Charles Sykes of Johnson Storage & Moving Named United Van Lines Van Operator of the Year

Centennial, Colorado (Mach 14, 2025) — Charles Sykes of Johnson Storage & Moving Co. out of Centennial, Colorado, is named this year’s United Van Lines Van Operator of the Year in the Household Goods West category. The award honors Sykes’s exceptional performance in customer service and safety. He was recognized at the Company’s recent award ceremony in St. Louis. 

Sykes’ father, who started in the trucking industry in 1950, taught his sons the ins and outs of the business. Dedicated to mastering the trade, Sykes spent many of his childhood summers working alongside his father. His hands-on experience made him an expert by the time he was 21. He has served now in the industry for 50 years and continues to take his father’s advice. “My father always told me to do as well as I could, he always believed I was ready,” Sykes said.   

“Outstanding van operators go beyond the road—they create lasting impressions through exceptional customer service and an unwavering commitment to safety, ensuring every journey is a smooth and reliable experience,” UniGroup President and CEO Kevin A. Kakora said.  

There are more than 3,900 driving professionals in the United Van Lines network, and Thomas was one of the three winners this year. The Van Operator of the Year began in the late 1970s to recognize the men and women who sacrifice so much for a life on the road and who help other families through one of the most stressful times in their lives.     

Throughout the years, Sykes has taken pride in being timely, equipment maintenance and customer service. View the full Van Operator of the Year video to learn more about Charles.  

About Johnson Storage & Moving Co. 

Johnson Storage & Moving Company has been owned and operated by fourth-generation members of the Johnson family since 1900. We specialize in white glove service for residential and commercial moves. Our ultimate goal is to treat all your belongings with the utmost care and professionalism, and to take care of all the details for you — making the process stress-free for you. Johnson was a founding agent of United Van Lines as a co-op van line in 1947. From its founding site in Denver, the company has expanded to multiple locations spanning six states and grown throughout Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico, California, Kansas, and Texas. 

About United Van Lines  

United Van Lines is America’s #1 Mover^®. United Van Lines offers a full range of moving solutions. With headquarters in suburban St. Louis, United Van Lines maintains a network of 300 affiliated agencies. For more information about United Van Lines visit: UnitedVanLines.com or find us on social @unitedvanlines or @unitedvanlines.