Understanding the Difference Between Moving Brokers and Van Lines

When you need to hire a moving company to help with a big move, you may be quick to hire the first, most affordable option you find online. Before you decide to go with a "too good to be true" quote you receive from a moving company, you'll want to know if the company is a moving broker or a van line. 

There are distinct differences between moving brokers vs. van lines. Knowing the differences will help you avoid moving broker scams and ensure you find a reliable partner for your upcoming relocation.

What Is a Moving Broker?

A moving broker is the "middleman" in the moving process. They don't hire movers, own equipment, or do any of the tasks involved with the physical move. Instead, they outsource the moving services required for your move to a third-party company in your area. 

After they provide you with an estimate for your expenses, they'll bid out your move to different moving companies in the area. Whichever moving company accepts the job at the lowest rate is the moving company that will work on your move.

What Are Van Lines?

A moving van line, also known as a “carrier,” is a licensed moving organization that partners with a nationwide network of affiliated agents and their fleets to manage both local and long-distance relocations. Van Lines will move you under a DOT number. While van lines authorize their agents to pack, load, and deliver interstate shipments, the van line itself oversees customer service, paperwork and documentation, dispatching, routing and tracking of shipments, and the full claims-handling process.

Key Differences Between Moving Brokers & Van Lines

The moving process and who's involved are the two most distinct differences between moving brokers vs. van lines.

Since the moving broker serves as a middleman, they don't own any equipment or employ any movers. Instead, they provide you with an estimate for expenses and contract the services with a moving company in your area that offers the best price. Since they are hands-free during the process, you'll have less control over the moving process or services offered. If anything breaks or goes wrong during the move, the broker is not accountable. 

A van line is very hands-on during the process. Once you approve the provided estimate, you'll have a single contract with only one company. All insurance claims, questions, and concerns will be handled, offering more peace of mind throughout the process.

Moving Brokers Disguised as Van Lines

There are many companies online that claim to be a van line but are actually just a broker. Some companies to be mindful of when comparing quotes:

American Van Lines

American Van Lines specializes in local, long-distance, and cross-country relocations throughout the United States. While they do own their own fleet of trucks, trailers, and trackers, they also work with third-party carriers for some relocations. Since there’s no telling which moves they outsource, there’s inconsistent customer experiences. 

Colonial Van Lines

Colonial Van Lines is classified as a moving broker with the Better Business Bureau. They don't actually own any equipment or moving trucks, even if they claim to be a van line in their name. 

International Van Lines

The International Van Lines website clearly states that they only coordinate moves. They don't have the equipment or resources to help with any of the physical demands of the moves. Instead, these tasks are handled by a third-party moving company.

Coast2Coast Van Lines 

Coast2Coast is an authorized broker that does not assist with the transportation or handling of items. Even though van lines are in their company name, they clearly state on their website that they are a broker, not a van line. 

When researching a moving company, it's recommended to use the FMCSA website and search by DOT number. This allows you to view key details about the company, including the number of trucks in its fleet.

Source: FMCSA

Risks of Choosing a Broker Posing as a Van Line

Many interstate moving brokers will offer cheap rates for moving services and then find a third-party moving company in your area that's willing to handle your move for the most affordable price. This can lead to moving broker scams and other risks, such as:

Accountability Issues

When you work with a broker, you don't know which moving company will end up carrying out your services. If something goes wrong on the move-out day or anything breaks in transit, filing a claim could be more challenging if neither company wants to take accountability for the issues.

Hidden Costs

When a broker outsources your move to a moving company, no company may accept the low price they offered you. To make up for the potential loss costs, a broker may provide you with a really low estimate and add in hidden fees or unnecessary charges at the end of the move. 

Service Quality Variability

Since the broker is not involved in the actual moving process or day-of tasks, there's no telling how reliable the movers will be or the quality of service they provide.

How to Protect Yourself

Working with a middleman for your moving services can put your personal belongings at risk. Here's how to avoid moving broker scams:

Research

Always do your research before you sign a contract. Confirm the company's status on the FMCSA website and check its rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Ask Questions

When requesting an estimate, ask the agent questions about the company. Some common questions you can address during the initial conversation include:

• Do you own the moving equipment or moving trucks?
• Do the movers work for you or a different company?
• What is your involvement in the process?
• How does the process work with your moving company?

Get Multiple Quotes

It's always best to gather at least two to three quotes for your moving services. This will ensure you not only find the best possible price but also the most reliable partner. 

Read Reviews

Lastly, don't sign any contract until you've read reviews and customer testimonials. Reviews provide key insight into the customer experience and the company's reputation. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Brokers Vs. Van Lines

Are you planning a move? Here are a few frequently asked questions about the differences between interstate moving brokers and van lines. 

Why do some brokers pose as van lines?

Van lines are more reliable than a broker, so posing as a van line online can help them gain customer trust and secure more deals. 

How can I verify if a company is a legitimate van line?

You'll want to check their company's status on the FMCSA website or review their rating with the Better Business Bureau.

What risks are associated with hiring a broker posing as a van line?

When you hire a broker, your move is handled by a third-party moving company that is willing to do your move for the cheapest price. This means service quality may vary, and there's no accountability.