Bekins Van Lines vs United Van Lines

2026 comparison for Florida moves · Updated July 2026

Bekins Van Lines (USDOT #009609) scores 8.5/10 vs United Van Lines (USDOT #077949) at 8.7/10 — fact-based scoring using FMCSA records, BBB data, and 13,500+ combined consumer reviews. Both are licensed for Florida moves.

  • Ratings: Bekins ⭐ 4.2/5 (5,400 reviews) vs United ⭐ 4.3/5 (8,100 reviews)
  • BBB: Bekins A+ vs United A+ · Both USDOT active
  • Binding estimates: Bekins Yes ✓ · United Yes ✓
  • Price tiers: Bekins (mid) · United (mid) · Deposit: None vs None

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Runner Up

Bekins Van Lines

Best Heritage Carrier

8.5 / 10 overall score
⭐ 4.2 BBB A+
⭐ Top Pick

United Van Lines

Best for Cross-Country

8.7 / 10 overall score
⭐ 4.3 BBB A+

FMCSA Verification

Bekins Van Lines

USDOT #009609 · MC-52119

active authority · Insurance on file ✓

FMCSA Verification

United Van Lines

USDOT #077949 · MC-67234

active authority · Insurance on file ✓

Key Metrics Comparison

Metric Bekins Van Lines United Van Lines
Overall Score 8.5/10 8.7/10
Composite Rating ⭐ 4.2 ⭐ 4.3
Review Count 5,400 8,100
BBB Rating A+ A+
Price Range mid mid
Deposit Required None None
Binding Estimates Yes Yes
USDOT Status active active
Headquartered Hillside, IL Fenton, MO
Founded 1891 1945
USDOT Number #009609 #077949
Insurance on File Yes ✓ Yes ✓

Score Breakdown (0–5)

Pricing
Bekins: 4.0 United: 4.0
Reliability
Bekins: 4.3 United: 4.3
Customer Service
Bekins: 4.1 United: 4.2
Services Offered
Bekins: 4.6 United: 4.8
Transparency
Bekins: 4.4 United: 4.5

Bekins Van Lines

Pros

  • 135+ years in business — most established on this list
  • No deposit required
  • Binding estimates
  • A+ BBB across decades

Cons

  • Agent network — quality varies
  • Less tech-forward than newer competitors
  • Limited online tools

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

Bekins Van Lines is Best For

Traditional moversLong-established route reliability

United Van Lines is Best For

Cross-country movesSenior relocationsFlorida to Northeast corridor

Services Offered

Bekins Van Lines

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

United Van Lines

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

Our Verdict

Choose Bekins Van Lines if you...

  • Need traditional movers
  • Need long-established route reliability

Choose United Van Lines if you...

  • Need cross-country moves
  • Need senior relocations
  • Need florida to northeast corridor

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: Bekins Van Lines or United Van Lines?
United Van Lines scores higher overall (8.7/10 vs 8.5/10) based on FMCSA compliance, BBB record, binding estimate policy, and 13,500+ combined consumer reviews. The best choice also depends on your move type, budget, and destination.
Does Bekins 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 — Bekins Van Lines or United Van Lines?
United Van Lines has a higher composite rating (4.3/5 vs 4.2/5). Bekins Van Lines has 5,400 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 Bekins Van Lines require vs United Van Lines?
Bekins Van Lines requires a None 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 Bekins Van Lines and United Van Lines licensed for Florida interstate moves?
Bekins Van Lines (USDOT #009609) 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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