Bottom line: We’ve evaluated dozens of movers, and United Van Lines stands out for its wide range of services, full-value protection, and nationwide availability.
While it may not be the most budget-friendly option, UVL’s reputation for reliability, dedicated move coordinators, and add-on services make it a strong choice for customers who want a full-service experience.
In this review, we’ll break down United’s pricing, services, and customer feedback, as well as how it stacks up to other movers.
United Van Lines at a Glance
| MC# | DOT# | Year Established | Type | State Availability | Online Quote Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MC-67234 | USDOT 77949 | 1928 | Carrier & Broker | 46 states* | No |
*Not in RI, HI, VT, or WV
Pros and Cons of United Van Lines
Pros
- Offers unique add-on services, such as debris removal, home cleaning, and electronics setup
- No deposit required to book a move
- International moves to 150+ countries
- Full-value protection included in every quote
Cons
- Pricing tends to be higher than some competitors
- No instant online quotes
- Brokers out some moves
Services United Van Lines Offers
United Van Lines provides a comprehensive suite of moving services, making it an excellent choice if you’re looking for a hands-off moving experience.
- Local and long-distance moving: United offers moving services in 46 states, partnering with local carriers for moves outside of its coverage area.
- International moving: United has international moving experience with customers to over 150 countries, offering customs assistance and global property protection.
- Corporate relocation: Businesses can use United’s services for employee relocations and office moves.
- Military and government moves: UVL is a GSA-approved mover, frequently handling military PCS moves and government relocations.
- Packing and unpacking: Customers can choose from full-service packing, fragile-only packing, or self-pack options.
- Storage services: United offers short- and long-term storage in secure, climate-controlled facilities.
- Auto transportation: The company provides door-to-door vehicle transport for cars, motorcycles, and boats.
- Electronics installation: United’s moving teams can disassemble and set up TVs, home theater systems, and other electronics.
- Cleaning and debris pickup: After unpacking, customers can request debris removal or professional cleaning services for their old or new homes.
Cost of Moving With United Van Lines
Based on the quotes we’ve collected, United Van Lines isn’t the cheapest moving company, but it offers full-value protection as part of its base pricing. United typically falls within the mid-to-high range for full-service movers.
Here’s a look at some average rates for United Van Lines:
| Move Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom apartment (200 miles) | $1,250 – $2,500 |
| 2- to 3-bedroom home (1,000 miles) | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| 4+ bedroom home (cross-country) | $5,500 – $14,000 |
United Van Lines Discounts
Unfortunately, United Van Lines doesn’t advertise any discounts. Meanwhile, several of its competitors offer discounts to military members, and some movers offer seasonal and local discounts.
Even so, we always recommend asking a representative if there are any discounts when you get a moving quote.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Moving With United Van Lines
The final cost of your move depends on several factors. Here’s what will impact the cost of your United Van Lines move the most:
- Distance of the move: Longer moves take more gas, labor, and vehicle maintenance, increasing costs.
- Weight and volume of belongings: Heavier and larger shipments will cost more to transport.
- Additional services: If you add on services like packing, storage, or vehicle transport, you can expect to pay more.
- Time of year: It’s usually more expensive to move in the summer, which is peak moving season.
Learn more about moving costs by state
Getting Moving Quotes From United Van Lines
Like most full-service movers that use flat-rate pricing, United Van Lines doesn’t provide instant online quotes. To get a binding estimate from UVL, follow these steps:
- Request a quote. You can use UVL’s online form to request a quote.
- Schedule an in-home estimate. A representative will survey your belongings and help you customize your moving plan.
- Receive a binding estimate. Once you get your quote, you can finalize your move details with the moving coordinator.
United Van Lines Customer Reviews
Here are a few firsthand reviews from United Van Lines customers detailing the highs and lows of their moves:
“The movers were on time, packed my items carefully, and delivered everything within the estimated timeframe. The only downside was that my claim for a damaged item took longer than expected.”
“We moved from Illinois to Kentucky and were pretty stressed about it. We never wondered where our furniture or other things were, they were friendly and easy to ask questions of. We would use them again, just dont want to move again in a long time!”
“United made a very difficult task so much more manageable. My service rep kept me informed with every step of the process. The packers and the movers were on time and very efficient in their jobs. The driver of the van was so personable, friendly, and helpful. I would definitely use them again for my next move.”
“We hadn’t moved in about 25 years so we were not really prepared for what we needed to do to get ready for this move. The UVL rep was very knowledgeable and gave good advice, and his estimate proved to be very accurate. Next time we’ll be more judicious about what we choose to move, and what we choose to leave behind or sell ahead of time.”
“My company relocated me to another state. The packers and movers that were sent did a very good job. There were minimal issues along the way but we were very pleased that our stuff arrived within a few days at our new destination.”
Compare United Van Lines to Other Top Movers
United Van Lines vs. Mayzlin Relocation
Both UVL and Mayzlin are on our list of the best interstate moving companies, with stellar reputations and comprehensive full-service moving packages.
Mayzlin usually costs less than UVL, and its price matching policy makes it an even better fit for movers on a budget. United Van Lines, however, includes full-value protection in all of its quotes, making it a better choice for customers with high-value items. It also offers unique add-on services like debris removal.
United Van Lines vs. American Van Lines
American Van Lines is another reputable national moving company that handles long-distance moves.
American Van Lines employs full-time movers and always acts as a carrier rather than outsourcing to partners. This ensures more consistent service quality. However, United offers more add-on services like home cleaning and electronics setup that could make them a better fit for some customers.
FAQs
Does United Van Lines require a deposit?
No, unlike a lot of its competitors, United Van Lines doesn’t require an upfront deposit to book a move, giving you more flexibility as you prepare to relocate.
Is United Van Lines a broker or a carrier?
United Van Lines is both a carrier and a broker, which means it’s licensed to handle moves using its own fleet and staff but sometimes contracts out moves to other companies.
Are United Van Lines and Mayflower owned by the same company?
Yes. United Van Lines and Mayflower are owned by the same parent company, UniGroup. Between the two van lines, the company handles moves anywhere in the continental U.S., as well as several other countries.
Key Takeaways
United Van Lines is a premium full-service mover with extensive services and strong customer support.
- Strengths: Comprehensive moving services, full-value protection, and shipment tracking
- Pricing: Higher than some competitors but includes full-value insurance coverage
- Customer feedback: Positive reviews for reliability, with some complaints about claims processing
- State availability: Available in 46 states, excluding RI, HI, VT, and WV
If you need a mover with full-service options and generous insurance coverage, United Van Lines is worth considering. We recommend getting a quote from UVL and a few other movers before choosing a company.