About Us
Our Mission
UniGroup is a cooperative, a family of independent entrepreneurs, providers and employees, with a shared passion in moving and logistics. We unite the strength and capabilities of our collective network to deliver value through our brands, tools and services, enabling members to grow and thrive for generations.
UniGroup and our carriers are also committed to providing military families and government employees with the best service possible. As GSA approved carriers, we understand the intricacies involved in moving military and/or government families. Whether it is a temporary duty or a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move, our goal is to assist military families by providing a stress-free relocation experience.
History
UniGroup, founded in 1988, is a $1.5 billion transportation company and parent of United Van Lines, the nation’s leading corporate mover, and Mayflower Transit, the most well-known name in the moving industry. Between the two van lines, UniGroup handles one in three professional interstate moves.
UniGroup is also the parent company of UniGroup Worldwide and other transportation related brands, including UniGroup Logistics, and companies including Allegiant Move Management, which is a transportation management company for both corporate and government accounts, and Trans Advantage, which sells and finances rolling stock and sells movers’ supplies.
UniGroup, headquartered in suburban St. Louis, is owned exclusively by active agents of United Van Lines and Mayflower Transit, and senior management of the UniGroup companies. In 2018, UniGroup became a Missouri cooperative (co-op) which allows UniGroup to even better serve its agents and customers by providing centralized support functions, products and services, purchasing power, information networks and other benefits through UniGroup where it makes sense.
Charles W. McDaniel is chairman of the UniGroup Board of Directors and Jason Mills is the president and CEO of UniGroup.
Key Dates
The depth of UniGroup’s history is contained in its people and agent network, its culture and its unique way of doing business. For decades, the people who work for UniGroup subsidiaries have provided professional, knowledgeable and courteous customer service. This legacy continues today as the company strives to remain an industry leader and provide innovative tools and moving services to its customers.
1920s
Newly paved roads make transporting customers’ belongings easier. United Van Lines and Mayflower Transit begin developing uniform standards of performance for the rapidly emerging group of independent movers eager to join the networks. The van lines quickly gain recognition for providing safe “door-to-door” pickup and delivery.
1950s/60s
United Van Lines International and Mayflower Transit International are formed to support America’s government and military activities throughout the world. Mayflower is also the first van line to equip its long-distance moving vans with “air-ride” suspension systems and RCA mobile radios, and to be licensed by the FCC for nationwide mobile communications.
1970s
United Van Lines introduces an online system to control its shipments and vans linked directly to the central United computer. Mayflower introduces its fuel squeeze system to help reduce fuel consumption.
Early/mid 1980s
United’s Special Commodities Fleet is inaugurated, and the first freight forwarder subsidiary is also introduced. United takes an industry leadership role by implementing a comprehensive, mandatory drug testing program for its van operators.
1988
UniGroup, Inc. is formed to consolidate and leverage “back office” support functions for all of its operating companies.
1989
Mayflower becomes the first U.S. household goods carrier to establish a presence in Eastern Europe and delivers its first household goods shipment to Moscow.
1991
UniGroup/United is listed as one of the 100 most effective users of information systems in the United States by Computer World magazine. The company is ranked sixth nationally among transportation companies.
1995
UniGroup acquires Mayflower Transit, the most recognized name in moving and the third-largest mover in the United States. Through the UniGroup structure, Mayflower operates as a sister company of United Van Lines and the two van lines continue to actively compete for business in the marketplace while both receive support services from UniGroup. The acquisition makes UniGroup the nation’s largest household goods moving organization.
1996
UniGroup consolidates the two international operating companies to create one of the world’s largest specialized moving and freight forwarding company, UniGroup Worldwide.
Early 2000s
The Special Products Division is created for non-household goods activities for the UniGroup van lines.
2011
UniGroup introduces a new global logistics brand called UniGroup Worldwide Logistics, now known as UniGroup Logistics, to build on the experience United Van Lines and Mayflower had in being trusted providers of specialized transportation and 3PL services for more than 50 years. By leveraging the assets of the van lines and the relationships with third party transportation providers, the UniGroup Logistics service is better able to customize global supply chain solutions for its customers at a competitive price. Services include truckload, less-than-truckload, flatbed, specialty transportation, freight forwarding, distribution services, project management, IT relocations and third-party logistics.
Due to the extensive corporate client growth in the United Kingdom, UniGroup Worldwide opens its London service center to allow for regular communication and availability of service to our clients in this region.
United and Mayflower unveil mobile websites to provide customers with a convenient way to request a moving quote, contact a representative directly, track a shipment and find moving tips to plan their move.
UniGroup introduces Quotes-To-Go®, its proprietary moving quote tool. It was a one-of-a-kind, web-based tool that allowed sales representatives to offer the moving public added convenience through real-time pricing, side-by-side moving quote comparisons and eAcceptance to start the move process without printed paperwork.
2013
To communicate its continued focus on expanding its service offerings and providing a seamless global experience, the UniGroup companies create a consistent look and logo to visually show the power of the UniGroup network.
2018
In February 2018, UniGroup Shareholders voted to become a cooperative (co-op). This allows UniGroup to better serve its agents and customers by providing centralized support functions, products and services, purchasing power, information networks and other benefits through UniGroup where it makes sense.