North American Van Lines is a giant in the moving industry. With nearly a century of experience, it’s a go-to option for full-service, long-distance moving. That means a professional crew handles the loading, driving, and unloading while you just meet them at your new home. It’s the ultimate hands-off way to move, but that convenience often comes with a higher price tag.
The company relies on a network of local agents that manage your move. That means service and reviews can vary a lot depending on the quality of your local offices. That can sometimes make it unclear if this company is the best choice for you. That’s why we dug into what you should know about moving with North American Van Lines and recent reviews to help you figure out if their service is worth the cost for your upcoming move.
Overview of North American Van Lines
North American Van Lines (NAVL for short) has been around since 1933. Today, it’s owned by SIRVA, which is one of the largest moving companies in the world. If the name feels familiar, it’s because SIRVA also owns Allied Van Lines. Be aware, it’s separate from American Van Lines, which is a different business entirely.
“…[A] full-service move can cost nearly double what other options cost. That’s a steep price to pay for convenience…[but] if missing work, school, or other obligations would cost you more…full-service could be the smarter financial choice.”
NAVL works through a huge network of over 500 local agents across the U.S. and Canada. This means your moving experience can change depending on which local office handles your home. One office might have great reviews, while another might have less-than-stellar feedback. It’s always a good idea to check the specific reputation of the local agent in your ZIP code.
Despite the differences between agents, North American is a solid option. It operates in all 50 states and more than 130 countries. While it offers local moves, NAVL is best known for long-distance and international relocations.
North American Quick Facts
- Coverage: NAVL offers international relocation services and operates in all states (including Alaska and Hawaii) and throughout Canada.
- Licensing: As a regulated carrier and broker, NAVL holds U.S. DOT #70851 and MC #107012.
- Safety compliance: The company maintains a satisfactory safety rating per FMCSA data and has over 1,300 vehicles and drivers.
Here are some benefits and drawbacks of moving with North American in general versus other moving solutions.
North American Van Lines Pros and Cons
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How North American Van Lines Works
North American Van Lines follows a standard process for full-service moves. You start by contacting a local office and scheduling an agent to come to your home for a moving inventory. You’ll then get a quote and can schedule your move. Once your stuff is on the truck, NAVL offers shipment tracking so you can see where your belongings are during the trip.
Delivery times depend on the distance and the season. A move across the country might take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. One big perk is that the company typically doesn’t require a deposit to save your date. And if you’re a veteran or a senior, ask about discounts. NAVL often has deals for members of groups like the Senior Citizens League.
Getting a Quote
Unfortunately, you can’t get a quick, instant price online with North American Van Lines, but that’s true for most big, long-distance moves, no matter what company you’re dealing with. Instead, you have to schedule an appointment first. A local agent will visit your home or do a video call to inventory what you have. They need to see every box and piece of furniture to estimate the total weight, which is used to calculate the cost of your move.
After the survey, they will send you a quote by email. This is usually a “binding estimate.” That means the price won’t go up unless you add more items later, but if the agent overestimated the weight of your stuff, you won’t pay less either. The whole process takes a few days, so plan ahead.
Booking and Moving Day
If you like the price, you can book your move via email or phone. You generally don’t pay until one business day before the move starts. On moving day, the crew will arrive within a specific time window.
Make sure you have a clear parking spot for their large truck, and if you need a parking permit, get it early. Those can take several days to a week to process. Then, you just supervise while the crew loads everything up. They handle the heavy lifting, and you get ready to meet them at your new home.
North American Van Lines Moving Services and Add-Ons
As a full-service mover, North American Van Lines can handle every single part of your move if you want it to. The company is best known for long-distance moves across state lines, but the large network of agents allows it to handle local moves and even international moves to more than 130 countries.
NAVL also has experience with military moves. If you’re in the military and doing a Personally Procured Move (PPM), the movers know the paperwork and rules to get the job done right.
Here’s a closer look at the specific services they offer:
Loading and transport
This is the core of what NAVL does. The price of your move includes a crew to load your belongings onto the truck, drive them to your new home, and unload them. They will also wrap your furniture in protective pads to keep it safe. You don’t have to lift a finger during this part.
Packing and unpacking
Packing is often the worst part of moving. North American offers flexible options here. You can pay for a “full pack,” where movers box up your entire house. If you want to save some money, you can choose “fragile-only packing,” where the movers pack the breakable items like dishes, mirrors, and lamps, and you pack the rest. They can also help unpack boxes at your new place.
Moving supplies
If you decide to pack yourself, you’ll need boxes. NAVL agents can sell you professional-grade supplies, including standard boxes, tape, and bubble wrap. They also have specialty packaging for mattresses and wardrobes. Just keep in mind that buying boxes from a moving company is usually more expensive than buying them online or at a local hardware store.
Storage solutions
Sometimes, your new home isn’t ready when you arrive. North American offers both short-term and long-term storage. The company will keep your items in a secure warehouse until you’re ready for delivery. It’s a very convenient option, but it does add to the cost.
Vehicle shipping
Driving your car across the country can be tiring and adds miles to your odometer. North American can arrange to transport your car, truck, or boat. Movers can load it onto an open carrier or an enclosed truck for extra protection. Keep in mind, this is an extra cost and can be expensive depending on what you need to transport.
Specialty items
Do you have a grand piano, a pool table, or expensive artwork? These items need special care. North American has crews trained to move heavy and delicate items. They can build custom wooden crates to protect valuable art or antiques during the long drive.
Corporate relocation
If you’re moving for work, NAVL has a dedicated department for that. They work with companies to move employees and their families, focusing on sticking to strict timelines so you can get back to work quickly.
North American Van Lines Pricing and Cost Examples
The cost of a move with North American Van Lines depends mostly on how much your stuff weighs and how far you’re going. Because it mostly offers full-service moving, prices are usually much higher than if you rented a truck yourself. However, that higher price pays for a lot of convenience and physical help.
To get an accurate quote, NAVL requires an in-home or virtual survey. You can’t get a final, firm price just by using an online calculator, so a local agent will look at everything you plan to move to estimate its total weight.
When you get your quote, you will likely see two different types of estimates:
- Binding (or Not-to-Exceed) Estimate: This is a guaranteed price. Even if your items weigh more than expected on moving day, you only pay the quoted amount. This also means if your items weigh less than they thought, you still have to pay the quoted amount.
- Non-Binding Estimate: This is a rough guess. Your final cost will be based on the actual weight of your items after the truck is loaded and weighed.
Average North American Moving Costs
Besides distance and weight, several other factors can change your price. These include the time of year (summer is most expensive), the day of the week, and extra services like packing or moving heavy items. Below are the estimated cost ranges for different types of moves. These numbers are based on 2026 data for typical household relocations.
North American Typical Moving Costs
| Type of Move | Average Cost | Cost Range | Distance |
| Local Move | $1,450 | $800 – $2,500 | < 50 miles |
| Long-Distance Move | $3,400 | $2,200 – $10,500 | 50 – 400 miles |
| Cross-Country Move | $7,650 | $4,400 – $17,000 | > 400 miles |
Source: North American Moving Cost Calculator
To get a clearer picture of North American’s pricing, we went ahead and collected two quotes for moving a three-bedroom, 2,000-square-foot home in Tampa Bay. The quote was for loading, transport, and unloading. We didn’t ask for any packing or storage services, but we did include a piano that needed special handling.
Sample Move #1: Tampa Bay to Los Angeles
|
Item |
Cost |
| Labor and Transportation (Based on 10,000 lbs) | $10,407.55 (Includes moving one “bulky Item,” an upright piano, for $109.14) |
| Valuation | $689.00 |
| Packing materials | $63.56 |
| Total | $11,160.11 |
Sample Move #2: Tampa Bay to Austin
|
Item |
Cost |
| Labor and Transportation (Based on 10,000 lbs) | $7,644.85 (Includes moving one “bulky Item,” an upright piano, for $109.14) |
| Valuation | $688.00 |
| Packing materials | $63.56 |
| Total |
$8,397.41 |
Both estimates were for a mid-August move (peak moving season) with a $0 deductible for the valuation coverage.
North American Van Lines Discounts
While NAVL is a premium service, there are ways to save money through specific partnerships. It typically has ongoing deals for members of certain groups.
- Senior Citizen Discounts: If you’re a member of The Senior Citizens League, you may qualify for special rates and extra protection.
- Union Members: Members of Union Plus can often find discounted moving packages through NAVL.
- Military Personnel: NAVL offers competitive rates for military families handling their own moves (PPM).
If you don’t belong to these groups, you can still try to lower your price by being flexible with your dates or choosing to do your own packing.
North American Van Lines Insurance and Liability Coverage
When you move across state lines, the law requires movers to offer protection for your items. This is technically called “valuation” rather than insurance. If something is lost or damaged, your coverage level determines how much money you get back. You can file a claim through their website or by calling your move coordinator, but you should do this as soon as you notice a problem.
“NAVL works through a huge network of over 500 local agents across the U.S. and Canada. This means your moving experience can change depending on which local office handles your home.”
The most basic option is Released Value Protection, which is free. However, it only pays $0.60 per pound per item. For example, if your 100-pound TV is destroyed, you would only receive $60, even if the TV cost $1,000. For a typical 10,000-pound move, your entire home would only be covered for a total of $6,000.
For greater peace of mind, Full Value Protection is a smarter choice. With this plan, the company is liable for the replacement value of lost or damaged items. Typically, this coverage costs about 1% of the total value you declare for your belongings. You can often lower your upfront cost by choosing a higher deductible.
Here’s a cost breakdown of our different coverage options with North American Van Lines.
Sample Move #1: Tampa Bay to Los Angeles
|
Coverage Type |
Max Protection |
Deductible |
Total Price |
| Full Value Protection | $100,000.00 | $0 | $11,160.11 ($10, 471+$680) |
| Full Value Protection | $100,000.00 | $250 | $10,957.11 ($10, 471+$486) |
| Full Value Protection | $100,000.00 | $500 | $10,854.11 ($10, 471+$383) |
| Basic Coverage | $6,000.000 | N/A | $10,471.11 ($10, 471+$0) |
Sample Move #2: Tampa Bay to Austin
| Coverage Type | Max Protection | Deductible | Total Price |
| Full Value Protection | $100,000.00 | $0 | $8,397.41 ($7,709+$688) |
| Full Value Protection | $100,000.00 | $250 | $8,194.41 ($7,709+$486) |
| Full Value Protection | $100,000.00 | $500 | $8,091.41 ($7,709+$382) |
| Basic Coverage |
$6,000.000 |
N/A | $7,709.41 ($7,709+$0) |
Customer reviews show that damage and claim disputes are common complaints for NAVL, and some people feel the claims process takes too long or doesn’t pay enough. To protect yourself, we recommend taking photos of your furniture before the move and looking into buying third-party insurance coverage. You should also keep high-value items like jewelry, passports, and family photos with you instead of putting them on the truck.
Is a Long-Distance Full-Service Mover The Right Option?
Choosing how to move usually comes down to time versus money. Do you want to save cash and do the heavy lifting yourself? Or do you want to pay more to have someone else handle everything?
Full-service movers like North American Van Lines offer the ultimate convenience, but that luxury comes with a high price tag. Before you book, it helps to compare your options.
Popular Moving Options
| Type | Pros | Cons |
| Full-Service Mover |
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| Semi-Trailer |
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| Moving Container |
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| Rental Truck |
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In general, the less work you do on your own, the more you will pay. To give you a clear picture of moving costs, we looked at the prices for a standard move across the country. The difference between doing it yourself and hiring a full-service van line is massive.
2026 Cross-Country Moving Costs: 2–3 Bedroom Home
| Cost Category | “DIY” Moving (Moving Truck) | Moving Truck (with Labor) | Freight Trailer Moving | Portable Container | Full-Service Moving |
| Loading & Unloading | N/A | $421 | $421 | $421 | Included |
| Moving Truck / Container | $4,514 | $4,514 | $4,354 | $4,786 | Included |
| Gas | $896 | $896 | Included | Included | Included |
| Total | $5,410 | $5,831 | $4,775 | $5,207 | $9,500 |
As you can see, a full-service move can cost nearly double what other options cost. That’s a steep price to pay for convenience. If you have the budget and can’t spare the time, a full-service mover like North American probably makes the most sense.
And it may be worth running a quick cost-benefit analysis for the less-than-obvious ways you could be losing money. For instance, if missing work, school, or other obligations would cost you more than the price of convenience, full-service could be the smarter financial choice.
For many people moving long-distance or cross-country (especially those whose moving dates are up in the air or who need temporary storage),PODS is particularly attractive thanks to their built-in storage solution. You can store your items anytime you want as part of your move, either in your driveway or at a PODS storage facility, without having to load and unload your items or rent a moving truck multiple times.
Pairing a solution like moving containers or freight trailer moving with hourly loading/unloading helps offer a sweet spot that balances cost with convenience.
The North American Van Lines Experience: What to Expect
When you hire a company as big as North American Van Lines, it helps to know how it operates. It’s a massive network, not just one single office. This means your experience depends heavily on the local agent you work with. One local office might be amazing, while another in a different state might be just average.
We’ve tested the quote process ourselves to see what customers really get. The first time we requested a quote, the agent was eager to help and even found a discount to drop the price by $400. Clearly, he wanted to do what they could to win our business.
“For greater peace of mind, Full Value Protection is a smarter choice… Typically, this coverage costs about 1% of the total value you declare for your belongings.”
However, our most recent test was different. The agent was polite, but didn’t get very involved. He did the survey, gave us a price, and left it at that. When we asked if he could match a lower price from a competitor, he simply told us that the initial quote was his best offer, and didn’t try to find solutions or discounts. This confirmed that the level of service you get starts with the person who answers the phone.
Beyond our own tests, we looked at hundreds of customer reviews to find other patterns. North American Van Lines generally has a mixed reputation. It has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), but a TrustPilot score of 1.8/5 stars. Like many large movers, the company has a combination of 5-star praise and 1-star complaints.
Here’s what happy customers tend to say about their crews:
- Professional movers: Many people praise the loading crews. They often describe the movers as polite and hard-working.
- Careful packing: Positive reviews frequently mention that the movers took time to wrap furniture and protect floors.
- On-time delivery: For many customers, the truck arrived exactly within the delivery window promised.
On the flip side, there are common complaints you should be aware of:
- Communication gaps: The biggest complaint isn’t usually about the movers, but the office. Some customers said it was hard to get updates once the truck left the driveway.
- Delivery delays: Cross-country moves can take time. Some customers were frustrated when their delivery window was pushed back, leaving them without their stuff for longer than expected.
So, is North American Van Lines reliable? Yes, it’s a legitimate company with nearly a century of history. Most moves go smoothly, but problems can happen.
Because quality varies by location, don’t just look at the national rating. Go to Google and search for “North American Van Lines” plus your city or zip code. Read the reviews for that specific local office. If the local agent has great scores, you’re likely in good hands. If the local reviews are poor, you might want to look for a different provider or book through a platform like HireAHelper where you can pick your specific crew.
How North American Van Lines Stacks Up Against Competitors
North American Van Lines offers an experience that’s pretty typical of its category. At the same time, there are some differences between the company and other full-service moving van lines.
When comparing movers, be cautious of reviews that rely on shallow or outdated research. They often highlight a feature as unique to one company when it’s actually the industry standard, or frame a common drawback as if it only applies to one provider. For example, we saw GPS tracking listed as a standout pro for North American Van Lines, as if other movers don’t offer it. In reality, most do. That said, North American’s shipment tracking was named best in its category by U.S. News & World Report.
While NAVL has a solid reputation, your actual move day depends on the local crew that shows up. To give you a clear view, we compared NAVL to three other popular full-service movers.
2026 Full-Service Mover Comparison
| Company | Price Level | Availability | Differentiators |
| North American Van Lines | Moderate to High | All 50 States |
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| Safeway Moving | Moderate | All 50 States |
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| Mayzlin Relocation | Budget-Friendly | All 50 States |
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| JK Moving Services | Premium | All 50 States |
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It’s always smart to get at least three quotes before you book. If you want to see how another traditional van line stacks up, check out our in-depth Mayflower Review to see if they might be a better fit for your specific route.
Pros and Cons of Moving with North American Van Lines
No moving company is perfect. North American Van Lines offers the full package, but there are trade-offs to consider. While it provides the convenience you expect from a big van line, there are some downsides regarding cost and speed. Here’s a look at the biggest benefits and drawbacks we found during our research.
Pros
- NAVL does the hard work: If you have the budget, this is the biggest selling point. NAVL movers handle the loading, driving, and unloading. You don’t have to lift heavy furniture or drive a massive truck on the highway.
- No deposit required: You generally don’t have to pay anything to reserve your moving date. You settle the bill just before the move begins. This is fairly common among major van lines.
- Shipment tracking: Long-distance moves can take a while. The company provides tracking tools so you can see where your belongings are while they’re on the road.
- Free concierge service: The company offers a free service to help you transfer your utilities. This makes it easier to switch your internet and TV to your new address without spending hours on the phone.
Cons
- It’s expensive: No matter how you look at it, full-service moving packages are expensive for long-distance moves. You pay a premium for the luxury of not lifting a finger. You could likely save a lot of money by renting a container and hiring labor separately.
- No instant quotes: You can’t get a quick price online in five minutes. You have to schedule a home survey first and then wait for your emailed quote.
- Inconsistent service: This is the reality of the agent network. Since independent local companies run the actual moves, quality varies. A great review for an agent in one state doesn’t guarantee the same experience with an agent in another state. Always check your local office’s reviews.
Is North American Van Lines Right for Your Long-Distance Move?
North American Van Lines is a strong choice if you want a completely hands-off experience. If your budget is flexible and you want professionals to handle all the driving and lifting, it’s one of the best moving companies out there. The large network ensures they can get you almost anywhere, but the high price isn’t for everyone.
If the cost feels too high, you have options. A hybrid move is a smart alternative. You can rent a truck or container and use HireAHelper to find local labor for the heavy lifting. This gives you professional help without the full-service price tag. Whether you choose a van line or a DIY path, the best option is the one that fits your budget and your timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North American Van Lines the same as American Van Lines?
No, they’re not the same. It’s easy to get them mixed up because the names are similar. North American Van Lines is a massive carrier owned by SIRVA. American Van Lines is a different private company. Make sure you check the logo and the website carefully so you book the right one.
What is North American Van Lines’ cancellation policy?
Since it doesn’t require a deposit, cancelling is often easier than with other movers. You typically have until a few days before the move to change plans without a penalty. However, once you sign the contract, read the fine print. If you cancel at the last minute or after the crew arrives, you may be charged for the labor or time lost. Always call as soon as possible to avoid fees.
Who owns North American Van Lines?
North American Van Lines is owned by its parent company, SIRVA, Inc. SIRVA is one of the world’s largest relocation and moving services providers. In addition to North American, SIRVA also owns Allied Van Lines. This large corporate backing allows them to handle moves in all 50 states and over 130 different countries.
Are Allied and North American Van Lines the same company?
They’re sister companies owned by the same parent, SIRVA, but they operate as separate brands. Each has its own fleet of trucks and its own network of local agents. Because they manage their schedules separately, one might be cheaper or more available than the other on your move date. You can read our Allied Van Lines Review to see which fits your needs better.
How do I get a North American Van Lines moving quote?
You can’t get a firm price instantly online. You need to fill out a form on their website or call to start the process. Then, a local agent will schedule a time to look at your belongings. This can be an in-home visit or a video call. After they see exactly what you’re moving, they will email you a quote a few days later.
Is North American Van Lines legit?
Yes, North American Van Lines is a very legitimate company that has been in business since 1933. It’s a fully licensed carrier and broker with the U.S. Department of Transportation. It also holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. While individual experiences can vary by agent, the company as a whole has a strong reputation in the full-service moving industry.
Is North American Van Lines a broker?
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), North American Van Lines is listed (under USDOT 70851) as both a carrier and broker.
While the company has its own extensive fleet of national trucks and drivers in order to deliver its own services, it’s legally allowed to contract with separate third-party companies to perform moving jobs — for example, in case of low availability in certain markets or times of year.