Moving can be an extremely stressful time. Finding the right moving company to handle your relocation can make all the difference. Two of the biggest names in the moving industry are Mayflower and Allied. But which one is the better choice for your move?
This comprehensive guide examines the key factors you need to know when choosing between Mayflower and Allied.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Mayflower | Allied |
| Ownership | United Van Lines | SIRVA Inc. |
| Headquarters | Fenton, MO | Clayton, MO |
| Annual Moves | 450,000+ | 105,000+ |
| Services | Local, long distance, international, auto transport, storage | Local, long distance, international, auto transport, storage |
| Reputation | 3.5/5 stars | 3.7/5 stars |
| Technology | My Mover portal, mobile app, Bluetooth tracking | Online dashboard, mobile app, RFID tracking |
| Pros | Careful handling, professional staff | Accountable movers, customer service focused |
| Cons | Unexpected costs, some damages | Pickup and delivery delays |
Overview of Mayflower
Mayflower Transit is one of the most recognized brands in the moving industry. The company has been in business for nearly 100 years, after originally starting as a furniture moving company in 1927. Today, Mayflower is the moving brand of United Van Lines, the largest moving company in the United States.
Some key facts about Mayflower:
- Headquarters located in Fenton, Missouri
- Services all 50 states
- Has over 450 agents operating across America
- Known as the “Official Mover of the Rose Bowl”
As a division of United Van Lines, Mayflower has the resources and capabilities of a large national moving company. This includes a extensive fleet of moving trucks as well as a network of air freight options.
Mayflower focuses primarily on household moves. They offer options for local moves, long-distance moves, international moves, and even last-minute moves. The company handles moves of all sizes from studio apartments to estates.
Overview of Allied
Allied Van Lines is also one of the largest van line networks in the country. The company was founded in 1928 and provides moving services worldwide. Allied is now owned by SIRVA, Inc, a relocation and moving company that owns several van lines.
Some key facts about Allied:
- Headquarters in Clayton, Missouri
- Over 400 agent locations in North America
- Handles around 105,000 moves annually
- Known as the “Official Mover of the LPGA”
Like Mayflower, Allied Van Lines has an extensive reach across America through its network of local moving companies. The company handles residential moves of all sizes as well as corporate and government relocations.
Allied offers a range of moving services including packing, storage, auto transport, and international moving. The company prides itself on innovative technology and superior customer service.
Comparing Services Offered
When it comes to services, Mayflower and Allied offer many of the same options for residential moving customers. Here’s an overview of the main services provided:
Local Moves
- Both Mayflower and Allied can handle local moves within the same metropolitan area or state. Local moves make up a large portion of their business.
Long Distance Moves
- Full service interstate moves are a specialty of both companies. They have the capability to move you across multiple states or clear across the country.
Packing and Unpacking
- Full packing services are available from both Mayflower and Allied. You can opt to have them pack some items or all items.
Storage
- Both companies offer short-term and long-term storage solutions. This includes climate controlled storage facilities.
Auto Transport
- If you need a vehicle moved, both Mayflower and Allied provide auto transport services.
International Moves
- For overseas relocations, Mayflower and Allied can handle the process including customs clearance.
Specialty Services
- Additional services like piano moving, crating, and hoisting. Useful for moving unique items.
Insurance
- Valuation protection and replacement insurance is available from both companies. Ensures your items are covered.
When it comes to core moving services, Mayflower and Allied have very similar offerings. The availability of services will vary based on the local agent providing your move.
Comparing Rates and Fees
Moving quotes from Mayflower and Allied will vary drastically based on your specific relocation details. To give you a general idea, here are the average costs:
Mayflower
- Local move: $600-$1,800
- Long distance move (1-2 bedrooms): $2,000-$6,000
- Long distance move (3+ bedrooms): $3,000-$10,000
Allied
- Local move: $500-$1,500
- Long distance move (1-2 bedrooms): $1,800-$5,000
- Long distance move (3+ bedrooms): $2,500-$8,000
Mayflower tends to be slightly more expensive than Allied for long distance moves. Allied appears to have lower hourly rates, but Mayflower offers more inclusive pricing.
Keep in mind very long distance moves will likely be priced by weight and distance. Shorter local moves may have an hourly rate.
Exact pricing depends on:
- Distance travelled
- Weight of items to be moved
- Season and timing
- Additional services like packing
Both Mayflower and Allied offer discount programs like booking in the off-season to save money. Overall Allied seems to have lower costs for many moves.
Assessing Reputation
Reputation and customer satisfaction rates can help determine which company is better for your move. Here is how Mayflower and Allied compare.
Mayflower Reputation
- Overall customer rating of 3.5/5 stars
- Positive reputation for careful handling of belongings
- Known for professionalism and supportive office staff
- Some complaints around unexpected costs and damages
Allied Reputation
- Overall customer rating of 3.7/5 stars
- Praised for accountable and communicative movers
- Emphasis on customer service training for employees
- Some concerns around pickup and delivery delays
Both companies have strong reputations built up over decades in the industry.
Customers cite positive experiences with both Mayflower and Allied around navigating the moving process.
As far as negatives, Mayflower seems to have slightly more concerns with hidden fees, while Allied has more complaints around pickup and delivery timeliness.
But overall they both provide professional services.
Technology and Tracking
Moving companies incorporate technology to improve the customer experience. Here’s how the tracking tech and apps of Mayflower and Allied compare:
Mayflower
- My Mover customer portal shows live status of your shipment
- Mobile app with push notifications on move progress
- Bluetooth tracking on moving vehicles
- Digital pre-move survey to assess belongings
Allied
- Online dashboard to track shipment and view inventory
- Mobile app with GPS tracking of trucks
- RFID tags given to customers to monitor belongings
- Digital pictorial inventory of all items moved
Both Mayflower and Allied leverage technology to give customers visibility into their move. The tools allow you to track the shipment and view details on all items being moved. Allied seems to have a slight edge when it comes to the granularity of its tracking technology. But both provide ample monitoring of your shipment.
Factors to Consider When Choosing
Deciding between Mayflower and Allied depends on several factors:
- Move Details – Distance, location, and amount of items being moved can determine which company works best.
- Availability – Research Mayflower and Allied agents in your local area. Availability may dictate options.
- Cost – Get quotes from both to see if one provides better value. Look for discount opportunities.
- Reputation – Read recent customer reviews on sites like Yelp to gauge quality of service.
- Special Services – If you need things like vehicle transport or storage, compare service offerings.
- Technology – Choose the company with the tracking tech and apps that appeal most to you.
Doing your homework on these factors will guide you towards choosing Mayflower or Allied for your upcoming relocation.
Which Moving Company Is Better?
With decades of experience each, you really can’t go wrong with either Mayflower or Allied. Both companies have reputations for providing professional long distance moving services guided by industry experience.
Here’s a quick recap on how Mayflower and Allied compare:
- Services – Nearly identical offerings for local, long distance, packing, storage, auto transport and specialty moves.
- Rates – Mayflower tends to have slightly higher costs than Allied for many comparable moves.
- Reputation – Both brands rated highly on customer service and handling of items. Minor concerns around unexpected charges with Mayflower and pickup delays with Allied.
- Technology – Robust tracking apps and portals allow monitoring moves for both companies. Allied offers more granularity on individual items.
The right choice comes down to availability in your area and assessing the specific details and quotes for your upcoming move. Doing research on recent customer reviews can also help guide your decision. For most moves, you’ll be in good hands with either brand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, Mayflower is the household moving brand of United Van Lines. United Van Lines acquired Mayflower Transit in 1993.
No, Allied and North American are separate van line companies with different ownership despite offering similar services.
Mayflower Transit is owned by United Van Lines, which is the largest American moving company. United Van Lines is owned by UNIGROUP.
The Mayflower moving company was originally founded in 1927 as a local furniture mover in Indianapolis called Mayflower Warehouse and Moving Company. They adopted the Mayflower name and expanded to become a national brand in 1933.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to choosing between industry leaders Mayflower and Allied Van Lines, you have two great options for your relocation. Doing research on reviews, getting estimates for your specific move, and evaluating their reputation and services will guide you to the best fit.
Both companies aim to make the moving experience smooth and stress-free through experienced teams and state-of-the-art tracking technology.