U-Haul 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. U-Haul is described as best for diy moves where you drive the truck, 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 | U-Haul | United Van Lines |
|---|---|---|
| USDOT | 077949 | |
| MC # | 67234 | |
| Carrier or broker | both | |
| Founded | 1945 | 1928 |
| Headquarters | Phoenix, AZ | Fenton, MO |
| Coverage | All 50 states | All 50 states |
| Services | Local, Long-distance, Storage, Container/Portable | Long-distance, International, Packing, Storage, Auto transport, Corporate |
| Legal name on the federal filing | UNITED VAN LINES LLC | |
| Entity status | A | |
| Operating authority held | Household goods, Property, Carrier and broker | |
| Power units on the census file | 4,731 | |
| Drivers on the census file | 3,424 | |
| Safety rating | S | |
| Federal record as of | 2026-08-13 | |
| 2BR interstate estimate (BestMovers.info estimate) | $400–$2,800 | $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.
U-Haul
The default DIY rental option in nearly every US ZIP code. Cheapest path for a same-city move; their U-Box container product also competes with PODS for long-distance.
- Best for diy moves where you drive the truck.
- All 50 states coverage; founded 1945.
- Truck condition and customer service vary widely by location; one-way rentals can run 3–4x the local price.
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.
DIY moves where you drive the truck
Truck condition and customer service vary widely by location; one-way rentals can run 3–4x the local price.
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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