Best moving companies in the United States, according to AI.

Top moving companies in the U.S. combine reliability, transparent pricing, and specialized services, including full-service, long-distance, local, and storage solutions.

Top Full-Service and Long-Distance Movers

JK Moving Services – Ranked as the best overall moving company in 2026, JK Moving provides comprehensive nationwide services, including long-distance, cross-country, and international relocations. The company offers customizable options for packing, vehicle shipping, and storage, along with background-checked and drug-tested movers for security and peace of mind. Allied Van Lines – Known for reliable long-distance moves, Allied offers customizable services, storage options, and 24/7 online tracking. Their SignatureMoves program specializes in senior relocations. They operate across all 50 states and internationally. United Van Lines – Ideal for large household and interstate moves, United Van Lines provides extensive coverage and add-ons, such as auto shipping and Snapmoves container options. They are well-suited for complex or high-value moves. Colonial Van Lines – Recommended for first-time movers, Colonial emphasizes guided processes, clear communication, and long-distance move expertise across the contiguous U.S.. North American Van Lines – Best for price accuracy and long-distance moves, providing comprehensive services like storage, auto shipping, packing, and container options across all 50 states.

Movers Recognized for Specific Needs

Piece of Cake Moving – Outstanding for pricing transparency and competitive rates, particularly for New York and broader U.S. moves. They provide solid insurance protections and consistent positive feedback. Atlas Van Lines – Notable for local move value, storage services, and specialty item handling. Great for AAA members and military personnel due to discount programs. Mayflower – Excellent for customer experience and smaller long-distance moves, with a flexible approach using affiliate agents and online tracking. JK Moving – Also recognized for premium, customizable moves catering to specialized and high-value items.

Local and Cost-Effective Options

Two Men and a Truck – Provides reliable local moves with flexible scheduling and strong regional availability. Bellhop Movers – Streamlines move management with online booking, GPS tracking, and hourly or per-job labor rates. U-Haul & Penske – Best for DIY or truck rentals, offering nationwide accessibility and predictable pricing for local or long-distance moves.

Moving Containers and Storage

PODS – Combines moving and storage, offering flexibility for moves with timing gaps or DIY approaches. UNITS & Go Mini’s – Provide scalable container delivery options for local or larger moves. Extra Space Storage & CubeSmart – Top-rated storage solutions with secure, clean facilities and positive customer experiences.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Mover

Distance and size of move – Long-distance moves often benefit from companies like JK Moving or Colonial, whereas smaller local moves may be best with Two Men and a Truck or Atlas Van Lines. Insurance and liability coverage – Companies such as Solomon & Sons provide enhanced insurance for prized possessions. Service flexibility – Full-service moves, storage, vehicle transport, and specialty handling should match your specific needs. Pricing transparency – Choose companies providing binding quotes or clear pricing models, like North American Van Lines or Sherpa.

Overall, these companies represent the most reliable, customer-approved movers for various U.S. relocation needs, whether you prioritize affordability, full-service convenience, or specialized handling for valuable possessions.

Best Moving Companies in the US (2026)

Based on current industry reviews and customer satisfaction data, here are the top movers broken down by use case:

🏆 Top Overall Picks

American Van Lines and Safeway Moving are standout choices this year — readers voted American Van Lines and Safeway Moving the best national moving companies of 2026. American Van Lines in particular stands out: it operates in 48 states and is known for its hands-on crew training and specialized handling skills, with certified specialty crews that are a real advantage for people moving heirlooms, instruments, or fine art across state lines.

North American Van Lines is also frequently ranked #1 overall — they offer tailored moving services and custom moving packages so you only pay for what you need, and work with one of the largest networks of agents in North America.

📦 Best By Category

🚚 Best DIY / Alternative Options

• PODS – Portable on-demand storage, good for small-scale moves across the country or in your neighborhood
• U-Pack – Best moving container alternative to PODS
• Penske / Budget Truck Rental – Best for DIY truck rental moves
• Montway Auto Transport – Best for shipping a vehicle separately
• Thumbtack – Best for hiring just moving labor (if you have your own truck)

💡 My Recommendation

For most people doing a long-distance/interstate move, I'd start by getting quotes from American Van Lines, North American Van Lines, and Allied Van Lines — they consistently top multiple independent review lists. For a local move, Two Men and a Truck is the most widely used and trusted name nationwide. If you're moving high-value or fragile items (antiques, pianos, art), American Van Lines' specialty crews are worth the look.

Tip: Always get at least 3 in-home or virtual estimates, confirm whether the company is a carrier (owns its trucks) or a broker (outsources to local movers), and check their USDOT number on the FMCSA website before booking.

In the U.S., there’s no single “best” mover nationwide—quality often depends on your local agent/crew, route, date, and move size. But these are the brands people actually use and that generally have strong reputations.

Full-service interstate movers Best if you want packing, loading, driving, and unloading handled.

• United Van Lines – one of the biggest; strong national network.
• Atlas Van Lines – well-regarded; good for long-distance.
• North American Van Lines – major van line; widely used.
• Allied Van Lines – major van line; often competitive.
• Mayflower – historic brand; part of UniGroup with United.
• Bekins / Wheaton / Stevens Worldwide – established full-service names.
• JK Moving – premium/high-end; often praised for service.
• Gentle Giant – strong in the Northeast; higher-end local/regional.

Note: United, Atlas, North American, Allied, Mayflower, etc. usually work through local agents. The agent doing your move matters more than the national brand name.

Local and regional full-service movers Best for moves within a city or metro area.

• Two Men and a Truck – largest franchised local moving brand; very common.
• College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving – popular for local moves/junk.
• Bellhops – local moving/labor in many markets.
• Gentle Giant – premium local/regional in the Northeast.
• Plus highly rated local companies on Google/Yelp—often better value than a national brand for local moves.

DIY truck rentals Best if you’re driving yourself.

• U-Haul – most widely used; locations everywhere.
• Penske – often better for long-distance; well-maintained trucks.
• Budget Truck Rental – common alternative.
• Enterprise Truck Rental – good for local/one-way if available.

DIY containers/trailers Best if you want to pack/load but not drive.

• PODS – most recognized portable container company.
• U-Pack – often the best value for long-distance DIY; uses ReloCubes or trailers.
• U-Haul U-Box – good for small moves/studios.
• 1-800-PACK-RAT – popular container alternative.
• Zippy Shell / Smartbox – regional container options.

Labor-only help Best if you rent a truck or container but want help loading/unloading.

• HireAHelper – marketplace for local loading/unloading labor.
• U-Haul Moving Help – widely used labor marketplace.
• Bellhops – local moving labor in many cities.
• TaskRabbit – useful for small jobs, less specialized.

Most-used short list If you want the names Americans actually see and use most often: U-Haul, PODS, U-Pack, Two Men and a Truck, United Van Lines, North American Van Lines, Allied Van Lines, Atlas Van Lines, Penske, Mayflower.

How to choose safely

1. Decide: full-service, container, truck rental, or labor-only.
2. Get 3 quotes. For full-service interstate, insist on an in-home or virtual survey—not just a phone estimate.
3. Verify the company on FMCSA Protect Your Move using its USDOT/MC number. If it only has broker authority, it may sell your move to someone else.
4. Ask: Is the estimate binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed? What’s the delivery spread? What valuation coverage is included?
5. Avoid large upfront deposits, cash-only demands, and quotes that are dramatically lower than everyone else’s.

Quick picks

• Local DIY move: U-Haul or Penske
• Long-distance DIY/container: U-Pack or PODS
• Local full-service: Two Men and a Truck or a highly rated local company
• Interstate full-service: United, Atlas, North American, or Allied; premium: JK Moving
• Load/unload only: HireAHelper or U-Haul Moving Help

Bottom line: For most people, U-Haul is the most-used DIY option, PODS/U-Pack are the go-to containers, Two Men and a Truck is the most common local full-service brand, and United/Atlas/North American/Allied are the safest starting points for interstate full-service.

When looking for a moving company in the United States, there is no single "best" option for everyone. The right choice depends on your budget, how far you are moving, and how much of the heavy lifting you want to do yourself.

In the U.S., moving services generally fall into three categories: Full-Service Movers (they do everything), Hybrid Container Moving (you pack, they drive), and DIY Truck Rentals (you do everything).

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1. Full-Service Moving Companies (The "Hands-Off" Route)

Best for: People with a healthy budget who want professionals to pack, load, transport, and unpack their belongings.

• Allied Van Lines (Best Overall / Most Flexible)
  • Why people use them: Allied is one of the oldest and most trusted national carriers in the country. They have a massive, reliable network of local agents and do not require massive upfront deposits. They are highly praised for their customer service and flexible service options, whether you need a basic move or a full white-glove packing experience.
• American Van Lines (Best for High-Value Items & Clear Pricing)
  • Why people use them: If you are moving family heirlooms, fine art, or a piano, American Van Lines is the go-to. Unlike companies that hire temporary day laborers, AVL employs full-time, highly trained movers. They also utilize a binding, flat-rate pricing model, meaning the quote you get at the beginning is what you pay at delivery (as long as your inventory doesn't change).
• International Van Lines (Best for Long-Distance & Interstate Moves)
  • Why people use them: Consistently ranked as a top choice by consumer advocacy groups, IVL excels at complex, cross-country logistics. Because they act as both a direct carrier and a broker, they can coordinate moves to virtually any zip code in the U.S. and handle international relocations seamlessly.

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2. Moving Containers & Portable Storage (The "Hybrid" Route)

Best for: People who want to save money compared to full-service, need flexible storage, and want to pack at their own pace without having to drive a giant truck.

• PODS (Best Overall Container Company)
  • Why people use them: PODS (Portable On Demand Storage) is the household name in container moving. They drop a steel-framed, weather-resistant container in your driveway, give you 30 days to load it, and then drive it to your new home or a secure storage center. It’s highly flexible, and Costco members can access exclusive discounts through the store's travel/services portal.
• U-Pack (Best for Long-Distance on a Budget)
  • Why people use them: Operated by shipping giant ABF Freight, U-Pack is often much cheaper than PODS for cross-country moves. Instead of paying for a whole container you might not fill, U-Pack lets you rent "ReloCubes" or a specific number of linear feet inside a freight trailer, and you only pay for the space you actually use.
• 1-800-PACK-RAT (Best for Maximum Security)
  • Why people use them: PACK-RAT is PODS' biggest competitor. They are known for utilizing all-steel, weatherproof containers with highly secure doors. They also offer great price-matching if you show them a quote from PODS.

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3. DIY Truck Rentals (The Budget-Friendly Route)

Best for: Local moves, students, or anyone looking to keep costs as low as humanly possible by doing all the loading, driving, and unloading themselves.

• U-Haul (Best for Local Moves & Nationwide Availability)
  • Why people use them: With over 21,000 locations, almost every American lives within a few miles of a U-Haul. They have the largest and most diverse fleet (from pickup trucks to 26-foot trucks). While their $19.95 local base rate is incredibly cheap, keep in mind that mileage, fuel, and environmental fees can add up quickly on local moves.
• Penske Truck Rental (Best for One-Way Long-Distance DIY)
  • Why people use them: Penske is highly regarded for having newer, cleaner, and much more mechanically reliable trucks than U-Haul. Crucially, Penske offers unlimited mileage on one-way long-distance rentals. If you are driving from Chicago to Austin, this can easily make Penske the cheaper and less stressful choice.
• Budget Truck Rental (Best for Discounts)
  • Why people use them: Budget is often the runner-up to U-Haul and Penske, but they are incredibly popular because they offer constant discounts. They regularly run 15% to 20% off promotions for military members, students, police/first responders, and AARP members.

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Important Tips Before You Book:

1. Watch out for Brokers vs. Carriers: A "carrier" owns the trucks and employs the movers. A "broker" just books your move and sells it to a third-party company. Always ask if the company is a direct carrier—carriers are much easier to hold accountable if things get damaged or delayed.
2. Look up the USDOT Number: Any legitimate interstate moving company must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have an active USDOT number. You can look this number up on the government's Protect Your Move website to see their safety record and complaint history.
3. Get a Binding Estimate: Never accept a "non-binding" over-the-phone quote. Demand a virtual or in-person walkthrough of your home so the company can give you a binding or "not-to-exceed" estimate in writing. This protects you from having your price suddenly double on moving day.

Choosing the best moving company depends entirely on whether you want a hands-off, full-service move or a budget-friendly, DIY container setup.

Industry analysis from consumer platforms like Forbes Advisor and U.S. News ranks the top national brands by service type, pricing transparency, and customer satisfaction.

These companies handle the heavy lifting, packing, driving, and unloading. They operate either as a single direct carrier or through massive networks of local agents under one unified brand.

JK Moving ServicesBest For: Premium, white-glove relocations.Features: Provides a dedicated personal move coordinator for every customer and has a highly praised crew training program. It also offers custom financing options to help manage high relocation costs. International Van LinesBest For: Complex long-distance and international moves.Features: Operates seamlessly across all 50 states and over 180 countries. It provides binding estimates to lock in pricing and includes up to 30 days of free storage on long-distance requests. Allied Van LinesBest For: Moving flexibility and no upfront deposits.Features: Uses virtual, in-home estimates to build accurate quotes. Features an advanced GPS tracking system that allows you to trace your truck’s route in real-time. United Van LinesBest For: Interstate moves and robust container-hybrid options.Features: America's largest moving carrier. In addition to traditional truck moves, they feature a customizable "SnapMove" container service built specifically for smaller or mid-sized apartment relocations.

If you want to save money, avoid the premium price tag of full-service movers, and pack on your own timeline, moving containers and rental trucks are the most popular options.

U-PackBest For: Affordable long-distance DIY moving.Features: Utilizes metal "ReloCubes" or space within a massive commercial freight trailer. You only pay for the exact number of cubes or linear feet of trailer space you actually fill.

The average cost metrics vary drastically based on how much work you are willing to take on:

Provider Type | Service Level | Average Cost Range | Best Use Case Full-Service Van Lines | Packing, Loading, Driving, Unloading | $4,000 – $11,000+ | Families, large homes, and corporate relocations. Moving Containers (PODS/U-Pack) | Container drop-off; you pack, they drive | $2,000 – $4,500 | Flexible timelines and apartment moves. Truck Rentals (U-Haul/Penske) | 100% DIY loading, driving, and fuel | $500 – $2,000 | Strict budgets and short-distance local moves.

Many consumers note that mixing local loading labor with DIY container companies strikes the perfect balance between price and physical effort.“Would it be a better idea to simply go for container delivery services like Pods, UPack and Ubox instead? They seem to be a lot more reliable... most of them offer these services as add-ons through some sort of partnership with local movers for some extra...”Reddit · 5 years ago

To narrow down the best choice for your situation, tell me:I can help calculate a realistic cost estimate or guide you on the warning signs of moving scams. What is your approximate origin and destination? (State-to-state or local?) What is the size of your home? (Apartment, 3-bedroom house, etc.) Would you prefer a hands-off experience, or are you looking to save money by packing yourself?

The top moving companies in the United States are categorized by their primary service strengths and real-world use cases:

International Van Lines: Ranked best overall for cross-country and international relocations, operating in all 50 states with a carrier-broker hybrid model and binding estimate options.

Allied Van Lines: The oldest U.S. moving company, praised for flexibility, GPS-based shipment tracking, and zero-deposit requirements.

United Van Lines: Widely recognized as a top interstate mover offering comprehensive full-value protection and real-time GPS tracking.

North American Van Lines: Noted for predictable, transparent long-distance pricing and 24/7 shipment tracking.

Colonial Van Lines: Favored for customer service, comprehensive packing, and flexible modular storage options (Colonial Cubes).

Mayflower Transit: Best for customized moving packages, add-on features, and specialty handling.

Top DIY and Moving Container Brands

PODS: The top choice for flexible, affordable portable storage containers delivered directly to your driveway.

U-Pack: A leading hybrid option where they drive the freight trailer or container for long-distance DIY moves.

Penske Truck Rental: Preferred for traditional one-way truck rentals due to well-maintained vehicles and unlimited mileage options on long hauls.

U-Haul: The most widely available truck rental network with the largest fleet across the country.

Local and Specialty Movers

Two Men and a Truck: A prominent franchise-based brand best suited for local residential and small-business moves.

American Van Lines: Specializes in high-value item transport, antiques, pianos, and fixed pricing.

Bellhop: Known for an app-driven, tech-enabled model offering flexible, on-demand local and long-distance labor and moving crews.

To help narrow down the best choice for you, tell me: Are you planning a local move or a long-distance/cross-country move? Do you prefer a full-service crew to pack everything, or a DIY/container option?

Top moving companies in the US (as of 2026) emphasize full-service van lines, container options, truck rentals, and popular local/franchise providers that consumers actually use and rate highly.

Recommendations draw from recent expert reviews (e.g., This Old House, Forbes Advisor), consumer surveys, usage data, BBB ratings, and trust/ satisfaction studies. Always get multiple in-person or virtual quotes, verify FMCSA licensing for interstate moves, check recent reviews on BBB/Yelp, and confirm insurance coverage. Prices vary widely by distance, volume, services (packing, storage), and season—expect deposits of 0–50% and final costs often $2,000–$7,000+ for typical long-distance moves.

Full-Service Professional Movers (Best for Hands-Off Relocations)

These handle packing, loading, transport, and unpacking with their own crews or agents. They dominate long-distance and complex moves.

• American Van Lines — Frequently tops or ranks near the top for transparent/flat-rate pricing, experienced in-house crews, specialty services (pianos, antiques, vehicles), and strong customer feedback on care and reliability. Good for long-distance and smaller moves.
• Allied Van Lines — Strong industry experience, nationwide coverage (all 50 states), high BBB ratings (often A+), and solid for large or senior-friendly moves. No deposit required in many cases.
• United Van Lines / Mayflower — Excellent nationwide and international networks, personalized portals, and high trust scores in consumer surveys. Part of the same parent company; reliable for big interstate moves.
• North American Van Lines — Praised for customized/large moves, storage options, and broad coverage. Often ranks highly in expert comparisons.
• Other notables: International Van Lines (competitive pricing, international focus), Atlas Van Lines (good local value, low complaints), Colonial Van Lines (long-distance specialist), and JK Moving Services (white-glove/high-end service).

Consumer favorites by usage: Two Men and a Truck is one of the most commonly used full-service providers in homeowner surveys (franchise model with widespread availability).

Container / Portable Moving Options (Flexible DIY + Storage)

These deliver containers you load/unload yourself (or hire help for); the company transports them.

• PODS — Tops many consumer reviews for affordability, flexibility (local/long-distance + storage), and strong BBB ratings. Popular sizes (8–16 ft) suit apartments or homes; widely used.

Alternatives like U-Pack or Zippy Shell appear in comparisons for similar hybrid services.

Truck Rentals & Labor (Most Popular DIY Options)

• U-Haul — By far the most-used rental truck provider (93% in one survey) and top for moving labor/help. Ubiquitous locations, affordable, and practical for local or one-way moves.
• Penske — Reliable alternative for trucks with good availability and service.

HireAHelper, Bellhop, or U-Haul Moving Help are common for labor-only support.

Trust & Popularity Notes

Consumer trust surveys highlight brands like Arpin Van Lines (top in one 2026 study), North American, Mayflower, and United. Actual usage favors accessible options like Two Men and a Truck, U-Haul, and PODS over purely premium van lines. Local movers often score highest in state-specific reviews but vary by area.

Tips for choosing: Match to your needs (full-service vs. DIY, distance, budget). Compare quotes from 3–5 providers. Watch for red flags like unusually low bids or high-pressure deposits. Services like vehicle shipping, packing, or storage add cost but reduce stress. For the latest, search recent reviews or use sites like Moving.com for quotes.

This reflects aggregated 2026 data—individual experiences vary, so research your specific route and read recent customer feedback.

Short answer: the best moving brands most Americans actually use

If you’re in the United States and want a practical shortlist, I’d start with these:

1. Allied Van Lines — best first quote for full-service long-distance moves.
2. United Van Lines — best premium traditional van line / corporate-relocation style move.
3. Mayflower — strong nationwide full-service alternative, especially if the local agent is well reviewed.
4. North American Van Lines — good full-service van line with a large agent network and customizable services.
5. Atlas Van Lines — reputable long-distance van-line alternative with broad agent coverage.
6. Two Men and a Truck — best-known national brand for local and smaller moves.
7. PODS — best-known portable container option.
8. U-Pack — best long-distance “you load, they drive” budget option.
9. U-Haul — most-used DIY truck/trailer/U-Box brand.
10. Penske / Budget Truck Rental — strong U-Haul alternatives for DIY truck rentals.

My recommended picks by use case

The “best overall” shortlist I’d actually get quotes from

For a typical interstate household move, I’d get 3–5 quotes from:

1. Allied Van Lines
2. United Van Lines
3. Mayflower
4. North American Van Lines
5. Atlas Van Lines

Then compare against PODS or U-Pack if you’re willing to do the packing/loading yourself.

For a local move, I’d quote:

1. Two Men and a Truck
2. 2–3 highly rated local movers in your city
3. Labor-only help through HireAHelper or U-Haul Moving Help if you’re using your own truck/container

Important buying advice

The national brand matters, but the local agent matters more. Many big van lines operate through local agents, so check the specific branch/agent handling your pickup and delivery—not just the national name.

For any interstate move, verify the company in the FMCSA mover database before paying. Interstate movers must be registered with the federal government and have a U.S. DOT number; FMCSA’s database shows registration status, business type, complaint information, and safety information. (fmcsa.dot.gov)

Also understand whether you’re dealing with a mover or a broker. FMCSA says a broker is a middleman that does not own trucks or transport your goods; brokers must disclose their broker status and use FMCSA-registered movers. (fmcsa.dot.gov)

My bottom line:
For most people, the safest starting point is Allied, United, Mayflower, North American, or Atlas for full-service interstate moves; Two Men and a Truck or strong local movers for local moves; PODS or U-Pack for containers; and U-Haul or Penske for DIY truck moves.

For most U.S. moves, the strongest brands to compare are International Van Lines, American Van Lines, Allied Van Lines, North American Van Lines, United Van Lines, Atlas Van Lines, JK Moving, PODS, and U-Pack. The best choice depends on whether you want full-service packing, a smaller local move, or a cheaper do-it-yourself option.

Best moving companies by use case

Practical recommendations

• Choose International Van Lines or American Van Lines for a conventional interstate move where you want the company to pack, load, transport, and unload.
• Choose Allied, North American, United, or Atlas when you prefer a large established network or need corporate relocation, vehicle transport, storage, or specialty handling.
• Choose PODS when you need flexibility or temporary storage and can load the container yourself.
• Choose U-Pack when you want to save money by packing and loading yourself but do not want to drive the truck.
• Choose a well-reviewed local mover for an in-town move; national brands often subcontract through local agents, so the specific crew and local reviews matter.

Before booking, obtain at least three binding or not-to-exceed written estimates, confirm whether the quoted company is the actual carrier or a broker, verify the mover’s federal registration for interstate service, and check the local agent’s recent reviews. Pricing transparency, customer reviews, insurance coverage, reliability, and government certification are key comparison criteria.