United Van Lines review: one of the largest and most established van lines in the U.S., backed by an agent-owned parent company. A strong choice for long-distance and corporate moves, as long as you vet the local agent.
United traces its roots to 1928 and has operated as United Van Lines since 1933. Today it’s part of UniGroup, an agent-owned company that also owns Mayflower. Here’s what United offers, how van lines like it work, what to expect on cost and how to protect yourself when you book.
Compare Long-Distance Mover QuotesUnited Van Lines at a Glance
| Founded | 1928 (as Return Loads Service); United Van Lines since 1933 |
| Parent company | UniGroup, owned by its affiliated agents and management; sister brand of Mayflower |
| Network | 300+ affiliated agents in the U.S. and Canada |
| Services | Interstate, local (in most states), international and corporate relocation, packing, storage, vehicle shipping |
| Best for | Long-distance and corporate moves with full-service packing |
Our Verdict
United is one of the most recognized names in long-distance moving, and its agent-owned parent gives local agents a real stake in the brand’s reputation. It handles everything from full packing to storage-in-transit and international moves, and it’s a common choice for corporate relocations. Like every van line, your experience depends heavily on the local agent assigned to your move, so check that agent’s reviews and FMCSA record, not just United’s brand reputation.
- Large, established nationwide network
- Full range of services, including international
- Agent-owned parent company
- Strong option for corporate relocations
- Typically priced above budget movers
- Quality varies by local agent
- Local moves not available in every state
How United Works: It’s All About the Local Agent
Like other major van lines, United Van Lines works through a network of independently owned local moving companies called agents. When you request a quote, a local agent typically does your in-home or virtual survey, prepares the estimate, and handles packing and loading. The van line coordinates the long-haul transport and sets the standards agents must meet.
That means two customers of the same van line can have very different experiences. Before you book, find out which agent will handle your move and check:
- Recent reviews for that specific agent, not just the national brand.
- FMCSA registration. Interstate movers must have a USDOT number. Look it up on the FMCSA website and review the complaint history.
- Who does the work. Ask whether the agent’s own crew will pack and load, or whether parts of the move are subcontracted.
Learn more in our guide to what to know before hiring movers and our explainer on movers vs. brokers.
What Does United Cost?
Van lines price interstate moves mainly by the weight of your shipment and the distance, plus packing, storage and any extra services. Full-service interstate moves commonly cost several thousand dollars, and large homes moving cross-country can run well into five figures. Summer and month-end dates cost more.
Get a ballpark with our long-distance moving cost calculator, then get written estimates from at least three movers. Here’s how the main estimate types compare:
| Estimate type | How it works |
|---|---|
| Binding | The price is locked in as long as your shipment and services don’t change. |
| Binding not-to-exceed | You pay the lower of the estimate or the actual weight-based price. Usually the best deal for consumers. |
| Non-binding | The final price is based on actual weight. At delivery you generally can’t be required to pay more than 110% of the estimate, with any remainder billed later. |
Is United Right for You?
A major van line like United makes the most sense for long-distance and interstate moves where you want full service: packing, loading, transport and storage handled by one company. For smaller moves or tighter budgets, a portable moving container or a rental truck can cost far less. See how they compare in our guide to container moving vs. traditional movers.
Tips for Booking a Van Line
- Get at least three in-home or virtual estimates. Avoid any mover that quotes a firm price without seeing your belongings.
- Ask for a binding or binding not-to-exceed estimate.
- Book early, especially for summer moves.
- Read “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move,” which interstate movers are required to give you.
- Don’t pay a large deposit up front. Reputable movers rarely require one.
- Plan for the end of the move. See how much to tip movers.
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How much does United Van Lines cost?
United prices depend on how much you’re moving, how far, the time of year and the services you choose. Full-service interstate moves commonly run several thousand dollars, and more for large homes moving cross-country. Get an in-home or virtual survey for an accurate written estimate, and compare quotes from at least three movers.
Is United Van Lines the same as Mayflower?
They’re separate brands with the same parent company, UniGroup. Each has its own network of agents.
Is United Van Lines a broker or a mover?
United Van Lines is a licensed interstate household goods carrier that works through a network of local agents. The agent usually handles your estimate, packing and loading, while the van line coordinates the move under its own authority.
What’s the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate?
A binding estimate locks in your price as long as your shipment and services don’t change. A non-binding estimate can go up based on the actual weight, though federal rules generally cap what you must pay at delivery at 110% of the estimate, with any balance billed later.
Should I buy full value protection?
Basic released value coverage pays only 60 cents per pound per item, so a 50-pound TV would be covered for just $30. Full value protection costs more but covers repair, replacement or the current value of damaged items. It’s usually worth it for long-distance moves.