Bekins Van Lines
Honest Review
The oldest moving company in America, with strong long distance and military move capability.
Bekins Van Lines: pros and cons
✓ Pros
- Founded in 1891 — the oldest active moving company in the US
- Strong military and government move history
- Mid-tier pricing — typically 10–20% below the premium van lines
- Solid network coverage especially in western and central states
- Decent claims process for the price tier
✗ Cons
- Smaller network than United/Allied means more routing in some markets
- Online presence and tracking tools lag the larger competitors
- Customer service response times can be slow
- Less competitive in the Northeast corridor
Best for / not ideal for
Best for
- Military moves and PCS
- Mid-range long distance budgets
- West Coast routes
- Storage-in-transit
Not ideal for
- Sub-$2,000 moves
- Same-day quotes
- International moves
Smart move
Whatever your situation, always compare Bekins Van Lines's quote against 2 alternative licensed carriers. Quote spreads of 20–35% are common on identical routes.
Our honest take on Bekins Van Lines
Bekins occupies a useful middle tier — cheaper than United/Allied/Mayflower but with FMCSA licensing and a long operational history. Especially strong for military PCS moves and routes through the central and western US. For East Coast moves, alternative carriers often serve you better.
Worth knowing: Bekins is often a strong alternative when the premium van lines come back over budget. For military moves specifically, ask us about PCS-experienced carriers that may offer additional military discounts.
FAQ — Bekins Van Lines
Is Bekins Van Lines a legitimate moving company?
Yes, Bekins Van Lines is a licensed FMCSA-registered interstate moving carrier with USDOT number 2256609 and MC number MC-770487. Founded in 1891 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. You can verify their active operating authority at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
How much does Bekins Van Lines charge for a long distance move?
Bekins Van Lines is priced in the $$ tier — mid-tier. Actual cost depends on shipment weight, distance, season, and add-ons. Always compare against 2 alternative quotes for the same route — savings of 15–30% are common.
What is Bekins Van Lines best known for?
Bekins Van Lines is best for: Military moves and PCS, Mid-range long distance budgets, West Coast routes, Storage-in-transit. They are typically not the best fit for: Sub-$2,000 moves, Same-day quotes, International moves. For your specific move, get a quote and compare against 2 alternatives.
Should I get other quotes besides Bekins Van Lines?
Yes — always. Long distance moving prices vary by 20–40% between licensed carriers serving the same route. Getting 3 quotes is the single most effective way to save money on an interstate move. We can match you with route-experienced alternatives in 60 seconds.