United Van Lines made our list of the best long-distance moving companies, earning recognition as our pick for best for cross-country moves. While average costs can run higher than some competitors, and service quality may vary by local agent, United remains a strong option if you want nationwide availability, full-service support, and a wide range of premium add-ons.
Colonial Van Lines
|
Safeway Moving
|
American Van Lines
|
Key Takeaways
- “Full-service” moving support: United offers full-service moves with optional packing and a range of premium add-on services you won’t find with most movers, including cleaning, debris removal, electronics setup, and short- or long-term storage
- Transparent pricing: In-home or virtual estimates with binding and non-binding options
- Established experience: With more than 90 years in operation, United handles local, long-distance, international, corporate, and military relocations
- Extensive national agent network: Over 300 local agents across 46 states
Why You Can Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint
Our mission at FreightWaves Checkpoint is to provide readers with data-driven, unbiased moving and car shipping information and company reviews.
We evaluated more than 4,000 pro movers across the U.S. using our in-house ranking system. Our ratings are based on key factors like cost, customer satisfaction, and services. We also analyze thousands of online reviews to determine companies’ most common strengths and potential downsides.
We strive to deliver the information that is most relevant to your needs. Our team of experts regularly fact-checks all articles to ensure what we give you is accurate and up-to-date.
We’re Here To Help
Is United Right for You?
Choose United Van Lines if:
- You want a full-service move with add-ons like cleaning or debris removal
- You need nationwide availability and a large agent network
- You’re coordinating a corporate or government relocation
Look elsewhere if:
- You want the best pricing or instant online quotes
- You prefer working directly with a single moving company (not agents)
- You’re moving long-distance on a tighter budget
United Van Lines Pros & Cons
Pros
- Personal moving coordinators
- Real-time shipment tracking
- GSA-approved (U.S. General Services Administration) for military relocations
- Car shipping available
Cons
- High minimum charges for smaller moves
- Not available in HI, RI, VT, or WV
How Much Does United Cost?
United Van Lines doesn’t publish fixed pricing because every move is customized based on shipment size, distance, and add-on services. However, our research shows that typical long-distance moves range between $4,000 and $8,500 for a two- to three-bedroom home. Prices include transportation, basic liability coverage, and professional loading and unloading.
Add-on services, such as packing, unpacking, furniture assembly, and storage, can raise the total cost by $1,000-$3,000 or more. You can choose between binding and non-binding estimates to control pricing predictability. With a binding estimate, your moving cost is based on the listed inventory and services, and it won’t change unless you add items or request additional services.
| Move Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Local (< 100 miles) | $1,200–$2,800 |
| Long-distance (1,000+ miles) | $4,000–$8,500 |
| Add-ons | +$1,000–$3,000 |
Factors That Affect Pricing
- Distance: Longer moves increase linehaul and fuel costs
- Weight: Heavier shipments increase total charges
- Add-ons: Services like packing, debris removal, or assembly add to total costs
- Time of year: Summer and early fall are peak pricing periods
- Access: Long carry distances, stairs, or parking challenges may add fees
United Van Lines Reviews at a Glance
| Review Platform | Rating Snapshot | What Customers Say |
|---|---|---|
| Trustpilot | 2.7 / 5 | Praise for professional crews and packing; complaints about pricing and agent coordination |
| ConsumerAffairs | 1.5 / 5 | Positive experiences with full-service moves, but recurring concerns around claims and communication |
| Google Reviews | Varies by location | Local agent performance heavily influences customer satisfaction |
What Customers Are Saying
★★★★★ “ I highly recommend Allied.”
Rating: 5/5 (Trustpilot)
“It was a completely smooth process … The movers scratched my parquet floor slightly, and United immediately took responsibility for repair. … outstanding customer service, start to finish! They far exceeded my expectations.”
– Rosanna
★★★★☆ “They were efficient, polite and attentive to our requests.”
Rating: 5/5 (ConsumerAffairs)
“Would recommend them again. This was a long haul and they were on time and unloaded everything without mishap.”
– Carol
★★☆☆☆ “The actual workers were efficient and did a great job of protecting and packing my furniture”
Rating: 2/5 (ConsumerAffairs)
“I recently used United Van Lines for a move from Arkansas to Florida. I do want to say that that the actual workers were efficient and did a great job of protecting and packing my furniture; however, I am very disappointed with my move. The estimated costs increased by $7800.00 when the movers had arrived at my house, packed all my items and put them on the truck!! I was told my cubic feet was greater than I had been previously informed. To top that I was expected to pay cash on the spot!!! Now I am waiting on delivery of my furniture; almost two weeks after my relocation. If I were you I might consider a different company.”
– Della
United Van Lines Services
- Local moves
- Long-distance and interstate moves
- International relocations
- Packing and unpacking
- Electronics and appliance disconnection and reconnection
- Cleaning and debris removal
- Climate-controlled storage (in some areas)
- Corporate and government relocation programs with moving support
- Auto transport coordination for cross-country moves
United Van Lines Policies & “Fine Print”
- Licensing and authority: United Van Lines operates under USDOT #077949 as an interstate motor carrier through its nationwide agent network. Customers can verify licensing, safety records, and complaint history using the FMCSA SAFER database.
- Service area: Available in most U.S. states through more than 300 local agents. United handles local, long-distance, interstate, international, corporate, and military moves, though service availability can vary by state and agent.
- Payment and deposits: A deposit is often required to reserve your moving date, but the amount and timing vary by local agent and move details. Final charges are based on either a binding or non-binding estimate.
- Discounts: United does not advertise standard consumer discounts. However, corporate, government, and military relocations may qualify for contracted pricing or negotiated rates.
- Cancellation: Cancellation policies vary by agent and estimate type. Fees may apply if you cancel close to your move date or after services (such as packing) have been scheduled.
United vs. the Competition
We compared United to two of our highest-rated long-distance movers, Colonial Van Lines and American Van Lines. Each of these movers offers professional packing, loading, and transport, but they differ in cost, communication, and customer experience.
| Company | Best For | Nationwide Coverage | Storage | Avg. Cost (1,000 miles) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United Van Lines | Add-on services | 46 states (not in AK, MT, ND, or WY) | ✔️ | $4,000–$8,500 |
| Colonial Van Lines | Overall | 48 states (not in AK or HI) | ✔️ | $2,500–$6,000 |
| American Van Lines | Reliable moves | 48 states (not in AK or HI) | ✔️ | $2,900–$6,800 |
United vs. Colonial Van Lines
We picked Colonial Van Lines as the best overall long-distance mover, thanks to their reputation for quality service, reliable scheduling, and transparent pricing. Colonial offers both full-service and partial-service options, including packing, storage, and corporate relocations.
While United excels in service variety, Colonial consistently delivers smoother long-distance coordination and stronger customer reviews across major routes.
Bottom line: Choose Colonial Van Lines if you want the best overall value for long-distance moves. Colonial delivers strong communication, dependable timing, and clear pricing that’s easy to understand.
United vs. American Van Lines
American Van Lines maintains its own in-house moving crews rather than relying on third-party agents. This consistency gives customers greater confidence in handling and delivery quality.
Compared to United, American offers similar service levels with more predictable pricing and high marks for professionalism.
Bottom line: Pick American Van Lines if you care most about consistency and professionalism. United offers more add-ons, but American’s streamlined process and predictable pricing make it the better fit for most long-distance moves.
FAQ
Does United Van Lines offer storage?
United offers short- and long-term storage through their agent network. Storage is typically climate-controlled and billed separately from your moving costs. Availability and pricing vary by location.
Is United Van Lines a carrier or a broker?
Like most van lines, United is a licensed carrier that operates through a nationwide network of local agents. Each agent manages booking and coordination but works under the United brand and USDOT authority, meaning United maintains responsibility for transportation and compliance.
This setup differs from how a moving broker operates. Brokers don’t perform moves themselves. Instead, they sell or outsource jobs to third-party carriers. You can learn more about the differences between the two models in our guide to moving brokers vs. carriers.
How do United Van Lines estimates work?
United provides in-home or virtual estimates that can be either binding (fixed price) or non-binding (based on actual weight). Binding estimates provide more cost certainty for large or long-distance moves.
Customers receive a written contract outlining all included services, insurance options, and potential surcharges before committing.
Does United Van Lines require a deposit?
A deposit is typically required to secure your moving date. The exact amount and timing vary based on factors such as move size, distance, and the services requested.
However, independent reviews indicate that some customers were able to book without an upfront deposit, suggesting that requirements may differ by agent or region. Be sure to ask your agent explicitly whether a deposit is needed and how it will be applied to your final invoice.
How far in advance should I book a move with United Van Lines?
Schedule your move with United at least four to six weeks in advance, especially during peak moving season from May through September.
For smaller or local moves, some agents can accommodate shorter notice, but availability may be limited.
Does United Van Lines offer moving supplies or boxes?
Many United agents sell or provide moving supplies such as boxes, packing tape, and specialty cartons for TVs or dishes. Some full-service moves include supplies as part of the packing package, while others may charge separately.
You can also purchase supplies through United’s Move Portal or pick them up directly from your local agent if you’re packing yourself.
What kind of insurance coverage does United Van Lines offer?
United offers multiple levels of protection, including basic released value coverage and full value protection, which covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement for lost or damaged items. Full value protection is included by default on most long-distance moves but can be waived for a lower rate.
Your move coordinator will help you understand coverage limits and options before your move date, so you can choose the plan that fits your shipment’s value and risk tolerance.
