United Van Lines Review: Moving With Added Protection

United Van Lines at a Glance

Founded in 1928 and operating today under Unigroup, this provider has become one of the most recognizable van lines in the United States. They support households, businesses, and government clients with a broad range of services that include packing, transportation, storage solutions, and international shipping. Their network reaches most states through local agents, which allows them to manage local, long distance, and cross-country relocations for customers with different needs and budgets. Over the years, they have continued to refine their approach through standardized processes and shared best practices across their network.

This company offers convenience through add-ons such as corporate relocation, custom crating, auto transport, and short- or long-term storage. Their use of virtual surveys and the MyUnited Move Portal helps you manage tasks and communication in one place, making it easier to stay organized during a busy move. They also build each plan around shipment size and service level, giving you options that range from basic loading support to full packing and unpacking carried out by dedicated experts. Their default full value protection provides an added layer of reassurance by covering repair or replacement costs if belongings are damaged during transit.

Reputation plays a key role in their standing in the industry. They hold an A+ rating on the BBB, although they are not BBB-accredited, and are recognized as a ProMover through the former American Moving and Storage Association, now part of the ATA Moving and Storage Conference. They are also properly registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which oversees interstate household goods carriers. These credentials contribute to their public perception as a long-established provider with consistent oversight across their operations.

United Van Lines' Features & Solutions

Residential and long-distance moving services

• Local moves: Their agent network handles local moves within the same city or region, offering labor, transport, and optional packing based on your needs
• Long-distance moves: They manage long-distance relocations across state lines, coordinating logistics, loading, and delivery through their nationwide system
• Interstate moving support: Their FMCSA registration allows them to transport household goods safely across state lines, backed by regulated processes and documented shipment tracking
• International relocation: They provide global moving support through partner networks, handling customs guidance, overseas shipping plans, and destination-side services in more than one hundred fifty countries

Packing, loading, and specialty handling

• Professional packing services: You can choose full or partial packing, with crews trained to wrap fragile items, organize cartons, and prepare belongings for transit
• Unpacking options: They offer optional unpacking that includes box removal, basic setup, and help arranging rooms once belongings arrive
• Custom crating for valuables: High-risk items such as artwork, antiques, and electronics receive tailored crating built to prevent movement and impact during travel
• Furniture care: Crews handle disassembly, padding, loading, and reassembly to protect your larger household pieces

Storage and add-on support

• Short- and long-term storage solutions: Their agent warehouses offer climate-controlled storage for customers who need extra time between move-out and move-in
• Car shipping: Auto transport can be added to your plan, giving you a coordinated way to move sedans, SUVs, or specialty vehicles alongside your household goods
• Debris removal: After unloading and unpacking, crews can remove packing material and dispose of empty cartons so your new home feels clean and ready
• Appliance and basic tech services: Select agents offer help disconnecting or reconnecting appliances, plus light assembly for items like a TV mount when included in your moving plan

Corporate and specialized relocation

• Corporate relocation services: They support employers and employees with relocation programs that coordinate timelines, housing logistics, and tailored packing plans
• Government and military moves: As a GSA-approved carrier, they meet federal requirements for military PCS moves and government employee transfers
• Small-shipment moving programs: Lighter loads can be moved through specialized options designed for customers with fewer boxes or single-room relocations

Planning tools and customer support

• MyUnited Move Portal: The move portal helps you organize documents, review your schedule, communicate with your coordinator, and monitor progress throughout the move
• Dedicated move coordinator: Each customer is paired with a coordinator who helps manage planning, service scheduling, and questions from beginning to end
• Virtual survey option: Instead of an in-home visit, you can complete a video walkthrough that allows the team to prepare an accurate moving quote

Protection and coverage

• Full value protection: Their moves include a valuation plan that covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement if belongings are damaged during transit, offering stronger coverage compared with basic carrier liability
• Customized valuation levels: You can raise or adjust your declared value if you prefer broader coverage for high-value items or delicate belongings

Costs, Fees, & Pricing Models

Booking a move begins with an in-home or virtual walkthrough that helps the provider understand your belongings, service needs, and preferred timeline. You can request a moving quote directly from their website, and the coordinator creates an estimate after reviewing details like shipment weight, distance, packing needs, and any add-on storage services. Because their system is built around customized planning, you will not find posted starting rates or flat-price packages for customers to browse.

There are no set prices publicly listed, and this is intentional. Their cost structure follows federally regulated tariff guidelines and adjusts based on the size of your shipment, the distance traveled, your selected service level, and any additional labor required. Through our research, we have found that they are generally considered a mid- to high-priced option for long-distance or full-service moves, especially when packing, crating, or specialty handling is included. Seasonal demand can also influence final costs, making early planning especially useful if you are moving during the summer months.

While they do not advertise financing, most customers can settle payments using major credit cards once the move is complete. Based on research done, it can be inferred that payment policies may differ across local agents, and not all locations accept cash or alternatives such as digital payment apps. Major upgrades, including premium packing materials or custom crating, are offered as optional add-ons during the estimate process.

When reviewing your estimate, it is important to look closely at the fine print. Certain situations, such as long carries, shuttle trucks for hard-to-access neighborhoods, or inventory changes after the survey, can result in extra fees. These adjustments are common within the moving industry and often relate to additional freight labor or logistics requirements. Asking your coordinator to walk through possible scenarios can help you avoid unexpected costs and give you a clearer sense of how the final price may shift based on your home layout or service preferences.

Advantages

• Extensive range of services that simplifies planning: Their broad menu of moving, packing, storage, and auto shipping options makes it easier to manage a relocation without coordinating multiple companies. This can save you time and reduce stress since one provider oversees every step
• Nationwide coverage supported by consistent operational systems: Their large network reaches most states through trained agents who follow shared standards. This structure helps customers moving long distances feel more confident, especially when they want predictable timelines and coordinated support
• Built-in full value protection that strengthens peace of mind: Customers receive coverage that goes beyond basic carrier liability, which can lower the risk of unexpected costs after a difficult move. This added protection can provide reassurance if you own fragile or high-value items
• Dedicated move coordinator for clearer communication: Every move includes a coordinator who acts as a single point of contact. This helps you stay organized, understand next steps, and manage any changes without having to call multiple departments
• Digital tools that support preparation and tracking: Their online tools, including the move portal, help you review documents, manage tasks, and stay informed throughout the process. This enables you to stay in control even during complex or fast-moving schedules
• Strong industry standing reinforced by decades of experience: Their long track record under Unigroup Logistics signals stability and makes them appealing to customers who prefer established providers with proven systems. This background can be especially valuable if your move involves tight deadlines, long distances, or multiple service layers
• Professional crews trained for specialized packing needs: Their teams handle delicate items with care, which benefits customers with artwork, antiques, electronics, or large furniture pieces that require extra attention. This level of professionalism helps reduce the likelihood of damage during transit

Disadvantages

• Inconsistent service quality due to the agent-based structure: Because local agents carry out the work, experiences can differ widely depending on your location. This can create uncertainty for customers who want the same level of service from start to finish
• Higher overall pricing compared with smaller or regional movers: Through our research, we have found that their quotes often fall into a mid- to high-price range, especially for full-service moves. This can make them less attractive if you are working with a strict budget
• Past complaints related to damage and slow claims handling: Some customers report challenges when filing claims, particularly during busy seasons or complex moves. This can create frustration if you are hoping for a quick resolution after finding damaged items
• Potential extra charges tied to access issues or inventory changes: Additional fees can appear when homes require long carries, stair carries, shuttle trucks, or when the inventory differs from what was originally surveyed. These surprises may affect your budget if your home layout is difficult to navigate
• Long delivery windows during peak moving seasons: Customers planning summer moves may experience broader delivery ranges, which can be stressful if you need belongings to arrive within a tight timeframe

Customer Experience

Customer feedback for this provider varies widely across major review platforms. On Yelp, they hold an average rating of 1.9 out of 5 stars, reflecting numerous dissatisfied experiences. Moreover, on Trustpilot, where the sample size is smaller, the company scores 2.7 out of 5 stars. Additionally, the provider maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, although they are not BBB accredited. These mixed ratings show that customer experiences tend to vary significantly depending on the local agent, crew, and the complexity of each move.

Positive feedback

Some customers describe moves that went smoothly due to careful handling, timely crews, and clear communication from coordinators. A number of reviews mention belongings arriving intact and crews showing professionalism from start to finish. Others appreciate the guidance provided during scheduling and packing, noting that when teams stayed responsive, the process felt more predictable and manageable. A few reviewers also highlight organized planning, coordinated pickup times, and supportive staff members who helped reduce moving-day stress.

Critical feedback

Common complaints include lost or damaged items, unresponsive communication, and delivery delays that stretched longer than expected. Many customers also report challenging claims experiences, with disputes about reimbursement amounts or long processing times. Some users describe price changes after booking, along with frustration over unclear explanations for added fees or revised delivery windows. Yelp reviewers often mention inconsistent service quality, including rushed packing, missing items upon arrival, or crews that did not communicate as clearly as expected.

How the company responds to feedback

On the BBB, the company responds to a significant number of complaints by outlining policy details, explaining valuation coverage, and offering follow-up solutions when possible. These replies show a willingness to address issues, though some customers still report feeling dissatisfied with the pace or outcome of the resolution process.

Customer Support

This provider guides customers through every stage of their move using phone support, email options, and digital tools. Their coordinator-based approach provides a consistent point of contact, which is helpful whether you are planning a long-distance relocation, managing a corporate transfer, or coordinating multiple services at once.

Support options

• Customer service phone support: General assistance is available through their main support line at 877-740-3040
• Contact form for email communication: You can submit questions or documents directly through their contact form
• MyUnited Move Portal for ongoing communication: Their digital platform helps you track your move, manage documents, and stay connected with your coordinator through the move portal
• No live chat available: They do not currently offer website-based live chat, so coordinators, email, and phone are the primary support channels

Additional resources

• FAQs and moving guides: Their library of packing tips, valuation explanations, claim details, and prep guides is available in the moving tips hub
• Planning checklists: Many checklists and planning timelines are included within the same resource hub, offering step-by-step help during your move

Strengths in customer support

Their coordinator-based model stands out as a major strength. Having a single point of contact helps reduce confusion, streamline scheduling, and keep communication consistent. This is especially beneficial for long-distance relocations where timing, services, and expectations all need close coordination.

Areas where support can fall short

Some customers report difficulty reaching coordinators during busy seasons, which can lead to slower updates or unanswered questions. Others mention delays in claims processing or billing responses after delivery. These issues tend to vary by local agent, which can impact how quickly concerns are addressed.

Final Thoughts

United Van Lines offers a wide service menu, experienced crews, and nationwide coverage, which makes them a strong option if you want a provider that can manage complex or long-distance relocations. Their coordinator-based model and built-in protection add clarity and reassurance, while their digital tools help you stay organized throughout the move. At the same time, the agent-based structure creates variability in customer experiences, and some users report challenges with communication, claims processing, or unexpected fees. Your overall satisfaction may depend on the local team assigned to your project and how closely your service needs match the options they provide.

If you want to see how this provider stacks up against others, you can explore our full collection of moving company reviews for a broader perspective. For a clearer breakdown of differences in service quality, features, or pricing factors, you can use our interactive comparison tool to evaluate your options side by side. And if you want practical guidance, planning advice, or tips to avoid common pitfalls during your move, our educational articles offer helpful resources to support you through the process.