Moving Comparison

Gentle Giant Moving Company vs United Van Lines

By Daniel Harper, Senior Editor, Moving Costs · Reviewed by Melissa Grant, Pricing & Estimates Reviewer · Last updated May 2026

At-a-glance

On our weighted score, Gentle Giant Moving Company takes the edge (4.7/5). That said, Gentle Giant Moving Company is the better pick for boston-area moves where crew quality is critical, while United Van Lines wins for long-distance moves with full packing. Always get binding estimates from both before booking.

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Side-by-side

CategoryGentle Giant Moving CompanyUnited Van Lines
USDOTVerify on FMCSA077949
MC #Verify on FMCSA67234
BBB ratingA+A+
Founded19801928
HeadquartersSomerville, MAFenton, MO
CoverageInterstate (48)All 50 states
ServicesLocal, Long-distance, Packing, StorageLong-distance, International, Packing, Storage, Auto transport, Corporate
2BR estimate$2,400–$6,400$3,100–$7,400
Customer rating4.7 / 54.3 / 5

Gentle Giant Moving Company

Boston-based mover with one of the highest customer satisfaction scores in the industry. Hires and trains W2 movers (many former college athletes) and refuses to subcontract.

USDOT
Verify on FMCSA
BBB
A+
Pros
  • Best for boston-area moves where crew quality is critical.
  • Interstate (48) coverage; founded 1980.
  • BBB rating: A+.
Watch out
  • Premium pricing — they do not target the budget tier.
Read full Gentle Giant Moving Company review →

United Van Lines

United is the largest brand under UniGroup and publishes the well-known annual National Movers Study. Claims handling and tracking tools rank above the industry median based on FMCSA data.

USDOT
077949
BBB
A+
Pros
  • Best for long-distance moves with full packing.
  • All 50 states coverage; founded 1928.
  • BBB rating: A+.
Watch out
  • Quotes are non-binding by default unless you specifically request a binding estimate.
Read full United Van Lines review →
Gentle Giant Moving Company
Best for

Boston-area moves where crew quality is critical

Not ideal for

Premium pricing — they do not target the budget tier.

United Van Lines
Best for

Long-distance moves with full packing

Not ideal for

Quotes are non-binding by default unless you specifically request a binding estimate.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Gentle Giant Moving Company or United Van Lines better in 2026?
On weighted score, Gentle Giant Moving Company edges ahead, but the right pick depends on your specific move. Gentle Giant Moving Company is best for boston-area moves where crew quality is critical; United Van Lines is best for long-distance moves with full packing. Get binding-not-to-exceed estimates from both before deciding.
How do Gentle Giant Moving Company and United Van Lines compare on price?
For a typical 2-bedroom interstate move, Gentle Giant Moving Company estimates land around $2,400–$6,400 and United Van Lines estimates land around $3,100–$7,400. Actual quotes depend on weight, distance, service level, date, and availability.
Are Gentle Giant Moving Company and United Van Lines both FMCSA-licensed?
Yes. Gentle Giant Moving Company operates under USDOT Verify on FMCSA and United Van Lines operates under USDOT 077949. Always verify the specific entity quoting your move on FMCSA SAFER before signing an estimate.
Does Gentle Giant Moving Company or United Van Lines have a better BBB rating?
Gentle Giant Moving Company carries a A+ BBB profile and United Van Lines carries a A+. Local agent or franchise ratings can differ from the parent profile, so check the agent that will actually handle your move.
What estimate type should I ask for?
For interstate moves, ask for a binding or binding-not-to-exceed estimate after an in-home or video survey. Sight-unseen non-binding interstate quotes are not reliable and tend to grow on delivery day.

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