Penske Truck Rental vs United Van Lines
By Daniel Harper, Senior Editor, Moving Costs · Reviewed by Melissa Grant, Pricing & Estimates Reviewer · Last updated May 2026
On our weighted score, United Van Lines takes the edge (4.3/5). That said, Penske Truck Rental is the better pick for diy moves where vehicle reliability matters, 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
| Category | Penske Truck Rental | United Van Lines |
|---|---|---|
| USDOT | 082866 | 077949 |
| MC # | 118117 | 67234 |
| BBB rating | A+ | A+ |
| Founded | 1969 | 1928 |
| Headquarters | Reading, PA | Fenton, MO |
| Coverage | All 50 states | All 50 states |
| Services | Local, Long-distance | Long-distance, International, Packing, Storage, Auto transport, Corporate |
| 2BR estimate | $450–$2,900 | $3,100–$7,400 |
| Customer rating | 4.0 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
Penske Truck Rental
Penske runs a younger, better-maintained fleet than U-Haul on average. Often worth the premium for long one-way trips where breaking down would derail the move.
- Best for diy moves where vehicle reliability matters.
- All 50 states coverage; founded 1969.
- BBB rating: A+.
- Per-mile rates on one-way rentals are noticeably higher than U-Haul.
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.
- Best for long-distance moves with full packing.
- All 50 states coverage; founded 1928.
- BBB rating: A+.
- Quotes are non-binding by default unless you specifically request a binding estimate.
DIY moves where vehicle reliability matters
Per-mile rates on one-way rentals are noticeably higher than U-Haul.
Long-distance moves with full packing
Quotes are non-binding by default unless you specifically request a binding estimate.
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Frequently asked questions
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