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United Van Lines Review (2024)

United Van Lines has many locations across the country and offers personalized moving services. Read about what makes the company unique in this United Van Lines review.

Author Image Written by Shane Sentelle + 1 other Reviewed by Kent Sisneros Updated 10/30/2024

United Van Lines is one of our most highly recommended nationwide moving companies with services to support homeowners and business owners with various needs. This mover combines advanced online tools with personalized service to take the stress off of a person or family’s move. Also, customers can take advantage of item protection with each move.

We researched the top moving companies to help make the moving process easier for you. Keep reading this United Van Lines review to learn about the company’s services, cost, availability, and more.

United Van Lines
4.8
Best Base Moving Coverage
Book my move today!
  • Operating since 1928
  • Specializes in commercial and residential moves
  • USDOT #: 077949

Pros

  • Offers installation and breakdown service for tech items and commercial moves
  • Provides valuation coverage for high-value items
  • Has shipment tracking for all moves

Cons

  • Charges more for its services compared to competitors 
  • Receives poor marks for communication in certain areas
  • Features a lengthy quote process, so it’s not ideal for quick relocation
  • Moving labor
  • Packing and unpacking
  • Storage
  • Tech breakdown and installation
  • Vehicle shipping

Our Take

With its wide range of services across 150 countries, additional add-ons such as packing and unpacking, and auto transport, we have rated United Van Lines a 4.8 out of 5 stars.

In our review of United Van Lines, we identified the following pros and cons:

Pros

  • Hundreds of locations around the nation and the ability to move to any state
  • Online quoting and in-home evaluation for an accurate estimate
  • Shipment tracking to receive updates about your move

Cons

  • Inconsistent customer service ratings, as services are offered by third-party companies
  • Higher prices than the competition


Services Offered By United Van Lines

United Van Lines provides local, international, and long-distance moves to over 150 countries worldwide. It supports homeowners and renters, but the company also provides corporate moving services. United offers full-value moving coverage on each move so you can feel more confident that your valuables will be taken care of and protected.

Main services include loading and unloading your belongings for your move. United’s team will get all of your belongings into the moving truck, drive them to your destination, then unload the items into your new home upon arrival. With this service, you can track your shipment online and access resources like a moving checklist.

Additional Paid Services

You can also purchase these additional services:

  • Packing and Unpacking: Choose from full or partial-service options depending on how much help you need. United can help you organize and unpack at your new place.
  • Tech Breakdown and Installation: Service people can help you with in-home tech support like breaking down and setting up home theater equipment or personal computer networks.
  • Storage: If your items cannot be immediately delivered to your new home, you can access short-term or long-term storage options.
  • Cleaning and Debris Pickup: Service people will return after the delivery to remove containers or trash left behind.
  • Auto Transport: United partners with local companies to offer automobile shipping if you need to move a car.

When you request a quote, make sure to ask about United Van Line’s valuation insurance. You can add on full-value moving protection to your move. United will calculate your coverage amount by multiplying your shipment weight by $6 per pound. Purchase extra coverage if you have higher-priced items that this amount may not cover.


United Van Lines Cost

The cost for moving services from United Van Lines will vary based on your needs. Request an in-home estimate for the most accurate quote for your moving costs. You can do this on the company website by providing some information about your move, including the size and type of your original and new home, as well as listing some large items you’d like the team to move.

The final cost of your move with United Van Lines will depend on the following factors which will be discussed during your in-home estimate:

  • The amount of belongings you’d like to move, measured in weight
  • The distance of your move
  • Your move date and time
  • Add-on services like packing or cleaning

Availability

United Van Lines has over 500 locations across the country, and the company claims that it can help you move anywhere in the United States.


Booking Process

To learn more about its services and to get a quote from United Van Lines, you’ll need an in-home estimate. During this appointment, you can unlock the most accurate quote for your moving needs.

After you request your quote online, the company will schedule a survey of your home’s belongings. At this time, a customer service representative will work with you to confirm moving details, including the moving date and type of home. He or she will build a moving package to meet your needs and provide you with an estimate.

Leading up to your move, the United team will give you tips and support to finish planning your move and preparing for the big day.


Customer Reviews

The level of customer service a company holds is another crucial factor to keep in mind when searching for a moving professional. Online customer reviews can give you insight into what a company has to offer and what you can expect from its services. On the Better Business Bureau, United Van Lines is not accredited but shows an A+ rating*.

It’s difficult to make a conclusion about the company’s level of customer service because United Van Lines offers some of its services through third-party retailers. For this reason, the names on customer service review listings may not be the company’s name, or they may include the business name and “Agent for United Van Lines.”

Here are some United Van Lines reviews:

“Excellent service from beginning to end. Always responded to my phone calls and emails. Customer service reassuring and responsive to my questions and concerns. Estimate was spot on. [Our service team was] professional in [their] responses and sincerely cared for my precious belongings. I highly recommend this team.”
Diana L.

“Do not hire this ripoff company! They damaged many items [in] my shipment and charged me as much as Mayflower. The brand new microwave was crushed; several pieces of furniture were scratched up. They jam everything together and tie it up so tight with ropes it gets damaged.”
Frank C.

*BBB information accurate as of October 2024


Our Conclusion

Our United Van Lines review concluded that this company may be an ideal option if you’re looking for a professional interstate moving company and want to work with a company that offers comprehensive moving services. United provides additional services like professional cleaning and gives homeowners the added convenience of online shipment tracking.

However, it is difficult to draw a confident conclusion about the company’s level of customer service as it offers services through many third-party companies. Each of these will have their own review listings and ratings that vary by location.

After reviewing the best moving companies in the country, we recommend other companies above United Van Lines. For more details on alternatives, read our thoughts on North American Van Lines, or our International Van Lines review.


Best For Star Rating BBB Rating Deposit Required Link
International Van Lines International Van Lines Best Service Offerings
A+ Up to 25% GET ESTIMATE
American Van Lines American Van Lines Best Overall Moving Labor
A+ Up to 50% up-front GET ESTIMATE
Safeway Moving Inc. Safeway Moving Inc. Most Reliable Pricing
B- Up to 40% GET ESTIMATE
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group Interstate Moving & Relocation Group Most Efficient
B Up to 33% GET ESTIMATE
Moving APT Moving APT Best Customer Service
B Varies between partners GET ESTIMATE
JK Moving Services JK Moving Services Best Specialized Packing
A+ $250 GET ESTIMATE
North American Van Lines North American Van Lines Best for Claims
A+ None GET ESTIMATE
Allied Van Lines Allied Van Lines Best for Vehicle Relocation
A+ None GET ESTIMATE
United Van Lines United Van Lines Best Base Moving Coverage
A+ None GET ESTIMATE
Mayflower Mayflower Best for Large Moves
A+ None GET ESTIMATE
International Van Lines
Logo International Van Lines
Best For Best Service Offerings
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Deposit Required Up to 25%
GET ESTIMATE
American Van Lines
Logo American Van Lines
Best For Best Overall Moving Labor
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Deposit Required Up to 50% up-front
GET ESTIMATE
Safeway Moving Inc.
Logo Safeway Moving Inc.
Best For Most Reliable Pricing
Star Rating
BBB Rating B-
Deposit Required Up to 40%
GET ESTIMATE
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Logo Interstate Moving & Relocation Group
Best For Most Efficient
Star Rating
BBB Rating B
Deposit Required Up to 33%
GET ESTIMATE
Moving APT
Logo Moving APT
Best For Best Customer Service
Star Rating
BBB Rating B
Deposit Required Varies between partners
GET ESTIMATE
JK Moving Services
Logo JK Moving Services
Best For Best Specialized Packing
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Deposit Required $250
GET ESTIMATE
North American Van Lines
Logo North American Van Lines
Best For Best for Claims
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Deposit Required None
GET ESTIMATE
Allied Van Lines
Logo Allied Van Lines
Best For Best for Vehicle Relocation
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Deposit Required None
GET ESTIMATE
United Van Lines
Logo United Van Lines
Best For Best Base Moving Coverage
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Deposit Required None
GET ESTIMATE
Mayflower
Logo Mayflower
Best For Best for Large Moves
Star Rating
BBB Rating A+
Deposit Required None
GET ESTIMATE

Frequently Asked Questions

Is United Van Lines a good company?

Yes, United Van Lines overall is a good moving company. The Better Business Bureau gives Unigroup, Inc., the parent company of United Van Lines an A+ rating. We have given them a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on the companies extensive service options, additional add-ons and coverage availability.

Is United Van Lines a broker or a carrier?

United Van Lines is both a broker and a carrier. They can help you with your move or connect you with a third-party mover than can help you depending on your area.

Who owns United Van Lines?

United Van Lines parent company is UniGroup, Inc.

Does United Van Lines require a deposit?

According to the United Van Lines website, “We [United Van Lines] don’t require an upfront down payment or deposit to book a move.”


Our Rating Methodology

We back up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score out of 100.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.