Moving Comparison

North American Van Lines 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, United Van Lines takes the edge (4.3/5). That said, North American Van Lines is the better pick for cross-country moves with high-value items, 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

CategoryNorth American Van LinesUnited Van Lines
USDOT070851077949
MC #10701267234
BBB ratingA+A+
Founded19331928
HeadquartersFort Wayne, INFenton, MO
CoverageAll 50 statesAll 50 states
ServicesLong-distance, International, Packing, Storage, CorporateLong-distance, International, Packing, Storage, Auto transport, Corporate
2BR estimate$3,000–$7,200$3,100–$7,400
Customer rating4.1 / 54.3 / 5

North American Van Lines

North American (part of SIRVA) leans toward complex and high-value relocations, with strong piano and antique handling. For a basic studio across town, a local independent will almost always undercut their price.

USDOT
070851
BBB
A+
Pros
  • Best for cross-country moves with high-value items.
  • All 50 states coverage; founded 1933.
  • BBB rating: A+.
Watch out
  • Local move pricing is rarely competitive against regional independents.
Read full North American Van Lines 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 →
North American Van Lines
Best for

Cross-country moves with high-value items

Not ideal for

Local move pricing is rarely competitive against regional independents.

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 North American Van Lines or United Van Lines better in 2026?
On weighted score, United Van Lines edges ahead, but the right pick depends on your specific move. North American Van Lines is best for cross-country moves with high-value items; United Van Lines is best for long-distance moves with full packing. Get binding-not-to-exceed estimates from both before deciding.
How do North American Van Lines and United Van Lines compare on price?
For a typical 2-bedroom interstate move, North American Van Lines estimates land around $3,000–$7,200 and United Van Lines estimates land around $3,100–$7,400. Actual quotes depend on weight, distance, service level, date, and availability.
Are North American Van Lines and United Van Lines both FMCSA-licensed?
Yes. North American Van Lines operates under USDOT 070851 and United Van Lines operates under USDOT 077949. Always verify the specific entity quoting your move on FMCSA SAFER before signing an estimate.
Does North American Van Lines or United Van Lines have a better BBB rating?
North American Van Lines 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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