Sterling Van Lines Review
Fact Checked by:
Positive Reviews
85%
across 362 reviews
moveBuddha Score
4.6/5
based on moveBuddha methodology
Years in Business
35
founded 1991
FMCSA Status
Inactive
Sterling Van Lines is a 4.6/5-rated California full-service mover, operating since 1991 (35 years in business). Sterling Van Lines earns 85% positive reviews across 362 verified customer reviews. The company holds inactive FMCSA registration. All ratings reflect moveBuddha's independent analysis.
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Sterling Van Lines at a glance
- Track record: 35 years in business with 85% positive customer reviews across 362 verified reviews.
- Industry experience: 5/5
- Customer service: 4.14/5
- Review quality: 4.5/5
- Quote accuracy: 4.62/5
What this review covers
Professional and polite staff
Careful handling
Good communication
Efficient service
Affordable rates
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Company stats
Read full reviewIndustry experience 5.0
Companies with more years in business often outperform newer competitors. Sterling Van Lines has been in business for 35 years, demonstrating strong staying power in a competitive industry with services like labor-only moving and estate moving.
Review quality 4.5
Customer reviews are the clearest window into a mover’s reputation. Sterling Van Lines has about 85% positive reviews across roughly 362 total reviews, with an average Yelp rating of 3.9.
Quote accuracy 4.6
Quote reliability often comes down to clarity and consistency. Customers can request instant email quotes from Sterling Van Lines. Discounts may be available for groups like military, seniors, law enforcement.
Customer service 4.1
From responsiveness to follow-through, customer service is a big differentiator. Sterling Van Lines emphasizes clear communication, careful handling.
Recent reviews
"They moved a very old family piano along with other furniture across the country and delivery was perfect. They kept me informed of timings and any hold ups. The guys were very nice, respectful and made an emotional move easier."
"Sterling Van Lines delivered my piano efficiently. The delivery crew worked like clockwork. Everything arrived in perfect shape. I would recommend them for any important move."
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What do customers say about Sterling Van Lines?
Across 362 verified customer reviews from multiple platforms, 85% are positive, 14% are negative, and 2% are neutral.
What customers like most about Sterling Van Lines
- Professional and polite staff: Customers say the Sterling Van Lines's crews and service representatives handled their move professionally and were friendly and helpful throughout the move.
- Careful handling: Belongings are treated with caution, and many customers report zero damage thanks to Sterling Van Lines's attention to detail.
- Good communication: Reviewers frequently mention clear, consistent updates from Sterling Van Lines throughout the moving process.
- Efficient service: Many customers praise Sterling Van Lines for completing moves smoothly and with minimal downtime.
- Affordable rates: Many reviewers found Sterling Van Lines to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.
Most common complaints about Sterling Van Lines
- Delayed arrival or delivery: Several reviewers experienced frustrating delays either on moving day or with final delivery.
- Misplaced or lost items: In some cases, belongings went missing or were delivered to the wrong location.
- Lack of communication: Poor or inconsistent updates from Sterling Van Lines left some customers feeling in the dark.
Positive Sterling Van Lines Reviews
Yelp
"They moved a very old family piano along with other furniture across the country and delivery was perfect. They kept me informed of timings and any hold ups. The guys were very nice, respectful and made an emotional move easier."
"Sterling Van Lines delivered my piano efficiently. The delivery crew worked like clockwork. Everything arrived in perfect shape. I would recommend them for any important move."
"Doug and team gave me the best quote for the complicated move I needed. Their staff were responsive and professional throughout, and my items arrived as promised. Highly recommend SVL for professionalism and reliability."
Negative Sterling Van Lines Reviews
Yelp
"Sterling talks a good story, but doesn't honor commitments and ignores pick-up and delivery dates. Waited 42 days past the agreed window. Items missing, promises unfulfilled, and support unresponsive."
"Furniture arrived a month later than latest estimate. Most boxes crushed, furniture filthy, and walls banged up during delivery. Had to call weekly for updates. Never using them again."
Yelp
"Several valuable items never made it to the final destination. They told me to file a claim and offered pennies in compensation. Absolutely do not use this company!"
Neutral Sterling Van Lines Reviews
"Although the movers were great, the company overcharged me and ignored all requests to fully correct the charges. The workers were efficient and careful, but management was not forthcoming."
"Service was friendly and pretty good, but one antique mirror damaged despite paying for a crate. Arrival was delayed more than 24 hours, and driver didn't communicate during the delay."
Yelp
"A few wall smudges, dings on furniture, and some things left undone. Movers were prompt and efficient, but there were minor damages. Over all a satisfactory move."
Is Sterling Van Lines licensed & insured?
Yes. Sterling Van Lines holds inactive FMCSA registration. All licensing data is verified against FMCSA records by moveBuddha.
| Credential | Status | Verified |
|---|---|---|
| FMCSA registration | Inactive | Jun 2026 |
When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. You can verify Sterling Van Lines's active status on the California licensed movers database.
How moveBuddha rated Sterling Van Lines
Sterling Van Lines earns a 4.6/5 composite rating based on moveBuddha's editorial rating categories. Each category is rated independently by moveBuddha's research team and measures a different aspect of mover quality.
| Rating category | Sterling Van Lines | What it measures |
|---|---|---|
| Industry experience | 5/5 | Years in operation, fleet size & locations |
| Review quality | 4.5/5 | Volume & sentiment of customer reviews |
| Customer service | 4.14/5 | Communication clarity & crew professionalism |
| Quote accuracy | 4.62/5 | Estimate vs. final invoice on sample moves |
| Google reviews | 4.5/5 | Google Business Profile rating & review volume |
| Yelp reviews | 5/5 | Yelp rating & review volume |
| BBB | 4.78/5 | The company's BBB letter grade (A–F) & complaint resolution history (translated to a corresponding numerical score) |
| Brand | 5/5 | Market presence & industry recognition |
Our summary of Sterling Van Lines
Sterling Van Lines earns consistent praise for professionalism, careful handling, strong communication, efficient service, and competitive rates. Most feedback highlights that movers are polite, possessions arrive safely, and jobs are finished promptly. On the other hand, the company receives criticism for missed delivery estimates, delayed arrivals, and occasional lost or missing items. A few customers report lack of communication or difficulty getting updates. Compared to competitors, Sterling stands out for specializing in small moves, responsive support, and reliable pricing, but may miss the mark on punctuality and resolving claims promptly. Out of 362 reviews analyzed, 84.5% were positive, showing Sterling Van Lines is trusted by most clients for careful moves at a fair price, though some experience logistical hiccups or delays.Ratings based on moveBuddha's research methodology, updated June 2026.
How much does Sterling Van Lines cost?
Sterling Van Lines does not publish standard hourly rates or flat-fee pricing publicly. Quote pricing depends on home size, distance, packing services, and time of year. To get an accurate estimate, request a quote directly or use moveBuddha's cost calculator below.
For typical California moving costs across all home sizes and service types, see our California moving cost guide.
How does Sterling Van Lines compare to other Los Angeles movers?
Sterling Van Lines ranks alongside the top full-service movers in Los Angeles on moveBuddha's editorial scoring. The table below compares ratings, positive review rates, and years in business across the top Los Angeles movers.
| Company | Our rating | Positive reviews | BBB | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
4.76 |
88% | A+ | ||
|
4.7 |
80% | A+ | ||
|
4.6 |
85% | A+ | ||
|
4.56 |
94% | A | ||
|
4.52 |
97% | A+ | ||
|
4.44 |
89% | NR | ||
|
4.62 |
98% | A+ | ||
|
4.5 |
95% | A+ | ||
|
4.42 |
92% | A+ | ||
|
4.44 |
95% | A+ |
How Sterling Van Lines's ratings compare to other Los Angeles movers
Sterling Van Lines's Yelp rating (3.9/5) is in line with the average across the 104 movers analyzed in Los Angeles, which carry an average Yelp rating of 4.3/5.
| Avg. Yelp Score | Total # of Movers | |
|---|---|---|
| Sterling Van Lines | 3.9/5 | -- |
| Los Angeles movers | 4.3/5 | 104 movers |
| California movers | 4.3/5 | 371 movers |
Final verdict: Sterling Van Lines
Sterling Van Lines earns a 4.6/5 moveBuddha score with 85% positive customer reviews across 362 verified reviews. With 35 years in business, Sterling Van Lines is a solid option to consider for California moves.
Best for:
- Customers who value working with an established mover with long-standing industry experience
All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated June 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.
FAQs about Sterling Van Lines
Is Sterling Van Lines a legitimate, licensed mover?
Yes. Sterling Van Lines holds inactive FMCSA registration. You can verify their licensing status on the California state regulator database.
How does Sterling Van Lines's review score compare to other California movers?
Sterling Van Lines earns 85% positive customer reviews across 362 verified customer reviews. Its composite moveBuddha score is 4.6/5.
What services does Sterling Van Lines offer?
Sterling Van Lines is a full-service mover operating in California. Confirm specific services like packing, storage, and specialty item handling directly when requesting a quote.
Does Sterling Van Lines require a deposit?
Deposit requirements for Sterling Van Lines depend on the type and timing of your move. Most California full-service movers either require no deposit or a small holding deposit to secure your booking date. Confirm deposit terms directly when requesting your quote.
How long has Sterling Van Lines been in business?
Sterling Van Lines has been in business for 35 years, founded in 1991. The company holds inactive FMCSA registration.
How do I choose the right Los Angeles moving company?
To pick the best Los Angeles mover, start with companies that have mostly positive customer reviews, valid licenses, and proper insurance. Get detailed moving quotes from at least 3 companies to compare services, pricing, and availability. Look for transparent pricing, clear communication, and verified track records of successful moves.
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