Colonial Van Lines vs Mayflower Transit

2026 comparison for Florida moves · Updated July 2026

Colonial Van Lines (USDOT #2231520) scores 7.8/10 vs Mayflower Transit (USDOT #077949) at 8.6/10 — fact-based scoring using FMCSA records, BBB data, and 10,100+ combined consumer reviews. Both are licensed for Florida moves.

  • Ratings: Colonial ⭐ 4.1/5 (2,900 reviews) vs Mayflower ⭐ 4.3/5 (7,200 reviews)
  • BBB: Colonial A vs Mayflower A · Both USDOT active
  • Binding estimates: Colonial No ✗ · Mayflower Yes ✓
  • Price tiers: Colonial (mid) · Mayflower (mid) · Deposit: Varies vs None

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Runner Up

Colonial Van Lines

Best Moving Broker

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

Mayflower Transit

Best Established Brand

8.6 / 10 overall score
⭐ 4.3 BBB A

FMCSA Verification

Colonial Van Lines

USDOT #2231520 · MC-776801

active authority · Insurance on file ✓

FMCSA Verification

Mayflower Transit

USDOT #077949 · MC-6325

active authority · Insurance on file ✓

Key Metrics Comparison

Metric Colonial Van Lines Mayflower Transit
Overall Score 7.8/10 8.6/10
Composite Rating ⭐ 4.1 ⭐ 4.3
Review Count 2,900 7,200
BBB Rating A A
Price Range mid mid
Deposit Required Varies None
Binding Estimates No Yes
USDOT Status active active
Headquartered Plantation, FL Fenton, MO
Founded 2000 1927
USDOT Number #2231520 #077949
Insurance on File Yes ✓ Yes ✓

Score Breakdown (0–5)

Pricing
Colonial: 4.3 Mayflower: 4.0
Reliability
Colonial: 3.8 Mayflower: 4.3
Customer Service
Colonial: 3.9 Mayflower: 4.2
Services Offered
Colonial: 4.2 Mayflower: 4.7
Transparency
Colonial: 3.8 Mayflower: 4.4

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

Mayflower Transit

Pros

  • Nearly 100 years of experience
  • No deposit required
  • Binding estimates
  • Strong brand accountability

Cons

  • Under same parent as United Van Lines — similar limitations
  • No instant online pricing
  • Agent inconsistency

Colonial Van Lines is Best For

Budget-conscious moversThose who need carrier flexibility

Mayflower Transit is Best For

Name-brand reliabilityTraditional full-service moves

Services Offered

Colonial Van Lines

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

Mayflower Transit

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

Our Verdict

Choose Colonial Van Lines if you...

  • Need budget-conscious movers
  • Need those who need carrier flexibility
  • Want a FL-headquartered carrier

Choose Mayflower Transit if you...

  • Need name-brand reliability
  • Need traditional full-service moves
  • Want no upfront deposit

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: Colonial Van Lines or Mayflower Transit?
Mayflower Transit scores higher overall (8.6/10 vs 7.8/10) based on FMCSA compliance, BBB record, binding estimate policy, and 10,100+ combined consumer reviews. The best choice also depends on your move type, budget, and destination.
Does Colonial Van Lines or Mayflower Transit 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 — Colonial Van Lines or Mayflower Transit?
Mayflower Transit has a higher composite rating (4.3/5 vs 4.1/5). Colonial Van Lines has 2,900 reviews; Mayflower Transit has 7,200. Review volume matters — 4.5 stars with 2,000 reviews is more reliable than 4.8 with 50.
What deposit does Colonial Van Lines require vs Mayflower Transit?
Colonial Van Lines requires a Varies deposit; Mayflower Transit requires None. 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 Colonial Van Lines and Mayflower Transit licensed for Florida interstate moves?
Colonial Van Lines (USDOT #2231520) and Mayflower Transit (USDOT #077949) 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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