U-Haul 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, U-Haul is the better pick for diy moves where you drive the truck, 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 | U-Haul | United Van Lines |
|---|---|---|
| USDOT | 125550 | 077949 |
| MC # | 26588 | 67234 |
| BBB rating | B | A+ |
| 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 |
| 2BR estimate | $400–$2,800 | $3,100–$7,400 |
| Customer rating | 3.5 / 5 | 4.3 / 5 |
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.
- BBB rating: B.
- Truck condition and customer service vary widely by location; one-way rentals can run 3–4x the local price.
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 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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