Colonial Van Lines
|
Safeway Moving
|
American Van Lines
|
Key Takeaways
Why Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint?
At FreightWaves Checkpoint, we make it easier to navigate the moving process with confidence. Our experts have evaluated more than 4,000 movers across the U.S., ranking them on factors like cost, services, and customer satisfaction.
We combine hard data with in-depth review analysis to highlight each company’s strengths and potential drawbacks. Everything we publish is thoroughly checked by our team, so you always have access to trustworthy, up-to-date information.
Top Local Movers in Alabama
We thoroughly researched and reviewed 47 movers across Alabama, focusing in large part on how well they handle the actual transport of household goods. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK stood out as the top choice for in-state moves due to their balance of efficient handling and excellent customer service.
Here’s our full list of recommended local movers in AL:
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (DOT: 2527384) offers a comprehensive array of moving services, including full-service moves, interstate moves, and junk removal. They also provide unpacking services and have the capability to move items such as pianos and safes. In addition, customers can take advantage of a 5% discount on local moving services, making their offerings even more appealing.
However, it's important to note that they do not offer international moving services, which could be a limitation for some potential clients. Despite this, their versatility in services provided, paired with flexible payment options such as credit card acceptance, makes them a strong contender for those planning a move.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Cons
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Poor complaint handling
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Junk hauling
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Debris clean-up
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- Heavy safes
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Coleman Worldwide Moving
Coleman Worldwide Moving (DOT: 2897746) offers a comprehensive range of services including full-service moves, interstate and international moving options, and unpacking assistance. They also provide specialized crating and have experience handling safes.
However, they do not offer fragile-only packing services, which may be a drawback for some customers looking for extra protection for delicate items. Customers can enjoy the convenience of paying by credit card, though discounts such as those for seniors or students are not available.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Good communication
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
Cons
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Lack of communication
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Full unpacking
- Offsite storage
- Heavy safes
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Motivated Movers, Inc.
Motivated Movers, Inc. offers a comprehensive range of moving services, including full service and interstate moves, junk removal, and specialized handling for items like pianos, pool tables, and safes. They also provide climate-controlled storage and the convenience of packing and unpacking services, ensuring a stress-free moving experience for their customers.
Customers can take advantage of a 5% discount using the code SAMFORD5 when obtaining a quote. Additionally, Motivated Movers supports students with exclusive discounts. However, one downside is that the company does not offer international moving services, which may be a drawback for those moving overseas.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
Cons
- Damage to items
- Higher-than-expected costs
- Unprofessional behavior
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Junk hauling
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- Heavy safes
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
This Side Up Moving & Storage
This Side Up Moving & Storage (DOT: 1874024) offers a comprehensive selection of services, including full-service moving, interstate moves, and unpacking. They cater to specific needs with crating services and also offer piano moving.
Although they do not provide international or small moves, which could be a limitation for some, they make up for it by offering storage and accepting credit card payments. Discounts are available for law enforcement personnel, but unfortunately, they do not provide discounts for seniors, students, or military members.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Cons
- Damage to items
- Poor complaint handling
- Misplaced or lost items
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
New Latitude Movers
New Latitude Movers (DOT: 2179652) is a moving company that provides a comprehensive range of services, including full-service moving, interstate transport, and climate-controlled storage. They also offer specialized services like piano moving and crating.
However, they do not provide international moving services, which may be a drawback for some customers seeking to move abroad. Despite this limitation, their offerings are well-suited for domestic relocations and special item transport.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
Cons
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Difficult to reach
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Full packing
Local Movers In Alabama
Looking for a local moving company to work with? Check out these resources:
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Local Movers in AL?
Most movers charge an hourly rate that increases with the number of people on the job. In Alabama, local moving costs average around $127 — but that number can climb fast depending on your home size and how much help you need. The table below will give you an idea of what you'll pay for your local AL move:
| Home Size | Crew Size | Move Time | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1 BR | 2 movers | 3–4 hours | $762 – $1,016 |
| 2 BR | 3 movers | 4–5 hours | $1,524 – $1,904 |
| 3 BR | 4 movers | 6–7 hours | $3,047 – $3,555 |
| 4+ Bedroom | 4–5 movers | 8+ hours | $4,063 – $5,713 |
Best Long-Distance Movers in Alabama
We evaluated every long-distance mover operating across Alabama, from price estimates to customer follow-through. Out of all 47 companies we reviewed, Colonial Van Lines offered the most consistent and reliable service.
Here’s a closer look at the top-rated movers in AL:
|
Colonial Van Lines
|
Safeway Moving
|
American Van Lines
|
Colonial Van Lines
Colonial Van Lines (USDOT: 1434373) is a trusted full-service moving company based in Pompano Beach, Florida, handling long-distance moves across 48 states. With more than 50 years of experience and 12,000+ moves annually, they offer expert packing, storage, and interstate transport throughout the continental US. Moving crews are highly trained Their user-friendly mobile app makes getting a quote fast and easy, and customers consistently praise their friendly, professional, and reliable customer service.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Expert in-house crews
- Home electronics setup
- Trash & debris removal
Cons
- No local or international moves
- Not available in AK or HI
Services
- Long-distance moving (nationwide service across contiguous 48 states; excludes Alaska & Hawaii)
- Cross-country & interstate moving (full-service coordination from packing to delivery)
- Professional packing & unpacking (trained packers, specialty blankets, shrink-wrap, custom crating)
- Moving storage services (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled storage options)
- Corporate & commercial relocation (efficient packing, storage, furniture assembly/disassembly)
- Full-service moving (end-to-end handling by CVLU-trained professionals)
- Customizable quotes via moving app or specialist (accurate, transparent estimates with virtual inventory)
- Colonial Moving App (virtual estimates, inventory updates, checklists, and box ordering)
- Colonial Van Lines University training (movers with 2–4 week curriculum and ~10-year average experience)
- Family-owned national service (50+ years, 250k+ moves, 4.6 Trustpilot rating)
Safeway Moving
Safeway Moving, (USDOT: 3756000), is a veteran-owned moving company with the mission to offer military precision relocation. Safeway offers very competitive pricing because they have access to a huge network of truck capacity across the country. Their multi-stage quality assurance process also ensures moves go smoothly from pickup to delivery. This focus on quality and accurate pricing is a huge reason why Safeway made our list.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 30 days of free storage on all interstate moves
- Long distance and cross country moves only
- A portion of every move is donated to charity
- Verification process to guarantee pricing and quality of service
- High level of customer service and support
- Veteran owned company
Cons
- Require a deposit at booking
- No local moving services offered
Services
- Long-distance moving (all 50 states, GPS tracking, barcode-scanned inventory)
- Flat-rate pricing (virtual walk-throughs, no hidden fees)
- Price matching (meets or beats quotes from qualified competitors)
- Comprehensive insurance ($6/lb full-value protection option)
- Packing and unpacking services (includes last-minute packing for an extra charge)
- Custom crating (for fragile, heavy, or high-value items like art and electronics)
- Storage options (30 days free, climate-controlled, long-term available, prorated billing)
- International moving (limited info online, contact customer service)
- 24/7 customer service (available by phone at all times)
American Van Lines
American Van Lines (USDOT: 614506) started in 1995 with only two trucks and a single location. The company has grown to become a nationwide mover with over 70 trucks servicing all 48 states. Despite their rapid growth, AVL still feels like a family-owned business. Their focus on customer service and affordable pricing put them at the top of our list!
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent customer service
- Last-minute moves
- Private storage options
- Handles antiques, pianos & fine art
- Flat-rate pricing
Cons
- May require a deposit at booking
- Automated calls may be overwhelming
Services
- Local moving (affordable hourly rates, packing, custom crating)
- Long-distance moving (nationwide service, excludes Alaska and Hawaii)
- Packing services (upgrade to include professional wrapping, packing, inventorying)
- Antique and piano moving (specialized handling of fragile/oversized items, custom crating available)
- Military moves (in-home estimates, discounts, packing, storage, furniture assembly/disassembly)
- Corporate relocation (commercial moving, furniture disassembly/reassembly, storage)
- Storage options (secure, private units with surveillance, climate control, fire/storm protection)
- Moving boxes and supplies (available for purchase from AVL)
Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines, (USDOT# 076235), is one of the largest and most well-known moving networks globally. With agent locations in all 50 states, as well as worldwide, and over 80 years in business, the company comes well-equipped for just about any type of move. The only drawback to Allied is they're known as a premium brand in the industry and their pricing can often come in above the competition.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Specialty packing services
- Short- and long-term storage
- Appliance disconnection & reconnection
- International shipping
Cons
- Pricing is generally higher than other van lines
- Pricing estimates can take 3-5 days
Services
- Household moving (local, long-distance, cross-country — packing, loading, transport, unloading, unpacking)
- Long-distance & interstate moving (contiguous U.S.; full-service options)
- International moving (130+ countries; online tracking, customs clearance, destination services)
- Military moves (PCS, deployment; temporary/in-transit storage; compliance with DoD regulations)
- Corporate & office relocation (employee moves, office packing, furniture disassembly/reassembly)
- Packing & unpacking services (professional crews, specialty materials, custom crating for fragile/odd items)
- Moving supplies & kits (boxes, shrink-wrap, moving kits available)
- Storage solutions (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled units with security)
- Portable storage containers (rentable containers for packing/storing during move)
- Full-service moving coordinators & 24/7 support (dedicated move coordinator, transparent pricing, no hidden fees)
Mayzlin Relocation
Mayzlin Relocation, (USDOT# 3182355), was founded seven years ago by Semen Mayzlin. Semen began his career as a moving company driver but got frustrated with the existing companies in the industry and decided to start his own premier long distance moving company. The company has grown over the past 7 years and now has 10 tractor trailers servicing moves all over the country.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund for cancellations within 7 days of your move
- 24/7 customer support
- Residential, corporate & military moves
Cons
- Only service moves originating on the east coast
- Deposit required at booking
Services
- Local moves (residential service with professional teams and packing assistance)
- Long-distance & out-of-state moves (nationwide across all contiguous states with online quotes, price-match guarantee, and real-time GPS tracking)
- Corporate moves (commercial & office relocation, employee moves, furniture disassembly/reassembly)
- Military moves (compliant with regulations, trained crews, full-service support)
- Packing & unpacking services (trained packers, durable materials, wrapping for fragile items like antiques, pianos, fine arts)
- Storage solutions (in-transit, short- & long-term climate-controlled units, 30 days free storage included)
- Small moves (efficient handling of smaller load requirements)
- Price match guarantee (ensures competitive pricing)
- Deposit & cancellation policy (25% deposit, full refund if canceled within 7 days)
- Online estimates & booking (virtual inventory, transparent pricing, no hidden fees)
- Furniture disassembly & reassembly (handled by crew as part of full-service)
- Dedicated move coordinator & customer support (personalized planning, 24/7 assistance throughout)
How Alabama Movers Stack Up
- Total movers: Of the 3,180 total professional moving companies in the U.S., 47 are located in AL.
- Average rating: 4.29 stars — compared to the national average rating of 4.3 stars.
- Mover associations: Alabama has one in-state mover association providing centralized support for industry standards and advocacy.
Specialty Services Offered
| Service | AL Movers | AL % | National Movers | National % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antiques | 16 | 34.04% | 1,465 | 46.07% |
| Art | 12 | 25.53% | 1,449 | 45.57% |
| Climate-Controlled Storage | 18 | 38.3% | 1,035 | 32.55% |
| Debris Removal | 10 | 21.28% | 821 | 25.82% |
| Fragile-Only Packing | 11 | 23.4% | 748 | 23.52% |
| Labor-Only | 22 | 46.81% | 1,728 | 54.34% |
| Office Moving | 40 | 85.11% | 2,710 | 85.22% |
| Small Moves | 17 | 36.17% | 1,555 | 48.9% |
| Total Movers | 47 | 100% | 3,180 | 100% |
Discounts Offered
| Discount Type | AL Movers | AL % | National Movers | National % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAA Discount | 0 | 0.0% | 36 | 1.13% |
| Military Discount | 2 | 4.26% | 130 | 4.09% |
| Senior Discount | 1 | 2.13% | 141 | 4.43% |
| Student Discount | 5 | 10.64% | 37 | 1.16% |
| Teacher Discount | 1 | 2.13% | 11 | 0.35% |
| Total Movers | 47 | 100% | 3,180 | 100% |
What Impacts the Cost of Alabama Long-Distance Moves?
- The amount of belongings: Larger moves require more truck space and time, which increases both shipping and service costs.
- The time of year: High-demand months like July and August typically mean steeper moving costs due to tighter truck schedules.
- Add-ons: 97.87% of Alabama movers will pack and unpack your goods for a fee. If you need storage, 40 companies can assist, though storage adds extra charges to your move.
- How far you move: The longer your route, the more you’ll spend on freight-related costs like fuel, mileage, and driver time.
How To Choose the Right Alabama Mover
Hiring a mover in Alabama is a big decision — especially when your household freight is riding hundreds or even thousands of miles. Beyond cost, look at a mover’s reliability and how they handle logistics.
Here’s what to evaluate:
- Licensing and credentials: Only hire movers registered with the FMCSA and properly insured for interstate transport.
- Pricing and estimates: Virtual or in-home walkthroughs produce the most accurate quotes. Collect multiple to compare.
- Discounts and price matching: Don’t miss out — 2 movers in AL offer military discounts, and 1 offer senior pricing. Many match competitor rates.
- Service and reviews: Look for consistently high-rated companies with reliable customer feedback.
- Booking and flexibility: Ask about their policies for changes, rescheduling, or cancellations.
FAQs
How long does it take to ship my household goods?
Transit time depends on the distance, route, and truck availability. Local moves may arrive same-day, while long-distance hauls typically take 5–14 days depending on scheduling and route efficiency.
How is the cost of a move calculated?
Moving costs are based on shipment weight, total mileage, and services like packing or storage. The larger and farther your move, the more you’ll pay in freight-related charges like fuel, labor, and truck time.
Can I track my shipment during a long-distance move?
Many full-service movers offer tracking through a mobile app or customer portal, especially for long-haul relocations. Check with your mover to see what tracking tools they provide.
What happens if my delivery is delayed?
Delays can happen due to weather, mechanical issues, or route changes. Reputable movers will communicate updates and may offer compensation or adjusted delivery windows depending on their policy.
Thinking About Moving to Alabama?
Moving to Alabama means getting familiar with everything from local job markets to lifestyle perks. This section highlights what new residents should know, including housing prices, recreational activities, and the general vibe of the area.
Life in Alabama: What To Expect
- Alabama is 12% cheaper than the national average, with average rent near $925 and home values around $227,508.
- The job market in Alabama is more competitive, with an unemployment rate of 2.9%. Top industries include Manufacturing ($37.6 billion), Real estate and rental/leasing ($23.6 billion), and Professional and business services ($22 billion).
- Recreation options in Alabama include attractions like US Space & Rocket Center and Birmingham Zoo, outdoor escapes such as Gulf State Park and Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail, and museums like Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum and U.S. Space and Rocket Center.
- Sports lovers can cheer on teams like Auburn Tigers (NCAA) and Alabama Crimson Tide (NCAA), which draw fans from across the state.
