When you're planning a move, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing who to trust with your belongings. You have two main options: a professional van line or a moving broker. While they might seem similar at first, there are some big differences that can affect the cost, safety, and overall success of your move.
Van Line vs. Broker: What’s the Best Choice for Your Move?
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Guest post by North American Van Lines
We’re pleased to share expert moving insights from North American Van Lines. If you’ve ever wondered about the difference between a professional van line and a moving broker, North American explains what sets these services apart—and why it matters for your move.
Video: Van Line vs. Broker – Making The Right Move
North American Van Lines breaks down the pros and cons of hiring a van line versus a moving broker.
What is a van line?
A professional van line is a licensed moving company that manages your move from start to finish. That means the same company that books your move also provides the movers, the trucks, and the customer service. Van lines typically have teams of trained, background-checked professionals who help ensure your belongings arrive safely and on time.
What is a moving broker?
A moving broker is more like a middleman. Instead of handling the move themselves, brokers coordinate the job by selling it to a third-party mover—often the lowest bidder. You might not know who's moving your stuff until moving day, and that mover might not meet the expected standards.
Key differences at a glance
Why the differences matter
Hiring a van line gives you extra reassurance. You'll know who's handling your move, what it will cost, and when your things will arrive. If anything goes wrong, the van line is there to make it right.
With a broker, there's more uncertainty. You may not know which company is coming to pick up your belongings—and if problems come up, the broker might not help resolve them. That can leave you stuck dealing with surprise charges, delays, or damage on your own.
The bottom line
Your move is too important to leave to chance. If you want a reliable, transparent experience from start to finish, choose a professional van line—like North American Van Lines—and move confidently.
