American Van Lines vs Colonial Van Lines
2026 comparison for Florida moves · Updated July 2026
American Van Lines (USDOT #614506) scores 9.0/10 vs Colonial Van Lines (USDOT #2231520) at 7.8/10 — fact-based scoring using FMCSA records, BBB data, and 7,200+ combined consumer reviews. Both are licensed for Florida moves.
- ✓ Ratings: American ⭐ 4.4/5 (4,300 reviews) vs Colonial ⭐ 4.1/5 (2,900 reviews)
- ✓ BBB: American A+ vs Colonial A · Both USDOT active
- ✓ Binding estimates: American Yes ✓ · Colonial No ✗
- ✓ Price tiers: American (mid) · Colonial (mid) · Deposit: 10% vs Varies
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American Van Lines
Best for Antiques & Pianos
Colonial Van Lines
Best Moving Broker
FMCSA Verification
American Van Lines
USDOT #614506 · MC-330861
active authority · Insurance on file ✓
FMCSA Verification
Colonial Van Lines
USDOT #2231520 · MC-776801
active authority · Insurance on file ✓
Key Metrics Comparison
| Metric | American Van Lines | Colonial Van Lines |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 9.0/10 | 7.8/10 |
| Composite Rating | ⭐ 4.4 | ⭐ 4.1 |
| Review Count | 4,300 | 2,900 |
| BBB Rating | A+ | A |
| Price Range | mid | mid |
| Deposit Required | 10% | Varies |
| Binding Estimates | Yes | No |
| USDOT Status | active | active |
| Headquartered | Pompano Beach, FL | Plantation, FL |
| Founded | 1995 | 2000 |
| USDOT Number | #614506 | #2231520 |
| Insurance on File | Yes ✓ | Yes ✓ |
Score Breakdown (0–5)
American Van Lines
Pros
- ✓Florida-based carrier (Pompano Beach)
- ✓Certified piano and antique movers
- ✓Background-checked employees
- ✓Binding estimates
- ✓A+ BBB rating
Cons
- ✗10% deposit required
- ✗Not the cheapest option
- ✗Limited to 48 contiguous states
Colonial Van Lines
Pros
- ✓Florida-based broker with wide carrier network
- ✓Competitive pricing through carrier bidding
- ✓Wide availability — can book last minute
Cons
- ✗Broker model — you may not know your carrier upfront
- ✗Non-binding estimates common
- ✗Mixed customer reviews
- ✗Deposit varies and can be non-refundable
American Van Lines is Best For
Colonial Van Lines is Best For
Services Offered
American Van Lines
- ✓ Long-distance moving
- ✓ Interstate moving
- ✓ Piano moving
- ✓ Antique moving
- ✓ Packing services
- ✓ Storage
- ✓ Last-minute moving
Colonial Van Lines
- ✓ Long-distance moving
- ✓ Interstate moving
- ✓ Packing services
- ✓ Storage
- ✓ Auto transport
Our Verdict
Choose American Van Lines if you...
- → Need pianos
- → Need antiques
- → Need valuable items
- → Need south florida moves
- → Want a FL-headquartered carrier
Choose Colonial Van Lines if you...
- → Need budget-conscious movers
- → Need those who need carrier flexibility
How We Score Florida Movers
Our 10-point overall score combines five equally-weighted categories (each 0–5) using FMCSA records, BBB complaint data, and verified consumer review aggregates. Updated quarterly.
Pricing
Cost vs. market avg, transparency, binding estimate availability
Reliability
FMCSA complaint rate, on-time delivery, damage claim rate
Customer Service
Responsiveness, claims handling, review consistency
Services
Range: packing, storage, specialty, international coverage
Transparency
USDOT disclosure, written estimates, deposit policy clarity