Bekins Van Lines vs Colonial Van Lines

2026 comparison for Florida moves · Updated July 2026

Bekins Van Lines (USDOT #009609) scores 8.5/10 vs Colonial Van Lines (USDOT #2231520) at 7.8/10 — fact-based scoring using FMCSA records, BBB data, and 8,300+ combined consumer reviews. Both are licensed for Florida moves.

  • Ratings: Bekins ⭐ 4.2/5 (5,400 reviews) vs Colonial ⭐ 4.1/5 (2,900 reviews)
  • BBB: Bekins A+ vs Colonial A · Both USDOT active
  • Binding estimates: Bekins Yes ✓ · Colonial No ✗
  • Price tiers: Bekins (mid) · Colonial (mid) · Deposit: None vs Varies

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Step 1 of 3 — Your Route

⭐ Top Pick

Bekins Van Lines

Best Heritage Carrier

8.5 / 10 overall score
⭐ 4.2 BBB A+
Runner Up

Colonial Van Lines

Best Moving Broker

7.8 / 10 overall score
⭐ 4.1 BBB A FL-based

FMCSA Verification

Bekins Van Lines

USDOT #009609 · MC-52119

active authority · Insurance on file ✓

FMCSA Verification

Colonial Van Lines

USDOT #2231520 · MC-776801

active authority · Insurance on file ✓

Key Metrics Comparison

Metric Bekins Van Lines Colonial Van Lines
Overall Score 8.5/10 7.8/10
Composite Rating ⭐ 4.2 ⭐ 4.1
Review Count 5,400 2,900
BBB Rating A+ A
Price Range mid mid
Deposit Required None Varies
Binding Estimates Yes No
USDOT Status active active
Headquartered Hillside, IL Plantation, FL
Founded 1891 2000
USDOT Number #009609 #2231520
Insurance on File Yes ✓ Yes ✓

Score Breakdown (0–5)

Pricing
Bekins: 4.0 Colonial: 4.3
Reliability
Bekins: 4.3 Colonial: 3.8
Customer Service
Bekins: 4.1 Colonial: 3.9
Services Offered
Bekins: 4.6 Colonial: 4.2
Transparency
Bekins: 4.4 Colonial: 3.8

Bekins Van Lines

Pros

  • 135+ years in business — most established on this list
  • No deposit required
  • Binding estimates
  • A+ BBB across decades

Cons

  • Agent network — quality varies
  • Less tech-forward than newer competitors
  • Limited online tools

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

Bekins Van Lines is Best For

Traditional moversLong-established route reliability

Colonial Van Lines is Best For

Budget-conscious moversThose who need carrier flexibility

Services Offered

Bekins Van Lines

  • Long-distance moving
  • Interstate moving
  • International moving
  • Packing services
  • Storage
  • Corporate relocation

Colonial Van Lines

  • Long-distance moving
  • Interstate moving
  • Packing services
  • Storage
  • Auto transport

Our Verdict

Choose Bekins Van Lines if you...

  • Need traditional movers
  • Need long-established route reliability

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: Bekins Van Lines or Colonial Van Lines?
Bekins Van Lines scores higher overall (8.5/10 vs 7.8/10) based on FMCSA compliance, BBB record, binding estimate policy, and 8,300+ combined consumer reviews. The best choice also depends on your move type, budget, and destination.
Does Bekins Van Lines or Colonial Van Lines have lower prices?
Both movers are in the same price tier (mid). Always get at least 3 binding or not-to-exceed estimates — non-binding estimates have no legal price cap.
Which mover has better reviews — Bekins Van Lines or Colonial Van Lines?
Bekins Van Lines has a higher composite rating (4.2/5 vs 4.1/5). Bekins Van Lines has 5,400 reviews; Colonial Van Lines has 2,900. Review volume matters — 4.5 stars with 2,000 reviews is more reliable than 4.8 with 50.
What deposit does Bekins Van Lines require vs Colonial Van Lines?
Bekins Van Lines requires a None deposit; Colonial Van Lines requires Varies. A deposit over 25–30% — especially in cash or wire transfer — is a red flag. Always pay by credit card so you can dispute charges if needed. Federal FMCSA rules limit what interstate movers can demand before delivery.
Are Bekins Van Lines and Colonial Van Lines licensed for Florida interstate moves?
Bekins Van Lines (USDOT #009609) and Colonial Van Lines (USDOT #2231520) both hold active USDOT authority with insurance on file with the FMCSA. Verify both independently at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov — look for Active status and current insurance certificate.
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