Comparing National Van Lines vs Allied Van Lines for Long Distance Moves

Trying to choose between National Van Lines and Allied Van Lines for your long distance move?

Both seem to promise a smooth, stress-free experience. And, they’re two of the most recognized names in the moving industry. As a result, it can be difficult to determine which one truly fits your needs. Many families, military members, and business professionals face the same decision when planning a cross-country relocation.

National Van Lines has helped over a million customers move across the country for nearly a century. If you are comparing moving companies, understanding their differences can make your decision easier and more confident.

This guide compares National Van Lines and Allied Van Lines in an honest and transparent way. Yes, National Van Lines is writing this blog… but we know that the best way to make a final decision is by being as informed and educated as possible. By the end of this blog, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of how each mover operates and which might be the best fit for your situation.

Keep reading to learn about: 

• How both companies are structured 
• What the customer reviews say 
• How pricing and valuation are handled
• How to determine which mover is ultimately the better choice for you

How Are National Van Lines and Allied Van Lines Structured?

Both National Van Lines and Allied Van Lines have long-standing reputations in the moving industry.

 

 

National Van Lines operates under employee ownership with centralized leadership. Their service standards ensure both internal accountability and a consistent customer service experience. Both companies aim to help people move safely and efficiently. The big difference lies in structure: National Van Lines follows a unified process, while Allied Van Lines provides more localized flexibility.

How Do National Van Lines and Allied Van Lines Compare in Long Distance Moving Services?

Both companies offer a wide range of services to support long distance and international moves, including:

• Packing and unpacking
• Loading and unloading
• Furniture disassembly and setup
• Short- and long-term storage
• International coordination

Where they differ is in service delivery.

National Van Lines creates consistency across regions through strong internal standards. Alternatively, Allied Van Lines allows local agents to tailor services to their specific market. This can create some variety in pricing and/or services. 

For typical household relocations such as family or retirement moves, National Van Line’s standardized approach might be the better fit. For bigger or more complex moves, Allied’s expansive global network could be a strong match.

What Do Customers Say About National Van Lines and Allied Van Lines?

Customer satisfaction is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a mover. Both companies receive positive feedback overall, though their strengths differ.

National Van Lines is often recognized for:

• Friendly, respectful crews
• Proactive and clear communication
• Direct issue resolution

Allied Van Lines is typically known for:

• Professional drivers and equipment
• Reliable performance in large or corporate relocations
• Flexibility through local agents

According to ConsumerAffairs, National Van Lines holds a slightly higher average customer rating. Both companies are accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and follow regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

How Is Pricing and Valuation Coverage Handled by Each Company?

Pricing for long distance moves depends on factors such as shipment weight, mileage, and service level. The quoting process, however, differs between the two.

 

 

National Van Lines typically provides direct, itemized quotes through internal staff, giving customers a clear understanding of costs. Allied Van Lines manages quotes through its agents, which can result in regional variations in pricing or valuation coverage.

Both companies base their pricing on the 400N tariff, a federal guideline for long distance moving costs. What really matters is how each mover explains those details. It’s always smart to ask for a written quote and to clarify how their valuation coverage compares to standard moving insurance.

Which Mover Is the Better Fit for Your Relocation Needs?

There’s no universal answer, because it depends on what you value most in your move.

National Van Lines may be a better fit if you:

• Want consistent communication from start to finish
• Prefer an employee-owned, unified company structure
• Are looking for a predictable, streamlined process

Allied Van Lines may be a better fit if you:

• Need access to a large international network
• Prefer flexibility of working with local agents
• Are coordinating a corporate or global relocation

Both providers have strong reputations. The right choice depends on which structure and service style best align with your goals.

What Should You Do Next to Choose the Right Mover?

It used to take hours of scrolling through reviews to compare Allied Van Lines and National Van Lines. Now, the differences are easy to see.

National Van Lines offers a unified, employee-owned structure with consistent service standards. Allied Van Lines provides flexibility and scale through its agent network and international reach. Both can handle your long distance move professionally, but the better choice depends on your needs and expectations.

The best next step is to speak with each company directly. Ask detailed questions, request written quotes, and note how clearly they communicate. Understanding your options is the first move toward a confident relocation.

You’ve just learned about the differences between Allied Van Lines and National Van Lines, and you’re one step closer to making your final decision. Now, learn about cost in our blog post about 5 factors that affect long distance moving prices.