Choosing a moving company can be difficult when many long distance movers appear to offer similar services. National Van Lines’ nationwide moving services combines an employee-owned structure with a specialized approach we describe as boutique moving.
Most major van lines provide similar processes for a long distance move. And because we’re all held accountable by the same regulatory bodies (like FMCSA and USDOT), we must all follow the same rules. However, what sets each of the major long distance carriers apart is how they structure their team and address your move.
What Are “Boutique Moving Services?”
When you look at major long distance moving companies, many are able to handle moves nationwide. At National Van Lines, our agent network allows us to fully service all 48 states of the contiguous United States. Whether it’s just across state lines or requires coast to coast moving services, we have the connections and logistical capacity to make it happen smoothly.
Yet the above also applies to many of our peers in the moving industry, and we are all held to the same federal regulations and standards. So what would make a moving company different when it comes to booking for a long distance move? Learning how to compare long distance moving companies can help you look beyond price and basic service offerings to consider factors like communication, support and overall experience. This is where choosing a “boutique” van line absolutely makes a difference.
Imagine for a moment going to a large grocery store chain for your weekly supplies, but experiencing customer service that’s the same as a much smaller local business. Everything feels much more personalized. You can ask questions and receive individual attention while still having access to the options of a larger business.
It’s the same when you use a boutique moving company. With National Van Lines, you get a well-established national moving company with the personalized moving experience of a smaller mover. At National Van Lines, we’re proud to fit the bill as a boutique van line.
How National Van Lines Provides Boutique Moving Services
When you’re considering a move, first you’ll want to learn what makes National Van Lines the best among long distance moving services. It starts with how we’re structured, as three components help support the boutique approach National Van Lines practices every day.
- Each move is personalized from the first call. At National Van Lines we go beyond assigning an order number to your move. We are committed to getting to know you and your family by name, and learning everything that will matter to you on your long distance move. We’re proud to follow an established process that actively checks in with you along the way. We want every customer to feel empowered and heard throughout their move.
- A hands-on employee-owned team. We reflect our commitment to providing personalized service by maintaining a tightly-knit operations center and a nationwide fleet of moving trucks. As of 2025 we had over 200 employees working in our office, and this mighty team handles more than 18,950 interstate moves per year. We give you and your move that one-on-one attention that other large moving companies might not.
- Because of how we’re structured we have a different level of accountability. As an employee-owned company, each and every person who works for National Van Lines has a direct stake in your move going well. For example, if any issues come up during a move, our customer service team will try to solve it on the first call. We also send out surveys to make sure we’re always growing and improving, based on what our customers see during their moves.
“When it comes to long distance moving, we know that customers care about great value for a great price. What makes that all come together for our customers at National Van Lines is our boutique approach and mindset.”
— Dick Scaffa, Director of Sales and Agency
Our personalized support includes checking in with you before, during and after the move to make sure that things are going smoothly, and to answer any questions you may have. Our MovePro team is also happy to answer questions at any time. We’re here to help you feel confident!
This mindset has helped us maintain the discipline needed to provide top-notch service for every move. It’s also why we’ve made being a specialized moving company part of our mission.
How National Van Lines Maintains Its Boutique Approach
Some carriers split their attention between moving freight (meaning big, bulky goods or machinery) and moving people. At National Van Lines we focus entirely on people, whether that’s moving military families, moving a team of employees to a new office, or handling your family’s household long distance move. We don’t ship commercial cargo or machinery – everything we carry relates to someone’s home or place of work.
As a company, it would be entirely possible for National Van Lines to handle freight moves and something like household moves at the same time. However, our focus is truly on people, and that allows us to be specialized in a way that genuinely benefits our customers, each and every move.
What to Consider When Choosing a Boutique Moving Service
Choosing a boutique moving company can raise questions about cost, service, and how different types of moves are handled. These answers can help you understand what to expect from National Van Lines before you book.
Is a boutique van line more expensive than a traditional mover?
Not necessarily. Being boutique is about how National Van Lines is structured and how your move is handled, “boutique” is not a premium pricing tier. You get access to a nationwide network and competitive pricing as with other major van lines. The difference is that at National Van Lines, you’ll get an attentive team managing your move from start to finish.
Does National Van Lines handle military and commercial moves the same way as household moves?
Not exactly the same way, but with the same mindset. PCS moves come with their own paperwork, requirements and timelines, and office relocations involve their own equipment and logistics. Basically, each type of move has a process built around what it actually needs. What stays consistent across all of them is the boutique approach, with a dedicated team that gets to know your specific situation and stays accountable for getting it right.
Choose National Van Lines for Boutique Moving Services
Choosing a long distance mover is about knowing who will treat your move like it matters, so that you’ll get the best value possible. When you choose a boutique moving service like National Van Lines, you’ll work with an employee-owned team that genuinely wants to get your move right. Simply put, you’ll get a moving company that truly sees the people behind the boxes.
Ready to experience the boutique difference? Call 800-323-1962 or request a free moving quote to get a personalized conversation going with one of our MovePro coordinators.