Colonial Van Lines vs North American Van Lines
2026 comparison for Florida moves · Updated July 2026
Colonial Van Lines (USDOT #2231520) scores 7.8/10 vs North American Van Lines (USDOT #076235) at 8.8/10 — fact-based scoring using FMCSA records, BBB data, and 12,700+ combined consumer reviews. Both are licensed for Florida moves.
- ✓ Ratings: Colonial ⭐ 4.1/5 (2,900 reviews) vs North ⭐ 4.4/5 (9,800 reviews)
- ✓ BBB: Colonial A vs North A+ · Both USDOT active
- ✓ Binding estimates: Colonial No ✗ · North Yes ✓
- ✓ Price tiers: Colonial (mid) · North (mid) · Deposit: Varies vs None
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Colonial Van Lines
Best Moving Broker
North American Van Lines
Best for Large Homes
FMCSA Verification
Colonial Van Lines
USDOT #2231520 · MC-776801
active authority · Insurance on file ✓
FMCSA Verification
North American Van Lines
USDOT #076235 · MC-107417
active authority · Insurance on file ✓
Key Metrics Comparison
| Metric | Colonial Van Lines | North American Van Lines |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 8.8/10 |
| Composite Rating | ⭐ 4.1 | ⭐ 4.4 |
| Review Count | 2,900 | 9,800 |
| BBB Rating | A | A+ |
| Price Range | mid | mid |
| Deposit Required | Varies | None |
| Binding Estimates | No | Yes |
| USDOT Status | active | active |
| Headquartered | Plantation, FL | Fort Wayne, IN |
| Founded | 2000 | 1933 |
| USDOT Number | #2231520 | #076235 |
| Insurance on File | Yes ✓ | Yes ✓ |
Score Breakdown (0–5)
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
North American Van Lines
Pros
- ✓90+ years of experience
- ✓Excellent specialty item handling (pianos, art)
- ✓No deposit required
- ✓Binding estimates
- ✓Extensive Florida agent network
Cons
- ✗Agent model — inconsistent quality
- ✗Premium pricing for specialty services
- ✗Booking lead time often 2-4 weeks
Colonial Van Lines is Best For
North American Van Lines is Best For
Services Offered
Colonial Van Lines
- ✓ Long-distance moving
- ✓ Interstate moving
- ✓ Packing services
- ✓ Storage
- ✓ Auto transport
North American Van Lines
- ✓ Long-distance moving
- ✓ Interstate moving
- ✓ International moving
- ✓ Packing & crating
- ✓ Storage
- ✓ Auto transport
- ✓ Piano moving
- ✓ Fine art moving
Our Verdict
Choose Colonial Van Lines if you...
- → Need budget-conscious movers
- → Need those who need carrier flexibility
- → Want a FL-headquartered carrier
Choose North American Van Lines if you...
- → Need large homes
- → Need specialty items
- → Need piano moving
- → Need fragile or valuable items
- → 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