Meathead Movers vs Allied Van Lines
Researched and written by Daniel Novak · Reviewed by Brittany Evans · Last reviewed August 2026
We publish no numeric score for moving companies, so this page names no winner. Meathead Movers is described as best for central coast and california moves handled by a carrier with a large in-house fleet and student athlete crews, while Allied Van Lines is described as best for large interstate and international moves. Compare the registration and authority records below, verify each USDOT number on FMCSA SAFER, and get a binding estimate from both before booking.
Get matched with FMCSA-licensed movers — typically 3–4 quotes within one business day.
Side-by-side
| Category | Meathead Movers | Allied Van Lines |
|---|---|---|
| USDOT | 921143 | 076235 |
| MC # | 398077 | 15735 |
| Carrier or broker | carrier | both |
| Founded | 1997 | 1928 |
| Headquarters | San Luis Obispo, CA | Fort Wayne, IN |
| Coverage | Regional | All 50 states |
| Services | Long-distance, Local, Packing, Storage, Corporate | Long-distance, International, Packing, Storage, Auto transport, Corporate |
| Legal name on the federal filing | MEATHEAD MOVERS INC | ALLIED VAN LINES INC |
| Entity status | A | |
| Operating authority held | Household goods, Property | Household goods, Property, Carrier and broker |
| Power units on the census file | 53 | 1,056 |
| Drivers on the census file | 1,944 | |
| Safety rating | S | |
| Federal record as of | 2026-08-15 | 2026-08-13 |
| 2BR interstate estimate (BestMovers.info estimate) | $1,800–$5,200 | $3,200–$7,500 |
Legal name, entity status, operating authority, fleet counts and safety rating come from the FMCSA motor carrier census and licensing files, and appear only where the identifier on the federal record matched the company record on this page. Where a row is absent for one company, this site holds no verified federal value for it.
Meathead Movers
Meathead Movers Inc files from San Luis Obispo, California with 53 power units and a household goods cargo entry, and the licensing record carries common authority active under MC-398077 with household goods authority alongside a separate freight forwarder docket. Freight forwarder authority is not broker authority, and no broker authority was located, so the company is reported here as a carrier that additionally holds a freight forwarder docket. The pair the company publishes on its own site matches the federal record exactly, which is the cleaner practice among California carriers. The business dates itself to 1997 and staffs its crews from local college athletic programmes.
- Best for central coast and california moves handled by a carrier with a large in-house fleet and student athlete crews.
- Regional coverage; founded 1997.
- Interstate work is limited compared with van-line agents of similar size, and a second registration carrying a near-identical name sits inactive on the census with no stated relationship to the active one.
Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines operates one of the largest North American moving networks through agent-affiliates, and offers interstate and international household-goods moving. Full value protection is offered as the paid alternative to the default released value liability, as required of interstate carriers.
- Best for large interstate and international moves.
- All 50 states coverage; founded 1928.
- Pricing skews higher than budget operators; binding estimates require an in-home survey.
Central Coast and California moves handled by a carrier with a large in-house fleet and student athlete crews
Interstate work is limited compared with van-line agents of similar size, and a second registration carrying a near-identical name sits inactive on the census with no stated relationship to the active one.
Large interstate and international moves
Pricing skews higher than budget operators; binding estimates require an in-home survey.
Compare Meathead Movers and Allied Van Lines, and a few alternatives
We match you with FMCSA-licensed movers serving your route. No obligation; written estimates only.
No obligation. Your quote request may be shared with up to 4 moving companies that may serve your requested route.
Where are you moving?
Get matched with licensed movers based on your route and move details.
.
.
Frequently asked questions
Is Meathead Movers or Allied Van Lines better in 2026?
How do Meathead Movers and Allied Van Lines compare on price?
Are Meathead Movers and Allied Van Lines both FMCSA-licensed?
How do I check complaints against Meathead Movers or Allied Van Lines?
What estimate type should I ask for?
Ready to compare licensed movers?
Get free, no-obligation written estimates from FMCSA-licensed movers serving your route.
No obligation. Your quote request may be shared with up to 4 moving companies that may serve your requested route.
Where are you moving?
Get matched with licensed movers based on your route and move details.
.
.