Colonial Van Lines vs United Van Lines
2026 comparison for Florida moves · Updated July 2026
Colonial Van Lines (USDOT #2231520) scores 7.8/10 vs United Van Lines (USDOT #077949) at 8.7/10 — fact-based scoring using FMCSA records, BBB data, and 11,000+ combined consumer reviews. Both are licensed for Florida moves.
- ✓ Ratings: Colonial ⭐ 4.1/5 (2,900 reviews) vs United ⭐ 4.3/5 (8,100 reviews)
- ✓ BBB: Colonial A vs United A+ · Both USDOT active
- ✓ Binding estimates: Colonial No ✗ · United Yes ✓
- ✓ Price tiers: Colonial (mid) · United (mid) · Deposit: Varies vs None
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Colonial Van Lines
Best Moving Broker
United Van Lines
Best for Cross-Country
FMCSA Verification
Colonial Van Lines
USDOT #2231520 · MC-776801
active authority · Insurance on file ✓
FMCSA Verification
United Van Lines
USDOT #077949 · MC-67234
active authority · Insurance on file ✓
Key Metrics Comparison
| Metric | Colonial Van Lines | United Van Lines |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| Composite Rating | ⭐ 4.1 | ⭐ 4.3 |
| Review Count | 2,900 | 8,100 |
| BBB Rating | A | A+ |
| Price Range | mid | mid |
| Deposit Required | Varies | None |
| Binding Estimates | No | Yes |
| USDOT Status | active | active |
| Headquartered | Plantation, FL | Fenton, MO |
| Founded | 2000 | 1945 |
| USDOT Number | #2231520 | #077949 |
| Insurance on File | Yes ✓ | Yes ✓ |
Score Breakdown (0–5)
Colonial Van Lines
Pros
- ✓Florida-based broker with wide carrier network
- ✓Competitive pricing through carrier bidding
- ✓Wide availability — can book last minute
Cons
- ✗Broker model — you may not know your carrier upfront
- ✗Non-binding estimates common
- ✗Mixed customer reviews
- ✗Deposit varies and can be non-refundable
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
Colonial Van Lines is Best For
United Van Lines is Best For
Services Offered
Colonial Van Lines
- ✓ Long-distance moving
- ✓ Interstate moving
- ✓ Packing services
- ✓ Storage
- ✓ Auto transport
United Van Lines
- ✓ Long-distance moving
- ✓ Interstate moving
- ✓ International moving
- ✓ Packing services
- ✓ Storage
- ✓ Auto transport
- ✓ Corporate relocation
- ✓ Senior moving
Our Verdict
Choose Colonial Van Lines if you...
- → Need budget-conscious movers
- → Need those who need carrier flexibility
- → 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