Atlas Van Lines Moving

3.75 Stars (8 Reviews)

Updated: January 20, 2023

Atlas Van Lines logo

Editorial Breakdown

Coverage Area

4.3 Stars

Easy Quotes

3 Stars

Price

3.8 Stars

Ease of Purchase

3.5 Stars

Overall Rating

3.8 Stars

Bottom Line

Atlas Van Lines has moving services for a variety of moves including local, cross-country and international. If you’re looking for a moving service, check out or best long-distance movers by clicking the link below.

Atlas Van Lines is the second largest moving company in North America and is not only Better Business Bureau-accredited, but the company is also ProMover Certified. This certification is the highest designation available from the American Moving & Storage Association. With Atlas Van Lines, customers have the security that comes from doing business with a large, stable company while still getting the convenience that comes from working with local agents.

Atlas Van Lines logo
3.8 Stars

Solomon and Sons

Solomon and Sons logo
4.7 Stars

Great Service

Licensed and insured

Nationwide moving carrier

Allegiance Moving and Storage

Allegiance Moving and Storage logo
4.5 Stars

One-Step Service

Offers Packing Services

Handles Fragile Items

Like many other moving companies, Atlas Van Lines offers several types of moving services:

  • Local Moves
  • Long distance, interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Auto transport
  • Corporate and government moves

Atlas also offers other moving services not available from all other moving companies. One specialty service is called Small Moves, which are non-traditional relocations compared to the industry standard. Small loads or small apartment moves are less costly for the customer and take less time while still providing the same pro-mover experience that comes with moving a full truck of possessions. Special-Item services is another area that many moving companies don’t typically offer. From moving motorcycles and boats to pool tables, playsets and swing sets or pianos, Atlas has the professional training to keep these items safe while being transported.

Pros

  • AAA Members save an average of $600 per move.
  • The online Atlas Customer Portal allows you to track your shipment, manage move documents and access your Atlas profile.
  • The Moving Tips & Tools section found on the Atlas Van Lines website is full of helpful moving advice.

Cons

  • The Atlas website tells you that you can get an instant and easy online quote by filling out a short form. However, once you enter your information, you don’t get an immediate quote, you get a message that you’ll get a call within 24 hours. Atlas representatives got back to us within 10 minutes of filling out and submitting the form.

Atlas Van Lines Pricing

Atlas lists factors driving the price of a move as demographics, direct costs, capacity and demand and government regulations. We researched what consumers paid for a move with Atlas Van Lines in order to get a ballpark figure of their rates.

A local move (within the same city) costs around $2,000 to $3,000 for a two- to three-bedroom house. An interstate move with full-value protection will cost around $3,000-$6,000 if you’re moving on the same side of the United States. Longer, cross-country moves will cost anywhere from $7,000 to over $15,000 depending on distance, fuel and the square footage of your home.

Atlas Van Lines Services

Atlas Van Lines Local Moves

Local moves start with entering your zip code on the Atlas Van Lines website. You will then see a map of your area with each Atlas agent listed. Select the moving company on the map that you want to learn more about or get an estimate from, and you will be redirected to their website or will get a call or email from the local company.

Atlas Van Lines Long Distance Moves

To start a long distance move, use Atlas Van Lines website to find the Atlas agent in your local area. The next step is scheduling an in-home estimate so an Atlas Agent can formulate a quote based on the size and weight of your possessions. These surveys are required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration if you are moving over 50 miles. Remember to show the agent all storage areas for moveable belongings, like outside sheds, attics and basements. The agent will discuss optional services for your selection, such as packing, additional insurance, storage and staging, and moving your vehicles or other unique items. You will receive a custom written estimate, and if you decide to book the move, Atlas Van Lines takes care of everything going forward.

Screenshot from Atlas Van Lines Homepage
Source: Atlas Van Lines Website

Atlas Van Lines International Moves

Since 1960, Atlas Van Lines has successfully moved thousands of individuals, corporate transferees, military, and government employees around the world. With licensed Atlas agents in 17 countries and the certification list below, Atlas can navigate the waters of an international move as easily as they can move you across town.

Solomon and Sons logo
4.7 Stars

Solomon and Sons

  • Licensed and insured
  • Nationwide moving carrier

Atlas Van Lines Storage

Atlas offers two different types of storage, short-term storage called Storage-In-Transit and Long-term storage. Storage-In-Transit is a secure way to store your belongings, usually used when the customer doesn’t want all items in the new home immediately upon arrival at the destination. The Long-term Storage service is available for any length of time, where many other moving companies put a cap on how long you can have your items held.

Additional Atlas Van Lines Additional Services

Atlas offers other services, for a fee, in addition to their core moving options.

ServiceDescription
Auto TransportAtlas provides simple solutions for transporting and storing your
car, boat, RV or motorcycle.
Valuation Insurance CoverageFull Value Protection repairs or replaces any belongings that are lost, damaged or destroyed or pays you a cash settlement for the current market value of the item regardless of its age.
Minimal Protection (available at no extra cost) offers protection
based on weight. Any damaged or lost item’s weight is multiplied by 60 cents per pound to determine a dollar figure.
Minimal Protection is rarely adequate, however, and Atlas Van
Lines only provide this coverage if specifically requested.
Professional PackingAtlas packers are trained in the best packing practices and use
only professional grade materials.
Moving SuppliesAtlas offers moving boxes and specialty boxes like book boxes,
dish packs, wardrobe boxes, lamp cartons, flat panel TV boxes,
boxes for document storage and mirror/picture boxes. Other
moving materials are mattress bags, bubble wrap in rolls or
sheets, packing paper, tape and more.
Atlas Van Lines Services

Atlas Van Lines Complaints

Overall, Atlas has high marks from customers who have used their services over the years. Like any large company that utilizes independent agents, some geographical areas get better marks than others. Words like “exemplary” and “top notch” are often used in online reviews. The majority of the complaints seem to stem from customers who didn’t opt for the Full-Value Protection and were upset about settlement amounts and the time it takes for payment on a claim. The Better Business Bureau rates them A+.

Solomon and Sons

Solomon and Sons logo
4.7 Stars

Great Service

Licensed and insured

Nationwide moving carrier

Moving APT

Moving APT logo
4.5 Stars

Great Interstate Mover

Personal & Business moves

Online Quotes Available

Atlas Van Lines FAQ

Is Full-Value Protection insurance?

While Full-Value Protection resembles insurance, is not insurance that is governed by state insurance laws. Instead, it’s a process authorized by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

How does Atlas calculate the price of a move?

Atlas will determine the cost of your move based on the weight and distance that your possessions will travel. Other factors include packing options and how much valuation coverage you select.

Can Atlas help move my pets?

Atlas is not licensed to move live animals, but your Atlas agent can help explore various options to get your pets safely to your new home.

How long will my move take?

Each move is different, so there is no one formula for time frames. The number of items you move, the location that you’re moving to and time of year all factor in when planning a move and getting a time frame.

Are there any items that Atlas can’t transport?

Atlas can’t pack or transport grandfather clocks, handguns and ammunition, hot tubs, medication, perishable food, propane tanks and flammables and combustibles. By law, they can’t carry items classified as hazardous materials or livestock. This includes:
flammable, corrosive or explosive items
acids, ammonia
ammunition
batteries of any type
charcoal, matches, lighter fluid
fireworks, gasoline, paint thinner
pool chemicals, herbicides

Can you help me with some of the terms used in my Atlas moving contract?

Like any industry, moving companies have some confusing terms used in contracts or other documents that can be confusing. Here are some definitions of common moving terms:
Auxiliary Service: Also known as shuttle service, this is a smaller vehicle that is used to move items between the over-the-road van (typically while parked at the end of the driveway) and the new home or office. A shuttle is necessary when something obstructs the property entrance, and a large tractor-trailer can’t be driven up to the new residence. Ask your agent before you move if there is an extra charge for this service.
Bulky Article Charge: A charge to the customer to transport an item that takes up excessive cargo space in the trailer. Such items include motorcycles, farm equipment, mowers, sheds and grandfather clocks.
Cargo Claim: A claim filed for damage to items that were transported by a moving company.
Containerization: Freight transported in a box, carton, drum or barrel.
Estimated Weight: The approximate weight of a shipment determined by multiplying the estimated cubes by seven pounds.
Delivery Spread: It’s usually impossible for a mover to quote an exact day and time for delivery. The spread is the window of time, the earliest and latest, in which you can expect delivery to the destination. A mover will usually call 24 hours in advance of delivery so you can plan to be available to accept delivery.
Long Carry: Carrying belongings from the van to the outside entrance of a home or inside the entrance of an apartment more than 75 feet. Every 50 feet after, or fraction thereof, is chargeable.
Operating Authority: The government permit that defines the scope of a carrier’s operation by area and commodity.
Overage: The accidental delivery of an item to a customer or warehouse when the item belongs to someone else. All overages should be reported immediately to Atlas or its agent to arrange for the return to the rightful owner.

Conclusion

Atlas Van Lines is a full-service moving company with over 70 years of experience and solutions for all types of moves, from small loads to local moves, offices to international moves. Atlas has well over 400 local agents and chances are one operates near you. Find an agent you know and trust on Atlas Van Line’s website to bring the best of both worlds to your move.

8 Atlas Van Lines Reviews

Write Review
1 Star

June 02 2022 5:24PM

There are better options out there. This company is untrustworthy. There are a number of reviewers that say the same thing, and my experience was no different. At every step of the way, they brazenly said things that were simply not true.

Will I.
Los Angeles, CA
5 Stars

September 15 2021 1:19AM

Absolute excellence door to door, we worked with Alexander’s based out of Minneapolis, every single item was accounted for, carefully wrapped, and both houses were protected with mats and doors covered with padding.

Driver was communicating across several states. Furniture was all put back together and items were moved to the correct locations. We had a positive experience.

Joe P.
Waunakee, WI
1 Star

April 22 2021 10:24PM

Did a video chat where I was given an estimate on our move. Had to make a deposit on the price I was quoted. Three days before the movers were scheduled to show I was moved a day later. I was told they would be there around eight in the morning.

They showed up about 10:30. Had over half of my stuff on the truck and was hit with a new price. Almost double the original price. This was after they had most of my things on the truck. Had write a 1400. Dollar check. It took two 4or5 hours to pack and move my stuff.

My wife had a doctor's appointment and we had to catch a flight for Indiana. They moved the grates and racks from the stove and the plate from the microwave. I got my things fast enough by there is all kinds of things missing and broken.

I've called the company and they won't call me back. My experience with Atlas has been a nightmare. I had no choice but to pay the higher bill because the new owner's wanted to move in.

I was stuck and the movers knew it. I am now going to fight them for the broken and missing things. If I had it to do over I'd find someone else.

Jerry R.
Parker, CO
1 Star

December 18 2020 3:43PM

My move the beginning of November 2020 with Atlas Van Lines was terrible! The pickup & origin of my belongings went well however my antique furniture was delivered unwrapped, cracked, and missing top piece to secretary desk.

My family and I have used Atlas Van Lines for over 50 years however now I know Atlas Van Lines is all about THE MONEY AND NOT THE CUSTOMER!!! Atlas Van Lines has some very unkind rigid people and this will be the last time I use them.

There are many good moving companies out there so shop around. Atlas Van Lines receives 0 stars = F rating!

Nancy B.
Tucson, AZ
1 Star

January 14 2020 8:39PM

Worst company ever. Damaged a large amount of furniture that couldn’t get repaired. They sold me extra valuation protection and then only wanted to give me a 1000.00 for over 6000.00 worth of damage. These people have no ethics. I’m still fighting for reimbursement over a year later. Don’t use them!!

D N.
Dixon, CA
1 Star

July 16 2019 1:29AM

Terrible experience all around. Movers did not come (after we rescheduled twice), nobody called to check-in; loss of words on how bad this company is. If your considering Atlas, please do not use them as they are quite possibly the worst company I’ve ever had the misfortune of speaking to and dealing with.

Kevin M.
Reno, NV
1 Star

June 03 2019 3:21PM

MOVE FROM NJ TO VA: DISASTER! This review is to save anyone who wants to avoid having their personal property and old and new home damaged and or destroyed by this unprofessional company that claims to be professional movers. 1. THE COST: Their price is on par with moving companies that actually move you themselves. Atlas Van Lines outsourced the move to a local company in NJ called Santiego Worldwide Inc. Moving & Storage, which turned out to be a bunch of local hires that ripped my couch, left scuffs on the walls and ceilings, and left me feeling nervous the entire time. 2. THE MOVE: Where to begin...the staff at Santiego Worldwide Inc. Moving & Storage, changed my delivery date 3 times! We didn't see our property for 2 weeks after pick up. And when they finally decided to deliver the items, they forced delivery on a day that worked for them, not us. I had just started a new job and my boss was furious that I was already taking a day off in the middle of the week, But Atlas Van Lines and Santiego Worldwide Inc.

Moving & Storage didn't care. 3. THE MOVERS: On pickup the movers, who appeared unprofessional, spent hours tagging every item with a number and writing the numbers down on an invoice. On delivery day, the movers disregarded the number system and dumped everything off their truck as quickly as they could wherever they saw an empty spot. We even found other peoples items and are missing items of our own. The movers on move out day and move in day also damaged ceilings, damaged walls, and trampled over our plant life on the outside of our house. They slammed down boxes, scratched new floors, and broke many valuable things. Somehow they even carelessly broke my framed diploma and tore my diploma from 15 years ago. 4. OUR BELONGINGS: It all started when we noticed that the truck that delivered our belongings to Virginia was not the original truck that Atlas Van Lines and Santiego Worldwide Inc. Moving & Storage packed our things into back in NJ. This means they unloaded all of our things and carelessly jammed them into a new truck. No wonder so many things were damaged, broken or dirty. This company damaged irreplaceable antique furniture, destroyed modern furniture, broke glass in boxes that were properly packed with bubble wrap and paper, lost some of our items, and even gave us items that didn't belong to us.

We also found MICE in a box that must have been stored at their facility. We had to call an exterminator to get rid of the vermin. Over $10,000+ worth of destroyed furniture and valuables, damages to both homes, contractor repair costs, and exterminator costs and Santiego Worldwide Inc. Moving & Storage had us work with a claims adjuster from Atlas Van Lines who actually ONLY wants to refund $451 dollars, because they only pay 60 cents on the dollar per pound. They care nothing about how they handled themselves or the actual worth of your property. I'm not sure what else to write other than save yourself the trouble. We will be taking legal action against this company for proper restitution and so that hopefully others do not have to go through the same ordeal.

David A.
Alexandria, DC
1 Star

September 11 2018 7:09PM

I'm seriously considering suing this company. They will extort money from you, they will hide extra fees until you're in the corner and they will break your things. Biggest scam in the business. Stay away from Atlas Van Lines at ALL COST!

Maxime B.
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