American Van Lines vs United Van Lines

2026 comparison for Florida moves · Updated July 2026

American Van Lines (USDOT #614506) scores 9.0/10 vs United Van Lines (USDOT #077949) at 8.7/10 — fact-based scoring using FMCSA records, BBB data, and 12,400+ combined consumer reviews. Both are licensed for Florida moves.

  • Ratings: American ⭐ 4.4/5 (4,300 reviews) vs United ⭐ 4.3/5 (8,100 reviews)
  • BBB: American A+ vs United A+ · Both USDOT active
  • Binding estimates: American Yes ✓ · United Yes ✓
  • Price tiers: American (mid) · United (mid) · Deposit: 10% vs None

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⭐ Top Pick

American Van Lines

Best for Antiques & Pianos

9.0 / 10 overall score
⭐ 4.4 BBB A+ FL-based
Runner Up

United Van Lines

Best for Cross-Country

8.7 / 10 overall score
⭐ 4.3 BBB A+

FMCSA Verification

American Van Lines

USDOT #614506 · MC-330861

active authority · Insurance on file ✓

FMCSA Verification

United Van Lines

USDOT #077949 · MC-67234

active authority · Insurance on file ✓

Key Metrics Comparison

Metric American Van Lines United Van Lines
Overall Score 9.0/10 8.7/10
Composite Rating ⭐ 4.4 ⭐ 4.3
Review Count 4,300 8,100
BBB Rating A+ A+
Price Range mid mid
Deposit Required 10% None
Binding Estimates Yes Yes
USDOT Status active active
Headquartered Pompano Beach, FL Fenton, MO
Founded 1995 1945
USDOT Number #614506 #077949
Insurance on File Yes ✓ Yes ✓

Score Breakdown (0–5)

Pricing
American: 4.2 United: 4.0
Reliability
American: 4.5 United: 4.3
Customer Service
American: 4.5 United: 4.2
Services Offered
American: 4.8 United: 4.8
Transparency
American: 4.7 United: 4.5

American Van Lines

Pros

  • Florida-based carrier (Pompano Beach)
  • Certified piano and antique movers
  • Background-checked employees
  • Binding estimates
  • A+ BBB rating

Cons

  • 10% deposit required
  • Not the cheapest option
  • Limited to 48 contiguous states

United Van Lines

Pros

  • America's #1 long-distance mover by volume
  • No deposit required
  • Strong senior moving program
  • Online shipment tracking

Cons

  • Uses subcontractors heavily
  • Pricing can spike in peak season
  • Customer service inconsistent

American Van Lines is Best For

PianosAntiquesValuable itemsSouth Florida moves

United Van Lines is Best For

Cross-country movesSenior relocationsFlorida to Northeast corridor

Services Offered

American Van Lines

  • Long-distance moving
  • Interstate moving
  • Piano moving
  • Antique moving
  • Packing services
  • Storage
  • Last-minute moving

United Van Lines

  • Long-distance moving
  • Interstate moving
  • International moving
  • Packing services
  • Storage
  • Auto transport
  • Corporate relocation
  • Senior moving

Our Verdict

Choose American Van Lines if you...

  • Need pianos
  • Need antiques
  • Need valuable items
  • Need south florida moves
  • Want a FL-headquartered carrier

Choose United Van Lines if you...

  • Need cross-country moves
  • Need senior relocations
  • Need florida to northeast corridor
  • Want no upfront deposit

How We Score Florida Movers

Our 10-point overall score combines five equally-weighted categories (each 0–5) using FMCSA records, BBB complaint data, and verified consumer review aggregates. Updated quarterly.

Pricing

Cost vs. market avg, transparency, binding estimate availability

Reliability

FMCSA complaint rate, on-time delivery, damage claim rate

Customer Service

Responsiveness, claims handling, review consistency

Services

Range: packing, storage, specialty, international coverage

Transparency

USDOT disclosure, written estimates, deposit policy clarity

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better: American Van Lines or United Van Lines?
American Van Lines scores higher overall (9.0/10 vs 8.7/10) based on FMCSA compliance, BBB record, binding estimate policy, and 12,400+ combined consumer reviews. The best choice also depends on your move type, budget, and destination.
Does American Van Lines or United Van Lines have lower prices?
Both movers are in the same price tier (mid). Always get at least 3 binding or not-to-exceed estimates — non-binding estimates have no legal price cap.
Which mover has better reviews — American Van Lines or United Van Lines?
American Van Lines has a higher composite rating (4.4/5 vs 4.3/5). American Van Lines has 4,300 reviews; United Van Lines has 8,100. Review volume matters — 4.5 stars with 2,000 reviews is more reliable than 4.8 with 50.
What deposit does American Van Lines require vs United Van Lines?
American Van Lines requires a 10% deposit; United Van Lines requires None. A deposit over 25–30% — especially in cash or wire transfer — is a red flag. Always pay by credit card so you can dispute charges if needed. Federal FMCSA rules limit what interstate movers can demand before delivery.
Are American Van Lines and United Van Lines licensed for Florida interstate moves?
American Van Lines (USDOT #614506) and United Van Lines (USDOT #077949) both hold active USDOT authority with insurance on file with the FMCSA. Verify both independently at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov — look for Active status and current insurance certificate.
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