Penske

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you want the best moving companies in the United States, the names that show up most often across major 2026 reviews are North American Van Lines, Allied Van Lines, United Van Lines, Atlas Van Lines, International Van Lines, Colonial Van Lines, and PODS.

For the most-used, broadly recommended options:

If you want the companies people actually use most often, the safest “brand-name” choices are United Van Lines, Allied Van Lines, North American Van Lines, and Atlas Van Lines, because they show up repeatedly in national rankings from Forbes, ConsumerAffairs, NerdWallet, Bob Vila, and other review outlets.

A practical way to choose:

• Choose North American Van Lines or United Van Lines if you want a traditional full-service mover with strong national coverage.
• Choose Allied Van Lines if you want a well-known interstate mover with strong carrier-managed service.
• Choose Atlas Van Lines if you need long-distance coverage, including less common routes.
• Choose International Van Lines or Colonial Van Lines if you want a widely reviewed option for long-distance residential moves.
• Choose PODS if you want container-based moving and more control over packing and timing.

Before booking any mover, check that it has a valid U.S. DOT number, which interstate movers are expected to have.

There’s no single “best” mover in the U.S. — it depends on whether you want full-service, a container, a DIY truck, or just loading/unloading help. These are the brands people actually use most and generally get decent results with, by category:

Full-service interstate movers

Best for people who want packing, loading, driving, and unloading handled.

• United Van Lines — one of the largest and most established. Strong for long-distance/corporate moves.
• Allied Van Lines — broad national network, often competitive with United.
• Atlas Van Lines — well-regarded interstate mover, especially for full-service relocations.
• North American Van Lines — long-running national carrier, widely used.
• Mayflower Transit — sister brand to United; common for long-distance moves.
• Bekins Van Lines — older national name, still used for interstate.
• Wheaton World Wide Moving — reputable, often used for corporate/military relocations.
• JK Moving — premium, well-reviewed, especially strong in the Mid-Atlantic but does nationwide.
• Graebel — corporate/high-end relocation; less consumer-focused.

Important: With United, Allied, Atlas, etc., you often hire a local agent, not the brand directly. The local agent’s quality matters a lot. Always get an in-home or virtual estimate and compare at least 3.

Local moving companies

Best for moves within the same metro area.

• Two Men and a Truck — probably the most recognized local moving franchise in the U.S. Good for local/regional moves.
• College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving — franchise; good for local moves, junk removal, and some labor-only jobs.
• Local AMSA ProMover members — search for these in your city. Often better than a national brand for local moves.
• HireAHelper / U-Haul Moving Help — if you only need loading/unloading labor, these marketplaces are widely used.

Moving containers

Best for flexible, budget-conscious long-distance moves where you pack/load yourself.

• PODS — the most recognized container company. Good for moving + storage.
• U-Pack — uses ABF trailers or ReloCubes. Often cheaper for long-distance if you don’t need the whole trailer.
• U-Haul U-Box — budget-friendly, widely available, but smaller and can be slower.
• 1-800-PACK-RAT — container option with storage; good in many regions.
• Zippy Shell — smaller container option, availability varies by market.

DIY truck rental

Best if you’re driving yourself.

• Penske Truck Rental — often the best for long-distance DIY moves: newer trucks, unlimited miles on many one-way moves.
• U-Haul — most locations nationwide, easiest to find, but trucks vary and pricing can be high in peak season.
• Budget Truck Rental — solid alternative, often has discounts.
• Enterprise Truck Rental — good for local/short-term, but not always one-way friendly.

Labor-only / loading help

Best if you rent a truck or container but don’t want to lift.

• HireAHelper — marketplace for local loading/unloading help.
• U-Haul Moving Help — widely used, budget-friendly.
• Bellhop — app-based local moving/labor, availability varies by city.

My quick picks

• Best overall full-service interstate: United Van Lines or Atlas Van Lines.
• Best premium/corporate: JK Moving or Graebel.
• Best local franchise: Two Men and a Truck.
• Best container for long-distance: U-Pack.
• Best container for flexibility/storage: PODS.
• Best DIY truck: Penske.
• Best labor-only: HireAHelper or U-Haul Moving Help.

Before you book

Check the company on FMCSA Protect Your Move and look for AMSA ProMover status. Get a written estimate, avoid large upfront deposits, and be wary of brokers that won’t do an in-home/virtual survey. For interstate moves, the local agent matters as much as the national brand.

Top moving companies in the US are frequently praised in recent reviews and awards (as of 2025–2026 data) for service quality, pricing transparency, customer satisfaction, and reliability on long-distance or full-service moves.

Recommendations draw from aggregated customer reviews, expert evaluations (e.g., Move.org, Forbes Home, CNET, USA Today), reader polls, and real-world usage data. Popularity varies by move type—national van lines dominate interstate/full-service, while franchises and containers lead in local or flexible options. Two Men and a Truck stands out as one of the most commonly used full-service providers in homeowner surveys.

Always verify a company’s USDOT/FMCSA licensing, get multiple in-person or virtual quotes, confirm binding estimates, and check recent reviews/BBB ratings, as experiences can vary by location and crew. Confirm state-specific permits for your origin and destination.

Top Full-Service Moving Companies (Long-Distance/Interstate)

These van lines or carriers handle packing, transport, and often storage/specialty items (e.g., pianos, antiques). They appear consistently across “best of” lists:

• Allied Van Lines — Often ranked best overall or top van line. Strengths include no upfront deposits, a vast agent network (400+), virtual estimates, strong storage options, and nationwide/international reach. It has moved hundreds of thousands of families and earns high marks for professionalism and care.
• American Van Lines — Frequently tops or places high for value, transparent/flat-rate pricing, experienced in-house crews, and specialty handling (e.g., certified for pianos/antiques). Readers’ Choice winner in some polls; praised for smooth experiences and customization.
• Safeway Moving — Strong “customer pick” or fan favorite due to excellent reviews, flat-rate pricing (no surprises), veteran-owned status, and charitable giving. Good for long-distance with solid reputation.
• Colonial Van Lines — Highlighted for custom/long-distance moves, well-trained crews, instant online quotes, and value (discounts/price matching). Often a top alternative or best-trained pick.
• North American Van Lines and United Van Lines — Reliable big van lines for large or nationwide moves, with broad coverage and services. United excels in international options; both appear in many top rankings.

Other notables: JK Moving Services (premium/white-glove or corporate), Atlas Van Lines, and Mayzlin Relocation (value/custom).

Popular Container/DIY-Style Options

• PODS — Frequently best overall container mover for flexible storage, multiple sizes, nationwide availability, and strong reviews. Ideal if you want to pack yourself but need transport/storage.
• U-Pack and similar (e.g., 1-800-PACK-RAT) are also popular for cost-effective container moves.

Local/Franchise and Truck Rental

• Two Men and a Truck — Most-used full-service mover in some surveys (around 25% of respondents); franchise model with consistent local service.
• U-Haul — Dominant for rental trucks (vast majority in surveys) and moving labor/help.
• Penske or Budget for truck rentals as alternatives.

Quick Tips for Choosing and Booking

• Local moves (<50–100 miles): Franchises like Two Men and a Truck or independents often suffice and may be cheaper.
• Long-distance: Prioritize carriers with strong interstate licensing and binding quotes.
• Get quotes from 3+ companies; watch for deposits (some require none or low amounts) and insurance coverage.
• Usage reality: Big van lines (Allied, United, etc.) handle a large share of interstate moves via agents, while local operators and containers cover most everyday needs.

Prices vary widely (e.g., thousands for cross-country moves), so compare based on your specifics. For the latest state-by-state winners or personalized quotes, check sites like Move.org or direct company tools, and cross-reference recent customer feedback.

This is not exhaustive—local options can outperform nationals in specific areas, so research based on your route and needs.