Sterling Van Lines review 2026 (Los Angeles, CA)
In business since 1991 · Updated
Sterling Van Lines, a Los Angeles, CA moving company, ranks #59 of 1153 movers in California, with a moveBuddha rating of 4.50/5.
85% of Sterling Van Lines' 386 verified customer reviews are positive. Customers most often praise its affordable rates, while the most common complaint involves misplaced or lost items.
Sterling Van Lines has been in business since 1991. Ratings reflect moveBuddha’s independent analysis of customer reviews and FMCSA records.
How Sterling Van Lines measures up
Across 386 reviews, Sterling Van Lines in Los Angeles, CA is rated 4.6/5 on Google (239 reviews) and 3.9/5 on Yelp (156 reviews), and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Sterling Van Lines ranks #59 out of 1153 movers in California with a moveBuddha Score of 4.50 out of 5.
What goes into our score
Each category is scored out of 5. The line shows the overall score of 4.50.
- Brand
- 5.0
- Website
- 5.0
- Industry experience
- 5.0
- Review quality
- 4.5
- Customer service
- 4.1
Google rating
Based on 239 reviews
Yelp rating
Based on 156 reviews
Better Business Bureau
Based on BBB profile
Is Sterling Van Lines moveBuddha Certified?
Sterling Van Lines is not moveBuddha Certified. Certified movers are licensed carriers vetted by moveBuddha and spot-checked every quarter. They meet higher standards for insurance, pricing transparency, and customer care.
With a Certified mover, moveBuddha does the vetting for you and provides added protection. Sterling Van Lines hasn't gone through that certification process, so it's important to check licensing, insurance, estimates, and claims policies yourself before booking.
What movebuddha certified movers offer
- Up to $1,000 in added move coverage*. Extra protection for eligible moves.
- Vetted for licensing and insurance**. We verify state-required insurance for local movers and liability and cargo coverage for interstate movers.
- Dedicated moveBuddha support. Help through the move process.
- Dispute mediation. moveBuddha steps in if issues arise.
Before you book, check:
- USDOT and MC numbers. Look up the license and complaint history on FMCSA's site.
- Insurance coverage. Ask for proof of liability and cargo insurance.
- A written estimate. Binding or not-to-exceed, with every fee listed.
- The claims process. Ask how damage claims are filed and how long they take.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind. About moveBuddha Certified
** Local movers must hold insurance that meets state requirements for local moves. Interstate movers must carry auto liability of at least $750,000, general liability of at least $1M, and motor truck cargo coverage at or above $5,000 per vehicle and $10,000 per occurrence.
What do customers say about Sterling Van Lines?
Out of 386 verified reviews, 85% of customers left a positive review about Sterling Van Lines in Los Angeles, CA. 13.2% of reviews are negative and 1.8% are neutral. Sterling Van Lines has a 6% lower positive review percentage than the average California moving company (85% vs the California state average of 91%).
- Positive85%(328)
- Neutral1.8%(7)
- Negative13.2%(51)
Based on 386 reviews across Google, Yelp, and other review sites.
What customers like about Sterling Van Lines
Affordable rates
Many reviewers found Sterling Van Lines to be more budget-friendly than competitors without sacrificing quality.
Consistency and follow-up
Reviewers liked that Sterling Van Lines stayed in touch before and after the move to ensure everything went smoothly.
Flexibility
Clients liked that Sterling Van Lines was willing to adjust schedules or accommodate last-minute changes.
Good communication
Reviewers frequently mention clear, consistent updates from Sterling Van Lines throughout the moving process.
Respectful of property
Customers appreciated how carefully Sterling Van Lines's team maneuvered furniture through tight spaces without damaging walls or floors.
What positive reviewers say
“Sandy was incredibly helpful and accommodating. The movers arrived promptly, customized my move, and offered the fairest price I received; any adjustments were fully explained.”
Taryn McGrannVerified ReviewerGoogle“Our experience was exceptional: calls were handled courteously, follow-up was prompt, agents were informed, and updates came without our asking. Furniture arrived safely with nothing missing.”
Kim HamptonVerified ReviewerGoogle“The price was very reasonable, movers were kind and competent, and sales and administrative staff were responsive and flexible.”
Julie ValloneVerified ReviewerGoogle“Sterling provided a superb experience: friendly, well-organized, careful, professional, and far less expensive than expected.”
Lee BurgunderVerified ReviewerGoogle“Sterling was exactly the way to transport my great-grandmother's rocking chair. They were flexible, cordial, and careful with this precious item.”
Ruth ObadalVerified ReviewerGoogle
What mixed reviewers say
“The team arrived promptly and loaded quickly, but the crew left things undone, with wall smudges and furniture dings. The move was satisfactory.”
YelpVerified Reviewer “One antique mirror was damaged and poorly protected despite a paid crate. Arrival was delayed more than 24 hours, and the driver did not stay in touch.”
Susan SugarmanVerified ReviewerGoogle“The movers were great, but the company overcharged me and ignored requests to fully correct the charges.”
Peter RugglesVerified ReviewerGoogle“A glass shelf broke; Sterling attempted a replacement, but it did not fit, and I waited months without a callback.”
YelpVerified Reviewer
Most common complaints about Sterling Van Lines
Misplaced or lost items
In some cases, belongings went missing or were delivered to the wrong location.
Delayed arrival or delivery
Several reviewers experienced frustrating delays either on moving day or with final delivery.
Damage to items
Some customers reported that items were damaged during packing or loading.
What negative reviewers say
“They lost an antique mirror, and none of four people involved followed up. Sterling also did not forward a claim form or offer reimbursement.”
Ed MontgomeryVerified ReviewerGoogle“They are unable to deliver services within promised timeframes. My piano pickup was delayed until after my move-out date, forcing me to find another mover.”
Erik MulderVerified ReviewerGoogle“Items arrived a month later than the latest estimate. Most boxes were crushed, furniture was filthy, and walls were marked during delivery.”
Christina SciarrinoVerified ReviewerGoogle
Sterling Van Lines
4.50Los Angeles, CASince 1991
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Sterling Van Lines
4.50
Los Angeles, CA · Since 1991
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Sterling Van Lines, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Los Angeles.
Compare prices side by side
See where Sterling Van Lines lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
What services does Sterling Van Lines offer?
Beyond standard household moves, Sterling Van Lines handles piano moving, fine art handling, and antique handling.
Services offered
- Full-service moving
- Local & in-state moving
- Long-distance moving
- International moving
- Office & commercial moving
- Small moves
- Estate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Fragile-only packing
- Custom crating
- Storage
- Piano moving
- Fine art
- Antiques
- Shipment tracking
Is Sterling Van Lines licensed and insured?
FMCSA operating authority is inactive
US DOT 568254. Check the current record before booking. Check on SAFER
Verified against the FMCSA, not by moveBuddha
Yes, Sterling Van Lines is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT number 568254, and its operating status is currently inactive. It also holds a California intrastate license, number Calt 9018.
Insurance is a separate question, and one this profile cannot settle: moveBuddha does not receive carriers' insurance filings, so nothing here confirms what cover Sterling Van Lines holds. Ask for a certificate of insurance before you book.
- State license number
- Calt 9018Issued by California. Covers moves within the state, which the FMCSA does not
- FMCSA safety rating
- Not ratedMost carriers are unrated. A rating is only assigned after a compliance review. It is not a failed one.
How much does Sterling Van Lines cost?
Sterling Van Lines does not publish hourly rates or flat fees publicly. Based on moveBuddha's data on moving companies operating in California, you can expect to pay approximately $129/hr. Total local-move costs from similar movers typically run $400–$750 for a studio or 1-bedroom, $850–$1,750 for a 2-3 bedroom, and $1,700–$3,400 for a 4+ bedroom home. Long-distance (500-1,000 mi) 2-3 bedroom moves from similar movers typically run $4,500–$7,500.
What similar movers typically bill for a local move
Full-service California moving companies similar to Sterling Van Lines typically bill the amounts below using a $129/hr rate for a 2-person crew and scaling up for larger homes that need more movers and hours.
| Home size | Typical total | Time and crew |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $400–$750 | 3–5 hours, 2 movers |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $850–$1,750 | 5–8 hours, 2–3 movers |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,700–$3,400 | 8–12 hours, 3–4 movers |
What similar movers typically bill for a long-distance move
Sterling Van Lines offers interstate moves, which are typically priced by weight and distance. Ranges below reflect totals from similar full-service California moving companies.
| Home size | Distance | Typical total |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 bedrooms | 500–1,000 mi | $4,500–$7,500 |
| 4+ bedrooms | 500–1,000 mi | $7,000–$11,500 |
What payment options and discounts does Sterling Van Lines offer?
- Accepts
- Credit Cards
- Deposit
- Not listed, so ask
- Discounts
- Military
Sterling Van Lines accepts credit cards. Deposit policies vary by mover, so ask whether one is required when you request a quote.
Sterling Van Lines also offers a military discount. Ask what you qualify for and how much you could save before you book.
How Sterling Van Lines compares with the top 10 Los Angeles movers
Sterling Van Lines's moveBuddha score of 4.50 out of 5 places it #12, outside the top 10 Los Angeles movers, level on score with NorthStar Moving Company, the tenth-placed mover. At 386 reviews, Sterling Van Lines has fewer reviews than nine of the ten. Sterling Van Lines has the highest brand score in the group, but a customer service score that trails nine of the ten.
The ten highest-scoring local movers near Los Angeles, by moveBuddha score.
| # | Mover | Score | Reviews | Yelp | BBB | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SOS Moving, LLCLos Angeles | 4.78 | 2,613 | 4.9 | 4.7 | A+ |
| 2 | Best California MoversNorth Hollywood | 4.66 | 2,322 | 5.0 | 4.6 | A |
| 3 | Box-N-Go, LLCLos Angeles | 4.64 | 202 | 4.8 | 4.4 | A+ |
| 4 | Precision Moving & Storage Corp.Chatsworth | 4.58 | 550 | 4.8 | 4.8 | D- |
| 5 | Rigo's Moving Company IncLos Angeles | 4.58 | 534 | 4.3 | 4.1 | A+ |
| 6 | H2H Movers IncLos Angeles | 4.56 | 614 | 4.9 | 4.3 | A+ |
| 7 | Royal Moving & StorageLos Angeles | 4.56 | 595 | 4.9 | 4.8 | A- |
| 8 | ABC Moving SystemsLos Angeles | 4.56 | 469 | 4.8 | 4.3 | A+ |
| 9 | Prodigy Moving & Storage, LLCLos Angeles | 4.50 | 1,884 | 4.7 | 4.8 | A+ |
| 10 | NorthStar Moving CompanyLos Angeles | 4.50 | 1,215 | 4.9 | 4.6 | A+ |
| 12 | Sterling Van LinesThis mover · ranks #12 | 4.50 | 386 | 4.6 | 3.9 | A+ |
How does Sterling Van Lines compare to other California movers?
- moveBuddha score#59 of 1153(better than average)
4.50vs 3.67 avg
Sterling Van Lines scores 4.50, above the California average of 3.67, and ranks #59 of 1153 California movers.
- Positive reviews#852 of 1153(worse than average)
85%vs 91% avg
Sterling Van Lines has 85% positive reviews, below the California average of 91%, and ranks #852 of 1153 California movers.
- Negative reviews#851 of 1153(worse than average)
13%vs 8% avg
Sterling Van Lines has 13% negative reviews, above the California average of 8%, and ranks #851 of 1153 California movers. A lower percentage is better.
- Reviews analyzed#209 of 1153(better than average)
386vs 268 avg
Sterling Van Lines has 386 reviews analyzed, above the California average of 268, and ranks #209 of 1153 California movers.
- Yelp rating#264 of 1153(worse than average)
3.9vs 4.3 avg
Sterling Van Lines has a Yelp rating of 3.9, below the California average of 4.3, and ranks #264 of 1153 California movers.
- Years in business#68 of 1153(better than average)
35 yearsvs 23 years avg
Sterling Van Lines has been in business for 35 years, above the California average of 23 years, and ranks #68 of 1153 California movers.
| Metric | This moverSterling Van Lines | California avg | California rank | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| moveBuddha score#59 of 1153 in California | 4.50 | 3.67 | #59 of 1153 | +0.83(better than average) |
| Positive reviews#852 of 1153 in California | 85% | 91% | #852 of 1153 | −6 pts(worse than average) |
| Negative reviewsLower is better#851 of 1153 in California | 13% | 8% | #851 of 1153 | +5 pts(worse than average) |
| Reviews analyzed#209 of 1153 in California | 386 | 268 | #209 of 1153 | +118(better than average) |
| Yelp rating#264 of 1153 in California | 3.9 | 4.3 | #264 of 1153 | −0.4(worse than average) |
| Years in business#68 of 1153 in California | 35 years | 23 years | #68 of 1153 | +12(better than average) |
Compared with 1153 California movers with moveBuddha profiles. Rank #1 is the best in California.
Sterling Van Lines
4.50Los Angeles, CASince 1991
Save more than 30% on average by comparing movers before you book.
Save more than 30% on average
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before they book. Get a quote from Sterling Van Lines, then see how it compares with other top-rated movers in Los Angeles.
Compare prices side by side
See where Sterling Van Lines lands against similar movers.
Vetted movers only
Licensing and reviews checked, just like this page.
Free, no obligation
Nothing is booked until you choose a mover.
Sterling Van Lines
4.50
Los Angeles, CA · Since 1991
Final verdict: Sterling Van Lines
Sterling Van Lines earns a 4.50/5 moveBuddha Score and ranks #12 among Los Angeles movers, with 85% positive feedback across 386 customer reviews.
Customers consistently praise its affordable rates and consistency and follow-up. It is best for customers prioritizing strong communication, helpful crews, and reliable service experience.
With a track record dating to 1991, it has more history than the average California mover, and the most common complaint is misplaced or lost items.
All ratings reflect moveBuddha's analysis updated October 2026, based on independent research and verified customer reviews.
Sterling Van Lines
4.50
Los Angeles, CA · Since 1991
Why moveBuddha?
- 30%+Average savings
On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
Calculate your California moving cost - $1,000Added move coverage*
When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage*, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- 1-on-1Dispute mediation
If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
* Added move coverage is not replacement-value insurance, or insurance, or an indemnity of any kind.
Contact Sterling Van Lines
- Phone
- (800) 264-6313
- Website
- sterlingvanlines.com
Helpful California moving resources
How we score moving companies
Every mover on moveBuddha is scored on the same six factors, weighted by how much each one changes a move.
- Quotes & payment optionsWeighs most
The heaviest factor, because price certainty is where moves go wrong. We reward estimates you can hold a mover to, and terms disclosed before you pay.
- Online reputationMajor factor
An objective read from third parties rather than from the mover. The Google rating for the company's headquarters sets the band; Trustpilot, BBB, and independent review sites are read alongside it.
- ServicesMajor factor
The range a mover can actually cover, scored across seven categories, with extra credit for the uncommon ones most companies hand off to a subcontractor.
- Customer supportSupporting factor
How easily you can reach a human, and how clearly the mover sets expectations before, during, and after the move. Verified against company documentation and direct outreach.
- Review feedbackSupporting factor
A company's share of positive customer feedback, converted straight to points, with no curve and no editorial adjustment.
- State availabilityMinor factor
The lightest factor, and deliberately so: wide coverage helps more readers reach a mover, but it says nothing about how good the move will be.
What the scores are built on
- 4,500+Moving companies analyzed
- 1M+Authenticated reviews
- 25+Independent data sources
- 1,000+Live price points a month
- $0Paid for a ranking
- MonthlyRefreshed and re-verified
Written by
Ryan CarriganCo-founder, moveBuddha
Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.