By:
Kayla Coco-Stotts
Posted:
November 6, 2025
Article type:
Understanding Bailey's Moving
Applies to:
All Moving

Allied vs North American Van Lines (2025 Update): Differences, Pricing, and How to Choose

Quick Summary: What’s the Difference Between Allied and North American?

Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines are both large, global moving brands owned by SIRVA Worldwide, but they operate separate fleets and use independent agent networks. Because of this, pricing, availability, and scheduling can differ between the two — even for the same move. Both offer full-service moving, storage, container-style options, and international relocation services.

The best choice depends on move date, agent availability, and your specific needs, so it’s smart to request multiple written estimates.

Allied Van Lines vs North American Van Lines: Side-by-Side Comparison

What is the difference between Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines? Both Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines have similar stories. They began as independent van lines with unique cultures, strengths, and people. However, they are currently both owned and operated by SIRVA Worldwide. Sirva acquired North American Van Lines in 1998 and Allied Van Lines in 1999. Today, the van lines are considered individual brands, operating unique fleets. However, due to SIRVA's involvement in both brands, many SIRVA employees, including front-line sales, will interact and work with both brands.

Both van lines operate demand-based or availability-based pricing. With their fleets managed separately, Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines can simultaneously experience different demands for their services. This difference in demand means that even though both are owned and operated by SIRVA Worldwide, the prices between the two van lines can differ from each other at any given time, based on their fleet availability.

Allied Van Lines: Services, Pricing & What They’re Known For

Allied Van Lines (AVL) is the oldest global van line in the United States. Beginning in 1928 as a non-profit moving organization on the east coast, Allied has grown to become one of the largest van lines in the world. Allied Agents are responsible for AVL’s broad reach, with independently-owned Agents covering the globe.

Allied Van Lines Services

Allied currently offers the following for its customers:

  • Household and long-distance moving
  • International relocation
  • Commercial and office moving
  • Short- and long-term storage in secured, temperature-controlled warehouses
  • Packing services and packing materials
  • Vehicle transport
  • Container-style moving through Allied Express
  • Real-time shipment tracking

In addition, AVL offers moving container services for smaller and specialty moves. Called Allied Express, a full-service alternative to portable moving containers with nationwide transportation coverage and guaranteed delivery dates.

Overall, Allied offers a host of add-on services that customize the moving experience for each individual use case. From packing services to vehicle transportation, Allied makes it easy to get everything you need for your upcoming move through one servicer. And they offer live shipping updates along the way.

Allied Van Lines Pricing (2025 Overview)

Allied uses availability-based pricing, which means move cost changes depending on:

  • Move date
  • Current fleet capacity
  • Shipment weight
  • Distance traveled
  • Add-on services

On average, however, Allied charges about $3500 for a long-distance move of about 1000 miles. If you’re interested in an instant ballpark quote, fill out a questionnaire on Allied’s website.

Additionally, Allied does not require an upfront deposit from customers for its services. All pricing is based on when the move is happening, the distance travelled, and the weight of the shipment.

You can find all information related to pricing contained in a written estimate. This estimate is drawn up after an initial in-home or virtual meeting with an estimator and accurately tells you what you’ll pay on move day.

What’s Included in Allied’s Base Price

Allied’s base price includes the following services:

Any additional services like packing materials, packing services, shuttle services, vehicle transport, and more can be added to the base price to build the ideal move.

North American Van Lines: Services, Pricing & What They’re Known For

North American Van Lines (NAVL) was formed in 1933 in Cleveland, Ohio. From there, its story is akin to AVL in that it merged into Allied Worldwide, what would become SIRVA Worldwide, in 1998. Then in 2004, NAVL was brought under the SIRVA umbrella alongside AVL.

Operating with an extensive network of independently owned local agents, NAVL’s services span the globe. North American Agents make up their long-distance and international carriers.

North American Services

North American currently services the following:

  • Household and long-distance moving
  • International relocation
  • Commercial and office moving
  • Packing services and packing supplies
  • Vehicle shipping
  • Temperature-controlled warehouse storage
  • BlueExpress container-style moving
  • Trash/debris removal (unique to NAVL)
  • Real-time shipment tracking

NAVL also offers a container moving service for smaller, specialty moves. BlueExpress functions as an alternative to container transport alternatives with guaranteed shipment delivery dates and full-service accommodations.

With add-ons and online resources available for customers, NAVL’s experience is customizable and easy to follow. Packing services and materials are available, as well as auto transport and storage options. Additionally, NAVL offers live shipment tracking so you can follow your household goods along their journey.

Pricing (2025 Overview)

Just as with Allied, NAVL’s pricing varies depending on the circumstances of the move. According to their website, the average long-distance move base price is set around $3,800. If interested in an instant quote, NAVL also offers ballpark estimates through their website.

What’s Included in North American Van Line's Base Price

Included in NAVL’s basic price is the following:

  • Assigned moving agent
  • Loading, transport, and unloading
  • Released-value coverage
  • Custom add-ons for packing, storage, auto transport, and more
  • Discounts for union members and American Legion members

Allied vs North American: Key Differences Explained

Truthfully, the differences between Allied and North American aren’t all that significant. They are both owned by SIRVA worldwide, but can have different pricing based on demand for their fleets at any given time. However, while the two brands are more similar than different, a few distinctions matter for customers:

1. Fleet Availability

This is the biggest real-world difference.

Even under SIRVA, Allied and NAVL operate separate fleets. On any given week, one may have:

  • Better availability
  • Lower demand (and therefore better pricing)
  • More capacity for specific shipment sizes

This is why pricing differs between the two even though ownership is the same.

2. Container Options

Both offer container-style solutions, but under different brand names:

  • Allied Express (Allied)
  • BlueExpress (NAVL)

Experience is similar — the difference will usually come down to service in your specific region.

3. Geographic Strength

4. Discounts

NAVL offers additional discounts for:

  • Union members
  • American Legion members

Allied does not advertise similar national programs.

5. Pricing Ranges

Average pricing differs only slightly:

  • Allied: ~$3,500
  • NAVL: ~$3,800

These are not fixed prices — availability and seasonality have a much bigger impact than the brand you choose.

Which Is Better: Allied or North American Van Lines?

There’s no universal "better" choice, because the differences come down to your move window and their fleet availability. Both companies are reputable, long-established, and offer similar services.

Choose based on:

  1. Which agent gives the clearest written estimate
  2. Who has better availability on your move date
  3. Your shipment size and complexity
  4. Your need for container-style solutions
  5. Whether NAVL’s discount programs apply to you
Your best strategy? Request written estimates from both and compare.

FAQs

Are Allied and North American owned by the same company?

Yes. Both are owned by SIRVA Worldwide but operate separate fleets and agent networks.

Why are Allied and North American prices different?

Because they manage availability independently. If one brand’s fleet is busier, its pricing increases.

Which is cheaper: Allied or North American?

On average, Allied’s base price is slightly lower, but either brand may offer the better rate depending on demand at the time of your move.

Do either require a deposit?

No. Neither Allied nor NAVL requires an upfront deposit.

Which is better for small moves?

Both offer container-style options (Allied Express and BlueExpress); your best choice depends on local agent availability.

Moving Soon? Obtain a Free Moving Quote Today!

If you’re comparing national van lines but also want to explore trusted local options, Bailey’s Moving offers:

Get a free quote today to compare pricing and availability.