United Van Lines Review (2024)

By Sean Donnelly Updated August 8, 2024

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United Van Lines was founded in 1928 and is now a major component of UniGroup, a moving co-op that owns and operates one of the largest moving networks in the country. United Van Lines offers valuation coverage and GPS tracking for all moves and provides binding estimates for long-distance moves. Customer experience can vary depending on the United affiliate you book with, but provider reviews are generally positive. Learn more about this mover and its service offerings in our review.

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Overview of United Van Lines

Founded: 1928
State Availability: 46*
Standout Service: Commercial Moving
Deposit Required: No Deposit Required

*Not available in Hawaii, Rhode Island, Vermont, and West Virginia

Pros and Cons of United Van Lines

United Van Lines’ service profile can simplify the residential and commercial moving experience. We’ve outlined some positives and negatives to consider before booking with United.

Pros

  • Offers free cancellation
  • Provides binding estimates for all moves
  • Offers dedicated small move services

Cons

  • Has reviews that mention difficult communication during later move phases
  • Features a lengthy quote process, per some customer reviews

United Van Lines Moving Services

When you start planning your move, note all basic and additional services you may need. United Van Lines lists its extensive services online. Below, we break down the moving services that United’s 300-plus agents can provide to most clients.

Local and Small Moves

United’s local moving plans cover any relocation of 50 miles or less. All local moves are billed at hourly rates. This means shipping weight and moving distance won’t directly determine your price. Most local movers have defined minimum charges. We recommend asking about these if you plan a move within the same town. The quality of this offering depends on the United agents available in your area.

United offers a dedicated small move service model called Snapmoves. Clients can book expedited service for studio apartments or one-bedroom moves with the same quality of service as larger relocations. Snapmoves moving packages include loading and unloading, speedy quotes via United’s app, requested services, valuation coverage, and potential guaranteed delivery dates for one set price.

Long-Distance and International Moving

United Van Lines is a quality provider for long-distance moves. United defines long-distance moves as any relocation that takes you over state lines. Such relocations require in-person or visual estimates for accurate pricing. All quotes are based on shipping weight and move distance.

United offers international moving services to more than 150 other countries worldwide. International moves are assigned a dedicated move consultant who will work with you throughout the entire process. International moving packages include paperwork management, including customs forms.

Corporate Moves

United Van Lines provides a dedicated service for installing and dismantling tech items and computers. It offers excellent packing services for fragile and high-value items. This makes United a quality option for corporate or commercial moves of any length.

Auto Transport

United advertises that it has the largest company-owned fleet of vehicle transporters. This means you won’t have to worry about booking service through a third-party provider. All car transportation services are door-to-door unless otherwise specified.

Additional Services

United Van Lines offers a full suite of basic and add-on services. Additional services include the following:

  • Computer or home office installation
  • Custom crating
  • Debris pickup and removal
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage services
  • Tiered protection plans for household goods

United Van Lines Cost Information

United Van Lines’ quote process is similar to that of many long-distance movers and national carriers. You can get an online quote from this carrier, but we recommend calling the phone number and speaking with a representative if you want your estimated cost to be accurate.

During the phone call, your coordinator will record your full inventory and required services. They will also note your origin and destination addresses and a time frame for your move if you don’t have a move date yet. In our experience with the quote process, your representative will likely press for a video call or an in-person appraisal of your goods to provide an accurate rate. As a carrier, United requires no up-front deposit to secure your booking and move date.


United Van Lines Reviews

We recommend reading customer reviews before you request a quote from a moving company. Google, Yelp, Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and social media are good sources to consult for customer feedback.

United Van Lines employs agents across the United States. These agents typically display United Van Lines branding but operate under different company names. This business structure can lead to varied service quality across locations.

We read recent reviews from United customers across Google and Trustpilot. Positive reviews commented on United’s efficiency, full-value protection, and quality add-on services. Negative reviews noted poor communication and price hikes on moving day.

Friendly, helpful, and understanding

I recently had the pleasure of having [two United Van Lines movers] help my family move apartments after a recent flood. They were both incredibly friendly, helpful, and understanding. I would highly recommend them to anyone in need of moving. They… did a great job and made the whole experience as painless as possible. Thank you guys again. Read more
Andrew via google reviews

not a single call was unanswered

My move coordinator … was always available and even gave me her direct line. Throughout the moving process not a single call went unanswered. She provided timely and informative updates throughout the move to help keep my mind at ease. … [The… crew leader and crew] were speedy and efficient in both the pick up and the drop off, yet they never sacrificed quality or safety. All of my items arrived with no damage. [This crew is] best-in-class. I didn’t have to lift a single finger! The next time I move I’ll be calling Capitol [local United Van Lines agent]! Read more
Jalen via google reviews

They said theyd make it right

Was set to do a cross-country move from Atlanta to Colorado. Condo was to be packed on a Friday, and everything was to be picked up and loaded on that Monday. It was annoying to have to live out of boxes for the weekend, but fine. The packing went… great! The estimated time of loading on Monday was 8AM-10AM. At 10:30 AM I called after no movers arrived and was told they would check on it. An hour later, I was told that the mover couldn’t make it and they were looking for alternatives. Two hours after that, I was told there were no alternatives, and they would have to reschedule for the next day (which we couldn’t do because our condo building’s elevators and loading dock were already booked for that day). So I was left living out of boxes with two toddlers for another two days, and missed a whole extra day of work, because presumably this company has tried to cut personnel costs. Really disappointing. They said they’d make it right; we’ll see. Read more
k via google reviews

How United Van Lines Compares to the Competition

We’ve assembled a quick comparison table of our top-recommended movers to help you see how United Van Lines stacks up to similar large moving companies.


Our Recommendation

We like United Van Lines’ extensive full-service offerings, valuation coverage, and binding estimates. As you start the moving process, we recommend requesting quotes from multiple providers near you before you book. Whether you’re planning a local, international, or interstate move, assessing your costs and service options through the quote process will help you set baseline expectations for your move.

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United Van Lines FAQ

How much does valuation coverage cost?

Valuation coverage doesn’t cost extra with United Van Lines. Basic protection typically covers your goods at 60 cents per pound per item. United Van Lines includes valuation coverage in any moving quote so you won’t pay extra.

How are long-distance moves billed?

Long-distance moves are billed based on shipping weight and move distance. Shipping weights given during the quote process are estimates. Your truck is weighed after loading, and your move bill could change based on your actual shipping weight at that time.

Are Mayflower and United Van Lines the same company?

Mayflower and United Van Lines are both owned by UniGroup. This moving co-op is one of the largest moving networks in the United States.

Do I need an in-home estimate for accurate pricing?

We recommend getting an in-home estimate if you want accurate pricing instead of a ballpark figure. Many moving companies offer video call estimates that can serve as a viable alternative for in-home quotes. A mover won’t yield a binding estimate without an in-home or video estimate.


How We Chose the Top Moving Providers

We researched and analyzed dozens of full- and self-service moving companies and formulated a moving review methodology based on a number of factors, including package options, pricing, and reputation. We also identified customer pain points based on customer-review analysis, proprietary consumer surveys, and interviews with former and current moving professionals.

Speaking directly to a representative at each company, we determined the number of package options available, the coverage provided, the types of moves available (long-distance, local, and international), and any extra perks offered, such as mobile apps, moving checklists, and 24/7 customer service.

We also gathered pricing data from each company and determined whether they provide ballpark estimates or binding quotes. Finally, to determine reputation, we evaluated companies based on their rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and their overall score on Google Reviews.