United Moving: What to Know Before You Hire Them

United Moving is a national carrier with local operations across South Carolina

United Moving operates as a household goods carrier licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The company handles residential moves within South Carolina and across state lines, with local agents in major cities including Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville. They offer full-service packing, loading, transport, and unloading, as well as partial-service options where you pack some or all of your belongings yourself.

United Moving is not a single company but a network of independently owned and operated agents who use the United brand and follow shared standards. This structure means your actual moving company is a local franchise, not a national office. The agent you contact handles your estimate, crew, and service—so the experience can vary depending on which franchise serves your area.

Like all interstate movers, United Moving must register with the FMCSA and display a USDOT number. You can verify their registration and check complaint history through the FMCSA's Safety and Fitness Electronic Records (SAFER) system before booking.

Key Takeaways

• United Moving operates through independently owned local agents, so the company you hire depends on your location within South Carolina.
• Interstate moves are regulated by the FMCSA, and you can verify the agent's USDOT number and complaint record before signing a contract.
• Estimates should be in-home or video-based to be binding; phone or online estimates without seeing your belongings are non-binding and may increase at pickup.
• Your contract should specify the pickup and delivery windows, what is included in the price, and the company's liability coverage for your items.
• The FMCSA's Revised Rules for Household Goods Movers set out your rights regarding payment timing, damage claims, and dispute resolution.

How to get an estimate from United Moving

Contact the United Moving agent serving your area by phone or through their website. You will be asked for basic information: your current address, destination address, the size of your move (number of rooms or square footage), and your preferred moving dates. The agent will then offer you an estimate.

A binding estimate requires an in-home survey or a video walkthrough where the estimator sees your actual belongings. This price should not change unless you add items or change your move date. A non-binding estimate is a quote based on phone or online information alone; the final bill can be higher if your belongings take up more truck space than estimated. Many movers offer a third option: a binding not-to-exceed estimate, which sets a ceiling price but allows the final bill to be lower if your move weighs or measures less than predicted.

Ask the agent which type of estimate they are providing before you agree. If you are moving intrastate (within South Carolina only), different rules may apply—verify this with the agent, as some state-specific regulations differ from federal rules.

What to expect on moving day

Your contract should state a pickup window (for example, "between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on June 15") and a delivery window at your destination. The crew will arrive with a truck, inventory your items, wrap and load them, and secure the load. You should walk through with the crew and note any pre-existing damage to your belongings on the inventory sheet before they leave.

Payment is typically due in full before or upon delivery, depending on your contract terms. If you have a binding estimate, the price should match what you agreed to. If you have a non-binding estimate and the final weight or volume is higher, the mover may ask for additional payment before unloading. Understand your payment terms before moving day to avoid surprises.

Delivery timing can vary. Long-distance moves may take several days or weeks depending on the route and the mover's schedule. Your contract should specify whether delivery is may provide on a specific date or within a date range. If the mover fails to deliver within the promised window, federal rules allow you to file a claim for delay.

Damage claims and liability coverage

Federal law requires movers to offer two levels of liability: basic liability (at no extra charge) and full replacement value coverage (for an additional fee). Basic liability typically covers 60 cents per pound per item, which is often far less than the actual value of your belongings. Full replacement value means the mover pays the cost to replace damaged items at current market prices, up to the declared value you set.

Before your move, decide what coverage you need and confirm it in writing on your contract. If an item arrives damaged, document the damage with photos and notify the mover in writing within the timeframe specified in your contract—usually 9 months for concealed damage (damage you discover after delivery) and immediately for visible damage. Keep all packing materials and the damaged item until the claim is resolved.

If the mover denies your claim or offers less than you believe is fair, you can file a complaint with the FMCSA or pursue small claims court or binding arbitration, depending on your contract terms. Some movers include arbitration clauses that require disputes to go to arbitration rather than court.

Checking United Moving's complaint history and ratings

The FMCSA's SAFER system shows the USDOT number, safety record, and number of complaints filed against any registered mover. Search for the specific United Moving agent serving your area (not just "United Moving," since each franchise has its own USDOT number) and review their complaint count and resolution history. A few complaints is normal for any large mover; look for patterns of unresolved damage claims or payment disputes.

You can also check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for ratings and customer reviews specific to the local agent. The BBB does not regulate movers but maintains a record of complaints and how the company responded. Online review sites like Google, Yelp, and the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA) also carry customer feedback, though reviews are not verified.

Ask the agent for references from recent moves in your area. A reputable mover should be willing to provide contact information for customers who have moved recently and can speak to their experience.

Your rights under federal moving regulations

The FMCSA's Revised Rules for Household Goods Movers (effective since 2022) set out specific protections. The mover must provide you with a copy of "Your Rights and Responsibilities" before you sign a contract. This document explains when and how you pay, what happens if the mover is late, how to file a damage claim, and your options for dispute resolution.

You have the right to refuse payment until delivery is complete and you have inspected your belongings. You can also refuse to pay for services not listed in your contract. If the mover demands payment before unloading and you have a binding estimate, you can refuse and file a complaint with the FMCSA.

If you disagree with the mover's damage assessment or final charges, you can request a formal dispute resolution process. Some movers use binding arbitration; others allow you to pursue a claim through small claims court or civil court. Your contract should clearly state which process applies.

Intrastate versus interstate moves

If your move stays within South Carolina, it is an intrastate move and may be regulated by the South Carolina Public Service Commission (PSC) rather than the FMCSA. Intrastate movers must still be licensed, but the rules around estimates, payment, and liability can differ. Ask the agent whether your move is intrastate or interstate, and request a copy of the applicable regulations.

Interstate moves (crossing state lines) are always governed by federal FMCSA rules, regardless of where the move starts or ends. If you are moving from South Carolina to another state or vice versa, federal protections apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I negotiate the price with United Moving?

Binding estimates are fixed prices, so there is little room to negotiate once you have signed. Non-binding estimates may be negotiable before you sign the contract. You can also shop around with other movers and use competitive quotes to negotiate with United Moving before committing.

What if United Moving loses or damages an item?

Notify the mover in writing within the timeframe stated in your contract (usually within 9 months for concealed damage). Document the damage with photos and provide proof of the item's value (receipt, photo, or appraisal). The mover will either repair, replace, or reimburse you based on your coverage level. If they refuse, you can file a complaint with the FMCSA or pursue a claim in small claims or civil court.

What if the mover does not show up on the scheduled date?

Contact the agent immediately to confirm the new date. Federal rules allow you to file a claim for delay if the mover misses the promised delivery window without a valid reason. Document all communication and keep records of any expenses you incur due to the delay (hotel, storage, etc.) to support your claim.

Do I have to pay the full amount before the truck leaves?

No. Federal law allows you to refuse payment until delivery is complete and you have inspected your belongings. However, your contract may specify payment terms—some require payment upon pickup, others upon delivery. Review your contract carefully and clarify payment timing before moving day.

How do I file a complaint with the FMCSA if something goes wrong?

Visit the FMCSA's website and use their online complaint form, or call their consumer hotline. You will need the mover's USDOT number, the date of your move, and details of the problem. The FMCSA investigates complaints and can take enforcement action if violations are found.