American Van Lines Review 2026

We analyzed nearly 30 moving quotes and over 10,000 customer reviews to select American Van Lines as one of the best moving companies.
Best value for long-distance moving services
americanvanlines
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7
  • pro
    Flat rates
  • pro
    Moves high-value items
  • con
    Limited customer service hours
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For over 8 years Move.org experts have examined pricing, credentials, and real customer reviews to give you (human) recommendations you can trust. See how we review.

Alina Bradford
Jul 01, 2026
Icon Time To Read8 min read
Icon CheckEdited ByRebecca Edwards
Icon CheckData AnalysisDaniel Delgado

American Van Lines (AVL) is one of our favorite moving companies. The company’s flat rate fee makes moving simpler, and it has three decades of experience moving big-ticket items like pianos, artwork, and heirlooms. Add in that this company has been in business since 1995, and you can see why it’s one of the most popular moving companies in the country.

We’ve put together information to help you see how American Van Lines compares to competitors so you can decide if it’s right for your budget and next big move.

pro
Pros
pro Wide variety of moving services
pro Moves high-value items
pro Flat rates
pro Background-checked movers
pro Uniformed drivers
pro Storage facilities are fireproof and stormproof
con
Cons
con No shipment tracking
con Limited customer service hours
con Only offers storage in three states

See where American Van Lines ranks on our list of the Best Long Distance Moving Companies.


About American Van Lines

American Van Lines is a moving carrier with 30 years of experience in the industry. It operates as a carrier (meaning it holds its own FMCSA operating authority, primarily using its own trucks, drivers, and movers) under MC #294798 and USDOT #614506 — though it may bring in third-party movers when demand exceeds its own crew and truck availability. The company provides both local and long-distance moving services, earning high customer ratings. However, you can't track your shipment using GPS during transport, which is a perk many moving companies provide.
DescriptionAmerican Van Lines information
MC #
US DOT #
Moving broker or carrierCarrier
Years in business30
GPS tracking
Icon No  DarkNo
Local and long-distance moving services
Icon Yes  DarkYes
Safety ratingSatisfactory

Information provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).


Who is the owner of American Van Lines?

American Van Lines is owned by Anthony Disorbo. Disorbo started the company in 1995 with just 20 employees. Now, the company has more than 100 employees and has helped move over 50,000 families.

"I began my journey to revolutionize the moving industry with only two trucks and a dream," Disorbo said on social media. "We have since grown to have multiple locations in order to better serve American Van Lines customers and ensure a hassle-free, affordable move for companies, individuals and families."


American Van Lines cost

The average cost of 28 sample moves posted on AVL’s website is approximately $3,820.1 Our research suggests that average cost is likely lower than most customers will pay. Moving expenses range widely based on the size of your home, the distance of your move, and even the time of year.

American Van Lines requires an upfront deposit of 10–50% depending on the specifics of your move.

American Van Lines doesn't publish flat-rate pricing because every move is quoted individually. Costs depend on factors like shipment weight, distance, move date, and any additional services you choose. Based on our latest pricing research, a typical three-bedroom cross-country move costs about $7,746 with American Van Lines, though your final quote may be higher or lower depending on the details of your move. 

Type of move
Quote
3-bedroom across country$7,746
3-bedroom in state$5,899
3-bedroom in region $4,760
Local 1-bedroom$720
Local 2-bedroom$1,260
Local 3-bedroom$1,980

Because American Van Lines provides personalized quotes, your price may differ from our estimate. The company bases long-distance pricing on factors like shipment weight, distance, timing, and any additional services, while our pricing reflects standardized research used to compare movers consistently across providers.

For cross-country moves, a 3-bedroom relocation is quoted at $7,746, while in-state and regional 3-bedroom moves range from $4,760 to $5,899. Local moves are more budget-friendly, with a 1-bedroom move costing $720, a 2-bedroom move priced at $1,260, and a 3-bedroom move at $1,980. These quotes highlight American Van Lines' flexibility in accommodating moves of varying distances and sizes.

Find a better price with another carrier? American Van Lines will match the price as long as the items that need to be moved and the services are the same.

Heads Up
Want more savings?

American Van Lines trims your costs even more by using a large fleet of fuel-efficient moving trucks.

Discounts

American Van Lines offers a wide range of discounts, so you're likely to find one for your move. First off, they offer up to 67% off full tariff rates. Here are some more discounts that American Van Lines offers:

  • Move.org reader discount (that's you!)
  • Military
  • Seniors
  • Membership discounts (AAA, AARP, Costco, Union, etc)
  • Students
  • Teachers
  • Law enforcement
  • First responders
  • Early reservation discount

Flat rates

AVL’s flat rates are one of the moving company’s best features. To understand why it’s important, you need to know how pricing typically works.

For example, let’s say you need to move your belongings across the country, including a grand piano. Most companies will charge you a base rate primarily based on weight but then tack on extra fees for things like bulky items, piano moving, and packing materials.

None of those things cost extra with American Van Lines. You pay a flat rate and then get access to everything the company offers. Is your new apartment on the third floor? AVL doesn’t charge an additional elevator or stairs fee. Need storage? Your first month is free.

The savings can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. Plus, your bill is simple to understand. It’s one of the moving industry’s best one-two combos.

Want a no-hassle flat rate fee?

Light Bulb
Need moving tips?

American Van Lines has an online blog with many tips, including suggestions for getting the most out of packing materials and moving boxes.

Cancellation and rescheduling fees

American Van Lines has a clear policy when it comes to cancellations and rescheduling of services. Customers can cancel their estimates penalty-free and receive a full refund of their deposit if the cancellation is made in writing within three days of signing the Bill of Lading.

However, once the three-day window has passed or if the mover has begun physical services such as packing, loading, storage, or transportation, cancellations are not allowed, and deposits are non-refundable. 


American Van Lines features and services

American Van Lines offers a variety of features and services for local, long-distance, and military customers.

  • Antique moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Corporate relocations
  • Crating services
  • Last-minute moves
  • Moving and storage
  • Nationwide locations
  • Packing services
  • Piano moving
  • Seven days/week delivery
  • Shuttle service
  • Maid service

Storage

Like many moving companies, American Van Lines offers storage options to its customers. The downside is that this service is only provided in the three states where American has offices: Florida, Texas, and North Carolina. And there is only one storage location in each state. On the up side, the storage facilities are fireproof and stormproof.

American Van Lines international services

American Van Lines can technically move you anywhere you want to go in North America — or the world. However, the company doesn’t widely advertise its international moves (which technically include Alaska and Hawaii), so you’ll want to ask an AVL rep for more information about your specific needs.

Info Box
Get ready for moving day

Our moving checklist tells you everything you need to know. That includes steps people often forget, like creating a moving binder and reserving a storage unit.

Experience with high-value items

American Van Lines has 30 years of experience moving valuable items. AVL knows how to safely transport your valuables—from collectible art and fine china to family heirlooms and grand pianos. Its packing experts even use specialized crates and boxes for easily damaged items like odd-shaped mirrors.

Exclamation
Moving at the last minute? No problem.

American Van Lines can accommodate last-minute moves for no extra fee.


American Van Lines customer service

American Van Lines feels like a professional outfit from the get-go. You don’t need to worry if you hired cheap labor or workers the company hasn’t properly vetted. Movers undergo prescreening and drug testing as part of the hiring process and participate in the company’s innovative training program. And these typically aren’t newbies. American Van Lines says that its average mover has a decade of experience.

We also like that the company has an online claim form and an online email form, so you can contact them without making a phone call. Not all moving companies can say the same. They also have a bunch of other ways to get in touch:

  • Customer Service number: (954) 318-1246, available 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday.
  • After Hours Emergency Line: (305) 828-4443
  • Email: [email protected]

Real customer experience

American Van Lines mover rolls out protective padding while preparing a home for an interstate move.

Image: Move.org

Here at Move.org we go the extra mile to find out exactly how well a moving company treats their customers. We get quotes, talk to the brands, and even help with real moves.

During our hands-on experience, we got a call right away through their online quote form. Unfortunately, unlike other companies, the form only gathers limited information, so the company can't give you a general quote through email. That's a bummer if you just want a ballpark estimate and don't want to waste time talking to a customer service rep. But it makes sense if you want the most accurate quote you can get.

When we helped a real American Van Lines customer with her move, AVL was on time and items were delivered damage-free. The company was also very transparent and wasn't pushy with up-selling. They did hit her with an unexpected price increase (2.6% more than quoted), without any explanation. 

According to FMCSA's National Consumer Complaint Database, American Van Lines' complaint volume has fluctuated over the past several years: 30 in 2024, rising to 70 in 2025. As of mid-2026, the company has 64 complaints on record for the year. The large majority of complaints across all years fall under the "Moving Company" category. We reached out to American Van Lines about the recent increase and will update this section with their response.

Online, the reviews are more positive than negative. Over on Trustpilot, 72% of the reviewers give AVL a 4- or 5-star rating. The Better Business Bureau gives American Van Lines a B+ rating, and it has 4.17 stars out of 5 from customer reviews.

Icon Quote  Dark
"The people in the office explained everything to me in a way that was easy to understand. They also helped me pick a moving date that worked for me. On the day of the move, the movers showed up on time. They were very careful with my stuff and made sure everything was packed safely."

American Van Lines compared to other companies

The biggest thing that stands out when you pit American Van Lines against other movers is the flat-rate approach. Instead of nickeling and diming you with a host of add-on services like packing and storage, those basics are included in American's flat-rate estimates. From our perspective, this gives you a lot more value for the money.

Company
Average quote Icon Tooltip  Dark
Deposit amount
Service locations
Move.org rating Icon Tooltip  Dark
Learn more
$8,750None50 states
4.9 out of 5 stars
4.9
$9,000Up to 40%40–46 states*
4.8 out of 5 stars
4.8
$7,74610%–50%50 states
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7
$9,000None50 states
4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5
$9,25025%48 states
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3

Data as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Pricing data collected by requesting ballpark estimates from moving companies.

*Colonial Van Lines serves 40 states for origin and 46 states for destination.

American Van Lines vs. other moving companies

When comparing American Van Lines to other top long-distance moving companies, it becomes clear that each company has strengths tailored to different customer needs. American Van Lines is competitively priced among full-service interstate movers. Based on our latest pricing research, a typical three-bedroom cross-country move costs about $7,746, putting the company in line with other national carriers. As with any moving company, your final quote will vary based on your route, shipment size, move date, and any additional services.

Deposit requirements further differentiate these companies. American Van Lines asks for a deposit ranging from 10% to 50%, which is relatively moderate compared to International Van Lines' standard 30% or Mayzlin Relocation's 25%. On the other hand, North American Van Lines and Mayflower shine by not requiring any deposit at all, making them attractive to budget-conscious customers who prefer greater flexibility.

Discounts can make a significant difference in the final cost of a move. American Van Lines and International Van Lines both offer discounts for our readers, giving customers another opportunity to save on their relocation expenses. In contrast, companies like Mayzlin Relocation and North American Van Lines don't provide Move.org discounts but make up for it in other areas, such as competitive pricing or zero deposit requirements.


American Van Lines FAQ

Yes, American Van Lines is a legit company. It is licensed by the Department of Transportation (DOT# 614506) and FMCSA (MC# 294798). The company is in good standing and is authorized to transport household goods and property.

It has been around for 30 years, puts its employees through a rigorous screening process, and treats customers to flat-rate pricing.

No. American Van Lines holds its own FMCSA carrier authority (USDOT #614506) rather than operating as a broker, meaning you're booking with the company directly rather than through an intermediary. AVL primarily uses its own trucks and employed movers, though like most national movers, it may occasionally bring in third-party crews or equipment during high-demand periods if its own fleet isn't available. If having AVL's own crew handle your move matters to you, ask directly when you book — and you can verify the company's operating authority anytime at FMCSA's SAFER database.

American Van Lines offers packing, moving, and storage services for your interstate move. The company goes to 48 states and charges a flat fee no matter how many services you need.

American Van Lines accepts payment through credit card, cash, money order, traveler’s check, or cashier’s check.

American Van Lines’s local movers go everywhere in the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii (those are classified as "international moves"). Costs depend primarily upon your home’s size and moving distance.

Local moves are best served near locations where AVL has offices: Florida, North Carolina, and Texas.


Why we recommend American Van Lines

American Van Lines is one of our best long-distance moving companies because it stands out as a reliable and well-rounded moving company with about 30 years of experience in the industry. If you're looking for a premium full-service interstate mover, American Van Lines offers competitive pricing and binding estimates.

Based on our latest pricing research, a typical three-bedroom cross-country move costs about $7,700, although your quote will depend on the specifics of your move. Its deposit requirement, ranging from 10% to 50%, is reasonable and more flexible than many other moving companies, providing customers with manageable upfront costs. Additionally, the company partners with us to offer discounts, allowing our readers to save on their moves.

American Van Lines' transparent cancellation policy also adds to its appeal, ensuring that customers can cancel penalty-free within three days of signing the Bill of Lading. With a focus on reliability, affordability, and customer satisfaction, American Van Lines is a strong choice for anyone planning a domestic move.

Want simple flat-rate pricing?


How we reviewed American Van Lines

For our American Van Lines review, we used a comprehensive and hands-on approach to evaluate the company for long-distance and local moves. We began by gathering quotes from the company, assessing whether they provide binding estimates, and reviewing customer feedback about their pricing. 

Next, we verified the company's legitimacy by checking its records in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) database. This ensures that the company is authorized to transport household goods.

We go beyond just researching by assisting with real moves to experience the process firsthand. For American Van Lines, we observed their punctuality, care in handling items, and transparency in service, though we also noted areas for improvement, such as unexpected price changes. 

Why you can trust our reviews

In late 2024, Move.org adopted an updated, more rigorous editorial strategy. This change included new editorial leadership and in-depth data collection and analysis from a dedicated data analyst. Our new approach is rooted in cutting through the noise to provide readers with honest, unfiltered information and reviews they can rely on. We are committed to bringing expert-backed insights that go beyond surface-level research.

We aim to clarify misleading marketing, uncover real customer experiences, and highlight the best each company offers. We know that moving is a deeply personal experience, and that’s why we’re on a mission to identify the good, the bad, and the ugly so you can find the cross-country mover that meets your unique needs—while avoiding the common pitfalls that can be both financially and emotionally costly. Here’s how we do it:

  1. In-depth research and mystery shopping.
  2. Industry verification and regulatory compliance.
  3. Real-world moving experiences.
  4. Collaboration with moving companies and cross-verification.
  5. Ongoing monitoring and updates.
  6. A 5-point rating systems that looks at pricing and value, customer service and experience, services and extras, availability and scheduling, and reputation.

To learn more about how we evaluate and review cross-country moving companies, read our full methodology.


Related articles on Move.org

Sources

  1. American Van Lines, “How Much Does Moving Cost?” Accessed December 18, 2024.
  2. American Van Lines, “Owner of American Van Lines.” Accessed December 18, 2024.
Alina Bradford
Written by
For more than twenty years, Alina has been a meaningful contributor to numerous publications and outlets, including CNET, CBS, Digital Trends, MTV, Top Ten Reviews, Consumer Affairs, SafeWise, and many others. Her hobbies include fixing up her house in the country, doing artsy stuff, and going to the lake with her family.