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Foster Van Lines Like us on Facebook and learn more about how our world-class team exceeds our customers' expectations every day. As highly-equipped California movers, we perform local moving, long distance moving, corporate relocation and government/military moving for customers across the state. Our commercial moving services encompass business & office moving, computer moving, distribution & logistics, exhibit & display services and laboratory/medical equipment moving.We may be Berkeley movers, but we're equipped to travel across the globe - contact us for assistance with your move abroad.
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Foster Van Lines was founded in Richmond, California by Howard Foster in 1941. Like many other California moving companies of the time, our business at that point was a very humble cottage-industry, which consisted mainly of transporting furniture and luggage from the Santa Fe and Union Pacific train stations in Richmond to accommodate the burgeoning population.
Looking to simplify your Berkeley residential relocation? Get in touch with the expert California household movers at Foster Van Lines. Since we first opened our doors in 1941, we've been highly rated for the quality of both our long-distance and our local moving services. We're able to complete relocation on schedule and within budget thanks to our trained team and high-quality equipment.
Call the Berkeley, California local movers of Foster Van Lines for top San Francisco-area relocation services. Our customizable services and North American Van Lines affiliation guarantee a smooth and seamless relocation - even if you and your family are just moving across town. Our Berkeley intrastate movers will match you with a household relocation coordinator who will present you with our list of local moving amenities. He or she will begin the process by providing you with your FREE moving quote, and will then figure out you and your family's moving requirements.
Contact the Berkeley, California long distance movers at Foster Van Lines for assistance with your relocation. Our Richmond-based, family-owned company has been one of California's best-known for 70 years, and it's easy to see why - we offer the greatest amount of moving amenities at the lowest prices.
Reviews (31)
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Christine A.
Jun 29, 2022
We stored 2 pieces of furniture with Foster's. One was a very expensive 8 ft velvet sofa from Kreiss Furniture a very high end store They lost an 8 ft sofa! They denied that it ever existed. The fact that it disappeared is very suspect. I would avoid at all costs using this irresponsible company.
Jule Zacher
Jun 04, 2022
Foster Van Lines provided a very detailed and thorough quote and the move worked seamlessly. It was great to have one contact to take care of moving my home contents and car halfway across the country! Whenever I had a question or adjustment the response was quick and professional (thank you David!).
Andi D.
Feb 13, 2022
We contacted 6 moving companies in the Bay area to move us from SF to the Seattle area. Three sent out people to do an in person survey of our stuff and 3 did it via a zoom call. In the end, we picked Foster Van Lines who partners with North American. The packers came on time and did a great job packing up our stuff. The next day, our driver came with a team of movers and put our stuff on a truck.

Our driver, James, was totally communicative about when he would deliver our goods. He delivered our furniture when promised with no issues. The crew on the Seattle end was phenomenal as they had to haul our stuff up through a garage and up 3 floors. We would highly recommend Foster and North American Van Lines.
Michael Simi
Dec 27, 2021
Dave was amazing and flexible. Scott packed all our fragile items and Grandma's China. Steve the driver packed and hauled it all and had great moving crews on both sides of our move. We moved from Northern California to Las Vegas and plan to use them all again when we make our final move to Phoenix.
Dixon O.
Oct 24, 2021
A much delayed review. We contracted with Fosters to move from San Francisco to Washington, D.C. While more expensive than some other bids, we had full confidence that their bid was accurate. The estimator was courteous, professional and thorough. The packers, loaders and unloaders, and driver were exceptional. The van driver was nimble in resolving issues when they arose, identifying the need to get a smaller van to navigate DC streets. He was affable and a team leader for the crew he managed. Highly recommended.
Gail Sasser
Oct 06, 2021
Don was the lead in our move from CA to SC. Delays happened not due to him. He kept us informed every step of the way. Our family was (is) going through a lot and he was understanding and praying for us. Totally would use him again.
John Glauber
Aug 11, 2021
Foster Van Lines provided excellent service for our interstate move. Our fragile items were well packaged and everything arrived undamaged and on time. Highly recommend them for any move!
Rick Mccrady
Jun 07, 2021
Great experience! David was very helpful. He was a total professional. Moving crews were great both loading and unloading.
Marilyn Minor
Jun 01, 2021
The movers were polite, hard working and careful with my furniture. They were prompt and put all my items in place in my new home. They notified me several times as to when they would be at my new home (aprox date, then actual date, then actual time of arrival in advance). They worked quickly but carefully. I was very pleased. Services: Out-of-county removals, Assemble furniture, Senior move
Edmund P.
May 26, 2021
Moving experience was great. Matthew Foster was available for any questions or concerns before and during the move. The day of the move. his team reached out to me in the morning with an estimated time of arrival and showed up wearing mask and were very professional. They covered my carpet and hardwood floors at both my rental and my new home and made sure all my furniture and belongings were covered & wrapped and well secured for the trip. Never heard a complaint with any request I had. I rarely give recommendations but this one is well deserved. Thanks for doing a great job.
Chris Hagler
Apr 18, 2021
Crews on both ends of the move (Bay Area to Oregon) were professional, caring and efficient. I would highly recommend this service Service: Out-of-county removals
Aparna M.
Apr 04, 2021
Highly recommend this company. Moving can be stressful but with this company taking care of your packing and shipping needs, you can't go wrong at all. Right from the start, David was very professional and thorough and put my mind at ease since I was a bit skeptical. Ours was a coast to coast move and we were concerned about how our stuff would be handled. We were so pleased with the timely service and delivery provided by all team members. I would not hesitate to use their services again. Thank you, David and Matthew.
Neal M.
Mar 22, 2021
We spent considerable time shopping for a moving company to move us out of state. So grateful that we found and used Foster Van Lines! They were always available when we called and were very pleasant to work with. Both packing us up and moving us in was done expeditiously, professionally, and our furniture was very carefully packed. There was nothing damaged and we have a few pieces of antique furniture that was hand crafted that was beautifully packed and arrived in perfect condition. Highly recommend this company. They were so great to work with, reasonably priced, and even worked with us to save a few bucks.
Eric Siem
Feb 28, 2021
Amazing family-owned kind honest patient willing to listen and guide you through your move and your needs in the time of need moving is stressful thumbs up to Matt and his staff
Carl R.
May 21, 2020
They were on time with the pick-up and on time with the delivery. Dean Felton gave us a quote on the move and it was right on, no low ball. the move was from Foster City Ca to Bloomington IL.
Lynelle S.
May 16, 2020
I used Foster Vans (Agent for North American moving company) to move my family from the Bay Area to Colorado at the end of February 2020. My contact was Dean Felton who came to my house to give me an in-home estimate. He was knowledgable and did quote me a price that couldn't be beaten by competitors. Once I signed the contract, I did feel dropped by Dean - there was a lack of communication on his part regarding my actual driver's information or even what time the move would start.

But once the driver, Pete Hilario, reached out, we were in great hands. Pete explained the process, took time to understand where to park the shuttle truck (26' uhaul, as the semi wouldn't fit in our apartment complex parking), and booked all the moving helpers on both sides of the move. Even asking what kind of flooring my place had so he was prepared with the proper floor protective pads. Pete was prompt with updates during his drive to Colorado and gave my family the peace of mind that our items were taken care of, and always under his watch.

Upon arrival in Colorado, our items were moved into the new place without a hitch, and not one box was misplaced. I sincerely thank Pete for his professionalism and for helping with my family's cross-country move. My disclaimer: I have not yet unpacked all my boxes, so I cannot write to how much damage was incurred from the move. So far, I did find a couple of boxes that were damaged but was assured by Dean that I have 9 months to file a claim, which I will do once I unpack the rest of the boxes. My star Ratings: 4 stars for my interaction/booking with Dean Felton 5+ stars for my driver Pete Hilario
Samuel J.
Jan 30, 2020
Foster was great to work with. Dean came to our apartment and surveyed our apartment quickly and efficiently. He sent me the cost estimate within an hour. They also gave me a delivery window that was a full week less than other companies' estimates. Matt explained to me the full process for a coast-to-coast move, answered my questions about everything, and always made himself available. The movers on both ends (in SF and NY) were great and handled everything with care. I would highly recommend Foster to anyone looking to make a move.
Veronica R.
Nov 02, 2019
I had a great experience with this company during a stressful move from California to Canada. Matthew Foster was very friendly and responsive and the team who loaded my goods did a great job. The insurance with North American is very good as well, if anything is broken or damaged they pay out the claim promptly. Thank you Matthew and the rest of the team for your help :-
Leighton M.
Jul 10, 2019
What can I say about these fabulous movers. We got an oppty to move to Hawaii from Alameda, so we couldn't say no. The move was partially funded by the new job that was out there, so we did out diligence and settled on Dewitt Move Worldwide / Royal Hawaiian Movers as we got quotes and they were the cheapest. They contracted the work on the Alameda side to Foster VL.

My wife met with Matt Foster and he was quick and reasonable with the quote. What blew us away was the actual packers themselves. We are a family of 5 with 3 young kids in a 3.5k sf house and we packed our 45' sea container full. The packers were mature and very experienced. They showed up, very friendly, and packed, packed, packed. It was amazing.

After 3.5 days of packing and 1 day of loading (took them a combined 4 days with them packing on the loading day), it was all done. At the end, I asked the head packer if I should take insurance and I saw the packing was done amazingly.better than what I would have done and he says that it wasn't necessary as the way FVL packs it's all good. I would agree. Fosters was amazing and I would use them again in a heartbeat. A++++
Carolyn K.
Jun 25, 2019
I recently contracted with Foster's to move me from the San Francisco Bay Area to northern San Diego County. The estimator Dean Felton was thorough, efficient, and professional in every way. He was always available by phone to clarify details as the moving date neared. He even successfully negotiated a disagreement on my behalf with the owners.
Mignonne Munroe
Jan 03, 2019
This is an amazing moving company. They helped me move out of a storage unit I hadn't been inside of in over 6 years. Dave came by the site and gave me a fair estimate and some great advice for how to prepare for the movers to pick up all my stuff. He also dropped of extra boxes to help! Then the guys with the truck showed up on time and ready! Those movers were amazing.

They worked hard and never complained. We set a delivery date and drove off. On the delivery date these guys arrived on time and ready to move! Even with stairs to our new upper level these guys never complained. Our stuff arrived in perfect shape. I highly recommend this moving company! Thanks guys! You ROCK!
Jay Beezie
Jun 22, 2018
These folks are simply the best movers on the planet. When my sister became medically incapacitated, Foster Van Lines helped us to organize the move of her apartment's stuff across the country. Not only were they the only folks we found who were comfortable working remotely, but they went out of their way to help our family in a time of need: contacting and working with locals to get into her place, and get everything packed and moved.

They gave us a great rate, and even gave us a refund when the load turned out to be a little lighter than expected. These are definitely the most competent and trustworthy movers I've ever worked with. Thanks Foster Van Lines!
Chenit O.
Sep 06, 2017
Fosters was contacted by the company I initially worked with because of their geograpgic area. Initially, all went well--surveyor came out and we were given an estimate. Then the nighmare started: no one would respond to email or phone calls on questions we had. We had already moved to start work, and questions on scheduling a move date, storage, etc, all went unanswered. Promises to get storage rates never materialized. Joe, Kathryn, Matthew: all polite on the phone but no follow through. Relocating across oceans is stressfull enough; DO NOT get more stressed by working with Fosters.
Mary H.
Apr 16, 2017
This is the second time I have used Foster to move my office. From first contact, to estimate, to day of checking in, Mathew Foster was extremely helpful, knowledgeable and always on time. Both times his crews were not only extremely efficient and courteous, they were very considerate of me and making sure everything was placed exactly where I wanted it. Best of all there were no surprises on the invoice! I would never consider using anyone else. M.
A. A.
Dec 29, 2016
Foster Van Lines is an ethical, 3rd generation family - owned moving company for local and long distance moves (contracted with NorthAmerican Moving Services) that moved me from the San Francisco Bay Area, to the New York Metro Area - with 2 DAYS NOTICE! Every part of the moving experience - from estimate, to full service packing, loading, send off, and arrival - went smoothly, and most importantly all of my belongings - from delicate and expensive antiques to electronics to heavy duty appliances - arrived on the East Coast well - packed, with nearly no breakage, and EVERY SINGLE ITEM on the manifest present.

This means there was no theft, an all too common problem, even with "premium" (read expensive) moving companies. MATTHEW FOSTER arrived exactly on time for my free estimate, confirming the appointment by email, and telephone. Out of the 5 moving companies that I interviewed, he provided the most detailed estimate, and walk - through, noting how furnishings would be packed, and stacked in the truck, in which order, the individual and gross weight of items, how this or that affected cost, cubic, and liner feet, and even mentioning North American Van Lines suspension (air suspension is gentler than spring suspension).

His estimate was the 2nd least expensive (of the 5 companies), but I firmly believe it ended up being the cheapest, because I know the other companies underbid, and I would have been stuck with an expensive surprise. As conditions changed, such that I added more items, or because I opted for an origination city only pack and move, loading onto my own ABF (aka UPack trailers - 36 linear feet), Matthew Foster kept up with the changes, and provided solutions, like extra disposable packing materials covering all surfaces on furnishings, or double instead of single walled boxes for delicate antiques.

The Foster Team - AL for china packing, SCOTT a talented workhorse with 30 years moving experience, and TREVOR a no nonsense careful heavy lifter - were awesome. The only problem, was that I couldn't move Foster Van Lines, and the amazing Foster Team with me to the East Coast. (I did ask though :-) STATS: Approximately 2,000 square feet. Solid American furniture, an extensive collection of delicate antiques, 60 book boxes, and large iron garden trellises. 15,000+ gross weight, 36 linear feet, 8 feet wide, 9 feet high via ABF Trailers. 6 Days to pack, 2 days to load, 2 days notice, and a crew of 3 - 4. Cost, under $5K, including add ons, materials, labor, and insurance. Accepts all major credit cards, including American Express.
Marcy D.
Aug 13, 2016
Foster's recently moved us from Fairfield, CA to Austin, TX. They were awesome! This is a family owned business who exhibit integrity and care for their customers. Mathew worked with me to make our move as cost effective, and seamless as possible. Tex, the truck driver oversaw everything his crew did, taking good care of all our belongings. When he saw how anxious I was regarding the timing of delivery, etc., Tex kept reassuring me that everything would be okay.and it was! I would refer Foster's to anyone considering any type of move. I'm sure you will be as pleased as we were.
Shu W.
Dec 02, 2015
Excellent move done by Al and Richard. I felt they were so hard working, happy and professional. They never complained at ALL when the move itself was a little difficult. They were patient. Thank you for making this the best move ever! I was so worried about this move but they made it smooth. I would def recommend them and ask for al or richard.
Jennifer F.
Dec 27, 2014
I highly recommend Foster Van Lines as your reliable local moving company! Foster's is a generational family business, and works hard to provide careful, thorough, and attentive service to all its customers. This moving company has moved my things a few times, and each time I felt safe, comfortable, and confident in the job they did. The workers were polite and careful with my goods, and the office staff made sure to communicate with me about any questions and concerns. Matthew Foster personally called me to check in and make sure my moving needs were met.

I really couldn't ask for a more clear and positive moving experience! It's hard to find quality local service in the bay area, and I am so glad to know about this good moving company! I recommend Foster's frequently to friends and family, and will continue to do so!
Amelia F.
Aug 10, 2012
I have used Foster Valines several time and recieved great service everytime. They are great people. I would refer them to anyone.
Frances F.
Jul 06, 2012
Poor follow through. The only thing "impressive" was Matthew Foster's leather briefcase. Other than that, I would not waste my time. We called Matthew in preparation for our move from our 2-story home in Vallejo to San Leandro. Matthew came to our home, took inventory, gave him the move date. We got a quote the following day. Two weeks later, we emailed him agreeing to the quote & contracting for services.

A week before the move, we had emailed him again as we had not heard back. We had even called the office & left a message with this staff requesting for a call back. Not a word back, not a peep -- no apologies, no nothing. Sorry to have wasted my time.
Andrea E.
Jun 25, 2009
My husband and I moved from California to Indiana and we were very nervous about choosing a moving company after reading several horror stories on Yelp and other websites. We definitely lucked out when we chose Foster. I had a good feeling about the company when the Vice President showed up to do our estimate. All of the other companies either did an over-the-phone estimate or sent a guy who packs the boxes.

The person who gave us our estimate from Foster was very thorough and noticed a lot of things the other companies hadn't. When moving day came they were on time both for packing our things and for moving everything into the moving truck. We received every single box/item that they put on the truck and NOTHING was broken when we unpacked! I was really happy about that.

The packers were very careful and precise with all of our items. Additionally, we had our car moved across the country on the moving truck (I didn't even know that was possible) and it arrived with no damage whatsoever. Overall it was a really positive experience (this was our first time using movers rather than doing it ourselves) and I would definitely hire Foster again for my next move!