Money Research Collective’s editorial team solely created this content. Opinions are their own, but compensation and in-depth research determine where and how companies may appear. Many featured companies advertise with us. How we make money.
Atlas Van Lines Review
By Victor Rosario MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Although it didn’t make our list of best moving companies, Atlas Van Lines was one of our top picks for the best interstate movers. It provides practically every service an interstate customer could need through a network of over 430 local agents across the U.S. along with 1,500 global partners in 17 countries.
Table of contents
- Atlas Van Lines overview
- Atlas Van Lines’ moving services
- Atlas Van Lines’ credentials
- Atlas Van Lines’ accessibility
- Atlas Van Lines’ customer satisfaction
- Atlas Van Lines FAQ
- How we evaluated Atlas Van Lines
- Summary of Atlas Van Lines review
Atlas Van Lines overview
- Available nationwide
- Perks for AAA members
- Wide range of moving services
- Large fleet with few complaints compared to other carriers
- Doesn't offer instant quotes online
- Customer service ratings can vary by location
- Less transparent about pricing than other carriers
Atlas Van Lines was founded in 1948 in Evansville, Indiana when 33 entrepreneurs decided to form a cooperative to move household goods.
The company doesn’t offer instant quotes online (even of a ballpark nature) and, unlike other moving companies, doesn’t provide average moving costs on its site. Its partnerships with moving companies across the country also means that customer service standards can vary by region, a reality that’s reflected in some negative online customer ratings.
That being said, Atlas Van Lines offers full-value protection to AAA members at no additional charge, making them a good choice for a member making a local or long distance move. AAA members can save up to $600 on average when using Atlas, the company claims.
Atlas Van Lines’ services
The company offers a wide range of moving services, including local, long-distance and international moves for both individuals and corporations.
What it offers
Atlas Van Lines provides moving services for customers looking for long distance as well as local moves. Other services provided by the company include:
- Corporate relocations or corporate moves
- Military moves
- Government moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves (to Canada and overseas locations)
- Full-service moving packages (including packing/unpacking)
- Auto transport
- Movement of special items such as pianos, pool tables or other large furniture
- Shipment tracking
- Full-value item protection plans
What it doesn’t offer
The limitations to Atlas’s service are mostly those of most or all moving companies. These include not transporting hazardous materials, pets, live plants and perishable items.
The cost of Atlas Van Lines
Moving costs vary by a number of factors, including the distance of the move, the size of the home and whether you want extra services that aren’t included in a standard move – such as a full-value protection plan, auto or motorcycle transportation or packing and unpacking services. Atlas offers item protection at a rate of $0.60 per pound. This coverage is called released valuation and is required by law and free of charge.
For those looking for full-value protection, Atlas covers your shipment at a minimum declared value of $10,000 or $6 per pound, whichever is greater. Atlas will replace, repair or offer you a cash settlement for current market value on any item that is lost, damaged or destroyed in the process of a move. Limits may apply to jewelry, artwork and other irreplaceable items.
The estimated cost of long-distance move can range between $3,000 and $6,000 but, again, actual moving costs vary with the size and distance of the move.
Atlas Van Lines’ credentials
The company is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) as well as the Department of Transportation and gives out yearly awards to its affiliated movers based on performance and customer feedback.
Licenses and registrations
The company is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under the number MC #79658, and with the Department of Transportation under USDOT #125550.
Awards and certifications
Atlas Van Lines is a member of the American Trucking Association (ATA) as well as a certified professional mover under the ATA Moving and Storage Conference.
Atlas Van Lines’ accessibility
Atlas Van Lines is one of the most accessible moving companies in the nation, available across the country and Canada. It provides appointments for quotes through its website in a matter of minutes.
Availability
Atlas Van Lines services all 50 states and Canada, with more than 430 agents and locations in the U.S., Canada and 17 other countries.
Contact information
While you can’t get a quote directly from the Atlas Van Lines’ website, you can submit the details of your move and an Atlas agent will contact you. Alternatively, you can call the company’s phone number at 1-800-638-9797.
User experience
To get a quote from Atlas Van Lines, you can begin by using an online form that guides you through the process; sections of it can be left blank if you don’t have the information handy at the moment. After you fill it out, an Atlas moving affiliate will contact you via phone or email to schedule an appointment for an in-home estimate.
Atlas Van Lines uses the Atlas Customer Portal, which allows customers to track their shipment’s progress from pick-up to arrival.
Limitations
As mentioned above, Atlas Van Lines does transport hazardous materials, pets, and perishable items. These limitations are common among moving companies.
Atlas Van Lines’ customer satisfaction
Atlas Van Lines is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) as well as holding a positive rating on the FMCSA database, with no acute/critical violations listed.
Customer complaints
The company has 32 complaints listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database since 2020, though none are classified as acute or critical violations.
Acute violations, as defined by FMCSA, are those that are so severe that require immediate corrective action, while a critical violation is defined as a sign of poor safety control management. Using a driver who has tested positive for a drug is an example of an acute violation, while failing to do a drug test at an applicable annual rate is an example of a critical violation.
The company has a modest 2.9 rating on Trustpilot, although only two customer reviews are listed. Among the negative customer reviews left with the Better Business Bureau. the majority focus on communication difficulties, damaged goods and issues with the claims process when reporting damaged goods. Atlas has replied to some of these comments, reporting them as resolved.
Third-party ratings
Atlas Van Lines holds a “satisfactory” safety rating from the FMCSA, with its inspection results being on par with the national average. It also has a Better Business Bureau accreditation and holds an A+ rating with the organization.
Atlas Van Lines FAQs
How many years does Atlas Van Lines provide a warranty for its moves?
Atlas Van Lines does not provide warranties for its moves. However, it does offer Full Value Protection (FVP) coverage, which ensures repair or replacement of items that are lost or damaged during a move.
What are the benefits of moving with Atlas Van Lines?
Atlas Van Lines provides some benefits to AAA members, including discounts and full-value protection at no extra cost.
What are Atlas Van Lines' non-allowable items?
Atlas Van Lines cannot transport hazardous materials or pets. And it will only transport perishable items or plants in specific circumstances.
How we evaluated Atlas Van Lines
We verified that the company was properly licensed, registered and bonded through the Department of Transportation (DOT). We also evaluated consumer complaints and feedback as reported on third-party rating websites like the BBB and Trustpilot.com.
Summary of Atlas Van Lines review
Atlas Van Lines provides a wide range of moving services across the 50 states and Canada. While the quality of its customer service may vary by affiliate, overall it is a highly-regarded company. AAA members can especially benefit from doing business with Atlas Van Lines, as they can save an average of $600 on interstate moves.
For more information, please see our picks for the best moving companies.
