Colonial Van Lines vs Safeway Moving

2026 comparison for Florida moves · Updated July 2026

Colonial Van Lines (USDOT #2231520) scores 7.8/10 vs Safeway Moving (USDOT #3756000) at 9.0/10 — fact-based scoring using FMCSA records, BBB data, and 5,000+ combined consumer reviews. Both are licensed for Florida moves.

  • Ratings: Colonial ⭐ 4.1/5 (2,900 reviews) vs Safeway ⭐ 4.5/5 (2,100 reviews)
  • BBB: Colonial A vs Safeway A+ · Both USDOT active
  • Binding estimates: Colonial No ✗ · Safeway Yes ✓
  • Price tiers: Colonial (mid) · Safeway (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

Safeway Moving

Best for Flat-Rate Pricing

9.0 / 10 overall score
⭐ 4.5 BBB A+ FL-based

FMCSA Verification

Colonial Van Lines

USDOT #2231520 · MC-776801

active authority · Insurance on file ✓

FMCSA Verification

Safeway Moving

USDOT #3756000 · MC-1351901

active authority · Insurance on file ✓

Key Metrics Comparison

Metric Colonial Van Lines Safeway Moving
Overall Score 7.8/10 9.0/10
Composite Rating ⭐ 4.1 ⭐ 4.5
Review Count 2,900 2,100
BBB Rating A A+
Price Range mid mid
Deposit Required Varies None
Binding Estimates No Yes
USDOT Status active active
Headquartered Plantation, FL Hollywood, FL
Founded 2000 2020
USDOT Number #2231520 #3756000
Insurance on File Yes ✓ Yes ✓

Score Breakdown (0–5)

Pricing
Colonial: 4.3 Safeway: 4.6
Reliability
Colonial: 3.8 Safeway: 4.5
Customer Service
Colonial: 3.9 Safeway: 4.6
Services Offered
Colonial: 4.2 Safeway: 4.4
Transparency
Colonial: 3.8 Safeway: 4.9

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

Safeway Moving

Pros

  • Flat-rate binding estimates — price locked at booking
  • No deposit required
  • Florida-based (Hollywood, FL)
  • Strong transparency and communication
  • A+ BBB despite being newer

Cons

  • Newer company (2020) — less track record
  • Smaller fleet than legacy carriers
  • Limited specialty item handling

Colonial Van Lines is Best For

Budget-conscious moversThose who need carrier flexibility

Safeway Moving is Best For

Price-conscious movers wanting certaintyFlorida interstate moves

Services Offered

Colonial Van Lines

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

Safeway Moving

  • Long-distance moving
  • Interstate moving
  • Packing services
  • Storage
  • Specialty items

Our Verdict

Choose Colonial Van Lines if you...

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

Choose Safeway Moving if you...

  • Need price-conscious movers wanting certainty
  • Need florida interstate 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 Safeway Moving?
Safeway Moving scores higher overall (9.0/10 vs 7.8/10) based on FMCSA compliance, BBB record, binding estimate policy, and 5,000+ combined consumer reviews. The best choice also depends on your move type, budget, and destination.
Does Colonial Van Lines or Safeway Moving 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 Safeway Moving?
Safeway Moving has a higher composite rating (4.5/5 vs 4.1/5). Colonial Van Lines has 2,900 reviews; Safeway Moving has 2,100. 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 Safeway Moving?
Colonial Van Lines requires a Varies deposit; Safeway Moving 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 Safeway Moving licensed for Florida interstate moves?
Colonial Van Lines (USDOT #2231520) and Safeway Moving (USDOT #3756000) 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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