United Van Lines Review: Pricing and Services
Here’s the bottom line: United Van Lines is a highly rated, national full-service mover that serves 46 states and provides 24/7 tracking, extensive add-on services, and a dedicated move coordinator for every reservation. While it receives a lot of praise for efficiency, some reviews cite damage, missed deadlines, and weak communication with UVL’s third-party agents. The company doesn’t quite make the cut for our list of the best interstate moving companies in the country, but it could be worthwhile for people with the right budget.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 4,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Pros and cons of moving with United Van Lines
United Van Lines is a popular long-distance mover because they provide a wide range of service options, including uncommon services like home cleaning. Full-value protection on every move quote can also provide much-needed peace of mind as you ship your stuff.
- Assigns a dedicated move coordinator to each reservation
- Convenient online shipment tracking
- Free cancellation up until the moving date
- No deposit required
- Offers unique add-ons such as debris removal, TV setup and disassembly, and door-to-door auto transport
- Provides full-service packing, storage, and custom crating
- Doesn’t operate in all states (not available in Rhode Island, Hawaii, Vermont, or West Virginia)
- Longer quote process isn’t ideal for tight time frames
- Often more expensive than other full-service movers
Key takeaways
- Compare quotes for the best rate: Getting quotes side by side is the single best way to save on a full-service move. moveBuddha users save an average of 30% compared to their first quote. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator to compare real-time estimates in minutes.
- In-person estimates available: The company offers in-person and virtual estimates to ensure your quote is accurate and accounts for all the services you need.
- More services than most competitors: United Van Lines (USDOT#77949) offers cleaning, technology support, and custom crating alongside its standard moving services.
- Not the lowest-cost option: United Van Lines tends to run more expensive than other full-service movers, but it’s a solid choice if customer service quality and coverage are priorities.
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What customers had to say about United Van Lines
We analyzed hundreds of UVL reviews. Positive reviews praised the company’s thorough estimates and support from a move coordinator. Negative reviews tended to focus on damaged items, usually tied to the local moving services that United brokers for some of its moves.
At moveBuddha, we like to get direct insights and moving experiences from people who have used companies like United through our Better Moves Project. Here are a few details of our reader Amy’s experience with UVL.
- The move: After ruling out DIY and hybrid moving companies, our reader Amy reached out to United Van Lines for her move from New York to Texas.
- Moving day: In Amy’s case, her driver’s moving help arrived within 30 minutes of their scheduled arrival time. The crew loaded the entirety of Amy’s three-bedroom home in seven hours. This time frame even included wrapping, custom crating, and loading her arcade machine into the truck.
- Transport: Amy got her driver’s phone number and received updates throughout the drive. Her items arrived in Texas nine days later and well within her estimated delivery window. The driver called the day before delivery, which Amy appreciated.
- Delivery: Amy checked things off as the crew unloaded them and everything was accounted for, but a few items had damage. She quickly submitted a claim, and within a couple days, it was approved with a check in the mail.
- Amy’s review of United Van Lines: “I cannot say enough about how good the communication with United and its partners was. They were very professional and courteous. I cannot think of anything I would change. They were great to work with. I had a five-star experience and would recommend United Van Lines to anyone.”
How much it costs to move with United Van Lines
The following table gives a general idea of how much United Van Lines costs based on the type of move. Keep in mind that exact moving costs can vary based on the time of year, your starting and ending locations, and the type of add-on services you choose. As of 2026, rising fuel costs have pushed full-service moving prices up. Use the moveBuddha moving cost calculator for a real-time estimate based on current market conditions.
| Move Size | Local move (<50 miles) | Medium-distance move (250–1,000 miles) | Cross-country move (1,000+ miles) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $500–$1,000 | $1,500–$5,000 | $2,000–$6,000 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,250–$2,500 | $3,000–$6,000 | $5,500–$9,000 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,500–$3,000 | $4,500–$7,500 | $7,600–$14,000 |
United Van Lines offers the option to fill out an online form to set up a phone call, email, or text to begin the quoting process. In many cases, the company will send out a representative from one of its partner carriers to survey your belongings.
After you get a quote from United Van Lines, compare it to our moving cost calculator to see how it stacks up against other top full-service movers.
What services does United Van Lines offer?
United Van Lines gives customers a long list of services, including many you won’t find with other full-service movers. In addition to its own fleet of over 4,000 trucks and trailers, United brokers moving services with partner carriers in its network when it can’t directly accommodate your needs.
- Auto transportation: United’s car shipping services transport customers’ vehicles door-to-door. If the trailer can’t reach your home directly, the company will coordinate a local drop-off point in the area.
- Cleaning and debris pickup: United Van Lines offers additional services within 30 days of your move to tie up loose ends at your former property. They can also pick up and dispose of moving materials once you’re done unpacking at your new home.
- Corporate moves: United Van Lines offers a full-service corporate package that covers everything from packing and storage to realtor acquisition.
- Electronics installation: United Van Lines movers provide basic wall mount disassembly and mount setup for up to two TVs for your home theater or bedrooms.
- Full-value protection: United Van Lines stands out for offering stronger insurance coverage than many full-service moving companies. While basic valuation coverage is often around $0.60 per pound, United offers full-value protection of $6 per pound as part of its standard quotes, making it a solid option for high-value or fragile items.
- Government and military moves: United Van Lines is a GSA-approved company trusted to transport goods for the government or military, including moving military families for temporary duty or a Permanent Change of Station.
- International moves: United Van Lines’ international moving specialists can create a custom plan for moves outside the United States, with experience transporting goods to more than 150 countries and global property protection included.
- Local moves: United Van Lines works with trusted local moving services to schedule residential moves within the same city or within 50 miles of the origin location.
- Long- and short-term storage services: United Van Lines offers a variety of storage options for every customer. Residential and long-distance customers have access to short-term storage, and United can store items as long as necessary for international moves.
- Long-distance moves: United Van Lines moving coordinators walk customers through federally required paperwork and documentation, ensuring you have a thorough moving checklist so everything goes smoothly.
- Packing and unpacking: UVL offers full-service packing and unpacking, including custom crating for specialty and bulk items. They also sell packing materials if you prefer to do the boxing up yourself. Basic furniture assembly and disassembly is included in some packages.
How United Van Lines stacks up against the competition
Below, we’ve compared United Van Lines’ services, reputation, and reach to other reliable moving companies. It’s a good idea to get quotes from each of these companies when planning your move.
United Van Lines vs. Safeway Moving
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha’s top-rated full-service interstate mover, ranking above United Van Lines in our 72-point evaluation across customer reviews, pricing transparency, and service quality.
Both companies offer dedicated move coordinators, full-value protection, and binding estimates. Safeway serves 48 states — two more than United Van Lines — and tends to come in at a more competitive price point for long-distance moves.
If you’re deciding between the two, we recommend getting a quote from both. Safeway’s combination of strong customer ratings and competitive pricing is why it ranks at the top of our list of the best interstate moving companies.
rating
4.99 / 5
United Van Lines vs. American Van Lines
American Van Lines is different from United Van Lines because the former only operates as a carrier, whereas United Van Lines sometimes outsources services to its partners. Because American Van Lines only operates as a carrier, it can maintain tighter control over training and quality standards. That consistency is a big part of why it ranks among the top moving companies.
rating
4.9 / 5
American Van Lines advertises full-value protection, but it may not be available in all areas. United Van Lines includes it as a standard option in every quote. Like United Van Lines, American Van Lines offers flat-rate pricing or binding estimates that won’t change throughout the moving process.
United Van Lines vs. International Van Lines
International Van Lines (IVL), as the name implies, is another strong choice when planning for an international move. The company services 180 countries, as well as all 50 states, giving it an advantage over United in terms of availability. Similar to United Van Lines, IVL also offers full-value protection plans and 30 days of free storage with its moves.
rating
4.6 / 5
| Company | BBB Score | State Availability | Full-Value Protection? |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Van Lines | A+ | 46 (not in HI, RI, VT, or WV) | Yes |
| Safeway Moving | A+ | 48 (not in AK or HI) | Yes |
| Mayzlin Relocation | A- | 48 (not in AK or HI) | Yes |
| American Van Lines | A+ | 48 (not in AK or HI) | Limited availability |
| International Van Lines | NR | 50 | Yes |
How moving with United Van Lines works
United Van Lines’ moving process can vary depending on the size of your move and how far you’re moving, but there are a few common threads to keep in mind.
How to get an estimate
While you can’t get instant online estimates from United Van Lines, getting an estimate is still relatively straightforward. Start by filling out a form with some basic information about your move and the services you’re interested in on their website. At the end, you enter your contact information and select whether to be contacted via phone call, text, or email.
A service representative will then contact you to discuss your move in greater detail. Depending on where you live, a United moving agent will either visit your home in-person or conduct a virtual moving estimate to produce a binding estimate. All estimates are provided free of charge.
Booking process
If you hire United Van Lines after receiving an estimate, the company doesn’t require a deposit to book your move. You will work with your moving coordinator to schedule your pickup and delivery dates, and go over any questions or concerns you have before the movers arrive.
Your move coordinator will help you select and coordinate any services you might need. For example, they will help you schedule packers to prepare your items for transit if you use United’s packing and unpacking services. If you’re using UVL’s packing services, the crew typically arrives to pack your belongings at least one day before moving day.
Expensive items like jewelry must be listed on a high-value inventory form if you plan to use United’s full-value protection coverage. Your move coordinator will help you complete this form.
Availability
United Van Lines recommends scheduling your move four to six weeks in advance to ensure availability on your preferred dates. The company is available for local and long-distance moves in 46 states (does not service Hawaii, Rhode Island, Vermont, or West Virginia).
On moving day, your driver may arrive a few minutes ahead of the rest of the labor help, so it’s a good idea to leave some flexibility in your schedule. Movers will load the previously packed items onto your truck, while also taking care of any wrapping or custom crating that needs to be done for fragile items at this time.
As for interstate moving services, you can track your shipment’s progress online, so you’ll know exactly where it is located. Drivers typically will call before delivery day so you know when to expect them at your new home.
Federal regulations require you to pay in full before the crew unloads the truck at your destination. United accepts cash, credit cards, traveler’s checks, money orders, and cashier’s checks.
Should you use United Van Lines to move?
Use United Van Lines if:
- Car transport and specialty services: United Van Lines handles door-to-door auto transport, custom crating, and other add-ons that most full-service movers don’t offer.
- International relocation: United Van Lines has experience moving customers to more than 150 countries and can build a custom international plan with global property protection.
- Personal move coordinator: Each reservation includes a dedicated coordinator who oversees logistics, helps with paperwork, and is available to answer questions throughout the process.
- Wide selection of optional services: If you want debris removal, TV mounting, home cleaning, or technology setup, United Van Lines offers more add-ons than most full-service competitors.
Do not use United Van Lines if:
- Budget-sensitive move: United Van Lines typically costs more than other full-service movers. If price is a primary concern, run your move through the moveBuddha moving cost calculator first. You’ll get instant side-by-side estimates from Safeway Moving, American Van Lines, and others in minutes.
- Last-minute relocation: The company typically schedules in-person or virtual walkthroughs before generating a binding estimate. If you need to move quickly, the longer quote process may not fit your timeline.
FAQ
Why is United Van Lines so expensive?
United Van Lines isn’t going to be the cheapest full-service moving company you can find, but don’t rule it out before you receive an accurate quote. United Van Lines’ moving services are high-quality and worth the price if you can afford it.
United Van Lines’ cost estimates depend on numerous factors, including your moving date, weight and volume of your household goods, add-on services, insurance coverage, and the distance between your current home and your new home.
Does United Van Lines offer discounts?
With a higher price point in general, United Van Lines offers discounts and other promotions less often compared to competitors. But it is always a good idea to call and speak to a customer service representative to make sure you’re getting the best price.
Who owns United Van Lines?
UniGroup owns United Van Lines. The parent company is headquartered in St. Louis and also owns popular moving companies such as Mayflower Transit and Allegiant Move Management.
Is United Van Lines better than most companies?
United Van Lines offers better insurance coverage than many full-service moving companies, which can be a major plus if you have a lot of fragile or high-value items. While most moving companies have basic valuation coverage of around $0.60 per pound, United Van Lines offers full-value protection of $6 per pound as part of its standard quotes.
How we chose the best moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.
Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.
Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.
State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.
Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).
Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.
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