United Van Lines
Honest Review
America's #1 mover by volume, with the largest network of long distance moving agents.
United Van Lines: pros and cons
✓ Pros
- Largest van line network in the US — coverage in every state
- Publishes annual National Movers Study (industry-recognized data)
- Strong corporate relocation program used by Fortune 500 companies
- Full-value protection and high-value item coverage available
- Average customer rating consistently above 4.2 across major review platforms
✗ Cons
- Premium pricing — typically 20–35% above budget carriers
- Service quality depends on the local agent fulfilling the move
- Long sales process compared to instant-quote competitors
- Less competitive on routes under 800 miles
Best for / not ideal for
Best for
- Cross-country moves
- Family relocations 3+ bedrooms
- Corporate transfer programs
- International moves
Not ideal for
- Studio and 1-bedroom budget moves
- Same-week emergency moves
- Local in-town moves
Smart move
Whatever your situation, always compare United Van Lines's quote against 2 alternative licensed carriers. Quote spreads of 20–35% are common on identical routes.
Our honest take on United Van Lines
United is the gold standard for cross-country and corporate moves. Their network depth means they can handle nearly any route, including remote destinations smaller carriers won't service. The trade-off is price — expect to pay 20–35% more than mid-tier alternatives. For 3-bedroom-plus relocations crossing multiple states, the premium often pays for itself in fewer claims and on-time delivery.
Worth knowing: United is rarely the cheapest option. We can match you with 2 alternative quotes (often from Allied, Mayflower, or strong regional carriers) for direct comparison. Most customers save $1,000–$2,800 by comparing 3 quotes.
FAQ — United Van Lines
Is United Van Lines a legitimate moving company?
Yes, United Van Lines is a licensed FMCSA-registered interstate moving carrier with USDOT number 077949 and MC number MC-67234. Founded in 1928 and headquartered in Fenton, Missouri. You can verify their active operating authority at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov.
How much does United Van Lines charge for a long distance move?
United Van Lines is priced in the $$$ tier — premium. Actual cost depends on shipment weight, distance, season, and add-ons. Always compare against 2 alternative quotes for the same route — savings of 15–30% are common.
What is United Van Lines best known for?
United Van Lines is best for: Cross-country moves, Family relocations 3+ bedrooms, Corporate transfer programs, International moves. They are typically not the best fit for: Studio and 1-bedroom budget moves, Same-week emergency moves, Local in-town moves. For your specific move, get a quote and compare against 2 alternatives.
Should I get other quotes besides United Van Lines?
Yes — always. Long distance moving prices vary by 20–40% between licensed carriers serving the same route. Getting 3 quotes is the single most effective way to save money on an interstate move. We can match you with route-experienced alternatives in 60 seconds.