National Van Lines

National Van Lines logo
Broadview, Illinois
  • Full-service residential, commercial, and international moving
  • Specialty services for art, pianos, and oversized items
  • Senior moving assistance with downsizing and relocation
  • Military moves with flexible plans and GPS tracking

Company Profile

National Van Lines, headquartered in Broadview, Illinois, is a prominent moving company offering comprehensive relocation services for residential, commercial, and corporate needs. With a history of over 90 years, they provide local, long-distance, and international moves, leveraging a network of agents to ensure reliable and efficient service tailored to customer requirements.

Company History and Milestones

National Van Lines began in 1901 when F.J. McKee used a pony-drawn wagon for ice and coal deliveries in Chicago. Expanding services, McKee moved vaudeville sets, including those for Charlie Chaplin. By 1916, he had a fleet of trucks, but his progress was halted by a fire in 1917 and his tuberculosis diagnosis. Moving west to recover, McKee returned to Chicago at 50 and resumed his business.

In 1929, the Great Depression hit, but the McKee family persevered. F.J. McKee passed the business to his son, F.L. McKee, in 1931. F.L., a renowned Hollywood tenor, continued the family legacy. His granddaughter, Maureen Beal, led National Van Lines from 1993 to 2019, enhancing its global presence with over 400 agents. In January 2020, Tim Helenthal became Chairman & CEO, following a successful 26-year career with the company, during which he significantly expanded the agency services division and set numerous sales records.

Core Services and Offerings

National Van Lines offers a range of moving services including residential, commercial, and international relocations. They provide options for full-service packing, loading, unloading, and storage. The company features online tools for estimates and tracking, and maintains a network of agents across the United States to assist with various moving needs.

Cross Country Move

National Van Lines offers licensed cross-country moving services, legally authorized to transport belongings across state lines. Their services include customized moving plans, professional packing, crating, and secure loading techniques. They also provide flexible storage solutions for customers. The company uses advanced technology to ensure efficient, safe relocation and handles both standard and delicate items with care.

International Move

National Van Lines provides international moving services with a global network of partners. Their services include customized moving plans, guidance on customs and documentation, and secure storage options. As a licensed Non-Vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC) and Registered International Mover (RIM), they handle international relocations with expertise.

Specialty Moving Services

National Van Lines provides specialty moving services for unique and valuable items, such as large furniture, art, pianos, and hot tubs. They offer custom packing, disassembly, and secure handling, utilizing specialized equipment for safe transportation. Their services also include tailored plans, ensuring care for delicate or oversized possessions.

Senior Moves

National Van Lines offers senior moving services that include downsizing, packing, and relocation assistance for seniors transitioning to smaller homes or retirement communities. Their services are tailored to meet the specific needs of older adults, with expert guidance and support from certified senior move consultants.

Local Moves

National Van Lines provides local moving services, offering customized plans for relocations within the same area. They handle packing, loading, and unloading for any size move, using licensed and insured professionals. Their services also include affordable pricing and flexible timing to meet customers’ needs.

Military Moves

National Van Lines offers the Freedom PPM program for military personnel, providing options for both full-service and DIY moving. Services include personalized plans, expert packing, transportation, and GPS tracking for real-time updates. The program also offers a cost-effective “Pack & Go” option where customers pack, and the company handles the logistics.

Employee Relocation

National Van Lines provides employee relocation services, offering customized plans for domestic and international moves. Their services include packing, unpacking, debris removal, storage solutions, and specialized transportation for vehicles and boats. They also assist with customs and documentation for international relocations, ensuring a smooth transition.

Office Relocation

National Van Lines offers office relocation services tailored to businesses of all sizes. They provide customized moving plans, packing, secure transport, and minimize downtime during transitions. Their services cover all aspects of office moves, from handling IT equipment to organizing non-essential items, ensuring a seamless process.

Logistics

National Van Lines offers logistics solutions for time-sensitive shipments, including trade show setups and complex electronics. Services include customized transportation plans, air-ride-equipped vans, pad-wrapping, lift gate delivery, and installation. These logistics services help businesses reduce costs by minimizing the need for multiple vendors and reducing environmental impact.

Service Coverage and Availability

National Van Lines has agents in the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington.

Safety and Professionalism

National Van Lines is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and is a certified ProMover with the American Moving & Storage Association. 

Pricing

The cost of moving with National Van Lines varies based on several factors, including the type of move, crew size, distance, and specific services chosen. For local moves, prices start around $1,200 for a 2-bedroom residence and can exceed $15,000 for a 4+ bedroom home. On average, a local move costs approximately $1,400, with a range from $700 to $3,000. National Van Lines also handles commercial and corporate relocations. To obtain a quote, customers can use the online form on the National Van Lines website, which provides an estimate based on details like move size and distance.

Corporate Social Responsibility

National Van Lines is committed to social responsibility through various partnerships. They support Aspire, which aids individuals with developmental disabilities; St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, focusing on childhood cancer research; Move for Hunger, which helps alleviate hunger by collecting surplus food during moves; K-9s for Veterans, which provides service dogs to veterans; and Wreaths Across America, which honors veterans by placing wreaths on their graves. 

Conclusion

National Van Lines combines a rich history with a commitment to social responsibility and tailored moving solutions. Their extensive network and diverse services cater to both personal and corporate needs, while their pricing reflects a range of options to fit various requirements. Their dedication extends beyond business to impactful community partnerships.

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