Allied Van Lines vs U-Pack

Allied Van Lines vs. U-Pack

Allied Van Lines and U‑Pack represent two very different long-distance moving approaches that are popular with people moving across state lines. Allied is a traditional full-service van line with extensive logistics and crews, while U-Pack is a self-service transport option that lets customers pack and load themselves. This comparison is valuable for anyone planning an interstate or cross-country move who wants a clearer sense of how service models, cost structures, and overall flexibility differ between these options.

Services and availability

Allied Van Lines operates a full suite of moving services nationwide. They handle local, long-distance, interstate, and international relocations with professional crews who pack, load, transport, and unload on your behalf. Allied also provides specialty services such as fine art and piano moving, vehicle transport, and short- and long-term storage, all coordinated through a network of agents across the United States. They even offer container-style options like Allied Express for customers seeking a hybrid between full service and container moves. Their broad service catalog makes them a good fit for a wide range of move types and sizes.

U-Pack focuses exclusively on long-distance and interstate moves with a self-service model. They deliver moving trailers or modular ReloCube containers to your location; you do the packing and loading, and they drive your belongings to your new home. U-Pack’s pricing includes transportation and fuel, and they offer various delivery options such as door-to-door, service center delivery, and guaranteed delivery. While their service coverage is national for long-distance moves, they do not handle local moves under approximately 100 to 150 miles or provide full-service packing. Instead, their model is designed for those willing to take on the physical loading and unloading in exchange for lower transport costs.

Reliability and moving experience

Allied Van Lines has decades of industry experience and a reputation built on full-service execution and agent support. Because Allied coordinates professional crews for every aspect of the move, customers generally experience predictable scheduling, professional packing expertise, and established claims handling if damages occur. Shipment tracking and dedicated move coordinators are often part of the process, giving customers a single point of contact from estimate to delivery. However, like many large agent-based carriers, actual experience can vary somewhat based on the local office handling a specific move.

U-Pack’s reliability is rooted in operational simplicity and a clear focus on transport logistics. Because you pack and load your own items, you maintain direct control over how belongings are secured, while U-Pack handles transport on a national freight network. Transit times tend to be faster on average than traditional movers because U-Pack specializes in moving freight efficiently. U-Pack’s A+ Better Business Bureau rating reflects consistent customer satisfaction with the core service, although the self-service model means customers are responsible for correctly packing and preparing their belongings for transport.

Pricing and value

Allied Van Lines typically uses a weight-based pricing model with binding or not-to-exceed estimates for long-distance moves, and they itemize optional services like packing, specialty handling, and storage. Because Allied provides full service, including professional labor, pricing is usually higher than a self-service alternative, but it covers labor costs and often includes valuation coverage options under federal moving regulations.

U-Pack’s pricing structure is space-based rather than weight-based: you pay for the trailer feet or number of containers you use, and fuel costs are included in the rate. This can make U-Pack significantly more affordable than full-service movers for many long-distance relocations, especially when customers are able to pack and load their belongings themselves. There are no deposits required to get a quote, and the transparent pricing model helps customers budget without surprises. The trade-off is that labor for loading and unloading is not included, though U-Pack can refer to local moving help.

Conclusion

Allied Van Lines and U-Pack appeal to different types of long-distance movers. Allied is best for customers seeking a full-service experience with professional crews, flexible service offerings, and end-to-end support, making them ideal for large households, specialty items, or international relocations. U-Pack is best for cost-conscious movers comfortable with self-loading who want reliable transport without the labor costs of a full-service mover. Evaluating how much hands-on work you want to do, along with your budget and timeline, will help determine which option aligns most closely with your move.