Allied Van Lines vs Colonial Van Lines

Allied Van Lines vs. Colonial Van Lines

Allied Van Lines and Colonial Van Lines are both well-known names in the long-distance moving space, frequently considered by households planning interstate relocations. Each company operates under a very different service model, which can shape everything from pricing and scheduling to communication and claims handling. Understanding how those differences play out in real-world moves helps set clearer expectations before requesting quotes or committing to a move date.

Services and availability

Allied Van Lines offers full-service moving across all 50 states and internationally, supported by a long-established nationwide agent network. They handle local, long-distance, interstate, and international moves, as well as corporate relocations and specialty services such as vehicle shipping, packing, storage, and large or fragile item handling. Because Allied works through affiliated agents who operate under a standardized system, availability is broad and consistent, particularly for complex or large-scale moves that require coordinated logistics.

Colonial Van Lines focuses almost exclusively on long-distance and interstate residential moves within the continental United States. They do not operate local moves and do not perform international relocations directly. Instead, they act as a broker that matches customers with licensed motor carriers to complete the move. Services typically include packing, loading, transportation, and optional storage, but availability and service scope depend on the carrier assigned to the move. This model can work well for straightforward long-distance relocations but offers less uniformity than a national carrier.

Reliability and moving experience

Allied Van Lines benefits from decades of operational history, established claims processes, and standardized training across their agent network. Their reputation is tied to long-term carrier oversight, shipment tracking tools, and defined escalation paths if issues arise. While customer experiences can still vary by local agent, Allied’s structure generally provides more predictability in scheduling, accountability, and claims resolution for damaged or delayed shipments.

Colonial Van Lines’ reliability is more dependent on the specific third-party carrier handling the move. While Colonial manages coordination, communication, and booking, they do not physically move household goods themselves. This can introduce variability in driver quality, timing, and communication, especially if a carrier change occurs close to the move date. Some customers report smooth experiences, while others note challenges related to last-minute schedule shifts or carrier responsiveness, which is a common risk in broker-based models.

Pricing and value

Allied Van Lines typically provides in-home or virtual surveys and offers binding or not-to-exceed estimates for interstate moves. Pricing tends to be higher than broker-based options but often reflects greater operational control, valuation coverage options, and clearer cost transparency. Add-on services such as packing, storage, and specialty handling are itemized, and valuation protection is clearly structured under federal guidelines.

Colonial Van Lines often advertises competitive initial pricing and commonly requires a deposit to reserve a move date. Estimates may be binding, but customers should carefully review how additional charges for weight, long carries, storage, or packing adjustments are handled once a carrier is assigned. While base pricing can appear lower, total costs may increase if the scope of the move changes or if carrier-specific fees apply. Valuation coverage is typically offered through the assigned carrier rather than directly from Colonial.

Conclusion

Allied Van Lines is generally better suited for customers who want a full-service, carrier-controlled move with standardized processes, broader service options, and stronger long-term accountability. They are a solid fit for complex, high-value, or international relocations where consistency and claims support matter most. Colonial Van Lines may appeal to budget-conscious movers planning straightforward interstate moves who are comfortable working through a broker model and carefully reviewing contracts. If you are weighing predictability versus potential cost savings, comparing estimate details and risk tolerance can help determine which option aligns best with your move.