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The average cross-country move costs $3,500 to $8,000 depending on home size and distance, and prices have jumped roughly 21% in 2026 due to fuel costs. Hostage-taking complaints (movers holding your belongings hostage) have spiked 189% since 2022, making it critical to verify any company’s FMCSA licensing before signing. This guide ranks 10 cross-country movers based on licensing status, real pricing data, user feedback, and service transparency. AmeriSafe Van Lines tops the list for its dual-carrier/broker authority and coordinator-led moving experience, followed by established van lines such as Allied, North American, and JK Moving.
A cross-country move is one of the most expensive, stressful purchases most people will make. The average cost ranges from $3,500 to $8,000 for a standard household, and that number has been climbing. According to moveBuddha’s 2026 pricing data, moving company rates have increased approximately 21% as of June 2026, driven largely by fuel costs.
The financial stakes are high. But the stakes are higher. The FMCSA has documented an 189% increase in hostage-load complaints since 2022, where movers hold your belongings until you pay inflated charges. Their investigations across 17 states uncovered more than 1,000 regulatory violations.
This guide cuts through the noise. Below, you’ll find 10 cross-country movers ranked on licensing, pricing transparency, services, and honest tradeoffs, along with the information you need to protect yourself.
Get a free moving quote from AmeriSafe Van Lines to start comparing costs for your cross-country move.
At-a-Glance Comparison Table
Company | Best For | Approx. Cost (3BR Cross-Country) | Deposit Required? | Carrier, Broker, or Both? | Free Storage? | Notable Weakness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AmeriSafe Van Lines | Coordinator-led moves with carrier/broker flexibility | Custom quote | Yes (refundable within 72 hrs) | Both | Short-are non-refundable 72 hours afterare that the staff is responsive and knowledgeableto movers seekingthat their final bill from JK Moving wasa broker, following a and long-term available | Smaller fleet than legacy van lines |
Allied Van Lines | Full-service moves, no deposit | $4,400–$17,000 (avg $7,780) | No | Carrier | 90 days SIT | Claims process frustrations |
North American Van Lines | À la carte customization | $4,500–$7,000 | No | Carrier | Varies by agent | Higher prices reported by some customers |
JK Moving Services | White-glove premium moves | $6,277–$9,061 | $250 | Carrier | Yes | Significantly above-average pricing |
International Van Lines | Budget-friendly + international | ~$4,153 (sample route) | Varies | Both | 30 days | Lack of online pricing transparency |
Safeway Moving | Flat-rate with free storage | ~$3,664 (sample route) | Yes | Broker | 30 days | Delivery delay complaints |
Atlas Van Lines | Military/government relocations | Varies | No | Carrier | Varies by agent | Lower BBB satisfaction scores |
United Van Lines | Digital tracking and portal | Varies | Yes | Carrier | Varies | Premium pricing |
U-Pack | Budget DIY/hybrid option | $2,500–$5,000 | Varies | Carrier (freight) | No | You do all packing and loading |
Two Men and a Truck | Smaller cross-country moves | Varies | Yes | Carrier | Limited | Less cross-country experience than van lines |
The 10 Best Cross Country Movers, Ranked
1. AmeriSafe Van Lines
Best for: Coordinator-led cross-country moves with carrier/broker flexibility
AmeriSafe Van Lines is a Licensed Interstate Motor Carrier and Licensed Interstate Moving Broker, holding dual FMCSA authority with authorization for household goods (HHG). This means the company can dispatch its own trucks on certain routes or partner with vetted carriers when it makes more sense for the customer’s timeline and destination. Headquartered in Boynton Beach, Florida, AmeriSafe also holds Florida intrastate licensing.
Key features:
Dual carrier/broker authority gives flexible routing options across all move types
Dedicated move coordinator assigned from consultation through delivery
Full and partial packing services plus moving supplies
Short-term and long-term storage options for staggered move-ins
Specialized services for senior moves, pianos, antiques, and other fragile items
Separate sales and customer service phone lines so you reach the right team
Published arbitration program, FMCSA rights brochures, and clear refund/deposit policies on the website
Pricing: Custom-quoted based on inventory, distance, and add-ons. Deposits become non-refundable after 72 hours from signing, giving you a clear cancellation window.
Tradeoffs:
Smaller fleet compared to legacy van lines like Allied or United, so some routes will be handled by partner carriers
No standardized package tiers published online; you’ll need to call or submit a quote form for pricing
As a hybrid carrier/broker, it’s important to ask upfront whether your specific move will be handled by AmeriSafe’s own trucks or a partner
Real user perspective: Published testimonials on AmeriSafe’s reviews page include named scenarios covering routes like Oregon to Texas, New Hampshire to North Carolina, and Chicago to Monterey, CA.
The dual-authority model is genuinely rare. Practitioners on Reddit consistently advise asking whether a company is a broker or carrier before booking. AmeriSafe’s structure answers that question with transparency: they’re both, and they disclose it openly.
2. Allied Van Lines
Best for: Full-service cross-country moves with no deposit required
Founded in 1928, Allied Van Lines has handled more than 750,000 moves in the past 15 years. It operates as a carrier (not a broker), meaning the company and its agent network typically handle your belongings directly.
Key features:
No deposit required to book
Full-service packing, fragile-only packing, custom crating
Vehicle shipping available
90 days of storage-in-transit included
Military moves and international service to 135+ countries
Cross-country moves typically range from $4,400 to $17,000, with an average around $7,780
Tradeoffs:
Allied holds a 1.9-star rating on Trustpilot, revealing a gap between editorial praise and some consumer experiences
Multiple customer reviews cite difficulty reaching the claims department
The claims process itself is described as slow and frustrating
Pricing can land on the high end for larger households
Real user perspective: While the majority of Allied’s reviews across editorial sites are positive, the negative ones cluster around lost or damaged items and claims handling. This is a pattern worth watching: a company can be excellent at the move itself but fall short when things go wrong.
3. North American Van Lines
Best for: Customizable à la carte moves with 24/7 support
North American Van Lines brings over 90 years of experience to cross-country relocations. Like Allied, NAVL operates as a carrier and holds an A+ BBB rating.
Key features:
No deposit required
À la carte service model lets you pick exactly which services you want
24/7 customer support
A 3-bedroom cross-country move quoted between $4,500 and $7,000 (lower than several competitors)
Full packing, loading, transport, and unloading options
Tradeoffs:
Some customers found NAVL’s final cost higher than expected despite competitive initial quotes
Reports of damaged belongings during transit surface in reviews
Service quality can vary by local agent, which is common across van line networks
Real user perspective: NAVL gets strong marks for communication. Customers who engage with the 24/7 support line report responsive, knowledgeable staff. The inconsistency tends to show up at the local agent level, so asking who your specific crew will be is worth the call.
4. JK Moving Services
Best for: Premium, white-glove cross-country moves
JK Moving was founded almost four decades ago by Charles “Chuck” Kuhn, who started the company at age 16. It has since grown into one of the largest independently owned moving companies in North America.
Key features:
Dedicated personal move coordinator from consultation through final delivery
Premium packing, custom crating, and white-glove handling
Cross-country moves range from $6,277 to $9,061 with a $250 deposit
Strong reputation for careful handling of high-value items
Independently owned (not a franchise or agent model)
Tradeoffs:
Pricing is significantly above average, making JK a tough fit for budget-conscious movers
$250 deposit required upfront
Limited geographic coverage compared to nationwide van line networks
Real user perspective: A moveBuddha contributor noted their final bill from JK Moving actually came in lower than the original quote, which is unusual in an industry where overages are common. If you’re moving expensive furniture or artwork and want a premium experience, JK is built for that.
5. International Van Lines
Best for: Competitive pricing with international reach
International Van Lines (IVL) operates as both a carrier and broker, similar to the hybrid model. ConsumerAffairs named IVL its top pick for 2026 based on reliability, pricing transparency, and customer support.
Key features:
Routes to more than 180 countries
24/7 customer support with flexible cancellation
Real-move data shows IVL quoting $4,153 for a Miami to New York move, where competitors quoted $5,200 to $7,069
30 days of free storage
Full packing and specialty item handling
Tradeoffs:
The website lacks clear pricing information; you’ll need to call for any quote
Some customers report prices higher than expected despite competitive initial estimates
As a hybrid carrier/broker, the actual crew may vary depending on the route
Real user perspective: Reviewers consistently praise IVL’s customer service team as friendly and helpful over the phone. The careful handling of belongings on long-distance routes gets good marks, though the lack of online pricing transparency frustrates comparison shoppers.
6. Safeway Moving
Best for: Flat-rate pricing with 30 days of free storage
Safeway Moving covers all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. Their flat-rate pricing model and included storage make them attractive for movers who want cost certainty.
Key features:
Flat-rate, binding quotes
30 days of free storage with every move
Coverage across all 50 states
Real-move data shows Safeway quoting $3,664, whereas North American Van Lines quoted $5,789
Competitive pricing draws frequent praise
Tradeoffs:
Operates primarily as a broker, meaning a third-party carrier will likely perform your move
BBB complaints mention higher pricing upon delivery despite advertised binding quotes
One documented case of a customer waiting 60 days for belongings to arrive
The gap between advertised binding quotes and delivery-day charges is a red flag worth investigating
Real user perspective: Safeway gets a lot of praise for competitive pricing and professional crews. But complaints about delivery delays are concerning. If timing is critical for your cross-country move, ask for written guarantees on delivery windows.
7. Atlas Van Lines
Best for: Military and government relocations
Atlas Van Lines specializes in long-distance, cross-country, and international relocations with agents in over 17 countries. Their experience with no-deposit bookings and government contracts makes them a strong choice for military families.
Key features:
No deposit needed to reserve services
Agents in 17+ countries for international moves
Strong presence in military/government relocation contracts
DOT complaint rate per 100 vehicles is lower than that of most peers
Tradeoffs:
Lower BBB satisfaction score compared to some competitors
Pricing varies significantly by agent location
Less consumer-focused marketing means less public pricing data
Real user perspective: NerdWallet’s analysis found Atlas’s federal complaint rate is actually better than average, despite the BBB score. Military families who’ve used Atlas through government contracts generally report smooth experiences. Civilian cross-country movers may find less consistency.
8. United Van Lines
Best for: Digital tracking and portal-based move management
United Van Lines is one of the largest van line networks in the U.S., with a digital-first approach to move management that appeals to tech-savvy customers.
Key features:
Online portal for tracking your shipment in real time
Large agent network providing nationwide coverage
Full-service packing, loading, and delivery
Carrier status (not a broker)
Tradeoffs:
Premium pricing that often exceeds competitors for similar routes
Agent quality varies across the network
Deposit required at booking
Real user perspective: United’s tracking portal is frequently cited as a standout feature. Knowing exactly where your belongings are during a 7 to 14 day cross-country transit reduces anxiety. But that convenience comes at a price premium some movers find hard to justify.
9. U-Pack
Best for: Budget-conscious movers willing to pack and load themselves
U-Pack operates on a fundamentally different model. They deliver a trailer or container, you pack and load it, and they handle the driving. It’s a hybrid between DIY and full-service that can save thousands.
Key features:
Pay-for-space pricing: $2,500 to $5,000 for a 2-to-3-bedroom cross-country household
Savings of $2,000 to $4,000 compared to full-service movers
You control the packing and loading (no strangers handling your belongings)
Freight carrier (not a household goods mover), so a different regulatory framework
Tradeoffs:
You do all the packing, loading, and unloading yourself
No packing services, no assembly/disassembly help
Not suitable for seniors, families with limited mobility, or anyone short on time
No white-glove handling for fragile or high-value items
Real user perspective: Budget-focused movers on Reddit frequently recommend U-Pack as the best value option, especially for younger households without extensive furniture. The trade-off is real physical labor: loading a trailer for a 3-bedroom home is a full weekend of hard work.
If you’re considering a DIY approach, compare the cost savings against your time and physical ability. For those who prefer to leave the heavy lifting to professionals, full-service long-distance movers are worth the premium.
10. Two Men and a Truck
Best for: Smaller cross-country moves and partial loads
Two Men and a Truck built its reputation on local moves but has expanded into cross-country service. They’re a good fit for apartments and smaller households making a coast-to-coast move.
Key features:
Franchise model with local teams who know their markets
Full packing and loading services
Internal quality controls across franchise locations
Growing long-distance capabilities
Tradeoffs:
Less cross-country experience than dedicated van lines
Pricing can be inconsistent across franchise locations
Not ideal for large households with complex inventories
Smaller long-distance fleet than national carriers
Real user perspective: Two Men and a Truck works best when your move is relatively straightforward: a one-bedroom apartment, a small house, or a partial shipment. For larger cross-country moves with specialty items, the dedicated van lines and hybrid carriers higher on this list are better equipped.
How Much Does a Cross-Country Move Cost in 2026?
The short answer: more than it did last year. The longer answer depends on your home size, distance, and service level.
Here’s a consolidated view of 2026 pricing data from multiple sources:
Home Size | Typical Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Studio/1 Bedroom | $2,000–$3,500 | Minimal furniture, fewer boxes |
2 Bedroom | $3,060–$5,280 | Based on moveBuddha’s 2026 dataset |
3 Bedroom | $4,500–$7,000 | NAVL’s quote range for cross-country |
4+ Bedroom | $7,000–$17,000 | Allied’s upper range for large households |
Several factors push costs up or down:
Distance matters, but not linearly. Allied defines cross-country as anything over 2,000 miles. A move from Florida to Texas will cost less than a move from Florida to California simply because the mileage is lower, but the per-mile rate actually decreases on longer hauls.
Weight vs. volume pricing. Most traditional van lines charge by weight. Some newer companies use cubic feet (volume). Neither method is inherently better, but you should understand which one your mover uses so you can estimate accurately. A 3-bedroom home typically weighs between 7,000 and 10,000 pounds.
Fuel surcharges are significant in 2026. The standard fuel surcharge runs 10% to 20% of your base moving cost. But with current gas prices, some carriers have raised that to 25%-30%. Always ask whether the fuel surcharge is included in your quote or added separately.
The 21% price increase is real. If you’re comparing quotes to what a friend paid in 2024, expect a meaningful jump. This isn’t companies gouging you; it reflects genuine cost increases across fuel, labor, and insurance.
Request a free cross-country quote from AmeriSafe to see current pricing for your specific route and inventory.
Carrier vs. Broker: The Distinction That Could Save Your Move
This is the single most important concept to understand before hiring a cross-country mover, and most comparison articles barely mention it.
A carrier owns trucks and employs the crews who physically move your belongings. When you hire a carrier, you know who’s showing up on moving day.
A broker connects you with a carrier but doesn’t own trucks or employ movers. They’re a middleman. Some brokers are legitimate and helpful. Others offer lowball estimates to lock you in, then hand your move to the cheapest carrier they can find. This is where scams concentrate.
Practitioners on Reddit are blunt about this. The consistent advice across r/moving threads is: never hire a broker without knowing who the actual carrier will be, and get a binding estimate from the carrier, not just the broker.
The hybrid model is a third option that fewer people know about. Some companies hold dual FMCSA authority as both carriers and brokers. This means they can handle your move with their own trucks when the route and capacity align, or partner with vetted carriers when that makes more logistical sense. AmeriSafe Van Lines operates under this dual-authority structure, which provides flexibility without the opacity of a pure broker.
The key question to ask any moving company: “Will your own crew be performing my move, or will it be subcontracted? If subcontracted, who is the carrier and what is their DOT number?”
If the company can’t or won’t answer clearly, that’s your signal to walk away.
How to Avoid Cross-Country Moving Scams
The FMCSA’s enforcement data paints a troubling picture. Hostage-load complaints, where movers refuse to release your belongings until you pay inflated charges, now represent 31% of all moving complaints. Damaged goods account for 24%, late delivery 19%, and overcharging 15%.
Here’s how to protect yourself:
Verify licensing before you do anything else. Every legitimate interstate mover must be registered with the FMCSA. Go to protectyourmove.gov and search the company’s DOT or MC number. If they’re not registered, stop the conversation.
Demand a binding estimate. The TOH 2025 Moving Survey found that only 43.1% of movers offered a binding estimate. That means more than half of consumers were vulnerable to price increases on moving day. A binding estimate locks your price. A non-binding estimate is just a guess. Under federal rules, a non-binding estimate can’t exceed 110% of the quoted price at delivery, but enforcing that in the moment (when a truck is loaded with your life) is incredibly difficult.
Pay by credit card, never wire transfer or cash. Credit cards offer chargeback protection. Wire transfers and cash offers are none.
Watch for these red flags:
No physical address or only a P.O. box
Demanding a large cash deposit before the move
No on-site or video survey of your belongings
A quote that seems dramatically lower than every other estimate
Refusing to provide a written, binding estimate
For a deeper breakdown of common tactics, read this guide on identifying and avoiding moving scams.
Cross-Country Moving Checklist
A cross-country move typically takes 7 to 14 days in transit, but the planning starts much earlier.
8 weeks before:
Research and get quotes from at least 3 companies
Verify each company’s DOT/MC number
Ask for binding estimates and confirm carrier vs. broker status
Start decluttering (less weight = lower costs)
4 weeks before:
Book your mover and confirm the move date
Arrange storage if there’s a gap between your move-out and move-in dates
Begin packing non-essential items
Notify utilities, update your address with the post office, DMV, and insurance
1 week before:
Confirm all details with your moving coordinator
Pack a personal essentials bag (medications, documents, chargers, a few days of clothes)
Take photos of valuable items for insurance documentation
Set aside items you’ll transport yourself (jewelry, important documents, irreplaceable items)
Moving day:
Be present for the inventory walkthrough
Get the driver’s name, cell number, and the truck/trailer number
Confirm the delivery window and payment terms in writing
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a cross-country move take?
Most cross-country moves take 7 to 14 days from pickup to delivery, depending on distance and your shipment’s size. A move under 2,000 miles may arrive closer to the 7-day mark, while coast-to-coast relocations (2,500+ miles) typically land at the longer end. Summer moves may take longer due to higher demand.
What’s included in a full-service cross-country move?
Full-service typically covers disassembly of furniture, wrapping and padding of large items, loading, transport, unloading, and reassembly. Packing of boxes, specialty item handling for pianos or antiques, and storage are usually add-on services quoted separately.
What’s the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate?
A binding estimate guarantees your total price won’t change as long as the inventory stays the same. A non-binding estimate is an approximation, and your final bill could be higher. Federal law limits non-binding overages to 110% of the estimate at delivery, with the remainder due within 30 days. Always push for a binding estimate.
How far in advance should I book cross-country movers?
Four to eight weeks is the standard recommendation. During peak season (May through September), booking 8 to 12 weeks ahead is safer. Last-minute bookings are possible but limit your options and often cost more.
How do I verify if a moving company is legitimate?
Search the company’s DOT number at protectyourmove.gov. This FMCSA database shows whether the company is authorized to transport household goods, its safety record, complaint history, and whether it’s registered as a carrier, broker, or both.
Is it cheaper to move cross-country in winter?
Generally yes. Moving demand drops significantly from October through March, and many companies offer lower rates or are more willing to negotiate. You’ll also face less competition for preferred dates.
Should I hire a carrier or a broker for a cross-country move?
Carriers handle your move directly. Brokers coordinate with third-party carriers. Neither is automatically better, but you should always know which model you’re dealing with. Companies with dual carrier/broker authority can offer flexibility while maintaining accountability. The critical step is confirming who will physically perform your move before signing anything.
Finding the Right Cross-Country Mover
The best cross-country movers share a few qualities: verified FMCSA licensing, willingness to provide binding estimates, transparent pricing, and clear communication about who handles your belongings. Whether you choose a legacy van line, a hybrid carrier/broker, or a DIY freight option depends on your budget, timeline, and how much you value having professionals handle every step.
Start by getting quotes from at least three companies on this list. Verify their DOT numbers. Ask the hard questions about carrier status and binding estimates. And trust your instincts: if a company is evasive about basic details, they won’t get more transparent after they’ve loaded your truck.
Contact AmeriSafe Van Lines for a free cross-country moving quote and to learn how their coordinator-led approach works for your specific route.
