Colonial Van Lines
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Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Key Takeaways
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We created FreightWaves Checkpoint to be your go-to resource for honest, data-backed advice on moving and car shipping. Our team rates over 4,000 moving companies using key metrics like price, reliability, and customer experience.
We also sift through thousands of real reviews to find patterns that matter — so you get a full picture of what to expect. All our content is fact-checked and updated regularly, so it stays accurate and useful when you need it.
Top Local Movers in Pennsylvania
Not all movers handle your goods with the same care and coordination. Our review of 106 companies in Pennsylvania found Zip to Zip Moving Inc to be the top performer for transporting household goods.
Here’s our full list of top local movers in PA:
Zip to Zip Moving Inc
Zip to Zip Moving Inc (DOT: 2969363) provides a wide range of moving services, including full-service moves and interstate relocations. They cater to specific needs with specialized services for items such as hot tubs, pianos, pool tables, and safes, ensuring safe and efficient handling.
Despite their comprehensive offerings, they do not provide international moving services, which might be a limitation for those looking to move abroad. Additionally, they offer unpacking services and are equipped to handle antiques and art pieces, although they do not offer fragile-only packing. While they require a deposit, they accommodate various payment methods such as cash and credit card.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Helpful movers
- Good communication
Cons
- Unexpected charges
- Inaccurate estimates
- Lack of communication
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- Heavy safes
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Hughes Relocation Services
Hughes Relocation Services (DOT: 110502) offers a comprehensive range of services, including full-service moving, interstate and international relocation, unpacking, and debris removal. They cater to specialized needs with piano, pool table, and art handling, and provide services such as extensive packing and shipment tracking. While they do not offer junk or fragile-only packing services, which might be a downside for some clients, they still maintain a broad service spectrum for relocations. Their active status and various relocation solutions make them a versatile choice for moving needs.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
Cons
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Lack of communication
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Debris clean-up
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Forward Moving LLC
Forward Moving LLC (DOT: 3078473) provides a comprehensive range of moving services, including full-service and interstate moving, junk and debris removal, and specialized handling of antiques and pianos. Additionally, they offer discounts specifically for senior customers, making their services more appealing for this demographic.
While Forward Moving LLC ensures quality services with features like climate-controlled storage and full valuation coverage, they do not facilitate international moves, which might be a limitation for customers requiring such services. Potential customers should note that certain discounts are restricted to local relocations and are only applicable during specific times of the year.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Careful handling
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
Cons
- Non-refundable deposits
- Unprofessional behavior
- Damage to items
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
The Armstrong Company
The Armstrong Company (DOT: 1170867) offers a wide range of moving services, including full-service packing, interstate, intrastate, and international moves. They accommodate special items like fragile objects, pianos, and artwork, ensuring high-quality care and precision in their handling. Despite their comprehensive service offerings, the company does not provide climate-controlled storage, which might be a disadvantage for customers with temperature-sensitive belongings. Additionally, Armstrong facilitates convenient payment options with credit card acceptance and does not require a deposit for their services.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Cons
- Damage to items
- Hard-to-resolve claims
- Unexpected charges
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Full unpacking
- Debris clean-up
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Don Farr Moving & Storage
Don Farr Moving & Storage (DOT: 345157) is a versatile moving company offering a wide range of services, including full-service moves, interstate and international relocations, and specialized handling for items such as pianos, hot tubs, and antiques. They accommodate various client needs with unpacking and packing services, providing packing materials, and ensuring art and grandfather clocks are moved safely. Their services, however, do not include support for small moves, which may not suit all clients.
The company facilitates payment via credit cards and money orders, but they do not accept cryptocurrency, which might be a limitation for some modern customers looking for flexible payment options. Despite their robust service offerings, there is no mention of customer ratings on platforms like Yelp or Google.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Helpful movers
Cons
- Damage to items
- Poor complaint handling
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Junk hauling
- Senior moving
- Full unpacking
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- Heavy safes
- In-state
- Accepts credit cards
- Full packing
Local Movers In Pennsylvania
Looking for a local moving company to work with? Check out these resources:
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Local Movers in PA?
Local movers typically charge by the hour, and your final price depends on how many people are on the crew and how long the move takes. Local moves cost an average of $128 in Pennsylvania. The more items you have — and the more help you need — the more you’ll pay.
Here’s a quick look at average crew sizes and hours based on the size of your home to help you plan your local move in PA:| Home Size | Crew Size | Move Time | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio/1 BR | 2 movers | 3–4 hours | $767 – $1,022 |
| 2 BR | 3 movers | 4–5 hours | $1,533 – $1,916 |
| 3 BR | 4 movers | 6–7 hours | $3,066 – $3,577 |
| 4+ Bedroom | 4–5 movers | 8+ hours | $4,088 – $5,749 |
Best Long-Distance Movers in Pennsylvania
After comparing hundreds of moving companies across Pennsylvania, Colonial Van Lines emerged as the top choice. They strike the right balance between affordability, quality of service, and proven customer experience, making them a smart pick for interstate moves.
Here are the best long-distance movers serving PA residents:
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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
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 Pennsylvania Movers Stack Up
- Total movers: Of the 3,180 total professional moving companies in the U.S., 106 are located in PA.
- Average rating: 4.24 stars — compared to the national average rating of 4.3 stars.
- Mover associations: Pennsylvania has 6 in-state mover associations — a strong indicator of quality standards and coordination in the local moving industry.
Specialty Services Offered
| Service | PA Movers | PA % | National Movers | National % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antiques | 55 | 51.89% | 1,465 | 46.07% |
| Art | 52 | 49.06% | 1,449 | 45.57% |
| Climate-Controlled Storage | 28 | 26.42% | 1,035 | 32.55% |
| Debris Removal | 23 | 21.7% | 821 | 25.82% |
| Fragile-Only Packing | 27 | 25.47% | 748 | 23.52% |
| Labor-Only | 41 | 38.68% | 1,728 | 54.34% |
| Office Moving | 95 | 89.62% | 2,710 | 85.22% |
| Small Moves | 37 | 34.91% | 1,555 | 48.9% |
| Total Movers | 106 | 100% | 3,180 | 100% |
Discounts Offered
| Discount Type | PA Movers | PA % | National Movers | National % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAA Discount | 1 | 0.94% | 36 | 1.13% |
| Military Discount | 1 | 0.94% | 130 | 4.09% |
| Senior Discount | 2 | 1.89% | 141 | 4.43% |
| Student Discount | 0 | 0.0% | 37 | 1.16% |
| Teacher Discount | 0 | 0.0% | 11 | 0.35% |
| Total Movers | 106 | 100% | 3,180 | 100% |
What Impacts the Cost of Pennsylvania Long-Distance Moves?
- Optional add-ons: Want help with packing? In Pennsylvania, 95.28% of movers offer it. Need storage? 92 providers can help. These extras will be reflected in your final quote.
- Moving destination: The farther the shipment, the more you’ll pay for fuel, labor, and wear-and-tear on the truck.
- Home size: A larger home means more goods to load and haul — and higher pricing for both labor and transport.
- The season: Moving during peak season — especially summer — can significantly increase your costs due to tight trucking availability.
How To Choose the Right Pennsylvania Mover
When you’re planning a move in Pennsylvania, it’s not just about loading boxes — it’s about choosing a reliable partner to manage your shipment. A little research can help you avoid major headaches.
Make sure your mover checks these boxes:
- Licensing and credentials: Ensure they’re fully licensed for household goods shipments and insured through the FMCSA.
- Pricing and estimates: Request walkthrough-based estimates — they’re more accurate and often binding. Aim for three quotes to compare.
- Discounts and price matching: Ask about special pricing — 1 movers in PA offer military discounts and 2 give breaks for seniors.
- Service and reviews: Movers with a proven record of reliable service tend to have strong customer ratings — don’t ignore the reviews.
- Booking and flexibility: Check their policy for changes or cancellations in case your timeline shifts.
FAQs
How are long-distance moves scheduled?
Movers schedule long-distance routes based on geography, demand, and truck availability. Once your window is set, they'll coordinate pickup and delivery accordingly.
Can I ship a vehicle with my household items?
Some full-service movers offer auto transport alongside household goods, but it’s often a separate service with its own carrier and delivery timeline.
What kind of moving truck will transport my items?
Most long-distance moves use 26-foot box trucks or tractor-trailers. Smaller moves may be loaded onto shared trucks or containerized for efficiency.
Is there a weight limit on my move?
Technically, yes. Residential moves must comply with federal weight limits for trucks. Large or heavy moves may require multiple trips or special permits.
Thinking About Moving to Pennsylvania?
Whether you're relocating for work, family, or a change of scenery, Pennsylvania has a lot to offer. From cost of living considerations to entertainment, career options, and climate, here's a quick overview of how to prepare for your PA relocation and what to expect once you arrive.
Life in Pennsylvania: What To Expect
- Pennsylvania is 1% cheaper than the national average, with average rent near $1,110 and home values around $268,824.
- The job market in Pennsylvania is more competitive, with an unemployment rate of 3.4%. Top industries include Professional and business services ($101.8 billion), Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($95.7 billion), and Real estate and rental and leasing ($95.4 billion).
- Recreation options in Pennsylvania include attractions like Hersheypark and Gettysburg National Military Park, outdoor escapes such as Gettysburg National Military Park and Presque Isle State Park, and museums like Eastern State Penitentiary and The Hershey Story Museum.
- Sports lovers can cheer on teams like Philadelphia 76ers (NBA) and Philadelphia Eagles Football (NFL), which draw fans from across the state.
