877-412-1344 TL;DR
The best movers for a cross-country move depend on your priorities. AmeriSafe Van Lines stands out for coordinator-led moves with dual carrier and broker authority. Allied Van Lines is the pick if you want a zero-deposit option. U-Pack wins for budget DIY moves starting around $2,500. Average cross-country moving costs sit around $4,000 to $8,000 in 2026, though large homes can easily exceed $12,000. Read on for real pricing, honest drawbacks, and a checklist to protect yourself from scams.
Moving across the country is consistently ranked among life’s top stressors, right up there with divorce and job loss. It doesn’t help that moving company pricing has climbed roughly 21% as of mid-2026 due to rising fuel costs, according to moveBuddha. The average cross-country move now costs somewhere between $4,000 and $8,000, with larger homes easily hitting $12,000 or more.
Worse, the moving industry has a serious fraud problem. FMCSA hostage-load complaints (where movers hold your belongings ransom for inflated charges) have surged 189% since 2022. The federal government ran Operation Protect Your Move in 2024, conducting 60 investigations and taking over 30 enforcement actions across 17 states.
All of this means picking the right mover isn’t just about convenience. It’s about protecting your belongings, your timeline, and thousands of dollars.
This guide compares eight of the best movers for a cross-country move, with real pricing data, honest tradeoffs, and the red flags that other listicles skip. If you’re weighing companies right now, you can also request a personalized quote to compare against the benchmarks below.
Quick Comparison Table
Company | Best For | Cross-Country Cost Range | Deposit | Free Storage | Carrier or Broker |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AmeriSafe Van Lines | Coordinator-led personalized moves | Custom-quoted | Yes (72-hr refund window) | Arranged through partners | Both (Carrier + Broker) |
Allied Van Lines | No-deposit booking | $4,400 to $17,000 | None | Varies by agent | Carrier |
North American Van Lines | Customizable à la carte service | $5,800 to $7,700+ | Varies | Varies by agent | Carrier |
International Van Lines | GPS tracking + international capability | $9,000 to $13,000 (3BR) | 25% of total | 30 days free | Both (Carrier + Broker) |
JK Moving Services | White-glove premium service | $6,277 to $9,061 | $250 | Varies | Carrier |
American Van Lines | Specialty items (pianos, antiques) | $4,000 to $10,000+ | 50% | Varies | Carrier |
Safeway Moving | Flat-rate pricing | $3,664 to $7,000+ | Yes | 30 days free | Carrier |
U-Pack | Budget DIY | $2,500 to $5,000 | None | Not included | Container service |
How We Evaluated These Companies
Every company on this list was assessed across four areas:
FMCSA licensing verification. We confirmed USDOT numbers, MC authority, and whether each company operates as a carrier, broker, or both.
Customer complaint analysis. We reviewed patterns across BBB, Trustpilot, ConsumerAffairs, and Reddit threads where real customers share unfiltered experiences.
Pricing transparency. Companies that publish clear cost ranges or offer binding estimates scored higher than those with vague “call for quote” approaches.
Claims and complaint ratios. We weighted FMCSA complaint history and DOT complaint ratios relative to company size.
No company on this list is perfect. That’s the point. You need to know both the strengths and the weaknesses before signing anything.
1. AmeriSafe Van Lines
Best for: Coordinator-led cross-country moves with carrier and broker flexibility
AmeriSafe Van Lines is a licensed interstate motor carrier and licensed interstate moving broker, which is a meaningful distinction. The company can deploy its own trucks (it maintains power units and drivers per its SAFER snapshot) or coordinate with partner carriers depending on your route and timing. This dual authority gives it genuine flexibility that pure carriers or pure brokers simply can’t match.
Every move gets a dedicated coordinator from first call through final delivery. Published customer testimonials on the site cover routes like Oregon to Texas, New Hampshire to North Carolina, and Chicago to Monterey, California.
Pricing: Custom-quoted based on inventory, distance, and services. No published price tiers.
Key features:
Full-service menu including professional packing, unpacking, short and long-term storage, senior moves, specialty items, and commercial relocations
Single coordinator manages your entire move from start to finish
Separate sales and customer service phone lines for clear routing
Published FMCSA regulatory disclosures including arbitration info, Rights and Responsibilities brochure, and Ready to Move brochure
Headquartered in Boynton Beach, Florida, with particular strength on Florida-origin interstate moves
Tradeoffs:
No published price tiers, so you must get a custom quote to compare
Deposit required to book
72-hour refund window on deposits is tighter than some competitors (Allied requires no deposit at all)
Real user perspectives: Published testimonials on the AmeriSafe reviews page describe scenarios ranging from single-bedroom apartments to full household cross-country relocations. Practitioners on Reddit’s r/moving frequently note that companies with both carrier and broker authority can be advantageous because they have more options for routing your shipment, though they stress the importance of confirming in writing whether your specific move will be on the company’s own trucks or a partner’s.
Get a cross-country moving quote from AmeriSafe
2. Allied Van Lines
Best for: No-deposit booking with a nationally recognized brand
Allied Van Lines is one of the oldest names in the moving industry, and its biggest differentiator for cross-country moves is simple: no deposit required to book. That’s rare and genuinely useful if you’re still finalizing dates or comparing options.
Allied operates more than 3,500 long-haul vehicles through a network of local agents nationwide. It’s owned by Sirva Worldwide, the same corporation behind North American Van Lines.
Pricing: $4,400 to $17,000 for cross-country moves, with an average around $7,780 according to Allied’s own cost calculator.
Key features:
Zero deposit to reserve your move
Nationwide agent network with broad geographic coverage
Full-service options including packing, storage, and specialty handling
Online tracking and move management tools
Tradeoffs:
Charges a fee for credit card payments, which adds cost at checkout
Agent-based model means quality varies significantly by location. Your experience in Denver may be completely different from your experience in Atlanta.
BBB and Yelp complaints frequently cite damage claims, slow claims resolution, and poor communication when shipments are split across trucks
Real user perspective: One Yelp reviewer described “unclear contractual language, inconsistent communication when our shipment was split, and a difficult claims process.” This pattern appears regularly in Allied reviews, suggesting the claims experience is a systemic weakness rather than a one-off issue.
3. North American Van Lines
Best for: Customizable à la carte service where you pick and choose
North American Van Lines, Allied’s corporate sibling under Sirva Worldwide, takes a different approach. Rather than pushing all-inclusive packages, it lets you build your move from individual service components. Want to pack yourself and save a couple thousand dollars? That’s straightforward here.
Pricing: Roughly $5,800 to $7,700+ for cross-country moves, though costs vary widely by home size and services selected.
Key features:
True à la carte model: select only the services you want
High customer review scores across major platforms
Same nationwide agent infrastructure as Allied
Flexible scheduling with broad availability windows
Tradeoffs:
Website is clunky and difficult to navigate, making it hard to get clear pricing information online
Deposit policy is unclear and varies by agent
Shares the same complaint patterns as Allied, since both operate through the same parent network. One BBB filing describes a customer who paid over $7,700 and received a delivery window of April 30 through May 2, only to experience significant delays and poor communication.
Real user perspective: Practitioners on moving forums generally praise North American’s flexibility but warn that the agent model creates inconsistency. The company you research online may not be the crew that shows up at your door.
4. International Van Lines
Best for: Cross-country moves needing GPS tracking or international shipping capability
International Van Lines (IVL) appeals to people who want visibility into where their belongings are at any given moment. The company offers GPS tracking that lets customers log in and see their shipment’s location in real time, a feature its president has publicly highlighted.
Pricing: A cross-country move for a three-bedroom home typically ranges between $9,000 and $13,000, placing IVL on the higher end of the spectrum.
Key features:
Real-time GPS tracking for shipments
One month of free storage included with shipping services
Can handle both domestic cross-country and international moves under one company
Experienced with complex, multi-leg relocations
Tradeoffs:
Requires a 25% deposit, which is above average for the industry
May outsource jobs to third-party movers with different policies and practices
The company’s brokerage policies lack clarity, which is worth investigating before you book. Understanding the broker vs. carrier distinction matters here.
Higher price point may not suit budget-conscious movers
Real user perspective: IVL’s GPS tracking earns consistent praise in online reviews, but several forum users have noted confusion when their move was handed off to a subcontractor whose policies differed from what IVL quoted.
5. JK Moving Services
Best for: White-glove premium service for high-value households
JK Moving is the company you call when budget is less important than execution. It’s consistently rated as one of the best movers for cross country moves among customers with large, high-value households who want everything handled meticulously.
Pricing: $6,277 to $9,061 for cross-country moves, with a $250 deposit.
Key features:
Dedicated personal move coordinator assigned from initial consultation through final delivery
White-glove handling for delicate and high-value items
Strong reputation for on-time performance
Comprehensive full-service packing and unpacking
Tradeoffs:
Among the most expensive options for cross-country moves
Not the best fit for budget-conscious relocations
Limited geographic coverage compared to van line networks like Allied or North American
Premium pricing doesn’t automatically mean zero problems, though complaints are less frequent
Real user perspective: Customers who use JK Moving tend to be emphatic about the quality. The flip side is that people expecting typical moving company pricing experience sticker shock. This is a premium product priced accordingly.
6. American Van Lines
Best for: Specialty items like pianos, antiques, and high-value pieces
If your cross-country move includes a grand piano, antique furniture, or other items requiring specialized handling, American Van Lines has built its reputation around exactly this. The company operates as a direct carrier with full-time movers rather than outsourcing to subcontractors.
Pricing: $4,000 to $10,000+ depending on distance and shipment size. You can learn more about piano moving costs specifically in our detailed guide.
Key features:
Specialized crating and handling for pianos, antiques, artwork, and fragile items
Direct carrier model with full-time employees (not subcontracted labor)
Climate-controlled storage options for sensitive items
Experienced with high-value household relocations
Tradeoffs:
Requires a 50% deposit upfront, which is significantly higher than the industry average and represents real financial risk if plans change
Higher base pricing than many competitors
The hefty deposit means you’re heavily committed once you book
Real user perspective: Forum users who’ve moved pianos and antiques cross-country generally cite American Van Lines as a top option, but the 50% deposit requirement draws frequent criticism. Several Reddit users have noted that locking up half the total cost before your move even begins feels excessive.
7. Safeway Moving
Best for: Flat-rate pricing with 30 days of free storage (but read the fine print)
Safeway Moving earned moveBuddha’s pick for best interstate moving company in 2026 based on pricing, nationwide availability (all 50 states including Alaska and Hawaii), and 30 days of free storage on interstate moves. Its Trustpilot rating of 4.7 across 234 reviews looks strong on paper.
Pricing: $3,664 to $7,000+ for cross-country moves.
Key features:
Flat-rate pricing model eliminates some weight-based surprises
30 days of free storage included on interstate moves
Covers all 50 states
Competitive pricing at the lower end of the full-service spectrum
Tradeoffs, and these are significant:
BBB grade of D- as of late 2024, and the company is not BBB accredited
NerdWallet notes a “very high complaint ratio relative to other companies we reviewed”
Multiple Trustpilot reviews describe hostage-like situations and price increases demanded on delivery day
The gap between the polished Trustpilot score and the BBB complaint record is a red flag worth investigating
Real user perspective: This is a company with an unusually wide range of experiences. Some customers report smooth, affordable moves. Others describe nightmare scenarios that mirror the exact hostage-load patterns FMCSA has been cracking down on. If you’re considering Safeway, demand a binding estimate in writing and verify everything through the FMCSA’s complaint database.
8. U-Pack
Best for: Budget-conscious movers who are comfortable packing and loading themselves
U-Pack isn’t a traditional moving company. It’s a container and trailer service: they drop off a container or trailer, you load it, they drive it cross-country, and you unload at the destination. This DIY approach saves significant money.
Pricing: $2,500 to $5,000 for a two- to three-bedroom cross-country household. That represents savings of $2,000 to $4,000 below comparable full-service movers.
Key features:
Pay-for-space pricing (you only pay for the trailer or container space you actually use)
Fast transit times, typically two to five business days after pickup
No deposit required
Clear, straightforward pricing without hidden fees
Available nationwide
Tradeoffs:
You do all the packing and loading yourself, which is physically demanding and time-consuming
No packing materials provided
No option for professional packing or specialty item handling
If you have fragile, heavy, or high-value items, the risk falls entirely on you
Not practical for people with physical limitations or tight timelines
Real user perspective: U-Pack is one of the most consistently praised options on Reddit’s r/moving and similar forums. Users frequently describe it as “the only cross-country option that came in under budget.” The tradeoff is real physical labor, but for younger movers or people with smaller households, it’s often the smartest financial choice.
Broker vs. Carrier: What You Need to Know Before Booking
This is the single most important concept most people miss when searching for the best movers for a cross-country move, and nearly every listicle buries or ignores it.
A carrier owns trucks and employs the crews that physically move your belongings. A broker acts as a middleman, selling you the move and then hiring a carrier to do the actual work. The problem arises when something goes wrong. The broker points to the carrier. The carrier points to the broker. You’re stuck in the middle with no clear accountability.
This accountability gap is the number one source of moving complaints in the United States. Some brokers even put “van line” in their company names to appear like carriers.
A few things to understand:
Some companies hold both carrier and broker authority, meaning they may handle your move themselves or outsource it depending on availability, distance, or pricing. AmeriSafe Van Lines operates this way, which can be advantageous because the company has the flexibility to run its own trucks or coordinate with vetted partners based on your specific route.
If you’re working with a broker, always get the assigned carrier’s USDOT number in writing before moving day.
FMCSA data from 2024 shows that 23% of fraud cases involved carriers operating under three or more business names simultaneously.
The bottom line: always verify whether you’re hiring a carrier, a broker, or a company with dual authority. And always confirm in writing who will actually show up with the truck.
How to Vet Any Cross-Country Mover (Checklist)
Even if you pick a company from this list, run through this checklist before signing. Only 44% of movers received a binding estimate according to a This Old House survey, which means more than half of consumers are exposed to price increases on moving day.
Verify the USDOT and MC numbers at ProtectYourMove.gov. Confirm the company is authorized for household goods (HHG).
Check FMCSA complaint history. A few complaints over many years is normal. A pattern of hostage-load or overcharge complaints is not.
Demand a binding or not-to-exceed estimate. This locks in the maximum price. A non-binding estimate is just a guess that can legally increase.
If using a broker, get the assigned carrier’s DOT number in writing before your move date.
Read the “Your Rights and Responsibilities” booklet. Federal law requires movers to provide this. If they don’t, that’s a red flag. You can also review tips to avoid moving scams for additional guidance.
Document everything with photos before items are loaded. Photograph the condition of furniture, electronics, and fragile items. This is your evidence if a claim is needed.
Ask about dedicated vs. shared trucks. On cross-country moves, your goods may share a truck with other customers’ belongings. Each customer’s shipment should be separated, but shared trucks increase the risk of loss or damage. A dedicated truck costs more but offers faster delivery and lower risk.
Confirm the claims process in writing. Know exactly how to file a damage claim, the timeline, and what the liability coverage includes.
For a deeper walkthrough on evaluating movers, see our guide on choosing a reputable moving company.
What Affects Your Cross-Country Moving Cost?
Understanding cost drivers helps you evaluate whether a quote is fair or inflated. Here are the main factors:
Distance and weight are the two biggest variables. A 1,500-mile move with 5,000 pounds of household goods costs considerably less than a 3,000-mile move with 10,000 pounds.
Time of year matters more than most people realize. May through September is peak moving season, with higher demand, tighter availability, and premium pricing. Moving in October through March can save 20% or more.
Service level creates major cost differences. A basic load-drive-unload job might run $4,000 for a two-bedroom home going cross-country. Add full-service packing, and professional packing costs an extra $0.15 to $0.21 per pound on average, adding $900 to $1,500 depending on home size.
Accessorial fees add up quickly. Stairs, long carries from the door to the truck, elevator usage, and narrow access all trigger additional charges. Ask about these specifically when getting quotes.
Fuel surcharges are typically 10% to 20% of the base moving cost, but when gas prices spike, this surcharge can jump to 25% to 30%. Given the fuel-driven price increases in 2026, this line item deserves scrutiny.
Storage-in-transit applies when your new home isn’t ready on delivery day. Some companies include 30 days free (like Safeway and IVL). Others charge monthly rates that vary widely. AmeriSafe arranges short- and long-term storage through its partner network for customers who need flexible timing.
For reference, here are typical cost ranges by home size for cross-country moves:
Home Size | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
Studio or 1 bedroom | $900 to $3,500 |
2 to 3 bedrooms | $6,700 to $9,250 |
4+ bedrooms | $7,000 to $12,000+ |
Container services like U-Pack typically run 30% to 50% less than full-service movers for the same distance. A move that costs $6,000 with professional movers might cost closer to $3,000 with a container company, though you’re doing all the physical work yourself.
The Bottom Line: Choosing the Best Movers for Your Cross Country Move
There’s no single “best” cross-country mover for everyone. Your choice depends on what you value most.
If you want a single coordinator managing every detail with the flexibility of both carrier and broker authority, AmeriSafe Van Lines is the strongest option, particularly for Florida-origin interstate moves. If you refuse to put down a deposit, Allied is the obvious pick. If budget trumps everything and you’re willing to do the labor, U-Pack is hard to beat.
Whatever you choose, verify the company’s FMCSA credentials, get a binding estimate, and document everything. The 189% increase in hostage-load complaints since 2022 proves that due diligence isn’t optional.
Contact AmeriSafe Van Lines for a free cross-country moving quote
FAQ
How much does a cross-country move cost in 2026?
The average cost ranges from $4,000 to $8,000 for most households, though small moves can run as low as $900 and large four-bedroom-plus homes can exceed $12,000. Container services like U-Pack run $2,500 to $5,000 for a DIY approach. Costs have increased roughly 21% in 2026 due to fuel price spikes.
How long does a cross-country move take?
Most cross-country moves take 7 to 14 days from pickup to delivery. Container services like U-Pack can complete transit in two to five business days after pickup, though you need to factor in your own packing and loading time on either end.
Should I use a moving broker or a carrier?
Neither is inherently bad, but you need to understand the difference. Carriers own the trucks. Brokers arrange the move and hire carriers. Some companies hold both authorities, which offers flexibility. The key is knowing in writing who will actually perform your move and who is accountable if something goes wrong.
What’s the cheapest way to move cross-country?
Container and trailer services like U-Pack are consistently the most affordable option, running 30% to 50% less than full-service movers. The tradeoff is that you handle all packing and loading yourself. For a middle ground, choosing a carrier with à la carte services (like packing yourself but hiring movers for loading and transport) can save $1,000 to $2,000.
What is a hostage load?
A hostage load occurs when a mover loads your belongings onto the truck and then demands significantly more money than the original quote before they’ll deliver. This is the single largest category of moving complaints, accounting for 31% of all FMCSA complaints. Getting a binding estimate is the best protection against this.
How do I file a complaint against a moving company?
File complaints with the FMCSA through ProtectYourMove.gov. You can also file with the Better Business Bureau and your state attorney general’s office. Document everything, including your contract, any price changes, photos of damage, and all written communications.
Are moving expenses tax-deductible?
For most people, no. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 eliminated the moving expense deduction for civilians. However, active-duty military members who relocate due to a permanent change of station may still qualify for the deduction.
What should I look for in a cross-country moving estimate?
The most important thing is whether the estimate is binding or non-binding. A binding estimate locks in the price. A not-to-exceed estimate caps the maximum you’ll pay. A non-binding estimate is essentially a guess that the mover can legally increase on moving day. Always insist on a binding or not-to-exceed agreement, and get it in writing.
