4.3/5
Service Evaluation
Key Takeaway: Mayflower Moving (Expert Score: 4.3/5.0)
Mayflower Moving earns an Expert Score of 4.3 out of 5.0 from BestGuide, positioning it as a strong choice for full-service, long-distance moves. The company achieves its highest marks in Services (95%) and Scalability (95%), backed by a nationwide network of over 200 local agents and nearly a century in business. Its primary limitations are pricing transparency, as all moves require a custom quote, and a low BBB customer review average of 1 out of 5 stars.
In this Mayflower Moving review, BestGuide’s research team evaluates the company on its service offerings, reputation, and customer satisfaction. Mayflower earns an Expert Score of 4.3/5.0, reflecting its history and comprehensive service menu. With a legacy dating back to 1927, it is one of the most established names in moving, operating as a carrier through a vast network of dedicated agents nationwide.
Our analysis of Mayflower reviews and service data shows it excels at complex, long-distance relocations, with a full suite of services including packing, storage, and vehicle transport. Pricing is mid-to-upper tier, with value delivered through a dedicated move coordinator and online tracking. The main drawback is variability in service quality, which depends on the specific local agent assigned.
Compare Mayflower Moving with other top-rated moving companies to see how it stacks up against the competition.
How Mayflower Moving Works
Mayflower operates as a full-service moving carrier, managing moves through its nationwide network of affiliated agents. The process is structured to provide a single point of contact and clear steps from the initial quote to final delivery.
Step 1: Get a Quote
The process begins by requesting a quote through the Mayflower Moving website or by phone. To provide an accurate estimate, Mayflower requires a home survey, which can be conducted in person or virtually. It assesses the volume and weight of your belongings, typically takes 30-60 minutes, and forms the basis of your binding or non-binding estimate.
Step 2: Plan with a Move Coordinator
Once you book your move, Mayflower assigns a personal move coordinator. This coordinator is your single point of contact throughout the move, helping schedule packing, loading, and delivery dates, answering questions, and managing any add-ons you select, such as storage-in-transit or car shipping.
Step 3: Packing, Loading, and Transit
On the scheduled day, a crew from a local Mayflower agent arrives to pack and load your belongings; with full-service packing, the team handles everything. You can track your shipment 24/7 through the MyMayflower portal, which provides real-time updates on your truck’s location.
Who Mayflower Moving Is Best For
Mayflower is best for individuals and families making long-distance, interstate moves who want comprehensive service and a hands-off experience. Its full-service packing, debris removal, and vehicle transport suit those who value convenience over lowest cost, and it is a strong candidate for corporate relocations. It is less ideal for tight budgets or small, local moves, where its full-service model and minimums often cost more than container services or truck rentals.
Mayflower Moving Standout Features
Mayflower offers several features that distinguish it from other national movers. Each is designed to add a layer of security and convenience to the moving process.
Full Value Protection: While federal law requires movers to provide basic liability coverage of just $0.60 per pound per item, Mayflower offers Full Value Protection as its standard. If belongings are lost, damaged, or destroyed, Mayflower will repair, replace, or make a cash settlement at current market replacement value, a meaningful upgrade over the industry-minimum coverage many competitors offer.
MyMayflower Online Portal: Every customer gets the MyMayflower portal, a centralized dashboard to manage documents, make payments, review the move plan, and access a moving checklist. It also includes a 24/7 shipment tracking tool to monitor progress in real time.
Nationwide Agent Network: Mayflower’s strength is its network of over 200 agent locations across the country. This combines the resources and standards of a national corporation with local, community-based knowledge, so even smaller markets are served by professionals familiar with the area.
Mayflower Moving Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive Services: Offers a full range of add-ons, including packing, storage, car transport, and debris removal. | Higher Cost: Full-service moves with Mayflower cost an average of $4,000-$9,000, placing it in the upper-tier of moving expenses. |
| Extensive Network: Over 200 agent locations provide nationwide coverage, including in less-populated areas. | Agent Variability: Customer experience can differ significantly based on the quality and professionalism of the specific local agent assigned. |
| Experience and Reputation: A trusted name since 1927, giving it one of the longest track records in the industry. | No Online Pricing: Lacks transparent pricing. A virtual or in-home survey is required to get a binding quote, a process which scored 60/100 in our analysis. |
| Full Value Protection: Includes full-value coverage as standard, exceeding the federal minimum liability offered by many movers. | Low BBB Customer Reviews: The UniGroup/Mayflower BBB listing averages just 1 out of 5 stars across 22 reviews, with recurring complaints about damaged or lost items and claims handling. |
Is Mayflower Moving Legit?
Yes, Mayflower Moving is a legitimate and well-established moving company. Founded in 1927 and operating under parent company UniGroup, Inc., headquartered in Fenton, Missouri, it has nearly a century of experience in the transportation industry. The company is a registered carrier with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT #125563) and is a core part of UniGroup, a multi-billion dollar transportation and relocation services company that also owns United Van Lines.
A common question is, ‘is Mayflower Moving a broker?’ Mayflower is not a moving broker. It is a licensed motor carrier that operates through an exclusive network of agents. This means that a Mayflower-branded agent, not an unknown third party, performs your move. This structure provides more accountability than a typical broker model, where jobs are sold to the highest bidding carrier.
Mayflower Moving BBB Rating and Accreditation
On its Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile, Mayflower Moving holds an A+ letter grade but is not a BBB-accredited business. Its parent company, UniGroup, maintains a separate BBB profile that is BBB-accredited (since 1983); the two are distinct listings, so the accreditation seal applies to UniGroup rather than to the Mayflower profile directly.
The A+ letter grade reflects BBB’s assessment of complaint-handling and transparency factors, and it does not incorporate customer reviews. Viewed separately, BBB customer reviews for the UniGroup/Mayflower listing average just 1 out of 5 stars across 22 reviews, with recurring themes of damaged or lost items and difficulty resolving claims. Prospective customers should weigh the strong letter grade against this much weaker customer sentiment.
Mayflower Moving Cost: What You Should Expect to Pay
Mayflower’s cost is based on shipment weight, move distance, and any added services. Prices are not published online, so a custom quote is necessary. Per BestGuide’s industry analysis, a long-distance move (over 1,000 miles) for a 3-bedroom home runs roughly $4,000 to $9,000; local moves are typically priced by the hour.
These rates sit in the mid-to-upper range for full-service movers, reflecting the dedicated move coordinator, Full Value Protection, and the brand’s infrastructure. Costs can drop with self-packing or an off-season move (October through April).
Final Verdict: Mayflower Moving Review
Mayflower Moving earns an Expert Score of 4.3/5.0 from BestGuide, confirming its status as a reliable and capable full-service mover for long-distance relocations. Its key strengths are its comprehensive service offerings and its vast, nationwide agent network, which has been built since 1927. The inclusion of Full Value Protection as a standard option provides a level of financial security that exceeds the industry minimum.
The primary drawbacks are its cost, the potential for inconsistent service quality between local agents, and a low BBB customer review average that reflects real friction around damage and claims. The lack of upfront online pricing, reflected in its 60/100 Transparency score, is a notable weakness for customers who prefer to compare options quickly. Our final analysis indicates that Mayflower is an excellent choice for those who need a full-service, hands-off moving experience and are willing to pay for the convenience and security a legacy brand provides.
A capable, full-service mover for long-distance relocations. Compare it against other top-rated movers before you book.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mayflower Moving
What do experts say about Mayflower Moving?
BestGuide awards Mayflower Moving an Expert Score of 4.3 out of 5.0. The company is highly rated for its extensive range of services and nationwide scalability, scoring 95/100 in both categories. Its primary weaknesses are a lack of pricing transparency, which requires a custom quote for every move, and a low BBB customer review average of 1 out of 5 stars.
Is Mayflower Moving worth it?
Mayflower is worth it for customers planning a long-distance move who prioritize a full-service experience with features like professional packing and vehicle transport. For those on a strict budget or handling a small, local move, alternative options like container services or rental trucks offer greater value at a lower cost, typically 30-50% less.
How does Mayflower Moving compare to other moving companies?
Mayflower compares favorably to full-service van lines like Allied and North American in network size and service options. Versus container companies like PODS it costs more but adds far more hands-on labor and support, and it is substantially more expensive than DIY truck rentals like U-Haul.
Is Mayflower Moving a broker?
No, Mayflower Moving is not a broker. It is a U.S. Department of Transportation licensed carrier (USDOT #125563) that performs moves through a network of over 200 dedicated local agents. This means your move is handled within the Mayflower system, not outsourced to a third-party company.
How much does Mayflower Moving cost?
The cost of a long-distance move with Mayflower typically ranges from $4,000 to $9,000 for an average 3-bedroom home. The final price depends on the weight of your goods, the distance traveled, and any selected add-on services like packing or storage.
Does Mayflower do international moves?
Yes, Mayflower offers international moving services. Through its parent company, UniGroup, and its global network, it can facilitate moves to over 150 countries worldwide, handling everything from shipping to customs clearance.