Moving can be an exciting but stressful time. Choosing the right moving company to handle your long-distance relocation can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth and stress-free move.
Two of the most well-known national moving companies are Mayflower and United Van Lines, but they have some key differences that customers should consider when deciding between them.
This comprehensive guide will compare Mayflower and United Van Lines across a variety of factors to help you determine the best option for your upcoming move.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Category | Mayflower | United Van Lines |
| Company History | Founded in 1927 | Founded in 1928 |
| Headquarters | St. Louis, MO | Fenton, MO |
| Services | Long-distance moves, storage, international moving | Long-distance moves, storage, specialty moves |
| Moving Fleet | 200+ company trucks, 2,500+ trailers | 2,700+ company trucks, 28,000+ trailers |
| Safety Rating | 0.996 unsafe driving score | 0.993 unsafe driving score |
| Customer Rating | A+ BBB, 3.5/5 ConsumerAffairs | A+ BBB, 3.8/5 ConsumerAffairs |
| Estimates/Scheduling | No fees | No fees |
| Average Storage Fees | Around $100 per month | Around $123 per month |
| Discounts | Military, senior, student | Military, senior, student |
| Pros | 90+ years experience, international moving | Specialty moves, higher customer rating |
| Cons | Fewer specialty services | No international moving |
Company Backgrounds
Mayflower and United Van Lines have been in business for nearly 100 years. Here’s a quick overview of each company’s origins and reach:
Mayflower
- Founded in 1927, operating for over 90 years
- Headquarters located in St. Louis, MO
- Agents located in 48 U.S. states
- Part of the UniGroup family of companies, including United Van Lines
United Van Lines
- Founded in 1928, operating for over 90 years
- Headquarters located in Fenton, MO
- Agents located in 48 contiguous U.S. states
- Part of the UniGroup family of companies, including Mayflower
Key Differences Between Mayflower And United Van Lines
As you can see, Mayflower and United Van Lines have very similar histories and national footprints today as sister companies under the UniGroup umbrella. However, they operate as distinct brands with some differences in their services and approach.
Services Offered
Both Mayflower and United Van Lines provide full-service moves for households and businesses across the United States. Here’s an overview of their main service offerings:
Mayflower
- Long-distance household moves
- Commercial/office moving
- Military moves
- Storage services, including climate-controlled storage
- Packing and unpacking services
- Vehicle shipping
- International moving
United Van Lines
- Long-distance household moves
- Commercial/office moving
- Military/government moves
- Storage services, including climate-controlled storage
- Packing and unpacking services
- Specialty moves, including pianos, antiques, fine art
- Containerized moving
The services offered are very similar, with a few key differences.
United offers more specialty moving services for delicate and high-value items like pianos, antiques, and fine art.
Mayflower provides more services for international relocations. Both offer all of the essential services for residential and corporate moving needs.
Moving Fleet
The moving fleet and equipment used by Mayflower and United Van Lines is comparable:
Mayflower
- More than 200 company-owned trucks
- More than 2,500 trailers
- Fleet of rental trucks and trailers
- Air-ride vans and semi-trucks
United Van Lines
- More than 2,700 company-owned trucks
- More than 28,000 trailers
- Large rental fleet
- Air-ride vans and semi-trucks
Both companies use well-maintained fleets with air-ride suspension for a smoother ride. United Van Lines operates a larger fleet with more trucks and trailers owned by the company. However, Mayflower maintains a sizable fleet of several hundred trucks and thousands of trailers suitable for moves of all sizes.
Safety Record
Safety is a top priority for reputable moving companies like Mayflower and United Van Lines. Both companies have strong safety records:
Mayflower
- 0.996 unsafe driving score in 2021 according to FMCSA
- Successfully completes rigorous annual DOT inspections
- Require drivers to complete training and background checks
- Regular maintenance program for trucks and equipment
United Van Lines
- 0.993 unsafe driving score in 2021 per FMCSA
- Successfully completes rigorous annual DOT inspections
- Require drivers to complete training and background checks
- Comprehensive truck maintenance programs
Their FMCSA scores indicate excellent safe driving practices. The companies also implement stringent safety procedures, training requirements, and equipment maintenance. Customers can feel confident about the safety of their belongings when using either moving company.
Customer Service Reputation
Customer service and satisfaction ratings are another important factor when comparing moving companies:
Mayflower
- A+ rating with BBB with over 130+ customer reviews
- 3.5/5 rating on ConsumerAffairs based on 100+ reviews
- Positive reviews praise friendly staff and good communication
United Van Lines
- A+ rating with BBB with over 270+ customer reviews
- 3.8/5 rating on ConsumerAffairs based on 300+ reviews
- Positive feedback on helpful staff and good moving experience
Both companies have strong reputations with positive customer feedback. United Van Lines has more online customer reviews available, with higher satisfaction ratings on ConsumerAffairs. But Mayflower also earns very good reviews for their friendly service and communication.
Costs and Fees
Long-distance moves with Mayflower and United Van Lines will be priced based on weight of items being moved, mileage, and additional services provided. Here are some key considerations on costs:
Mayflower
- Typically price match or beat competitor bids
- Discounts available for military, seniors, students
- No fees for estimates or scheduling moves
- Storage fees around $100+ per month
United Van Lines
- Will match qualifying competitor bids
- Military, senior, student discounts available
- No fees for estimates or pre-move inspections
- Storage fees approximately $123+ per month
The companies have similar pricing models and discounts available. United Van Lines reports slightly higher average monthly storage fees. Overall costs will depend primarily on the details of your specific move.
Pros and Cons of Mayflower And United Van Lines
To summarize the key pros and cons of each company:
Mayflower
Pros
- 90+ years of experience performing long-distance moves
- Large fleet of trucks and trailers
- Strong safety record and vetted drivers
- Positive customer service reputation
- Services for international relocations
Cons
- Fewer specialty moving services than competitors
- Storage fees may be higher than some companies
United Van Lines
Pros
- 90+ years of experience with household goods moves
- Extensive fleet of thousands of trucks and trailers
- Excellent safety scores and background-checked drivers
- Broad range of specialty moving services
- Very good customer satisfaction ratings
Cons
- Does not offer international moving services
- Slightly higher reported storage fees
Both companies have more pros than cons overall as established national movers with similar credentials. United Van Lines stands out for offering more specialty moves and higher customer service marks. Mayflower provides international moving as an advantage.
Choosing Between Mayflower and United Van Lines
When deciding between using Mayflower or United Van Lines, consider factors like:
- Services needed – United offers more specialty moving, while Mayflower provides international moving.
- Safety record and reputation – Both companies have strong safety scores and positive customer feedback.
- Cost for your specific move – Get in-home estimates from each company.
- Convenience – Availability of agents near your location.
Ideally, get quotes from both Mayflower and United Van Lines. Ask lots of questions and review all policies and costs in detail to make the right choice for your move.
Both companies have positives to offer, so the best option comes down to your particular moving situation and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Still have some questions about Mayflower, United Van Lines, and choosing a long-distance mover? Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
No. While Mayflower and United Van Lines are sister companies under the UniGroup family, they operate as separate brands. Each company has its own fleet, operating procedures, and specialties.
Mayflower and United Van Lines both have expertise moving seniors across the country. Their trained staff assist with every step, from packing to transportation. Discounts are available as well. Other top senior movers include North American Van Lines and Two Men and A Truck.
Some of the best national long-distance moving companies include Mayflower, United Van Lines, Allied Van Lines, North American Van Lines, PODS, and U-Pack. Key factors to consider are safety, reputation, services, and costs.
Mayflower Transit is owned by the UniGroup holding company. Headquartered in Missouri, UniGroup owns Mayflower, United Van Lines, and other transportation and relocation services companies.
Final Thoughts
Moving can be stressful, but choosing a trustworthy long-distance moving company doesn’t have to be. Take time to research Mayflower, United Van Lines, and other national movers.
Compare their credentials, services, and costs. Read reviews and ask for references. This helps give you confidence you’re choosing the right move partner.
The most important thing is working with a company that you feel comfortable with and that meets your household or business relocation needs. With nearly 100 years of experience each, Mayflower and United Van Lines are both reputable names in long-distance moves.
Do your homework and consult with each company to decide if one is the right fit for you. Then you can focus on packing and preparing for an organized, well-managed move to your new home or office location.