Allied Van Lines tops our list of the best distance moving companies because of its straightforward pricing and customer-friendly benefits, like 24/7 customer service. Not only does Allied provide guaranteed rates so you know your cost upfront, but it also doesn’t require a deposit to secure your move date. This transparency can ease some moving stress, both financially and logistically.
Long-distance moves bring their own set of challenges, such as mileage, expenses, logistics, and timing. With so much to think about, hiring moving professionals can make all the difference. Below, we’ll break down our top picks to help you find the best long-distance moving company for your big move.
Key Takeaways
- Allied Van Lines is our top choice for a long-distance mover due to its competitive cost, large network of moving agents, and comprehensive service options.
- Long-distance moving costs can vary depending on multiple factors, but based on our survey, the average price for a long-distance move is $3,124.
- Our survey of 1,000 moving customers revealed that 72% opted for full value coverage moving insurance. This option is ideal for long-distance moves because there’s more room for something to go wrong.
Top Long-Distance Moving Companies
When moving long-distance, it’s important to research your options and choose a company wisely. Here’s our list of the best long-distance moving companies in the industry:
- Allied Van Lines: Best for Transparent Pricing
- North American Van Lines: Best for Large Moves
- JK Moving Services: Best Comprehensive Moving Services
- International Van Lines: Best for International Moves
- Safeway Moving Inc.: Best Specialized Labor
Comparing Top Movers for Long Distances
To narrow down the best long-distance moving companies in the industry, we ranked each provider based on what’s most important to customers like you, such as customer service, overall value, and company reputation. See how our top-rated moving companies compare in the table below.
| Provider | Our Score (Out of 5) | Average Price | Deposit | FMCSA Licensing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$3,112 | Up to 25% | Carrier/Broker | ||
$2,944 | 20%–30% | Carrier | ||
$3,520 | None | Carrier | ||
$3,601 | None | Carrier/Broker | ||
$2,273 | $250 | Carrier |
Like most moving companies, all the providers on our list offer loading, unloading, packing, and unpacking services. However, specialty services like storage options and antique services may vary by company. Browse the table below to see how our top picks compare:
| Specialty Service | Allied Van Lines | North American Van Lines | JK Moving Services | International Van Lines | Safeway Moving Inc. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle shipping | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fragile-only packing | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Furniture disassembly and reassembly | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Junk removal | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Appliance and electronics disconnection | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Antique and specialty services | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Piano moving | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Storage | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Office moves | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Our Reviews of Top Long-Distance Movers
Because of the logistics involved with moving your items across the country, long-distance moves can feel overwhelming. When ranking the best long-distance moving companies, we paid extra attention to available services, pricing, and features like GPS tracking and 24/7 customer support because it’s important to know where your belongings are at all times—especially if shipments take weeks to arrive at your new home. Read on below to get a better idea of what each company has to offer and see how our top providers stack up against each other.
Allied Van Lines
Company Overview
- Doesn’t require a deposit to book, unlike some competitors
- Offers multiple ways to reach customer service, including a 24/7 support line
- Provides binding moving estimates
Keep in Mind
- Not as affordable as some competitors we’ve reviewed
- Receives mixed reviews from customers on some platforms
Our Review
Allied Van Lines is our top pick for long-distance moves because it’s one of the largest and oldest moving companies in the U.S., with more than 95 years of experience and over 300 agents nationwide. Allied Van Lines functions similarly to other moving companies but with a few valuable perks—notably when it comes to pricing transparency. For example, Allied Van Lines doesn’t require customers to put down a deposit to save their booking date, whereas some competitors require 20%–30% of your total estimate upfront. The company also offers binding estimates, which is a benefit to customers. While your initial estimate with Allied Van Lines may seem high, this transparency is better than less reputable companies that lowball prices and then raise rates once the move is done.
Allied Van Lines may cost more than other companies, especially when compared to do-it-yourself (DIY) options like PODS and U-Haul. However, the company has 750,000 moves under its belt in the last 15 years, bringing expertise to the table that some customers may find worth the money for added peace of mind. Allied Van Lines also offers virtual in-home estimates and online GPS shipment tracking, and while this is common in the industry, these features show the company is dedicated to giving customers a convenient experience. And if you’re looking to ship your car with your long-distance move, Allied Van Lines offers both open-car and enclosed-car transport methods.
Customer Experiences
We read through positive and negative Allied Van Lines reviews on the BBB, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews to learn more about experiences with the company. Customers praised Allied Van Lines for its reliable crews, quick loading and unloading times, and fair prices. On the other hand, most complaints centered around damages, issues with customer service, lost items, and delays in shipment.
Here are two customer reviews for Allied Van Lines:
“The quoting process was done professionally and courteously, and the actual move was completed with a great deal of care and attention to detail… They were polite and worked non-stop and wrapped up anything I had not thought of. The foreman on both ends, who drove my stuff cross-country, was outstanding. I am so glad I chose to go with Allied as the process was seamless, which allowed me to address the many, many other things that I needed to take care of without any worries. I highly recommend them if you are considering a move across the country.” —Chris B. via Google Reviews, February 2025
“This has been the worst moving experience of my life, and I’ve moved a number of times. These people just do not care about your belongings. Most of my furniture was either damaged beyond repair or scraped up. The price was high, the packing was poor, the delivery was a week late, [and] the inventory was completely illegible and nondescript. All in all, this was a nightmare, and we’re not through it yet. As of this date many items are lost and unresolved.” —Don R. via Trustpilot, August 2024
North American Van Lines
Company Overview
- Doesn’t charge a deposit for your long-distance move
- Has a mobile app for shipment tracking and communication
- Offers bottom-line pricing, not-to-exceed pricing, and customized pricing options
Keep in Mind
- Has fewer online reviews than most competitors
- May charge more for binding estimates than other pricing options
Our Review
North American Van Lines is one of the largest companies on our list, with more than 1,400 trucks and 500 agents across the country, and has some of the cheapest average prices in the industry, earning our pick for large long-distance moves. Despite North American being both a carrier and a broker, having such a large in-house supply of trucks and employees lessens the chance the company will have to rely on third-party movers in your area. North American Van Lines also offers customers helpful tools for their move, like a mobile app and moving cost calculator, which can make the logistical issues of moving a bit less overwhelming—especially if you have a large move with many boxes and items.
North American Van Lines also stands out for its pricing options. Most providers only offer a general non-binding estimate for your move, while others offer binding estimates as well. North American Van Lines is a step above the rest, offering binding estimates, guaranteed not-to-exceed pricing, and customized pricing options. The pricing option you choose may affect your rate, but can help save you from unexpected costs in the long run. Plus, North American Van Lines makes it quick and easy to file a claim if any of your items get lost or damaged during your move.
Customer Experiences
Based on our review of third-party sites, most customers were satisfied with North American Van Lines for its on-time deliveries—sometimes even ahead of schedule—careful moving crews, and fixed rates with no billing surprises. However, most complaints were about damaged items, understaffed crews, and poor communication.
Read two reviews from North American Van Lines customers below:
“They arrived on time, and [the] loading process went super fast. No damage at all to the house, as they made sure to put down floor coverings and protection. [The] delivery was actually ahead of schedule. It was a long weekend, and [I] got a call asking if I wanted it earlier. That doesn’t happen often. Unloading was just as efficient as the loading. [I] highly recommend them.” —Scott B. via Google Reviews, October 2024
“Worst service I have ever witnessed. They lied about delivery times and caused great chaos. I was not there to see the packing process, but [I] was there at the delivery site. The two men were rough with the items and their [furniture] dollies, running into walls, scraping interior surfaces, [and] causing damage to the house itself and the furnishings. I watched them break my gram’s desk.” —T. B. via Google Reviews, January 2025
JK Moving Services
Company Overview
- Charges a $250 deposit, which is more affordable than some other companies
- Trains staff using a fully-furnished model home at its headquarters
- Offers affordable financing options
Keep in Mind
- Only offers long-distance moves for customers moving from Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia
- Charges higher prices than other companies we’ve reviewed
Our Review
JK Moving Services offers careful attention to detail and a wide variety of moving services, which is why it made our list for long-distance moves. The company trains its employees in a model home built within its headquarters, installs dash cams in every fleet vehicle, and provides free GPS tracking with every shipment. JK Moving also offers some of the most comprehensive packing services available, and since the company trains its crew in-house, they’re prepared for packing tricky items like sculptures, wine collections, antiques, and pianos. However, the company only services customers with long-distance moves originating in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
JK Moving offers climate-controlled storage options with video surveillance and motion sensors if you’re looking for a storage solution while you wait to move into your new home. The company is a carrier only, not a broker, which means you can avoid surprises by not having to deal with a third-party mover. However, JK Moving’s prices are on the higher side, and you can’t get a quote online, even for a small one-bedroom move. Still, if you’re looking for a long-distance mover that won’t skimp on the details, JK Moving is a good option.
Customer Experiences
JK Moving only has three reviews on Trustpilot and 51 reviews on the BBB, which is low compared to competitors, but thousands of reviews on Google Reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Customers have mentioned competent employees and issue-free pickup and delivery. However, most complaints were about billing issues, like price increases, and damaged items.
We pulled two customer reviews to help you learn more about JK Moving:
“From start to finish JK Moving provided first class service! They start by coming to the house to assess what needs to be moved with an estimate of cost. [The] moving day blew us away. The team was organized and handled everything perfectly with zero issues. The timing for pickup and delivery was better than expected!” —Deb S. via Google Reviews, March 2025
“[They] low-balled the bid to get the contract, [then] came in $10,000 higher than estimate[d] [and] demanded immediate payment or [they] would not deliver the next day. [The] boxes came off truck crushed and split open because they short packed the boxes, which increased the price! The unpackers did not unpack the boxes we paid to have unpacked. They shoved boxes into any room until the room was full. We had to hire people to pull out all the boxes and sort them by room. We had to pay for someone to help unpack. There was a lot of damage because of the bad packing.” —Chrystal K. via the BBB, January 2024
International Van Lines
Company Overview
- Offers one free month of storage with every move
- Moves customers to and from all 50 U.S. states and to 180 countries
- Frequently offers discounts on its website
Keep in Mind
- Operates as a carrier and broker, which can result in non-International Van Line crews and trucks handling your move
- Charges fees for having stairs outside your home and buildings with elevators
Our Review
Whether you’re moving across the country or across the world, International Van Lines (IVL) is one of the best options for long-distance moves because it covers so many locations. International Van Lines moves customers to and from all 50 U.S. states and over 180 countries. However, to supply moves to all these different locations, International Van Lines functions as both a carrier and a broker, meaning it may outsource jobs to local third-party movers via its broker authority, Ocean Star International (USDOT #2247789). Outsourcing services may lower the quality of a move because the initial company may not end up using its own trucks and staff.
International Van Lines has a few perks that make it customer-friendly, including an offer of one free month of storage with every move. However, it’s worth noting that this offer only applies to storage within the local pickup area, not nationwide. IVL also offers unique moving services compared to other companies, like debris removal and custom crating, making it a good choice if you need more than a standard load and unload. You can frequently get discounts of 5%–10% on the company’s website, either by using an online code or by calling a representative, which can amount to significant savings on long-distance moves. We recommend browsing the company’s website for time-sensitive deals before you get a free quote.
Customer Experiences
We read through reviews for International Van Lines Most and found that customers have praised International Van Lines for its professionalism, secure packing, and wide range of moving services. On the other hand, most complaints were about poor communication and issues with billing, including differences between the quoted price and the actual price.
Here are two examples of customer reviews for International Van Lines:
“I would highly recommend International Van Lines. I usually don’t write reviews, but this company definitely exceeded the expectations I had. Anyone looking for reliable international movers, this is your company! They made what could have been a stressful experience smooth and worry-free.” —Brittani M. via Google Reviews, October 2024
“International Van Lines quoted [my move] for $4,700, but [I was] charged for $10,050. It’s a three-bedroom townhome with minimum furniture and a few boxes. … The pickup was separated three times in two days, and delivery took two days. The attitude of the dispatcher was awful. I spent $10,000 for a short trip from Philadelphia to Boston.” —Anbo W. via Google Reviews, March 2024
Safeway Moving Inc.
Company Overview
- Includes 30 days of storage free with all long-distance and interstate moves
- Offers binding moving estimates with no hidden fees
- Provides price-matching if you find a lower rate with another company
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t offer any pricing info online
- May confuse customers since there are a lot of companies with similar names
Our Review
Safeway Moving Inc. isn’t the largest, oldest, or cheapest company on our list, but it has a few perks that make it worth considering for your long-distance move. The company offers specialized services such as creating wooden crates for your valuable items, assigning specialized packing teams, moving pianos, and more. Safeway also provides binding estimates with no extra fees, giving customers extremely transparent prices ahead of their move. It also offers price matching, so if you get a cheaper quote from another licensed moving provider but would rather hire Safeway, you can tell a customer representative and the company will match the cheaper rate. Safeway also displays its Department of Transportation (DOT), Florida state registration, and motor carrier numbers on its website, helping to distinguish it from other companies with similar names.
On that note, a quick word of caution—Safeway Moving is a very common business name, and the details between companies can get confusing. Safeway Moving Inc. may seem closely related to a company called Safeway Moving Systems. The companies have different DOT numbers but both maintain headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and have similar logos. Also, there’s another company called Safeway Moving Inc. based in Denver, Colorado, with its own DOT number. If you’re considering Safeway for your move, go straight to the Safeway Moving Inc. website. If you don’t, you could get lost among websites for companies with similar names.
Customer Experiences
Safeway Moving Inc. has better review ratios than most competitors, including 4.6 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot and 4.5 out of 5 stars on Google. Customers have praised Safeway for its employees and thorough wrapping of furniture and fragile items. However, most complaints were about difficulties with communication and confusion around estimates and billing.
Here’s a positive and negative review for Safeway Moving Inc. for an idea of some experiences:
“We moved from Rhode Island to Pennsylvania and it was a breeze. [The] travel time to receive things wasn’t bad either—picked up on Wednesday [and] dropped off on Saturday. They were really fast and efficient and so kind and well-mannered. … We had full trust in this company, and they did not disappoint. They loaded absolutely everything, including furniture and my husband’s home gym, and then unloaded everything into the correct rooms, while putting all the furniture back together. The heavy duty wrapping and protection of all of our belongings was really impressive. We also have a toddler and three pets too, which is a lot! The crew was super patient and understanding with the chaos our family brings, and that was super comforting.” —Jordan M. Via Google Reviews, February 2025
“I had a very disappointing experience with this company. The scheduling process went smoothly, but then it started to get complicated and became really difficult to get a hold of anyone that could help in any practical way. Sometimes they would put me on hold and after waiting for 20 minutes or so, they would hang up on me! I talked with the person who took the inventory for the move out and told them I have an extra couch cushion and wondered if this would cost more money. He assured me it would not and then when the people who came to move me out went through the things, they proceeded to tell me it would be an extra $300 for the cushion and a couple of other small items like a hamper. The movers worked hard, but were not very careful or considerate of the beautiful furniture—I had to be very explicit with them to be careful.” —Patricia M. via Google Reviews, February 2025
Key Moving Terms Explained
If you’re new to the moving process, there are some words you may not know. Here’s a crash course in some key moving terms to learn before you book:
- Carrier: A carrier is a company that uses its own trucks and employees for every step of the moving process. We prefer carriers because customers deal directly with the company instead of relying on third-party movers in their area. Your carrier is directly responsible for any damages and serves as your main point of contact, reducing the chance of miscommunication.
- Broker: As the opposite of carriers, brokers outsource services to a network of third-party movers to accommodate more customers in more locations. This can give companies more availability, but can also lead to more variations in service quality. While brokers sometimes offer lower rates, they don’t handle moves directly and aren’t liable for any damages. You usually can’t vet the third-party movers ahead of time, so you may get stuck with a company with bad reviews. If your items get damaged or lost in transit, you must deal with the company that physically completed your move.
- Van line: Several movers on our list are “van lines,” or companies with large networks of trucks and movers that work together to handle long-distance relocations across the country. Van lines can include carriers, brokers, or both.
- Binding estimate: This type of estimate gives you a guaranteed price for your move ahead of time based on your inventory and services. Binding estimates lock in your rate, so even if the move takes longer than expected, you shouldn’t have to cover any unexpected price increases. Binding estimates tend to cost more than non-binding estimates since they account for some level of variance in price, but you at least won’t have any surprises when it’s time to pay the bill.
- Nonbinding estimate: This will give you a rough idea of your total cost, but your final price could change based on the actual weight of your items, the time it takes to complete the move, and any additional fees.
- Not-to-exceed estimate: This quote type sets a maximum price for your move, but you could end up paying less if your belongings weigh less than expected or if the move is faster than planned. These estimates are rare but can protect you from overpaying.
- Delivery spread: This is a time window when your moving company estimates your items will arrive at your new location. Instead of promising a specific day, companies usually give a range—usually 5–7 days—since things like traffic or weather can cause delays. Some companies will also re-route your truck to accommodate other moves on the way, which may make your shipment take longer to arrive. Your mover has to provide reasonable dispatch service, which means it has to deliver your goods in a timely manner. If there’s a delay, your mover has to let you know immediately and offer you a new delivery spread.
Understanding the Costs of Long-Distance Moves
Moving costs can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, and for long-distance moves, prices can even reach the tens of thousands. If you’re in the beginning stages of planning your move and looking for a general price range, use the table below to get an idea of how much a 200–800 mile move could cost for different home sizes.
| Home size | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom | $1,999–$2,239 |
| 2-bedroom | $1,946–$2,087 |
| 3-bedroom | $2,766–$3,249 |
| 4-bedroom | $6,566–$7,016 |
Keep in mind that your actual costs may vary based on your location, services, moving date, and item weight.
Single-Day vs. Multiday Moves
It’s not uncommon for long-distance moves to take more than one day, which can impact your overall price. While local moves usually only take one day and companies charge by the hour, cross-country movers typically charge by the weight of your belongings, which can cost more because of the extra labor required, added fuel costs, and potential overnight stays for the crew. If you’re moving more than 200 miles away, ask your movers how long they think the move will take during the estimate process.
Full-Service vs. Partial-Service Moves
Partial-service movers only offer limited services, like loading and unloading. However, full-service movers offer packing and unpacking services as well as specialty services like piano moving, antique handling, custom crating, storage options, and more. If you hire full-service movers, there’s no obligation to purchase additional services, but if you do, they come at a price. A simple load and unload typically costs less than hiring movers to pack and unpack all your belongings, so weigh the cost against the convenience of these types of services before you book. If your budget is important to you, we recommend packing and unpacking yourself or with the help of friends and family.
Tipping Your Movers
While not necessarily a requirement, tipping your movers is expected, just like you tip a waiter or barber. However, you may not know how much to tip if you’ve never done it before. Here’s a quick rundown of how much you should tip your movers by the day, by the hour, or by a percentage of your total bill.
Tipping $20–$50 per mover for a full day of work is sufficient for small moves that take five hours or less. For longer moves, including single-day moves of eight or more hours or multi-day moves, it’s not uncommon to tip more, sometimes up to $100 per mover. Remember, you might have different crews for the pickup and drop off of your long-distance move, so you may want to tip separately. For example, if the pickup takes five hours, you could tip each mover $40–$50, and if the drop off is several days later and takes three hours, you can tip another $20–$30 for that crew.
Giving $10 per hour per mover is generally considered a good tip. Tipping by the hour is one of the easiest ways to tip because it gives each mover an individual amount instead of giving the crew a lump sum they have to split amongst themselves.
For this method, tipping 15%–20% of the total move cost, which will get split among the team, is a good place to start. Again, if you have different pickup and dropoff crews, you may have to split the tips in half. So, if you planned on giving a 20% tip of your total bill, give 10% to the pickup crew and the other 10% to the dropoff crew. Dropoffs normally go faster than the pickup, so feel free to vary the tipping percentage as you see fit.
Most movers prefer cash tips, which means you may have to stop by an ATM or bank before your move. However, some movers use apps like Venmo and PayPal and may consider digital funds. Feel free to ask your movers their preferred tipping method before they start so you have time to prepare. While you can also provide water and snacks for your moving crew as a friendly gesture, this typically doesn’t count as a tip per industry standards. If you do provide any food or drinks for the crew, it’s usually considered as a courtesy, not as a tip.
How To Get a Good Price
Long-distance moving is often expensive, but if you’re working with a tight budget, there are a few ways to cut down on costs. Here are some moving tips to get the best rates:
- Compare quotes: As a general rule of thumb, get estimates from at least three moving companies before you book with a provider. If you take the first deal you find, you may miss a better one. Some companies, like Safeway Moving Inc. and American Van Lines, even offer price matching, so you can potentially leverage your quotes for a better deal elsewhere.
- Moving date flexibility: Many moving companies have a tight schedule and may give you a cheaper rate if you switch your date to accommodate their crew. If you’re not working with a tight moving deadline, ask your provider about cheaper dates to move. Weekday and mid-month moves typically cost less than weekends or peak-end-of-month dates because there’s less demand. The same applies to fall and winter moves.
- Ask about discounts: Movers don’t often advertise discounts, but that doesn’t mean companies don’t have any available. Many movers offer discounts for seniors, students, and military personnel.
- Know about extra fees: Some movers charge extra for packing certain items, navigating external stairs, or moving items from a long distance to the truck. Read through your contract carefully to avoid getting charged unexpected fees after the move is already done. Also, consider asking for a binding estimate so you know your total bill before the move even starts.
- Ask about vehicle shipping: If you’re moving locally, you likely can drive your car to your new home after the pickup is done. However, if you’re moving across the country, the logistics may get trickier. If you plan on transporting your car instead of driving yourself, some movers, like International Van Lines, offer discounts for bundling vehicle shipping with your household move. This comes at a cost, but if you’re traveling a far distance, it may outweigh the price of paying for fuel for your personal vehicle.
Other Moving Options
Full-service moving companies typically offer the most practical choice for long-distance moves because movers can handle all the packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking for you—taking a lot of stress out of the process. There’s a lot of work that goes into a long-distance move, so it helps to have a full-service company on your side. Still, other options, like truck rentals and portable storage containers, can offer affordable alternatives for customers with a DIY work ethic.
If budget is your top priority, we recommend renting a moving truck from one of the best moving truck rental companies, like U-Haul or Penske. Renting a truck helps you save money by doing most of the move yourself. You only pay for the rental and mileage, which is significantly cheaper than the costs of labor from a professional moving company. However, packing, loading, and driving a larger vehicle on your own can become challenging. We recommend enlisting the help of friends and family to lighten the load.
You could also rent a portable storage container from one of the best moving container companies, like PODS, in order to cut down on moving costs. With this option, the moving company will drop off a storage container at your home that you can pack at your own pace. Many companies offer storage container rentals starting at one month, and you can store your container on-site or at a storage facility until you’re ready to ship it to your new home. Four companies on our list—Allied Van Lines, North American Van Lines, JK Moving Services, and International Van Lines—offer moving containers as well as packing services, so you can pick your own combination of DIY and full-service moving options.
What Is Moving Insurance?
Moving insurance protects your belongings in the event that any items get damaged during your move. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), federal law requires interstate and long-distance moving companies to provide two different types of liability coverage:
- Released-value protection: This is the minimum amount of coverage your mover is obligated to offer by law, and it’s included with your move at no extra charge. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound for each lost or damaged item. If you choose released value protection, you likely won’t get reimbursed for the full cost of your items, but it’s better than no protection at all.
- Full-value protection: This insurance covers the full cost to repair or replace damaged or lost items, but you need to pay an additional fee for this extra protection. Still, this coverage has limitations when it comes to extremely valuable pieces like antiques and jewelry. For more on the details of full-value protection, visit the FMCSA website.
If neither of the options above sounds ideal, you can also opt for third-party insurance. Third-party insurance may offer more in terms of coverage, but it’s often more expensive and less convenient than in-house options, which you can more easily lump in with your moving service.
State Regulations for Long-Distance Moves
Long-distance moving companies have to abide by many federal and state regulations in order to stay in operation. While these may vary by state, here’s a quick look at some rules that all interstate long-distance moving companies must follow:
- Licensing: Long-distance moving companies need to have a USDOT number to stay in business. You can search for your specific provider on the FMCSA website using the company snapshot tool. Some companies may even display their USDOT information on their website. If you can’t find your company’s number anywhere, consider it a red flag.
- Weight tickets: Most long-distance moving companies calculate your bill based on the weight of your shipment, provided you have a non-binding estimate. If you have a binding estimate, the weight of your shipment shouldn’t affect your bill in any way. This means the moving company has to provide a certified weight ticket on your bill of lading for transparency. For more on your bill of lading, see the screenshot from the FMCSA below:
For more on weight tickets, see the screenshot from the FMCSA below and read the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet in full:
- “Your Rights and Responsibilities” booklet: Federal law mandates that long-distance moving companies provide you with a booklet called Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move. This outlines your rights as a customer, including details about estimates, liability, billing, and more. We strongly recommend you read this entire booklet before signing any contracts. Doing so could protect you from scams, red flags, and shady businesses.
- The 110% rule: The FMCSA has a rule that moving companies can only charge up to 110% of a non-binding estimate in order to protect consumers from companies that would raise rates mid-move. Some scam moving companies will hold shipments hostage until customers pay their bill, which is two or three times more than the initial estimate. If your provider doesn’t give you possession of your shipment after you pay 110% of a non-binding estimate, or if the company tries to charge you more, it’s in violation of federal law.
Nailing Down Your Moving Timeline
The weeks leading up to your move can feel extremely stressful, but implementing some pre-move planning can help you stay one step ahead. If you’re not sure how far in advance you should plan, here’s a general timeline you can follow:
- Eight weeks out: As far in advance as you can, start researching moving companies and getting estimates. Aim to talk to at least three different providers before you choose your final option. Also, this is a good time to pick your ideal moving date and start thinking about what services you’ll need, such as packing, storage, and vehicle shipping.
- Six weeks out: At this point, you can narrow down your top moving company and book your date. Then, start packing nonessential items such as decor, artwork, books, and anything that’s already in storage. If there are any items you don’t plan on taking with you, start selling or donating stuff now.
- Four weeks out: Now that you’re a month away, start thinking about the logistical hurdles of moving, like transferring utilities to your new home, submitting a change of address form with USPS, and finalizing your move-out details with your landlord if you have a lease. Then, continue packing items you won’t need for the next month and setting boxes aside so they’re ready for the move. If you’re doing your own packing, start stocking up on boxes and tape so you have plenty available during the coming weeks.
- Two weeks out: Keep packing items that you don’t need immediate access to, like seasonal clothing, backup toiletries, and spare towels. Label boxes so you can access and unpack them easily in your new home. Also reach out to your moving company and confirm that everything is good to go for moving day.
- Moving week: At this point you’re likely in full packing-mode, but keep essentials such as medications and important documents with you during your move to avoid losing them. If you’re moving from an apartment, leave some cleaning supplies in your old unit, since many apartments require a full cleaning in order to get your security deposit back. Before moving day, do a final walkthrough of your current home and grab any last-minute items you may have forgotten.
Insights from Real Moving Customers
We conducted a 2025 survey of 1,000 customers nationwide who have hired movers in the past two years. Our survey found that long-distance moves—or moves across state lines or multi-day moves—were not as common compared to local moves within the same state. Only 26% of customers moved long-distance, compared to 72% of survey respondents who moved locally, and nearly 2% moved internationally.
However, of those long-distance movers, every respondent hired a professional, full-service moving company that handled loading, transportation, and unloading. Allied Van Lines was the most popular company among survey respondents, which matches our list of top-rated long-distance moving companies. Most customers moved a three or four bedroom house, and nearly 53% of respondents purchased full-value protection for their belongings. Plus, 84% of respondents said they would hire professional movers for a long-distance move again.
Other Moving Experiences
While we prefer full-service moving companies for long-distance moves, some customers find that portable storage container companies offer a better budget-friendly solution. One customer, Katie D., moved from Denver, Colorado, to Orlando, Florida, in August 2024 using U-Haul’s U-Box container and had a good experience.
“I just secured [the U-Box] online and didn’t have to pay for it until right before I got it,” she said. “I felt it was secure. The worries people had [on review sites] was that it wouldn’t be weather-proof, but I didn’t have any problems with that.”
Although Katie said the U-Box was a good value, she admitted she would’ve hired a full-service mover if she’d found one within her budget. If you don’t mind doing some of the work yourself, container companies and truck rentals can offer an affordable, practical option. However, if you want peace of mind and less stress, we recommend choosing a top-rated long-distance mover to handle the heavy lifting.
FAQs About the Best Long Distance Moving Companies
Is it cheaper to hire movers or do it yourself?
It’s almost always cheaper to do it yourself when it comes to moving. While many long-distance moving companies offer affordable rates, you pay for labor, travel time, fuel costs, and sometimes additional fees for extra services. If you choose to rent a truck and do it yourself, you can cut out labor and service fee costs, making for a much more affordable bill. However, long-distance moves can include many moving parts that might make hiring professional movers worth the cost.
How much do long distance movers cost?
According to our research, the average price for a long-distance move is $3,124. Your individual costs may vary based on your location, company choice, home size, extra services, moving date, and item weight.
How much should I tip movers?
As a general rule, aim to tip movers roughly $5–$10 per hour per mover or 15%–20% of the final bill for the whole crew, depending on the quality of service. Alternatively, you can budget $20–$50 per mover per day, as long as the move doesn’t go beyond eight hours.
What are the best long-distance interstate moving companies?
According to our research, the best long-distance interstate moving companies include Allied Van Lines, International Van Lines, and JK Moving Services. These companies all scored 4.6 out of 5 stars or above based on our rating methodology, which looked at services, cost, reputation, and more. However, the best mover for you will depend on your specific needs.
How We Evaluated Long-Distance Movers
We rated each long-distance mover in this guide according to our moving review methodology. To find the best long-distance moving companies in the industry, we researched company services, collected more than 1,000 moving quotes, read online customer reviews, and spoke with company representatives. We also paid close attention to special features like GPS tracking, mobile app accessibility, and 24/7 customer service that offer customers more peace of mind during long-distance moves.
Our Rating Criteria
We used a custom 100-point scale to rank long-distance moving companies based on the six factors below, which we then converted into 5-star ratings for each company. Here’s a closer look at the categories we used to review moving companies:
- Customer service: We read hundreds of customer reviews on third-party review sites such as the BBB, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews to identify patterns of satisfactory service and complaints. Companies that responded to more than 90% of complaints and have star ratings of 2.5 and above on these platforms received the most points.
- Reputation: We made sure each moving company is reliable by checking its FMCSA status as a carrier or broker, seeing how many inspections it has failed in the past two years for drivers and moving trucks, and verifying that it background-checks its movers. Companies operating as carriers only with a failure rate lower than the national average of 22.26% received the most points.
- Value: We requested over 1,000 quotes from leading moving companies and assessed each company based on its average price for a two-bedroom move ranging from 500–800 miles. We awarded the most points to companies that offered us quotes of less than $2,000–$4,000, while providers with quotes between $4,000–$10,000 received fewer points.
- Service offerings: Most long-distance movers offer loading and unloading services, but the best companies go above and beyond. We awarded the most points to companies that also offer packing and unpacking, vehicle shipping, fragile-only packing, furniture disassembly and reassembly, appliance and electronics handling, office moves, piano moving, and junk removal. We also awarded points to companies that offer packing supplies and DIY moving options like portable storage containers.
- Item protection: Moving companies must provide released-value and full-value protection to customers by law, but some providers go even further. We gave the most points to companies that offer additional coverage through customizable full-value insurance plans or third-party insurance. We also awarded points to companies with additional protections like custom crating , GPS-tracking, and antique services.
- Scheduling: We awarded points to providers that offer convenient ways for customers to book moves and contact representatives. The best companies have multiple communication channels, including mobile apps, email, consumer portals, telephone, and 24/7 chat. We also gave points to companies that allow customers to book moves and get estimates online instead of requiring an in-person inspection.
