877-412-1344 TL;DR
The average cost of a cross-country move is between $4,400 and $17,000, with most people paying around $7,780. Your biggest risk isn’t price; it’s hiring a broker disguised as a carrier. This guide ranks eight vetted cross-country moving companies, breaks down real pricing by home size and distance, and explains the types of estimates, hidden fees, and verification steps that most comparison articles skip. AmeriSafe Van Lines tops our list for its dual carrier/broker authority and coordinator-led service model.
Why Picking the Right Cross Country Moving Company Matters More Than You Think
About 11% of people who recently hired movers reported that their final bill didn’t match the original quote, according to a This Old House 2025 survey of 1,000 recent movers. Even more alarming, fewer than half of the respondents said their mover offered a binding estimate.
Cross-country moves are expensive, stressful, and filled with potential pitfalls. You’re trusting a company with everything you own, often for weeks at a time, across thousands of miles. The difference between a good cross-country moving company and a bad one isn’t just a few hundred dollars. It can mean lost furniture, bait-and-switch pricing, or a delivery that shows up two weeks late.
This guide covers eight companies worth considering, plus the practical knowledge you need to evaluate any mover on your own.
Get a custom quote from AmeriSafe Van Lines for your cross-country move.
At-a-Glance Comparison Table
Company | Best For | Deposit Required | Estimate Type | Notable Feature | All 50 States? | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AmeriSafe Van Lines | Coordinator-led experience with dual authority | Yes (within 72-hr refund window) | Custom-quoted | Carrier + broker authority under one roof | Yes | Listed |
Allied Van Lines | No-deposit flexibility | No deposit | Non-binding/binding | Allied Express expedited service | Yes | A+ |
North American Van Lines | Guaranteed price caps | Varies | Not-to-exceed | Price never exceeds the quote | Yes | A+ |
Colonial Van Lines | Budget-conscious movers | Yes | Binding | Price-match guarantee | 48 states | A |
Safeway Moving | Alaska/Hawaii coverage + free storage | Yes | Binding | 30 days free storage | Yes (all 50) | B- |
American Van Lines | Specialty/high-value items | No deposit | Flat-rate binding | Expert handling of pianos, antiques | Limited states | A+ |
International Van Lines | Combined domestic + international | Varies | Binding | International reach to 180+ countries | Yes | A+ |
Mayzlin Relocation | Low upfront cost + tracking | 25% (refundable up to 7 days prior) | Binding | Live GPS tracking | Yes | Listed |
How We Evaluated These Cross-Country Moving Companies
Every company on this list was assessed across five dimensions:
FMCSA registration status. Active USDOT and MC numbers, authorized for household goods (HHG) transport.
Carrier vs. broker authority. Whether the company operates its own trucks, acts purely as a middleman, or holds both authorities.
Pricing transparency. Whether binding estimates are offered, deposit requirements, and published refund policies.
Service breadth. Packing, storage, specialty items, senior moves, and commercial options.
Customer sentiment. Review patterns across BBB, industry comparison sites, and practitioner communities like Reddit’s r/moving.
No company paid for placement on this list. AmeriSafe Van Lines is our editorial pick based on its structural advantages, which we explain below.
The 8 Best Cross Country Moving Companies in 2026
1. AmeriSafe Van Lines
Best for: Customers who want one point of contact, dual carrier/broker flexibility, and a coordinator-led experience
AmeriSafe Van Lines is a national moving company headquartered in Boynton Beach, Florida, that holds both carrier and broker authority with the FMCSA (entity type: CARRIER/BROKER, Authorized for HHG). This dual authority is genuinely uncommon and represents a structural advantage. The company can assign its own trucks on certain routes or partner with vetted carriers on others, all while maintaining a single point of accountability.
Key features:
Dedicated move coordinator from quote through delivery
Full and partial packing services with materials provided
Short-term and long-term storage options for staggered move-ins
Specialized handling for pianos, antiques, and sensitive items
Senior moving services with tailored assistance
Published refund policy and FMCSA consumer-rights documentation on site
Separate sales and customer service phone lines
Pricing: Custom-quoted based on inventory, distance, and add-on services. No published tiers or standardized packages. Request a quote directly for accurate numbers.
Pros:
Dual authority means flexibility without the accountability gap of a pure broker
Broad service menu under one company (packing, storage, specialty, commercial)
Clear regulatory disclosures, including arbitration and FMCSA rights brochures
Florida intrastate licensing for local and regional moves
Limitations:
No instant online price calculator; quotes require a phone call or form submission
Deposits become non-refundable after 72 hours from signing
Smaller fleet (6 power units listed in SAFER snapshot), so many routes rely on partner carriers
Why it tops this list: The broker vs. carrier problem is the single biggest source of complaints about moving. Practitioners on Reddit consistently warn about brokers who promise low quotes and then hand your move to an unknown carrier who charges more at delivery. AmeriSafe’s dual authority means the company can operate as a carrier when capacity allows and broker to vetted partners when it doesn’t, while you deal with one coordinator throughout. That structural flexibility, combined with posted arbitration and regulatory disclosures, sets it apart from pure brokers posing as van lines.
2. Allied Van Lines
Best for: Time-sensitive moves and customers who don’t want to pay a deposit upfront
Allied Van Lines is one of the oldest and most recognized names in the industry. It operates through a network of local agents across all 50 states, which provides broad coverage but can introduce some service variability depending on which local crew handles your move.
Key features:
No deposit required to book
Allied Express program for expedited delivery timelines
Full-service packing, crating, and unpacking
Vehicle shipping available
Online tracking portal
Pricing: A ballpark estimate for a 2,800-mile cross-country move runs between $12,554 and $13,886 for standard service, according to Allied’s own quote data. This puts Allied on the higher end, though exact costs depend on weight, distance, and services.
Pros:
Zero deposit lowers the barrier to booking
Decades of operational history and brand recognition
Express service option for tight timelines
Limitations:
Higher price point compared to most competitors in this list
Service quality varies by local agent; the crew in one city may be very different from another
Credit card payment surcharge is a common complaint in customer reviews
Non-binding estimates are the default unless you specifically request binding
3. North American Van Lines
Best for: Risk-averse customers who want a guaranteed price ceiling
North American Van Lines handles long-distance moves in all 50 states, as well as international relocations to over 175 countries. What makes it stand out is its not-to-exceed pricing guarantee, which caps the final invoice at the quoted amount regardless of what the certified scale shows.
Key features:
Not-to-exceed pricing guarantee on all estimates
Specialized military and senior relocation programs
Full-service packing and custom crating
ProMover certified through the American Trucking Associations
Pricing: Varies by route and home size. The not-to-exceed model means your final cost will never exceed the estimate, but it could be lower if your shipment weighs less than projected. For a typical 3-bedroom cross-country move, expect quotes in the $5,000 to $10,000 range depending on distance and services.
Pros:
Not-to-exceed estimate is the most customer-friendly pricing model available
Strong military and senior move programs
All 50 states plus international
Limitations:
Uses an agent network, so local service quality varies
No published online instant quote tool
Higher demand during peak season can push delivery windows out
If you’re unfamiliar with how different estimate types protect you, our section on binding vs. non-binding estimates below explains the differences in plain language.
4. Colonial Van Lines
Best for: Budget-conscious movers who want a binding estimate and a price-match guarantee
Colonial Van Lines has one of the highest ratings in independent van line comparisons, earning a 4.85 out of 5 from Move.org’s 2026 review and an A rating with the BBB. It operates across 48 states (excluding Alaska and Hawaii).
Key features:
Binding estimates as standard
Price-match guarantee if you find a lower quote elsewhere
Full-service packing, loading, and unloading
Dedicated move coordinator
Pricing: Real comparison data shows Colonial producing quotes around $3,102, whereas competitors quoted $4,153 to $7,069 for comparable cross-country shipments. This makes Colonial one of the more affordable full-service options.
Pros:
Consistently lower quotes than competitors for similar moves
Binding estimates reduce the risk of surprise charges
Price-match guarantee adds another layer of cost protection
High customer satisfaction ratings
Limitations:
Does not service Alaska or Hawaii
Acts primarily as a broker, meaning a third-party carrier will likely perform your move
Limited control over which carrier handles your shipment
5. Safeway Moving
Best for: All-50-state coverage including Alaska and Hawaii, plus free storage
Safeway Moving covers all 50 states, which matters if you’re moving to or from Alaska or Hawaii, where many competitors won’t go. The company also includes 30 days of free storage on interstate moves, a perk that can save $500 or more on staggered relocations.
Key features:
Coverage across all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii
30 days of complimentary storage on interstate moves
Binding estimates
Full-service packing and specialty item handling
Pricing: Comparison data from moveBuddha shows Safeway quoting approximately $3,664, whereas competitors quoted $5,789 to $7,031 for comparable shipments, placing it in the mid-to-low range.
Pros:
True all-50-state coverage
Free 30-day storage is a genuine differentiator
Competitive pricing relative to the field
Limitations:
B- BBB rating sits well below the A and A+ marks of most competitors
Some customer complaints about communication gaps during transit
Works as a broker on many routes, so the actual moving crew may be a partner company
6. American Van Lines
Best for: Flat-rate pricing and specialty items like pianos, antiques, and art
American Van Lines is moveBuddha’s go-to recommendation for high-value and fragile items. The company specializes in handling pianos, antiques, fine art, and other items that require extra care, and it uses flat-rate binding estimates so the price you’re quoted is the price you pay.
Key features:
Flat-rate, binding estimates with no deposit required
Dedicated move coordinators
Expert handling for specialty items
Full-service packing with custom crating for fragile items
Pricing: Typical cross-country moves range from $4,000 to $10,000 depending on distance, weight, and services. No deposit is required upfront.
Pros:
Flat-rate binding pricing eliminates bill shock
Best-in-class specialty item handling
No deposit required
Limitations:
No instant online quote, you must call or submit a detailed form
Limited availability in some states
Higher prices than budget competitors for standard household moves without specialty items
If you have pianos or antiques, you may also want to read about specialty moving considerations to understand what proper handling involves.
7. International Van Lines
Best for: Moves that combine domestic cross-country with international relocation
International Van Lines tops ConsumerAffairs’ list of best moving companies in 2026, with strong marks for reliability, pricing transparency, and customer support. The company shines when your move involves both a domestic long-distance leg and an international component.
Key features:
Domestic and international moving under one company
Coverage to 180+ countries
Full-service packing, crating, and custom container loading
Vehicle and boat shipping
Binding estimates available
Pricing: Varies widely depending on whether the move is purely domestic or includes international shipping. Domestic cross-country quotes are generally competitive with other companies on this list.
Pros:
One company handles both the domestic and international portions
Experienced with customs, import regulations, and overseas logistics
ConsumerAffairs top pick for 2026
Limitations:
Domestic-only customers may find better value with companies that specialize in interstate moves
Some routes handled by partner carriers
International moves add complexity and longer delivery windows
8. Mayzlin Relocation
Best for: Low deposit requirements and real-time shipment tracking
Mayzlin Relocation stands out for two things: a 25% deposit (versus the 50% that many companies charge) and live GPS tracking of your shipment. For a cross-country moving company, those two features address major consumer anxieties: the upfront financial commitment and the “where is my stuff?” black hole during transit.
Key features:
25% deposit with full refund available up to 7 days before the moving date
Live GPS tracking throughout transit
Price-match guarantee
Full-service packing and unpacking
Binding estimates
Pricing: Competitive with mid-range cross-country movers. The lower deposit means less cash tied up before your move date, which is a practical benefit when you’re already paying first and last month’s rent on a new place.
Pros:
Lowest deposit percentage among companies on this list
Live tracking eliminates the anxiety of not knowing where your belongings are
Generous refund window (7 days before move date)
Price matching available
Limitations:
Smaller company with less brand recognition than legacy van lines
Limited independent review data compared to established names
Some routes may be serviced by partner carriers
How to Choose the Right Cross Country Movers Company
Picking from a list is only half the job. You also need to know how to evaluate any mover, especially if you’re getting quotes from companies not covered here.
Carrier vs. Broker: The #1 Risk Most People Don’t Understand
This is the biggest source of complaints in the moving industry. Per the FMCSA, a carrier owns trucks and employs moving crews, while a broker is a middleman who doesn’t transport anything. When something goes wrong with a brokered move (damaged items, late delivery, missing boxes), the broker points to the carrier and the carrier points to the broker. You’re stuck in the middle.
Practitioners on Reddit’s r/moving consistently warn about this. The subreddit’s discussions about cross-country movers rank on Google’s first page precisely because users share real experiences with brokers who locked in a low quote and then passed the move to an unknown carrier that charged more at delivery.
Here’s the tricky part: some brokers put “van line” in their company name to appear like carriers. The only way to verify is to look up the company’s USDOT number on the FMCSA Company Snapshot tool. Check whether the entity type says “Carrier,” “Broker,” or both.
For a deeper look at moving scams and broker red flags, check out this guide to identifying and avoiding them.
Three Types of Estimates and Which One Protects You
Only 43% of recent movers were offered a binding estimate, according to the This Old House survey. That means the majority of people moved without price certainty. Here’s what each estimate type means:
Non-binding estimate: The mover provides a ballpark figure. Under FMCSA rules, they can’t require you to pay more than 110% of this estimate at delivery, but they can bill the rest within 30 days. This is the riskiest option for consumers.
Binding estimate: The price is locked. You pay exactly what was quoted, no more, no less, even if your shipment weighs more than expected. The downside: if your shipment weighs less, you still pay the quoted amount.
Not-to-exceed estimate: The best of both worlds. The price is capped at the quoted amount, but if your shipment weighs less, you pay the lower price. This is the most consumer-friendly option and the one North American Van Lines uses as standard.
Always ask which type of estimate you’re getting, in writing, before signing anything.
The Hidden Fees Checklist
Even with a binding estimate, certain fees may still appear if they weren’t discussed up front. Ask about these before you book:
Fuel surcharges: Typically 10 to 20% of the base moving cost, but they can spike to 25 to 30% when gas prices rise
Stair and elevator fees: $75 or more per flight of stairs or per elevator use
Long carry fees: Charged when the truck can’t park within a certain distance of your door
Shuttle fees: If a full-size truck can’t access your street, a smaller truck shuttles your items at an extra cost
Re-delivery fees: $300 to $800 if nobody is available at the delivery address
Packing materials: $150 to $400 if you assumed packing supplies were included, but they weren’t
The most reliable way to avoid surprises is to get a binding or not-to-exceed estimate that explicitly lists all potential add-on charges.
How to Verify Any Cross-Country Moving Company
Before handing over a deposit:
Look up the company’s USDOT number on the FMCSA Company Snapshot tool
Confirm the entity type (Carrier, Broker, or both) and that the status is “Authorized for HHG.”
Check for complaints and safety violations
Verify the BBB rating and read recent reviews, not just the star average
Ask for proof of insurance and what valuation coverage options are available
For a step-by-step planning resource, see this complete interstate moving checklist.
What Does a Cross Country Move Actually Cost?
The average cost of hiring a cross-country moving company is about $7,780, with a range of $4,400 to $17,000, according to Allied Van Lines’ published data. Move.org’s 2026 analysis puts the average cost of an interstate move even higher, at $9,060.
Here’s a more practical breakdown by home size and distance:
Cost by Home Size (2,000 to 2,500 miles)
Home Size | Typical Weight | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
Studio/1 BR | 2,500 to 3,500 lbs | $2,500 to $4,000 |
2 BR | 5,000 to 6,000 lbs | $3,500 to $6,000 |
3 BR | 7,500 to 10,000 lbs | $5,000 to $8,000 |
4 BR+ | 10,000 to 15,000 lbs | $8,000 to $15,000+ |
What Drives the Price
Weight is the single largest cost factor. Cross-country movers typically charge $0.50 to $0.80 per pound for long-distance shipments. A 3-bedroom home averaging 8,000 pounds at $0.65 per pound puts the weight-based charge alone at $5,200 before services, fuel surcharges, or packing.
Distance matters but is less variable than weight, since most cross-country moves fall in the 2,000-3,000-mile range.
Season has a significant impact. About 80% of U.S. moves occur between April and September, so peak-season pricing is the norm for summer moves.
Add-on services like full-service packing ($1,000 to $2,500), storage-in-transit, and specialty item handling can quickly add to the total.
Route demand also plays a role. Moving out of high-demand areas like California or New York tends to cost more because trucks are in short supply. Moving into less-popular areas can also increase costs if carriers incur empty return trips.
For more detailed pricing analysis, see this breakdown of long-distance mover costs and reviews.
Tips to Save Money on a Cross-Country Move
You can’t control distance, but you can control several other cost drivers.
Move during the off-peak season. September through May typically brings lower rates and more flexible scheduling. If your timeline allows, even shifting from late June to early September can save 10 to 20%.
Declutter aggressively before moving day. Every pound costs money. Sell, donate, or toss anything you won’t use in the next year. A single decluttering pass through a 3-bedroom home can cut 1,000 to 2,000 pounds.
Self-pack non-fragile items. Hiring movers to pack everything adds $1,000 to $2,500. Pack books, linens, and clothing yourself, and let the professionals handle fragile or high-value items.
Book 4 to 8 weeks ahead. Last-minute moves, especially during peak season, come with premium pricing and fewer carrier options.
Get at least three binding estimates. Don’t settle for one quote. Comparing multiple binding estimates gives you real pricing data and negotiating power. Many cross-country moving companies offer price matching if you show a competitor’s written estimate.
Ask about discounts. Military, senior, AAA, and off-peak discounts exist at many companies but aren’t always advertised.
Ready to compare pricing for your move? Request a free quote from AmeriSafe Van Lines.
FAQ
How much does it cost to move cross-country?
Most people pay between $4,400 and $17,000, with an average of around $7,780. The actual cost depends on your home size (weight), distance, time of year, and which services you add. Moving a 1-bedroom apartment 2,000 miles might cost $2,500 to $4,000, while a 4-bedroom home on the same route can easily exceed $10,000.
What’s the difference between a moving broker and a carrier?
A carrier owns trucks and employs the crew that physically moves your belongings. A broker is a middleman who books your move and hands it off to a carrier. The danger with pure brokers is the accountability gap: when things go wrong, each party may blame the other. Always verify a company’s status through the FMCSA’s Company Snapshot tool before booking.
What is a binding estimate, and should I insist on one?
A binding estimate locks in your price so the mover can’t charge more, even if your shipment weighs more than expected. Yes, you should insist on one, or better yet, a binding not-to-exceed estimate, which caps the price but lets it go lower if your shipment is lighter. Only 43% of recent movers received a binding estimate, which means the majority moved without price certainty.
How far in advance should I book a cross-country moving company?
Aim for 4 to 8 weeks before your move date. During peak season (May through August) or if you’re moving at the beginning or end of a month, booking even earlier is wise. Last-minute bookings during summer can mean limited carrier availability and higher prices.
Are my belongings insured during a cross-country move?
Federal law requires interstate movers to offer two valuation coverage options. Released value protection is free but covers only $0.60 per pound per item, which means a 50-pound TV would be covered for just $30. Full-value protection costs extra but requires the mover to repair, replace, or reimburse the current market value of damaged or lost items. Always ask about valuation options in writing before your move.
How long does a cross-country move take?
Full-service cross-country moves typically take 7 to 21 days from pickup to delivery. The range depends on distance, route, carrier scheduling, and whether you’re moving during peak season. Expedited services (like Allied Express) can shorten this window but cost more.
What should I do if the final bill is higher than the estimate?
If you have a binding estimate, the mover cannot legally charge more than the quoted amount. If you have a non-binding estimate, federal rules say you can’t be required to pay more than 110% at delivery, with the balance due within 30 days. If a mover demands more than these amounts, do not sign under pressure. Document everything, contact the FMCSA, and consider filing a complaint.
Can I track my belongings during a cross-country move?
Most traditional van lines do not offer real-time tracking. Some newer companies like Mayzlin Relocation provide live GPS tracking, and others give periodic phone or email updates. If tracking is important to you, ask specifically whether the company offers it before booking, and get it confirmed in writing.
Choosing a cross-country movers company is one of the highest-stakes purchasing decisions most people make only a few times in their lives. Take the time to verify FMCSA status, understand your estimate type, and ask about every potential fee before you sign. The information in this guide should give you the confidence to hire the right mover and avoid the most common pitfalls.
Get started with a free moving estimate from AmeriSafe Van Lines today.
