National Van Lines - Review by NationalMovers
Moving can be one of the most stressful experiences in life. Whether you’re relocating locally, across the country, or internationally, the moving company you choose will play a significant role in how smoothly the process goes.
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Written by: National Movers Team
NationalMovers team provides expert insights, mover comparisons, and practical resources to help you make informed moving decisions. Whether you need company reviews, relocation tips, or expert guidance, we’ve got you covered. Read more
Reviewed by: Jason Walker
Jason Walker is a moving expert with personal and professional experience, sharing tips, guides, and reviews to make your relocation stress-free. Read more
Last Update: 05/25/2025
In this review, I’ll share my personal experience and research on National Van Lines to give you a detailed overview of their services, operations, and overall performance. My goal is to provide you with the insights you need to make an informed decision about whether National Van Lines is the right moving company for you.
- National Van Lines provides comprehensive moving solutions for residential, commercial, and international relocations.
- Their services include packing, storage, and handling specialty items.
- The company is known for its competitive pricing and customer-focused approach.
- Be aware of their brokerage model and ensure all details are clarified upfront.
Who Owns National Van Lines?

The rating shown is an editorial score independently determined by NationalMovers team. It is based on industry analysis, customer reviews, publicly available information, and other relevant criteria.
National Van Lines, Inc. is a well-established, privately held American company headquartered in Broadview, Illinois. It was founded in 1929 by F.J. McKee, initially operating as a one-man business focused on delivering ice and coal in the Chicago area. Over time, McKee expanded his operations to moving vaudeville sets, including projects for the world-famous Charlie Chaplin. By 1916, the company had grown significantly, with a full fleet of trucks catering to more diverse moving needs.
In 1931, McKee’s son, F.L. McKee, took over the company, and National Van Lines, Inc. was officially incorporated in 1934. By 1945, National Van Lines was among the top five companies authorized to service the entire United States. The company remained under family leadership until 2019, when Maureen Beal, the founder’s granddaughter, retired as Chairman and CEO. Today, Tim Helenthal serves as the company’s leader, continuing the legacy of providing reliable moving services.
National Van Lines operates with a clear mission: to deliver stress-free residential and commercial relocation and storage solutions. Their focus on customer service, reliability, and environmental consciousness has helped them maintain a strong reputation in the industry.
Best Overall Value Best Overall Value

- Nationwide availability
- Clear pricing, no hidden fees
- Premium door-to-door service
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855-930-4574- Nationwide availability, over 25 years of experience, premium door-to-door service

- Reliable moving & Storage solutions
- Top-quality services, trained staff
- Reliable moving & Storage solutions, top-quality services, trained staff
National Van Lines Moving Services
National Van Lines offers a comprehensive range of moving services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its customers. Whether you’re a homeowner, a business owner, or someone with specialized moving requirements, they likely have a solution for you.
Residential Moving
National Van Lines specializes in local, long-distance, and international residential moves. They handle all aspects of the relocation, including packing, transportation, and unpacking. The company prides itself on making moves as seamless as possible, whether you’re relocating a small apartment or a large family home.
Commercial Moving
For businesses, National Van Lines offers tailored moving services designed to minimize downtime and ensure a smooth transition. They handle office equipment, furniture, and sensitive documents with care, making them a popular choice for corporate relocations.
Storage Services
National Van Lines provides temporary in-transit storage solutions as well as warehouse storage. Their storage options include climate-controlled units to ensure the safety of your belongings during short-term or long-term storage.
Packing and Unpacking
Packing is one of the most time-consuming aspects of any move, but National Van Lines offers professional packing services to save you time and effort. Their team carefully labels and organizes your items, making unpacking at your new location a breeze.
Specialty Moving Services
Not all items are easy to move, and National Van Lines specializes in transporting delicate or oversized items like pianos, antiques, pool tables, and fine art. Their experienced team ensures these valuables are packed and transported with the utmost care.
How Does National Van Lines Work?

Understanding how a company operates is crucial when deciding whether to hire them. Here’s an overview of National Van Lines’ process from booking to moving day.
Service Booking Process
The first step to working with National Van Lines is getting a price estimate. You can request a free quote directly from their website. Their agents will reach out to gather details about your move, such as the size of your home, the distance of the move, and any special requirements. National Van Lines also offers remote quotes via FaceTime, making it easy to get an accurate estimate without an in-person visit.
Once you’ve received your quote, you can proceed to book your move. Their team will guide you through the entire process, explaining the terms and conditions and addressing any questions or concerns. Communication is a priority, and they are easily reachable via phone, email, or their website.
Moving Process
On moving day, a team of trained professionals will arrive to pack, load, and transport your belongings. National Van Lines uses high-quality packing materials and techniques to ensure the safety of your items during transit. They also offer online tracking, so you can monitor your move in real time.
If there are any delays, cancellations, or damages, National Van Lines has policies in place to address these issues promptly. Their customer service team is available to assist throughout the process, ensuring a smooth experience from start to finish.
Pros and Cons of National Van Lines
Every company has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of working with National Van Lines.
National Van Lines Pros
- Comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and storage.
- Remote quotes via FaceTime for added convenience.
- Competitive pricing, with a price-matching policy to ensure you get the best deal.
- Experience in handling specialty items like pianos and antiques.
- Online tracking for transparency during the move.
- Active involvement in charitable and environmental initiatives.
National Van Lines Cons
- Basic insurance coverage may not be sufficient for high-value items.
- Acts as a broker for some services, meaning third-party agents may handle parts of your move.
- Limited long-term storage options.
- Non-binding quotes may lead to price discrepancies.
Average Cost of National Van Lines
Please note that prices are estimates for informational purposes and may vary based on individual factors.
The cost of moving with National Van Lines varies depending on factors such as distance, the size of your home, and additional services required. For example:
- Moving a two-bedroom apartment over 1,000 miles may cost between $3,800 and $7,400.
- Local moves are generally less expensive but still depend on the volume of items and any extra services.
National Van Lines offers a price-matching policy, which is a great way to ensure competitive pricing. Be sure to get a detailed, written estimate to avoid surprises on your final bill.
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Find National Van Lines Near You
National Van Lines has a wide network of agents across the United States and international partners worldwide. Their services are available in most states, making it easy to find a location near you.
Branches and Locations
National Van Lines operates in 48 states, with a strong presence in major cities. However, they lack agents in a few states, including Arkansas, Connecticut, Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina. Their international partners allow them to handle moves to and from other countries, ensuring global reach.
State | Number of Agents |
Arizona | 5 |
California | 19 |
Colorado | 2 |
Connecticut | 1 |
Florida | 5 |
Georgia | 6 |
Illinois | 4 |
Kansas | 2 |
Maine | 1 |
Massachusetts | 2 |
Michigan | 2 |
Minnesota | 1 |
Missouri | 2 |
Montana | 1 |
Nevada | 3 |
New Jersey | 4 |
New York | 3 |
North Carolina | 3 |
Ohio | 3 |
Oregon | 2 |
Pennsylvania | 2 |
Rhode Island | 1 |
Tennessee | 1 |
Texas | 3 |
Utah | 1 |
Virginia | 3 |
Washington | 6 |
Is National Van Lines a Good Moving Company?
Based on my experience and research, National Van Lines is a reliable and reputable moving company. They offer a wide range of services, competitive pricing, and excellent customer support. Their attention to detail, especially when handling specialty items, sets them apart from many competitors.
That said, it’s important to understand their brokerage model and clarify who will be handling your move. If you’re comfortable with this arrangement and willing to communicate clearly about your needs, National Van Lines can be an excellent choice.
Planning a move? Call now for expert assistance and get an instant free quote today!
932-465-6888Alternatives to National Van Lines
If National Van Lines doesn’t meet your needs, consider these alternatives:
- United Van Lines – Known for excellent customer service and nationwide coverage.
- Allied Van Lines – Offers customizable moving plans and storage options.
- Mayflower Moving – Specializes in long-distance and international moves.
- First National Van Lines – A competitor with similar services and a focus on customer satisfaction.
If you’re planning a move, take the time to research and compare companies. National Van Lines may be the perfect fit for you, but understanding your specific needs will ensure a smooth and stress-free relocation.