Moving
Top Companies in 2026
Bekins Van Lines vs United Van Lines
Press [Add to Compare] to Edit, Add or Remove Vendors
- Full-service options for long-distance and international moves
- Packing, storage, and specialty item handling available
- Experience with corporate and government relocations
- Nationwide coverage through an established agent network
- Inventory-based estimates for larger household moves
- Wide service coverage
- Coordinator-led support
- Professional packing options
- Built-in protection included
- Limited shipment tracking compared to modern GPS tools
- Service quality can vary by local agent and crew
- Claims handling is a common source of customer frustration
- Pricing can increase if inventory or access details change
- Quality varies by agent
- Higher overall pricing
- Slow claims for some
- Broad delivery windows
Bekins Van Lines is a long-standing moving provider founded in 1891, with roots in Sioux City, Iowa, and current operations managed as part of the Wheaton World Wide Moving group. Their services focus on full-service relocations, including local moves through agents, long-distance and interstate transport, international shipping, packing, storage, and specialty item handling. This structure positions them toward customers planning larger or more complex moves that benefit from coordinated logistics rather than quick, self-service solutions. Key features include inventory-based estimates, professional packing options, custom crating, storage-in-transit, and support for corporate and government relocations. A nationwide agent network allows them to serve a wide geographic area, though execution depends on the assigned local agent. Industry credentials include long-term participation in national van line operations and Better Business Bureau accreditation, reflecting compliance with formal standards. Customer feedback presents a mixed picture. Some movers report smooth experiences with careful crews and accurate estimates, while others point to delivery delays, pricing changes, or challenges during the claims process. These patterns make preparation and documentation especially important. This review breaks down how their services work, what customers commonly experience, and where strengths and limitations tend to appear, helping readers decide whether this provider aligns with their moving needs.
United Van Lines has been serving households and businesses since 1928 and operates from its headquarters in Fenton, Missouri. They support local, long distance, and interstate relocations through a large nationwide agent network, offering packing services, transportation, storage, auto transport, and international moving options. Their approach centers on providing a dedicated move coordinator to help you manage schedules, documents, and communication, while digital tools like the MyUnited Move Portal keep your planning details organized in one place. Most long distance moves include full value protection, which adds reassurance for customers moving fragile or high-value items. Customer feedback reflects a mix of positive experiences when communication is strong and crews are attentive, along with reports of delays, damage, or challenges with claims. They maintain an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, are registered with the FMCSA, and hold ProMover certification through the ATA Moving and Storage Conference, reinforcing their standing in the industry. Readers seeking more insight into their features, pricing structure, and overall service experience will find detailed guidance throughout this review.
- BBB Rating : A+
- Certified ProMover : Yes
- Door to Door Service : True
- Insurance/ Valuation Options : Released value protection, Full-value protection
- Tracking : True
- BBB Rating : A+
- Certified ProMover : Yes
- Door to Door Service : True
- Insurance/ Valuation Options : Full value protection, basic carrier liability
- Tracking : True
- One of the longest-operating van lines in the U.S. moving industry
- Integrated access to storage and logistics through affiliated agents
- Ability to manage complex, multi-stage, and cross-border relocations
- Backed by a larger moving and logistics group, offering broader infrastructure
- Full-value protection plan
- Claims assist program
- Online portal for corporate relocations
- Large nationwide network
- American Moving & Storage Association
- U.S. Department of Transportation
- American Moving & Storage Association
- U.S. Department of Transportation
- Blogs
- Help Center
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Blogs
- Help Center
- Live Chat
- Phone
- Corporate
- Cross-Country
- Government & Military
- Household
- International
- Local
- Long-Distance
- Specialty & High-Value
- Corporate
- Cross-Country
- Government & Military
- Household
- International
- Local
- Long-Distance
- Specialty & High-Value
Bekins Van Lines vs. United Van Lines
Moving with a national carrier gives you broader coverage, more service options, and the stability that comes from long-running operations. Bekins Van Lines and United Van Lines both fall into that category, but they serve customers in different ways. Here is how their services, reliability, and pricing compare so you can decide which one fits your upcoming move.
Services and availability
Bekins Van Lines supports local, interstate, and long-distance moves through more than three hundred fifty affiliated agents, and they say their network reaches ninety-five percent of the U.S. They also coordinate international moves through Crown Relocations instead of performing them directly. Their structure is typical for a van line, with each agent handling local and intrastate moves under their own company name and interstate moves under the Bekins brand. Customers can build a full service plan that includes packing, storage, special handling, or auto shipping, or they can choose a lighter package with only loading, transport, and unloading.
United Van Lines offers similar coverage but with deeper international reach through their own partner network in more than one hundred fifty countries. Their agents manage local, long-distance, and cross-country moves across most states. Services include packing, unpacking, custom crating, auto transport, storage, and corporate relocation support. They also use digital tools like the MyUnited Move Portal and offer virtual surveys to streamline planning. Their built-in full value protection sets them apart because it provides stronger coverage than the minimum federal requirement.
Reliability and moving experience
Bekins has a long history dating back to 1891 and is now part of Wheaton Group. Their agents handle most of the work, and the company says they monitor service quality and require background checks for crew members. Customer feedback often highlights good communication and careful handling, although some reviews mention delays, last-minute schedule changes, and challenges with claims. Shipment tracking is available online, and customers are assigned a move manager to guide planning and updates.
United Van Lines also relies on an agent network, which means service quality can vary by location. Still, they maintain strong credentials, including FMCSA registration and ProMover certification. They hold an A+ BBB rating and are known for offering more structured planning support. Their dedicated coordinator model helps customers manage logistics and reduces confusion during busy moves. On the other hand, some reviews mention slow claims handling and wide delivery windows during peak season. Their tracking tools and planning resources often receive positive feedback for helping customers stay organized.
Pricing and value
Bekins follows a tariff-based pricing model and does not require a deposit. Interstate moves are priced based on weight, distance, and added services. They offer non-binding, firm-binding, and option-binding estimates, providing customers with flexibility. Sample pricing collected by industry researchers shows interstate estimates ranging from about $6,700 to $10,100 for standard and full-service moves, with cross-country estimates extending up to $20,000. Their rates tend to run slightly higher than some competitors, especially for full-service moves that include packing and storage.
United Van Lines does not publish base rates; instead, it builds every quote from an in-home or virtual survey. Costs are determined by shipment size, distance, service level, and any access-related issues. Industry research places many of their long-distance moves in a mid to high range, particularly when customers add crating or specialty handling. They include full value protection by default, which adds value for customers moving fragile or high-value items. Fees for long carries, stairs, or shuttle service may appear on the final bill, so reviewing the estimate details closely is essential.
Conclusion
Bekins Van Lines works well for customers who want flexible estimate types, strong storage options, and a long-established network of agents. Their service range fits most household moves, and their option-binding quotes can help control costs. United Van Lines is better suited for customers who want more structured support, stronger included protection, and wider international capabilities. Their coordinator-led model and digital tools create a clearer planning experience for larger or more complex relocations. If you want a clearer idea of which company fits your move, comparing written estimates and reviewing local agent reviews can help you move forward with confidence.
Save Big on Moving
Fill out a quick form to claim special offers on Moving
