United Van Lines vs. Atlas Van Lines

A side-by-side look at how these two interstate movers actually differ — structure, real customer review data, and what each one tends to be best suited for. Full profiles for both are linked below with complete review breakdowns.

Side by side

United Van LinesAtlas Van Lines
Founded19281948
HeadquartersFenton, MOEvansville, IN
ModelAgent cooperative (part of UniGroup)Agent cooperative
Best forHigh-volume interstate moves, one of the largest carriers by volumeLong-distance moves with a strong Midwest agent presence
Rating4.3 stars (319 reviews)4.5 stars (757 reviews)
Review sourceUnited Van Lines corporate headquarters, Fenton, MOAtlas Van Lines corporate headquarters, Evansville, IN

What each is known for

United Van Lines

  • Strong long-run aggregate rating (4.3 across 319 reviews) suggests most historical experiences have been positive
  • Specific praise for individual sales reps and crews when a move goes smoothly

Atlas Van Lines

  • Specific agent teams (repeatedly named in reviews) get detailed, consistent praise across multiple different moves
  • Handles international as well as domestic moves, per reviewer experience

What to watch for with each

United Van Lines

  • Most recent reviews at the time we pulled this data (11 of the last 15) were 1–2 stars — worth checking current trends before booking
  • Multiple reports of quoted prices increasing significantly after booking

Atlas Van Lines

  • One extremely detailed complaint describes a disrespectful crew, property damage, and a breakdown in communication with dispatch
  • A couple of isolated reports of unsafe/reckless driving by delivery trucks

Bottom line

United Van Lines (agent cooperative (part of unigroup)) and Atlas Van Lines (agent cooperative) are structured differently, which affects what kind of experience to expect — United Van Lines is generally best for high-volume interstate moves, one of the largest carriers by volume, while Atlas Van Lines is generally best for long-distance moves with a strong midwest agent presence.

Read the full profiles for complete review data, quotes, and FAQs: United Van Lines review and Atlas Van Lines review.

Frequently asked questions

Is United Van Lines or Atlas Van Lines better for an interstate move?

Neither is universally better — it depends on your specific route, the local agent or crew assigned to your move, and which company's model (agent cooperative (part of unigroup) vs. agent cooperative) fits your situation. Compare quotes and read the full reviews for both before deciding.

Do United Van Lines and Atlas Van Lines have the same pricing?

Pricing varies by route, move size, and season for both, so there's no fixed answer — get quotes from each for your specific move rather than assuming one is categorically cheaper.

How do United Van Lines and Atlas Van Lines compare on customer reviews?

United Van Lines's reviewed location shows 4.3 stars from 319 reviews (United Van Lines corporate headquarters, Fenton, MO), while Atlas Van Lines's shows 4.5 stars from 757 reviews (Atlas Van Lines corporate headquarters, Evansville, IN). See each full profile for the detailed strengths and weaknesses behind these numbers.

Should I get quotes from both before booking?

Yes — for any interstate move, comparing at least two or three quotes side by side is worth the time, since pricing and availability both vary significantly by company, route, and date.