1-800-PACK-RAT vs United Van Lines
Researched and written by Daniel Harper · Reviewed by Amanda Brooks · Last reviewed August 2026
We publish no numeric score for moving companies, so this page names no winner. 1-800-PACK-RAT is described as best for container moves with steel weatherproof units, while United Van Lines is described as best for long-distance moves with full packing. Compare the registration and authority records below, verify each USDOT number on FMCSA SAFER, and get a binding estimate from both before booking.
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Side-by-side
| Category | 1-800-PACK-RAT | United Van Lines |
|---|---|---|
| USDOT | 1534531 | 077949 |
| MC # | MC-648624 | 67234 |
| Carrier or broker | both | both |
| Founded | 2002 | 1928 |
| Headquarters | Wake Forest, NC | Fenton, MO |
| Coverage | All 50 states | All 50 states |
| Services | Long-distance, Storage, Container/Portable | Long-distance, International, Packing, Storage, Auto transport, Corporate |
| Legal name on the federal filing | 1-800-PACK-RAT LLC | UNITED VAN LINES LLC |
| Entity status | A | A |
| Operating authority held | Household goods, Property, Carrier and broker | Household goods, Property, Carrier and broker |
| Power units on the census file | 345 | 4,731 |
| Drivers on the census file | 420 | 3,424 |
| Safety rating | S | |
| Federal record as of | 2026-08-13 | 2026-08-13 |
| 2BR interstate estimate (BestMovers.info estimate) | $1,700–$4,300 | $3,100–$7,400 |
Legal name, entity status, operating authority, fleet counts and safety rating come from the FMCSA motor carrier census and licensing files, and appear only where the identifier on the federal record matched the company record on this page. Where a row is absent for one company, this site holds no verified federal value for it.
1-800-PACK-RAT
PACK-RAT's containers are all-steel rather than wood-and-fabric, which holds up better to weather and rough handling. Pricing tracks closely to PODS.
- Best for container moves with steel weatherproof units.
- All 50 states coverage; founded 2002.
- Coverage gaps in some rural ZIPs — confirm availability before planning.
United Van Lines
United Van Lines is the largest brand under UniGroup and publishes the annual National Movers Study. It offers shipment tracking and a published claims process; we hold no dataset that compares its claims outcomes with other carriers.
- Best for long-distance moves with full packing.
- All 50 states coverage; founded 1928.
- Quotes are non-binding by default unless you specifically request a binding estimate.
Container moves with steel weatherproof units
Coverage gaps in some rural ZIPs — confirm availability before planning.
Long-distance moves with full packing
Quotes are non-binding by default unless you specifically request a binding estimate.
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