Colonial Van Lines vs United Van Lines
2026 comparison for Florida moves · Updated May 2026
Runner Up
Colonial Van Lines
Best Moving Broker
7.8 / 10 overall score
⭐ 4.1 BBB A FL-based
⭐ Top Pick
United Van Lines
Best for Cross-Country
8.7 / 10 overall score
⭐ 4.3 BBB A+
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 |
Score Breakdown (0–5)
Pricing
Colonial: 4.3 United: 4.0
Reliability
Colonial: 3.8 United: 4.3
Customer Service
Colonial: 3.9 United: 4.2
Services Offered
Colonial: 4.2 United: 4.8
Transparency
Colonial: 3.8 United: 4.5
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
Budget-conscious moversThose who need carrier flexibility
United Van Lines is Best For
Cross-country movesSenior relocationsFlorida to Northeast corridor
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Colonial Van Lines or United Van Lines?
United Van Lines scores higher overall (8.7/10 vs 7.8/10). However, the best choice depends on your move type, budget, and timeline.
Does Colonial Van Lines or United Van Lines have lower prices?
Both movers are in the same price tier (mid). Always get binding estimates from both before deciding.
Which mover has better reviews — Colonial Van Lines or United Van Lines?
United Van Lines has a higher composite rating (4.3 vs 4.1). Colonial Van Lines has 2,900 reviews and United Van Lines has 8,100 reviews.