How United Van Lines Works and What to Expect When Moving in South Carolina

United Van Lines is a national moving company with local agents across South Carolina

United Van Lines operates through a network of independent agents rather than as a single company you call directly. When you contact United Van Lines, you reach a local agent in your area who handles your move. These agents are licensed and insured, and they coordinate the actual packing, loading, and transport of your belongings. The company has been operating since 1947 and maintains a presence in most South Carolina cities, from Charleston to Greenville to Myrtle Beach.

The agent you work with will visit your home to assess what you're moving, provide a binding or non-binding estimate, and schedule your move date. They handle the logistics—trucks, crews, timing—while you decide what to pack yourself or whether to pay for full packing services. The agent also files any necessary paperwork and coordinates with the destination agent if you're moving out of state or across the country.

Key Takeaways

• United Van Lines connects you with a local agent in your area who coordinates your entire move, from the initial walkthrough to delivery at your new home.
• You can receive a binding estimate (price locked in) or a non-binding estimate (price may change based on actual weight), and you choose which services you want to pay for.
• The company offers partial moves (you pack some items), full-service moves (they pack everything), and storage options if you need to hold belongings temporarily.
• Moving costs depend on distance, weight of your belongings, services selected, and current market demand, so comparing estimates from multiple movers helps you understand the range.
• Your agent should provide a written contract before moving day that lists your items, the estimated cost, and the pickup and delivery windows.

How to get a quote and schedule a move

Contact the United Van Lines agent in your area by phone or through the company website. You'll describe what you're moving and where, and the agent will offer to conduct an in-home survey. During this visit, they walk through your home, count rooms and furniture, and assess the total volume. This survey is how they calculate weight and provide an estimate.

Ask whether the estimate is binding or non-binding. A binding estimate means the price won't change unless you add items after the survey. A non-binding estimate means the final bill may be higher or lower depending on the actual weight when your belongings are loaded. Non-binding estimates are often lower but carry more uncertainty about your final cost. Once you accept an estimate and sign a contract, the agent schedules your move and confirms pickup and delivery windows—usually a range of days rather than a specific time.

Packing and service options

United Van Lines agents offer several levels of service. With a self-pack move, you pack your own boxes and belongings, and the crew loads them onto the truck. This is the least expensive option. With a full-service move, the crew packs everything, wraps furniture, and loads the truck. They also unpack at your destination if you pay for that service. Most people choose something in between—they pack small items themselves and hire the crew to pack and move larger furniture and fragile items.

If you're not ready to move everything on your scheduled date, ask about storage options. Some agents offer short-term storage at a warehouse, which costs extra but gives you flexibility if your new home isn't ready or you need time to sort through belongings. Storage is usually billed by the month.

What happens on moving day

The crew arrives during your scheduled window with a truck sized to your load. They'll protect your floors and doorways, load your items, and secure everything for transport. You should do a final walkthrough to confirm nothing was left behind, and the crew will give you a receipt listing all items and any damage noted before they leave. Keep this receipt—it's your record of what was moved.

If you hired packing services, the crew may spend several hours at your home. If you packed yourself, loading typically takes a few hours depending on the volume. Ask your agent in advance how many crew members will arrive and roughly how long the process should take.

Delivery and what to inspect

Your belongings travel to the destination, and a local agent there coordinates delivery. You'll receive a delivery window—again, usually a range of days—and the crew will call ahead to confirm the time. When the truck arrives, the crew unloads your items and places them in the rooms you direct. Before they leave, walk through and check that everything arrived and note any visible damage on the delivery receipt.

If items arrived damaged, report it to your agent in writing within a set timeframe—usually 30 days. Take photos of damage and keep the original packing materials if possible. Your agent will file a damage claim with the insurance, and the company will either repair or replace the item depending on the policy and the damage.

Cost factors and how to compare estimates

Your moving cost depends on several variables: the distance you're moving, the weight or volume of your belongings, the services you choose (packing, unpacking, storage), and the time of year. Summer and weekends are peak moving season, so costs are typically higher then. Moving mid-week or in winter is often cheaper. The agent's estimate should break down these costs so you can see what you're paying for.

Get estimates from at least two or three movers before deciding. Compare what each estimate includes—some may quote packing as extra, others may include it. Ask whether the estimate is binding or non-binding, and ask about insurance coverage for your belongings during transport. A lower estimate isn't always the best deal if it doesn't include services you need or if the company has poor reviews.

Insurance and liability coverage

United Van Lines provides basic liability coverage as required by law, but this covers only a small amount per pound of belongings. If you have valuable items—artwork, jewelry, electronics, antiques—ask your agent about full-value protection or additional insurance. This costs more but covers the full replacement value of damaged or lost items rather than just a few cents per pound.

Review the contract carefully to understand what's covered and what's not. Some items, like plants or perishables, typically aren't covered. Ask your agent to explain the insurance options before you sign, and consider whether you need extra coverage for high-value belongings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pack my own boxes and have United Van Lines load them?

Yes. This is called a self-pack or partial-service move. You pack your boxes and small items, and the crew loads them along with your furniture. This option costs less than full-service packing but more than a completely self-packed move where you also arrange transport yourself.

What if my delivery date changes after I schedule?

Contact your agent as soon as possible. They may be able to adjust the delivery window depending on their schedule and the destination agent's availability. Changes close to your moving date may incur fees, so ask about this when you call.

Are there items United Van Lines won't move?

Yes. Most movers won't transport hazardous materials (paint, propane, batteries), plants, perishables, or items of extreme value like jewelry or artwork. Ask your agent for the full list of restricted items when you get your estimate.

How do I file a damage claim if something arrives broken?

Report damage to your agent in writing within 30 days of delivery, with photos if possible. Your agent will file a claim with the insurance company. Keep the damaged item and original packing materials as evidence. The company will investigate and either repair, replace, or compensate you depending on the policy.

What's the difference between binding and non-binding estimates?

A binding estimate locks in your price—you pay that amount unless you add items after the survey. A non-binding estimate is an educated guess; your final bill may be higher or lower based on actual weight. Binding estimates offer certainty but may cost more upfront. Non-binding estimates are riskier but sometimes cheaper.