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 105 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 comprehensive range of moving services including full-service moves, interstate relocations, and specialized handling for items such as hot tubs, pianos, and pool tables. They also offer packing, unpacking, and crating services to ensure a smooth transition for their clients. Additionally, they provide storage solutions, although they do not offer climate-controlled storage, which may be a consideration for some customers.
Despite their extensive offerings, Zip to Zip Moving Inc does not provide international moving services or junk removal. They accept multiple payment methods, such as cash, money orders, and credit cards, but do require a deposit upfront. Unfortunately, they do not currently offer discounts for senior citizens, military personnel, or students.
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 an array of comprehensive moving services, including full-service, interstate, international, and intrastate relocations. They cater to specialized needs with services like crating, packing, unpacking, and handling of pianos, art, and pool tables, ensuring that customers' unique requirements are met.
Although Hughes Relocation Services provides senior moving services, they do not offer senior discounts, which might be a downside for some customers. Additionally, they do not accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment.
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
The Armstrong Company
The Armstrong Company (DOT: 1170867) offers a comprehensive range of moving services, including full-service moves, interstate, intrastate, and international relocations. They cater to specialized needs, such as moving fragile items, antiques, and pianos, and they also provide unpacking and debris removal services. Additionally, The Armstrong Company provides storage solutions and accepts credit card payments.
However, a downside is that they do not offer junk removal services, which may be a limitation for those looking to simplify their moving process. Despite this, the company remains active and accessible, offering instant email quotes to facilitate customer inquiries.
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
Forward Moving LLC
Forward Moving LLC (DOT: 3078473) offers a comprehensive range of services, including full-service moving, interstate relocation, junk removal, and climate-controlled storage. They cater to seniors with a dedicated senior discount, making them a favorable choice for elderly customers. Additionally, the company is well-equipped to handle delicate items such as antiques, pianos, and safes, underscoring their expertise in handling valuable possessions.
However, they do not offer international moving services, which could be a limitation for clients planning overseas relocations. While Forward Moving LLC provides various discounts, it's important to note that these apply solely to local moves within a 50-mile radius, with specific conditions. Customers can rest assured knowing that the company offers full valuation coverage, ensuring peace of mind during the move.
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
South Hills Movers
South Hills Movers (DOT: 98045) is a full-service moving company offering a comprehensive range of services including interstate, international moves, and climate-controlled storage solutions.
They excel in handling delicate operations, such as antique and art transportation, and provide labor-only services for those who need extra hands. A notable advantage is the convenience of accepting credit card payments, although they do not offer services like junk removal or hot tub handling.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
Cons
- Damage to items
- Poor complaint handling
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Services
- Full-service
- Out-of-state
- Full unpacking
- Labor-only
- Piano
- Offsite storage
- 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 |
Use our free moving cost calculator to help estimate the cost of your move.
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 reputable full-service moving company located in Pompano Beach, Florida, specializing in long-distance relocations across 48 states. Boasting over 50 years of experience and managing 12,000+ moves annually, they provide expert packing, storage solutions, and interstate transportation services throughout the continental United States. Their moving teams are thoroughly trained. Their intuitive mobile app facilitates fast and easy quote generation, while clients frequently commend the friendly, professional, and dependable customer service they receive.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Removal of trash and debris
- Skilled in-house teams
- Setup of home electronics
Cons
- Service not offered in Alaska or Hawaii
- Does not handle local or international relocations
Services
- Customizable quotes using our moving app or with a specialist, ensuring transparent and precise estimates with virtual inventory tracking.
- Professional packing and unpacking services, featuring experienced packers, customized crating, protective specialty blankets, and shrink-wrap.
- Family-owned nationwide service for over 50 years, completing more than 250,000 moves, and holding a 4.6 rating on Trustpilot.
- Colonial Moving App offering virtual estimates, inventory management, checklists, and the option to order boxes.
- Comprehensive full-service moving, managed by CVLU-certified professionals for a seamless start-to-finish experience.
- Efficient corporate and commercial relocation, offering packing, storage solutions, and furniture assembly and disassembly services.
- Long-distance moving available across the contiguous 48 states, excluding Alaska and Hawaii.
- Storage solutions for moving, including short-term, long-term, and climate-controlled options for items in transit.
- Interstate and cross-country moving featuring full-service planning, from packing through to delivery at your destination.
- Training through Colonial Van Lines University ensures our movers are well-prepared, with a 2–4 week curriculum and an average of 10 years of experience.
Safeway Moving
Safeway Moving, (USDOT: 3756000), is a veteran-owned relocation company dedicated to providing military precision in their services. With access to a vast network of trucking capacity nationwide, Safeway offers highly competitive rates. Their multi-stage quality assurance system guarantees a seamless moving experience from start to finish. The emphasis on precise pricing and high quality is a major factor in Safeway's inclusion on our list.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Verification process ensures quality service and accurate pricing
- Receive 30 days of complimentary storage on all interstate relocations
- Focuses on cross country and long distance relocations exclusively
- Veteran owned and operated company
- A donation is made to charity from every move
- Exceptional customer service and support
Cons
- No local moves are available
- A deposit is needed to book
Services
- Custom crating (for delicate, heavy, or valuable items such as art and electronics)
- Storage options (30 days free, climate-controlled environment, long-term available, prorated billing)
- Flat-rate pricing (virtual assessments, no hidden costs)
- 24/7 customer service (phone support always available)
- Price matching (will meet or exceed offers from qualified competitors)
- International moving (limited details online, contact customer service for more info)
- Packing and unpacking services (last-minute packing available for an extra fee)
- Comprehensive insurance ($6/lb full-value coverage option)
- Long-distance moving (all 50 states, GPS tracking, inventory scanned via barcode)
American Van Lines
American Van Lines (USDOT: 614506) began operations in 1995 with two trucks and one location. It has since expanded into a nationwide mover with a fleet exceeding 70 trucks that serve all 48 states. Yet, AVL continues to maintain the essence of a family-run business. Their dedication to customer satisfaction and affordable rates ranks them at the top of our list!
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Flat-rate pricing
- Exceptional customer service
- Expert handling of antiques, pianos, and fine art
- Availability for last-minute moves
- Secure private storage solutions
Cons
- Receiving automated calls could become too frequent
- A booking deposit might be needed
Services
- Corporate relocation (includes commercial moving, furniture disassembly/reassembly, and storage)
- Antique and piano moving (specialized handling for fragile or oversized items, custom crating available)
- Local moving (features affordable hourly rates, packing, and custom crating services)
- Long-distance moving (nationwide service, excluding Alaska and Hawaii)
- Storage options (offering secure, private units with surveillance, climate control, and fire/storm protection)
- Military moves (includes in-home estimates, discounts, packing, storage, and furniture assembly/disassembly)
- Moving boxes and supplies (available for purchase from AVL)
- Packing services (option to upgrade for professional wrapping, packing, and inventorying)
Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines, (USDOT# 076235), is a prominent and extensive moving network worldwide. The company is well-prepared for nearly any type of relocation, boasting agent locations across all 50 states and internationally, with over 80 years of experience. However, Allied is recognized as a premium brand in the moving industry, which means their pricing can often exceed that of their competitors.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Appliance disconnection and reconnection services
- Long-term and short-term storage solutions
- International moving and shipping
- Expert packing services for specialty items
Cons
- Quotes can take 3-5 days to receive
- Costs are typically above that of other moving services
Services
- Corporate and office moves (employee relocation, packing of office items, disassembly and reassembly of furniture)
- Full-service moving coordinators & 24/7 support (dedicated coordinator for your move, clear pricing, no hidden charges)
- Portable storage containers (container rentals for packing and storage during relocation)
- Military relocations (PCS, deployment; short-term storage; adherence to DoD rules)
- Household relocations (local, long-distance, cross-country — packing, loading, transporting, unloading, unpacking)
- Comprehensive packing & unpacking services (skilled teams, specialty materials, customized crating for delicate items)
- Long-distance & interstate relocations (across continental U.S.; complete service options)
- International moves (services in 130+ countries; online tracking, assistance with customs, and destination services)
- Storage solutions (temporary, short or long-term units with climate control and security)
- Moving supplies & kits (available moving kits, boxes, shrink-wrap)
Mayzlin Relocation
Mayzlin Relocation, (USDOT# 3182355), was established by Semen Mayzlin seven years ago. Semen, who originally worked as a driver in the moving industry, became disillusioned with the existing companies and decided to launch his own top-notch long distance moving service. Over the past 7 years, the company has expanded and now operates 10 tractor trailers, facilitating moves nationwide.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Offering residential, corporate, and military relocation services
- Family-operated, serving the entire East Coast
- Available around the clock for customer support
- Full reimbursement on cancellations made 7 days prior to moving
Cons
- Requires a deposit when booking
- Services only moves starting from the east coast
Services
- Military relocations (regulation-compliant, fully supported services with experienced crews)
- Secure storage options (in-transit storage, climate-controlled short- and long-term units, includes 30 days free)
- Price match assurance (guaranteeing competitive rates)
- Move management and support (dedicated coordinator, 24/7 customer service, personalized plans)
- Furniture assembly & disassembly (included in full-service, expertly handled)
- Corporate relocations (office and commercial moves, employee transitions, furniture management)
- Packing and unpacking services (skilled packers, strong materials, special care for fragile items such as pianos, antiques, and art)
- Online booking & estimates (transparent pricing, virtual inventory, no hidden costs)
- Efficient small move services (specialized for lighter load needs)
- Upfront deposit & cancellation terms (25% deposit required, full refund for cancellations within 7 days)
- Long-distance relocations (nationwide service, price match, GPS tracking, instant quotes available online)
- Local moving services (residential moving teams, expert packing help)
How Pennsylvania Movers Stack Up
- Total movers: Of the 3,178 total professional moving companies in the U.S., 105 are located in PA.
- Average rating: 4.23 stars — compared to the national average rating of 4.29 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 | 52.38% | 1,465 | 46.1% |
| Art | 52 | 49.52% | 1,450 | 45.63% |
| Climate-Controlled Storage | 27 | 25.71% | 1,031 | 32.44% |
| Debris Removal | 23 | 21.9% | 819 | 25.77% |
| Fragile-Only Packing | 27 | 25.71% | 748 | 23.54% |
| Labor-Only | 40 | 38.1% | 1,724 | 54.25% |
| Office Moving | 94 | 89.52% | 2,708 | 85.21% |
| Small Moves | 36 | 34.29% | 1,551 | 48.8% |
| Total Movers | 105 | 100% | 3,178 | 100% |
Discounts Offered
| Discount Type | PA Movers | PA % | National Movers | National % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAA Discount | 1 | 0.95% | 36 | 1.13% |
| Military Discount | 0 | 0.0% | 126 | 3.96% |
| Senior Discount | 1 | 0.95% | 137 | 4.31% |
| Student Discount | 0 | 0.0% | 37 | 1.16% |
| Teacher Discount | 0 | 0.0% | 11 | 0.35% |
| Total Movers | 105 | 100% | 3,178 | 100% |
What Impacts the Cost of Pennsylvania Long-Distance Moves?
- Optional add-ons: Want help with packing? In Pennsylvania, 95.24% of movers offer it. Need storage? 91 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 — 0 movers in PA offer military discounts and 1 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.
