Whether you’re moving across town, to another state, or around the world, finding the best moving companies in Pennsylvania should be one of your highest priorities. Choosing a company to take charge of relocating all your possessions is stressful. Making the wrong choice can lead to disastrous consequences.
This guide identifies the best moving companies in business in Pennsylvania today. It will give you insight into their services, reputation, and pricing. Use this information to find a reputable service that fits your needs.
Best Moving Companies in Pennsylvania for 2023: Compare Our Top-Rated Movers
- Trinity Relocation Group – Best Overall Moving Company in Pennsylvania
- Allegiance Moving and Storage – Best Pa Moving Company for Free Storage
- New Leaf Moving Group – Best “Green” Moving Company in Pennsylvania
- International Van Lines – Best Pa Company for International Moves
- American Van Lines – Best Company for Military Moves in Pennsylvania
- Allied Van Lines – Best Pa Movers for Portable Options
1. Trinity Relocation Group – Best Overall Moving Company in Pennsylvania
Pros of the Trinity Relocation Group Moving Company for Pa Moves in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown:
- Require affiliates to offer binding contracts
- Screens affiliates for DOT and FMCSA licenses
- Serves residential, military, and commercial customers
- Vest affiliates’ safety record
- Screens affiliates for insurance
Cons of the Trinity Relocation Group Moving Company for Pa Moves in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown:
- No intra-state services
- No international services
Trinity Relocation Group is a moving service brokerage company. It functions to connect consumers with the best moving companies for their individual needs. Trinity Relocation Group states that they vet all of the moving companies they work with to assure customers of their licensing compliance, safety record, and insurance coverage.
Best Moving Services Offered by Trinity Relocation Group in Pennsylvania: 4.7/5
Trinity Relocation Group is a great option for consumers making a move that will take them to another state. The company does not broker local or international moving services.
Moving companies brokered through Trinity Relocation Group offer automobile transportation services as well as storage facilities to hold your belongings until you are ready to have them delivered.
Additional Pennsylvania Services Offered by Trinity Relocation Group: 5/5
As a moving services broker, Trinity Relocation Group works with a large network of movers. This gives it the ability to match customers with movers that provide a variety of specialty services.
Many of this company’s affiliates make packing services available to customers who need them. These companies will provide professional packing and unpacking of your belongings in addition to transporting them from one location to the next.
Trinity Relocation Group can match you with a mover to provide furniture disassembly, piano relocation, and high-end storage facilities for delicate or expensive items. This is one of the big advantages of working with a broker and what makes Trinity Relocation Group our top pick among the best moving companies.
Insurance Coverage Offered by Trinity Relocation Group in Pennsylvania: 5/5
All of Trinity Relocation Group’s affiliates are long-distance movers. They are mandated by the FMCSA to carry cargo insurance that will protect your property while in transit. Trinity Relocation Group screens the movers it works with to ensure they have the necessary insurance as well as DOT licensure.
Trinity Relocation Group Pricing Transparency in Pennsylvania: 5/5
Trinity Relocation Group offers a quote tool on the website so consumers can get a rough estimate of the cost of their move. They also offer live consultation with an agent as to pricing. The site makes it clear that they are a brokerage and as such, customers must look to their assigned mover for detailed pricing.
Trinity Relocation Group negotiates with affiliates to get the best-priced moves for its customers. It gives clear advice to consumers on how to discuss pricing with their movers. This broker also requires its moving companies to offer customers a binding contract that fixes the cost of the move.
Trinity Relocation Group Pa Moving Customer Satisfaction: 4.7/5
It can be difficult to assess customer satisfaction for a moving broker. Many consumers do not understand that Trinity Relocation Group is not the company that physically moves their belongings. Customer complaints attributed to the broker are often issues with the affiliate instead.
Trinity Relocation Group does an excellent job of vetting movers, holding them to a high standard, and matching customers with a service that fills their needs.
Overall Pennsylvania Score of the Trinity Relocation Group Moving Company: 4.88/5
Eliminate stress with Trinity Relocation Group.
2. Allegiance Moving and Storage – Best Pa Moving Company for Free Storage
Pros of the Allegiance Moving and Storage Company for Pa Moves in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown:
- Large network of affiliate carriers
- Proactive response to customer issues
- Transparent website
- 30 days of free storage included
Cons of the Allegiance Moving and Storage Company for Pa Moves in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown:
- Does not handle moves to Hawaii or Alaska
- Does not broker with international movers
- Extra fee to lock in move date
Allegiance Moving and Storage is a fairly new moving broker. The company is based in Florida. Although it offers brokerage services for local moves within the state of Florida, its main business focus is matching customers to interstate movers
While it had some initial issues, it is quickly gaining a reputation for being responsive to customer concerns. Its customer service and added perks make it one of the best moving companies you can work with.
Best Moving Services Offered by Allegiance Moving and Storage in Pennsylvania: 4.6/5
Allegiance Moving and Storage is a moving services broker that mainly matches movers to customers seeking interstate relocation services. It does broker local moves within the state of Florida, where the company headquarters are located. It has no international affiliates.
Allegiance Moving and Storage is adept at both residential and commercial moves as well as automobile transportation.
Additional Pennsylvania Services Offered by Allegiance Moving and Storage: 5/5
Allegiance Moving and Storage is one of the best moving companies for add-on services. Standard quotes include 30 days of storage at a climate-controlled facility and redelivery upon request.
Additionally, customers who need specialized services will be satisfied with this company’s large network of carriers. With multiple affiliates available, Allegiance Moving and Storage can match consumer needs with movers that can fulfill them.
Insurance Coverage Offered by Allegiance Moving and Storage in Pennsylvania: 5/5
Allegiance Movers and Storage assures customers that they fully vet all affiliates. They check to be certain that the movers have the necessary licensure and insurance coverage required by federal law for interstate carriers.
Allegiance Moving and Storage Pricing Transparency in Pennsylvania: 4.8/5
Allegiance Movers and Storage’s website is very transparent as to the pricing of services. They offer a free quote tool but caution customers to speak directly with their carrier for a detailed and binding quote.
While clarity in pricing is appreciated, some of the extra fees seem unnecessary. Notably, it is of concern that customers must pay for premium service to lock in the date of their move.
Allegiance Moving and Storage Pa Customer Satisfaction: 4.6/5
This is a difficult area to score for those best moving companies who provide broker services rather than being independent carriers. It is not uncommon for customers to issue complaints against a broker for shortcomings in the carrier service.
While Allegiance Movers and Storage saw frequent customer complaints at the onset of its business, it is dedicated to improving this area. It makes an effort to reach out to all customers who are dissatisfied and offer solutions to their issues. The service has been known to offer full or partial refunds for complaints that cannot be otherwise settled.
Overall Pennsylvania core of the Allegiance Moving and Storage Moving Company: 4.84/5
Check out Allegiance Moving and Storage Today.
3. New Leaf Moving Group – Best “Green” Moving Company in Pennsylvania
Pros of the New Leaf Moving Group Company for Pa Moves in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown:
- Advocates “green” business practices
- Helpful moving tips blog
- Friendly customer service 24/7
Cons of the New Leaf Moving Group Company for Pa Moves in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown:
- No online quote tool
- Does not transport automobiles
- No service to Alaska or Hawaii
New Leaf Moving Group is a family-owned business that started as a carrier in its home state of Florida. In 2020 it changed over to become a moving services broker and no longer provides carrier services. New Leaf Moving Group’s experience with the stresses of moving is evident on its website, which is crafted to be calming and friendly.
New Leaf is also creating a name for itself with consumers looking for an eco-friendly moving company. It actively advises clients and affiliates to donate items they no longer want and to recycle their moving supplies.
Best Moving Services Offered by New Leaf Moving Group in Pennsylvania : 4.6/5
New Life Moving Group is an interstate moving broker. For customers living in Florida, the company does broker local moves. Their website indicates that even their interstate carrier services are best if your move starts or ends in Florida.
The broker offers all the standard services expected from one of the best moving companies, including packing and storage.
Additional Pennsylvania Services Offered by New Leaf Moving Group: 4.7/5
New Life Moving Group is a full-service moving broker. It prides itself on its proficiency in moving specialty items such as pianos or fragile goods such as antiques.
The company has some climate-controlled storage facilities for customers with delicate possessions that need to be stored before being transported.
Insurance Coverage Offered by New Leaf Moving Group in Pennsylvania: 4.8/8
New Life Moving Group states that all of their carriers are compliant with the DOT licensing and insurance requirements. They do suggest that customers consider taking out additional insurance to fully protect their possessions.
New Leaf Moving Group Pricing Transparency in Pennsylvania: 4.7/5
New Leaf Moving Group’s website is somewhat vague when it comes to pricing. Unlike many other companies listed here, it does not offer an online quote tool so that customers can get an estimate for moving costs.
New Leaf Moving Group Pa Customer Satisfaction: 4.7/5
As the newest business on this list of the best moving companies, New Leaf Moving Group is getting a lot right. They stand out for making their customer service agents available seven days a week and customers find their personnel friendly and helpful.
They do seem to struggle with vetting affiliates, as the business has received multiple complaints about poor service among the carriers. This is consistently an issue for moving brokers that sometimes feel the brunt of criticism over services that are not their own.
Overall Pennsylvania Score of the New Leaf Moving Group Moving Company: 4.7/5
See what New Leaf Moving Group can do for you.
4. International Van Lines – Best Pa Company for International Moves
Pros of the International Van Lines Moving Company for Pa Moves in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown:
- International shipping to over 180 countries
- Both a carrier and a broker
- Reliable quotes
Cons of the International Van Lines Moving Company for Pa Moves in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown:
- Limited US carrier availability
- 25% deposit required
- Domestic moves are frequently brokered
- High number of complaints about affiliates
International Van Lines has an established history and is a trusted name among the best moving companies. The business began in 2000 as an international carrier and entered the domestic market some years later.
International Van Lines is both a carrier and a moving services broker. International moves are typically done by the company itself, while domestic relocation services are frequently brokered out to a carrier partner.
Best Moving Services Offered by International Van Lines in Pennsylvania: 4.7/5
International Van Lines offers international service as a carrier and long-distanced local domestic services as a broker. Like many of the best moving companies, it offers packing services and storage availability.
It has very limited physical locations within the United States, and there have been some complaints about the reliability of the domestic carriers that IVL brokers business with.
Additional Pennsylvania Services Offered by International Van Lines: 4.7/5
Along with its standard moving services, International Van Lines also offers shipping services by air and ocean freight for cargo, containers, vehicles, and boats.
Insurance Coverage Offered by International Van Lines in Pennsylvania: 4.7/5
As a carrier, International Van Lines maintains the standard insurance coverage required by DOT and FMCSA. The company states that it vets its affiliates to ensure that they carry sufficient coverage as well.
International Van Lines Pricing Transparency in Pennsylvania: 4.7/5
Customers are assigned a move coordinator when working with International Van Lines. The coordinator assists them in developing an accurate quote for their move.
IVL also boasts the best cancellation policy of any of the best moving companies, offering a full refund of a customer’s deposit if cancellation occurs within 48 hours of the scheduled move.
International Van Lines Pa Customer Satisfaction: 4.5/5
Scoring is split for International Van Lines on this benchmark. Its customer ratings as a carrier are quite good. As a broker, however, there have been several potentially serious customer complaints such as broken binding contracts, severe property damage, and significant differences between quotes and actual charges.
Overall Pennsylvania Score of the International Van Lines Moving Company: 4.7/5
Check out International Van Lines today.
5. American Van Lines – Best Company for Military Moves in Pennsylvania
Pros of the American Van Lines Moving Company for Pa Moves in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown:
- Expertise in military moves
- Flat-rate pricing
- Large fleet of vehicles
Cons of the American Van Lines Moving Company for Pa Moves in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown:
- Strict cancellation policy
- Limited local availability
- High deposit requirements up to 50%
- No service to Alaska or Hawaii
Not only is American Van Lines one of the best moving companies, but it is also one of the oldest. It was established in 1995 and has been a strong presence in the carrier industry ever since.
Best Moving Services Offered by American Van Lines in Pennsylvania: 4.5/5
This veteran company provides local moving services in select locations and is an interstate carrier across the United States. American Van Lines also offers international moving services from their Florida and North Carolina locations.
The company is well known for being especially adept at helping military personnel make moves from one base to another.
Additional Pennsylvania Services Offered by American Van Lines: 4.5/5
American Van Lines includes standard services in their flat rates, including loading, unloading, and basic furniture protection. Additional services such as packing, unpacking, crating of special items, and automobile transportation are available for additional fees.
Insurance Coverage Offered by American Van Lines in Pennsylvania: 4.7/5
Like all of the best moving companies, American Van Lines maintains all DOT and FMCSA mandated insurance and licensure.
American Van Lines Pricing Transparency in Pennsylvania: 4.4/5
While American Van Lines does have flat-rate pricing, customers report some confusion over what is included and what constitutes an add-on. This has led to some negative reviews for AVL.
Additionally, customers feel that there is a lack of clarity on when their quote becomes binding. Some have mistakenly believed their initial quote would be the final, only to find out that the quote does not become binding until the loaded truck is weighed.
Finally, American Van Lines requires high deposits, sometimes as much as 50%, and their cancellation policy is very restrictive. In order to cancel a move and receive a deposit refund, the company must be notified a full seven business days prior to the move date.
American Van Lines Pa Customer Satisfaction: 4.6/5
American Van Lines has a good reputation with customers overall. There have been complaints about a lack of clarity in pricing and the amount of deposit that is required.
Overall Pennsylvania Score of the American Van Lines Moving Company: 4.54/5
See how American Van Lines can improve your move.
6. Allied Van Lines – Best Pa Movers for Portable Options
Pros of the Allied Van Lines Moving Company for Pa Moves in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown:
- Serves all 50 states
- Services include portable storage units
- 85 years in the moving services industry
Cons of the Allied Van Lines Moving Company for Pa Moves in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Allentown:
- Online instant quotes for local moves only
- Minimum charges make local moves pricey
- Processing of claims is slow
Allied Van Lines is a carrier and broker that has been in business for 85 years. It has long been a leader in the moving services industry, and its breadth of services alone makes it one of the best moving companies around.
Best Moving Services Offered by Allied Van Lines: 4.6/5
Allied Van Lines offers local, interstate, and international moving services. They frequently broker their local moves to partner carriers doing business in the area. They include furniture disassembly in their standard service, whereas most carriers only offer this for an added fee.
Additional Services Offered by Allied Van Lines:4.6/7
Allied Van Lines is a full-service moving company and one of the few established carriers that offer portable storage options. Additionally, they include loading and unloading services for their portable storage units.
Insurance Coverage Offered by Allied Van Lines: 4.7/5
Allied Van Lines is duly registered and in compliance with DOT and FMCSA insurance coverage requirements.
Allied Van Lines Pricing Transparency in Pennsylvania: 4.5/5
Due to the many services this company offers, figuring out your total cost can be challenging. Instant quotes are available online for local moves only. Virtual or in-home quotes can be scheduled for interstate or international moves.
Allied Van Lines charges a four-hour minimum fee for movers at $99 per hour. This could make the service too expensive for those making a simple local move.
Allied Van Lines Pa Customer Satisfaction: 4.3/5
As with other broker/carrier combos, customer satisfaction can be hard to gauge. Complaints registered appear to primarily be based on the location of the move and whether the move was brokered to another carrier. Customers filing claims for damages have found the process to be slow-moving.
Overall Score of Allied Van Lines Moving Services in Pennsylvania: 4.54/5
See if Allied Van Lines is the right choice for your move.
Best Moving Company in Pennsylvania Honorable Mentions
If you would like a wider variety of options to look into beyond the six best moving companies reviewed here, the following well-rated companies may suit your needs as well:
- North American Van Lines
- Mayflower Transit
- United Van Lines
- Atlas Van Lines
- Bekins Van Lines
- U-Pack
- Colonial Van Lines
- Safeway Moving
- North American Moving Service
- PODS
- U-Haul
Qualities of the Best Moving Companies in Pennsylvania
Each of the moving companies listed here has qualities that could make them the right choice for your circumstance. There are several components you should look at when making your decision.
- Moving Services Offered – Do you need local, interstate, or international moving services? Choose a carrier or broker with the ability to complete your move.
- Specialty Services – If you need to transport vehicles, pianos, or fragile items, or if you need help with loading or packing, you need a company that offers these added services.
- Pricing – Hiring a mover is a large expense. Choose a mover that is transparent in pricing to avoid budget disasters on the day of your move.
- Customer Satisfaction – Even the best moving companies get their share of negative reviews. However, you should check customer satisfaction on sites like TrustPilot or the Better Business Bureau.
- Insurance – All of the six moving companies reviewed here are in compliance with the DOT and the FMCSA requirements for insurance. Never use a service that is not.
A Guide to the Best Moving Companies in Pennsylvania
What is the difference between a carrier and a broker?
When you hire a carrier, it is the actual company that will be transporting your belongings. The company owns the truck that will arrive at your home and employs the movers who will load and unload that truck.
The benefit of working with a carrier is that the entire process goes through only one company. Quotes are more likely to be close to the final cost and communication will be simpler. Should anything go wrong, you have a single point of contact.
When you use a broker, the company will research carriers in your area, negotiate with them for the lowest price, and then connect them with you. The broker will not be the company transporting your goods.
Since a broker does not perform the physical move, it is very important that you not only do your due diligence in choosing the broker but also take the time to research the carrier they connect you with. Experienced brokers like Trinity Relocation Group will vet their carriers to make certain they are properly licensed and carry the necessary insurance, but you should look into them as well.
Some of the best moving companies are a combination of carrier and broker. When working with a hybrid mover, make sure you understand who will be the actual carrier for your move so you’re not surprised on moving day.
How do I know if a moving company is licensed in Pennsylvania?
If you are working with a local mover, you will need to check with your state’s department of transportation to find out if there are laws and regulations they should comply with. Not all states require local movers to be licensed.
If you are hiring an interstate or international mover, they must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation. On their website and official paperwork, you should be able to find both their MC# and their U.S. DOT#. If you cannot find these numbers and the company will not give them to you, walk away immediately.
You can do essential research on any interstate mover through the FMCSA website. Simply navigate to the database page and enter some simple information, and you will be able to see if the company is registered and licensed. You can also view their complaint history.
How can I get the most accurate quote from a best moving company in Pennsylvania?
The best way to get an accurate quote is to have an in-home estimate done. Many of the best moving companies will offer binding quotes, but only after doing a thorough assessment of your belongings. Ideally, this should be in person, but some companies will do it virtually.
What insurance coverage should a best moving company in Pennsylvania have?
For interstate and international moves, registered carriers must at least carry released liability coverage. This will pay out 60 cents per pound for any lost or damaged items. The best moving companies will also offer full value protection for an additional fee
What if I need to cancel my move?
The process to cancel the move varies greatly from company to company even among the best moving companies. Make sure that you understand what policy your carrier has in place.
How do I choose the best moving company for me?
Choosing among the best moving companies is an individual process. You need to look at several factors.
If price is your biggest factor, look for companies like Trinity Relocation Group. An established moving services broker can negotiate with several carriers to get you the best price.
If you are moving goods overseas, find a company like International Van Lines with years of experience in international relocations.
If you have physical limitations and need a great deal of help with your move, all of the best moving companies include loading and unloading. Most will add packing and unpacking for an additional fee.
The Best Moving Companies in Pennsylvania at a Glance
- Carrier: No
- Broker: Yes
- Types of Moves: Interstate
- Carrier: No
- Broker: Yes
- Types of Moves: Interstate, Local (Florida)
- Carrier: No
- Broker: Yes
- Types of Moves: Interstate, Local (Florida)
- Carrier: Yes
- Broker: Yes
- Types of Moves: Interstate, Local, International
- Carrier: Yes
- Broker: No
- Types of Moves: Interstate, Local, International
- Carrier: Yes
- Broker: Yes
- Types of Moves: Interstate, Local, International
Closing Thoughts on the Best Moving Companies in Pennsylvania
Mental health professionals say that moving is one of the most stressful life events. Using one of the best moving companies to transport your household goods to their new location can relieve some of that stress.
Use this guide to identify a handful of companies that best serve your purposes and then contact each of them. Speak to their customer service personnel and take advantage of their free quote tools. Your time and effort should result in a successful move with minimal anxiety.
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