport.
• 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. 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, it often partners with third-party local moving companies and other agents to deliver services.

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.

• USDOT/MC number: Colonial Van Lines is a registered interstate mover. You can verify licensing status, USDOT number, 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 & deposits: Colonial typically requires a deposit of 10%–40% 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.

Colonial Van Lines is a strong player in the long-distance moving space, but it’s 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 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 all 50 states 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, but 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. While Colonial can handle international moves (something AVL doesn’t offer), it is limited in its 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, but 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.