United Van Lines vs Mayflower
Both United Van Lines and Mayflower are owned by UniGroup, Inc. and run on similar systems. The real differences come down to your local origin agent, the binding-estimate process, and your specific route. Here's a transparent side-by-side.
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What they have in common
- Same parent company (UniGroup, Inc.)
- Full-service household-goods carriers (not brokers)
- Networks of independent local agent-carriers
- Binding and non-binding interstate estimate options
- Full-value protection and 60¢/lb release valuation available
- Long-distance, packing, storage-in-transit, and auto transport
Where they actually differ
- Local agent network — quality varies city by city for both brands
- Promotions and seasonal pricing — both run them independently
- Quote tooling and survey style — different sales reps, different inventories
- Branding and warranty programs (e.g. Mayflower's HomeBox, United's My UniGroup tools)
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How to actually pick between them (or a third option)
- 1Get a binding written estimate from both — same inventory, same dates
- 2Ask each agent who specifically performs origin pickup and destination delivery
- 3Verify each agent's US DOT/MC authority on safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
- 4Compare valuation coverage and claim turnaround times in writing
- 5Get one more quote from a vetted independent long-distance carrier as a benchmark
Frequently asked questions
Are United Van Lines and Mayflower the same company?
They share a parent — UniGroup, Inc. owns both brands. Each operates a separate van line with its own network of independent agent-carriers, but both run on similar systems, pricing tools, and claims processes.
Is one cheaper than the other?
Neither is consistently cheaper. Long-distance pricing is set by published tariffs and your specific origin agent's quote — two Mayflower agents in different cities will price the same move differently. Always get binding quotes from both and compare line-by-line.
What's the practical difference for a customer?
Very little. Both offer full-service long-distance moving, packing, fragile-only packing, storage-in-transit, and auto transport. The difference that actually matters is which local agent handles your origin and destination — that's where service quality lives.
Are they brokers or carriers?
Both are interstate motor carriers (van lines) operating through agent-carriers, not brokers. Each move is performed under the van line's FMCSA authority by a local agent crew.
Should I use a van line or an independent long-distance mover?
Van lines offer brand consistency and easier claims escalation. Independent FMCSA-authorized carriers can be cheaper and run more responsive crews. The right answer depends on your inventory value, route, and timing.
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