How a Long-distance Move Works

Aside from movers loading up a van and delivering belongings, the steps involved in a long-distance move can come as a surprise to many United Van Lines customers. Whatever your experiences or expectations, let’s just say there’s a lot more involved than simply going directly from point A to point B.  

Here’s a glimpse into how a typical move happens — along with some tips and techniques for making the experience as seamless and surprise-free as possible.   

We Go Where We’re Needed 

Not every United Van Lines customer lives in a major metropolitan area or near an interstate. That’s why long-distance movers like us fall under “irregular route carriers.” We need to be as efficient as possible because we go wherever people are moving to and from. Routes are carefully planned and mapped out to handle multiple loads and leverage our scheduling and shipments to service as many customers as possible.   

Customers sometimes like to track their belongings en route, and occasionally, their van is not where they expect it to be. Rest assured, that’s perfectly normal. Much like when you’re tracking a package sent by Amazon or UPS, it all comes down to logistics and efficiency. At United Van Lines, we encourage you to reach out to your Move Coordinator if you have questions or need a status update. 

Van Space is Usually Shared 

A 53-foot moving van has enough room to handle the contents of several typical households, so unless you have an exceptionally large home, there will be more than one set of customer shipments in the van. For us — and any major long-distance mover — it’s a matter of utilizing the equipment efficiently. 

Let’s say, for example, that we have five customers moving out of California, with the furthest move ending up in Florida. The van driver would load these shipments and deliver them to customer homes in Arizona, Texas and Georgia before they get to Florida. Or they may load one shipment in California, another one in Arizona, another in New Mexico, and then take it all to Florida. We rely on Transportation Specialists to bundle loads together most efficiently and cost-effectively. 

Why We Have Delivery Windows 

United Van Lines leverages innovative technologies and over 90 years of experience to ensure that our long-distance moves happen as quickly and efficiently as possible. However, moving will never be an exact science, which is why most long-distance moves are scheduled to happen between predetermined delivery windows. 

Here’s why: 

Weather conditions and the occasional mechanical hiccup can happen. When you consider that many vans are carrying more than one customer’s belongings, loading and unloading is another reason our delivery windows are flexible.  

As a reputable mover, United Van Lines drivers abide by Department of Transportation rules and regulations, which include standardized hours of service. Our drivers cannot be behind the wheel of their vehicle for more than a set number of hours each day — nor would we want them to be!  

Not all our customers’ belongings are moved exclusively in vans. Depending on the location and type of service, we also move shipments using containers and trailers, which have different delivery windows and timeframes.   

Our Technology Puts You in Control 

Our latest moving technologies — Virtual Survey and MyUnited Move Portal — empower you to take charge of your moving journey without needing to be behind the wheel. 

The MyUnited Move portal offers a comprehensive suite of tools to streamline the moving process. It provides a centralized platform to track moving milestones, organize contacts and book moves online. With it, you benefit from: 

• Move Milestone Timeline: A visual timeline to keep track of crucial moving dates 
• Interactive Move Checklist: A customizable checklist to organize and prioritize tasks 
• Online Booking: Easy online booking with a streamlined payment process 
• Contact Organization: A centralized place to store and access important moving contacts 
• Helpful Resources: A library of moving tips and links to essential services 

Meanwhile, our Virtual Survey is a convenient and efficient way to get a moving quote from United Van Lines. It offers a video chat experience where you can show your belongings to an estimator directly through your smartphone or tablet without the need for an in-person visit.  

• Convenience: Schedule appointments at your preferred time, often sooner than in-person estimates 
• Speed: Receive faster moving quotes through the video chat process 
• Quality: Accurate and reliable estimates, similar to in-person surveys 
• Ease of Use: User-friendly process from scheduling to the actual virtual survey 

The MyUnited Move portal and Virtual Survey are innovative tools that significantly simplify and streamline the moving process. By providing a centralized platform to manage moving tasks and offering a convenient virtual option for estimating, these technologies cater to your needs and busy schedule.  

Ultimately, these solutions let you take the reins, saving time and reducing stress. Whether you prefer a hands-on approach or a remote experience, United Van Lines offers flexible options to meet your unique moving needs. 

4 Quick Tips for a Better Moving Experience 

Want some more tips to help ensure a smooth move? We’ve got you covered with advice from our pros. 

1. Make Informed Decisions: Start by researching and selecting the right mover for your needs early; gathering multiple moving quotes will help you compare prices and services. 
2. Plan Your Move Strategically: Whether you prefer a detailed planner or a simpler approach, creating a moving schedule will keep you organized and on track. 
3. Tailor Your Services: Choose from our flexible, full-service moving packages and customize them with add-ons to fit your specific requirements. 
4. Protect Yourself from Scams: Stay vigilant and safeguard your belongings by reading our guide on avoiding common moving scams. 

Whatever moving company you choose, take a moment or two to explore the content we have available on everything from setting up a to-do list to packing your belongings, settling into your new neighborhood as well as our guides to regional cuisines, cities, and national parks.