877-412-1344 TL;DR
The best movers for long-distance relocations in 2026 combine transparent pricing, verified FMCSA licensing, and consistent customer satisfaction. Expect to pay between $2,000 and $10,000+ depending on home size, distance, and service level. Always verify whether your mover is a carrier (owns trucks) or a broker (outsources your move), and get at least three binding estimates before signing anything. This guide ranks 10 companies, breaks down real pricing, and gives you the tools to avoid scams.
At-a-Glance Comparison Table
Company | Best For | Deposit Required? | Est. Cost (960-mile, 3BR) | Carrier/Broker | Free Storage? | Delivery Guarantee? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AmeriSafe Van Lines | Coordinator-led nationwide moves | Yes (non-refundable after 72 hrs) | Custom-quoted | Both (carrier + broker) | Short/long-term available | Contact for details |
North American Van Lines | Overall reliability | No | ~$7,382 (standard) | Carrier | No | Multi-day window |
Allied Van Lines | No-deposit flexibility | No | Mid-to-premium range | Carrier | No | No day-certain (large shipments) |
Atlas Van Lines | Full-service, no credit card fees | No | Mid-to-premium range | Carrier | No | Day-certain via Snapmoves only |
Safeway Moving | Free storage inclusion | Yes (10%–18%) | ~$4,800 (3BR average) | Carrier | 30 days free | Multi-day window |
American Van Lines | Specialty items (pianos, antiques) | Varies | Flat-rate options | Carrier | No | Multi-day window |
Colonial Van Lines | Budget-conscious moves | Yes (20%–30%) | ~$6,690 (standard) | Carrier | No | Multi-day window |
Two Men and a Truck | Guaranteed delivery dates | Varies | Premium range | Carrier | No | Yes, exact date |
International Van Lines | Complex/international moves | Varies | Mid-to-premium range | Carrier | Varies | Multi-day window |
U-Pack | Hybrid DIY savings | Partial payment | $3,000–$5,000 range | Carrier (freight) | No | Multi-day window |
How We Chose These Movers
Picking the best long-distance movers isn’t just about Googling reviews. Here’s how this list was built:
FMCSA licensing verified. Every company on this list was checked against the FMCSA’s SAFER database. We confirmed whether each operates as a carrier, a broker, or both, because that distinction matters more than most people realize (more on that below).
Real pricing data used. Where available, we pulled binding estimate figures from mystery shopping data and published rate studies, not just “starting at” marketing numbers.
Customer reviews cross-referenced. We looked at BBB complaint ratios, Google reviews, Trustpilot scores, and, critically, what actual movers and customers say on Reddit and moving forums. Editorial reviews only tell part of the story.
Broker vs. carrier classification checked. This is the single biggest source of complaints in long-distance moving. We flagged each company’s classification and noted where dual authority exists.
Our Top Picks for the Best Movers for Long-Distance Relocations
1. AmeriSafe Van Lines
Best for: Coordinator-led, nationwide moves with a single point of contact
AmeriSafe Van Lines is a licensed interstate motor carrier and licensed interstate moving broker, headquartered in Boynton Beach, Florida. That dual authority (carrier and broker, authorized for HHG by FMCSA) means they can assign their own trucks on certain routes or tap their carrier network depending on availability, giving customers one consistent contact regardless of who physically handles the move.
Services: Full-service packing, storage (short and long-term), senior moves, specialty item handling, commercial relocations
Pricing: Custom-quoted per move based on inventory, distance, and add-ons. No published tier or package pricing.
Deposit: Required. Becomes non-refundable after 72 hours from signing, which is clearly stated on their refund policy page.
Regulatory transparency: Posts FMCSA consumer-rights documents (Rights and Responsibilities, Ready to Move brochures) and arbitration information directly on their website. Separate phone numbers for sales and customer service help route inquiries properly.
Why it stands out: The dual carrier/broker model is relevant because many customers don’t realize their mover might outsource the job. With AmeriSafe, that flexibility is built into the business model with full disclosure. You deal with one team whether AmeriSafe deploys its own trucks or coordinates with a partner carrier.
Tradeoffs:
No published pricing tiers, so you’ll need to request a custom quote
Deposit policy is stricter than no-deposit competitors
Smaller fleet compared to legacy van lines with decades of operations
If you’re planning an interstate move and want a coordinator who handles logistics end-to-end, request a free quote from AmeriSafe to compare against other estimates.
2. North American Van Lines
Best for: Overall reliability and a 90+ year track record
North American Van Lines has been in business for over 90 years, operating one of the largest agent networks in the U.S. and Canada with more than 500 locations. That footprint makes them a safe pick for most standard long-distance household moves.
Pricing: A standard 960-mile move comes in around $7,382. Full-service estimates jump significantly, with one published figure hitting $10,840 for the same distance.
Deposit: No deposit required to book
Classification: Carrier
Notable: À la carte pricing lets you pay only for services you need
Tradeoffs:
Full-service pricing is among the highest in the industry
Agent model means your experience depends heavily on the local franchise handling your move
Delivery windows are multi-day ranges, not guaranteed dates
User sentiment: Generally well-regarded on forums and review sites, though practitioners on Reddit note that agent-based van lines can be inconsistent. The company you book with isn’t always the crew that shows up.
3. Allied Van Lines
Best for: No-deposit moves with flexible scheduling
Allied Van Lines consistently appears at or near the top of industry rankings, and for good reason. Over the past 15 years, Allied has helped approximately 750,000 families relocate. Their no-deposit policy and virtual in-home estimates remove two of the biggest friction points in booking a long-distance move.
Pricing: Mid-to-premium range. Allied doesn’t publish standard rates, but quotes tend to be competitive for full-service moves.
Deposit: None required
Classification: Carrier
Notable: One of the few major van lines offering virtual estimates alongside traditional in-home surveys
Tradeoffs:
Charges a fee to pay with a credit card, which adds cost if you’re using rewards cards or need to finance the move
Does not offer day-certain delivery for large shipments
Premium pricing compared to budget options
User sentiment: Frequently recommended on r/moving for its established reputation, though some users find the pricing on the higher end for what you get.
4. Atlas Van Lines
Best for: Full-service moves with no credit card fees
Atlas Van Lines is the second-largest van line in the country with approximately 2,800 trucks. NerdWallet named it their top pick for full-service long-distance moving, largely because Atlas charges zero upfront deposits and no fees to pay with a credit card.
Pricing: Custom-quoted. Competitive with other major van lines.
Deposit: None
Classification: Carrier
Notable: The no-credit-card-fee policy is a genuine differentiator, since credit card surcharges at other companies can add 2%–4% to your total
Tradeoffs:
Day-certain deliveries only available through their Snapmoves Priority service, which carries extra fees that vary by location
Agent-based model has the same consistency concerns as other van lines
Limited transparency on standard delivery timelines
5. Safeway Moving
Best for: Free storage and flat-rate pricing
Safeway Moving is a veteran-owned interstate moving company that has carved out a niche with two compelling offerings: flat-rate pricing and 30 days of free storage on interstate moves. For customers with staggered move-in dates, that free storage alone can save hundreds of dollars.
Pricing: A long-distance move averages around $4,800 for a three-bedroom household, making it one of the more affordable full-service options.
Deposit: 10%–18% of total cost, which is unusual compared to no-deposit competitors
Classification: Carrier
Notable: If you need short-term storage during your move, the 30-day free inclusion is hard to beat
Tradeoffs:
The 10%–18% deposit requirement is a sticking point, especially when competitors like Allied and Atlas charge nothing upfront
Smaller company with less geographic coverage than legacy van lines
Fewer online reviews compared to established brands
6. American Van Lines
Best for: Specialty items like pianos, antiques, and heavy instruments
If you’re moving a baby grand piano, a collection of antiques, or other high-value items, American Van Lines specializes in exactly this. They have dedicated protocols for large, heavy, and fragile items that general movers handle as an afterthought.
Pricing: Flat-rate pricing model, which can save money and eliminate surprise charges on complex moves
Deposit: Varies by move
Classification: Carrier
Notable: Specialty crating and handling for items that other movers might decline or damage
Tradeoffs:
Flat rates can sometimes work against you if your move is simpler than average
Less competitive for straightforward household moves without specialty items
Limited published data on standard move costs
7. Colonial Van Lines
Best for: Budget-conscious moves (with significant deposit caveats)
Colonial Van Lines frequently appears on “best budget” lists, and their standard pricing is competitive. Move.org ranks them highly for training and hands-on service, suggesting the crews are well-prepared even at lower price points.
Pricing: A 960-mile full-service move was estimated at $6,690 for standard service, $9,133 for full service with standard valuation, and $11,083 with full valuation coverage
Deposit: High, typically 20%–30% of total cost. For one published estimate, the deposit came to $3,261.
Classification: Carrier
Notable: Only serves 40 states for pickup and 46 for delivery, so confirm coverage for your route
Tradeoffs:
The deposit is the biggest red flag for many consumers. Tying up $3,000+ before your move even starts is a lot of risk.
Limited geographic coverage compared to nationwide van lines
If you need to cancel, recovering that deposit can be difficult
User sentiment: Practitioners on Reddit and consumer forums frequently warn against large upfront deposits. This is the top consumer protection concern in long-distance moving, and Colonial’s deposit structure runs against the grain.
8. Two Men and a Truck
Best for: Guaranteed delivery dates
Most long-distance movers give you a delivery window, often spanning several days or even weeks. Two Men and a Truck breaks that pattern with expedited long-distance service that provides an exact delivery date, often with the same crew who loaded your belongings.
Pricing: Premium range. You’re paying for the delivery guarantee and crew consistency.
Deposit: Varies
Classification: Carrier
Notable: Same-crew continuity from loading to delivery, which most van lines cannot offer on cross-country moves
Tradeoffs:
Pricing is higher than average, and some reviewers consider the brand too expensive for what’s included
Reputation management has been criticized, with mixed online reviews
Franchise model means quality can vary by location
9. International Van Lines
Best for: Complex moves with an international component
International Van Lines (IVL) has one of the most consistently positive reputations in independent reviews. If your move crosses U.S. borders or involves complex logistics (military relocations, corporate transfers, multi-stop routes), IVL’s full-service packages and specialty item handling make them worth a serious look.
Pricing: Mid-to-premium range depending on complexity
Deposit: Varies
Classification: Carrier
Notable: Coverage extends beyond U.S. borders, which most domestic-focused movers can’t match
Tradeoffs:
Overkill for straightforward domestic moves
International logistics add layers of coordination and potential delays
Premium pricing reflects the complexity they handle
10. U-Pack
Best for: DIY movers who want professional transport
U-Pack is a Reddit favorite for a reason. You load and unload your belongings, and they handle the transport. It’s the middle ground between renting a truck and hiring full-service movers.
Pricing: Moving containers generally cost $3,000–$5,000 for long-distance, well below full-service rates
Deposit: Partial payment at booking
Classification: Freight carrier
Notable: You only pay for the space you use, which Redditors consistently praise as fair and transparent
Tradeoffs:
You’re doing all the loading, unloading, packing, and unpacking yourself
No protection for items you pack (damage is on you)
Delivery windows can be long, especially for cross-country shipments
Not suitable for anyone with physical limitations or large, heavy items
User sentiment: On r/moving, U-Pack gets recommended more than almost any other option. One recurring theme: people appreciate that the pricing model charges based on actual space used, not estimates that inflate on moving day.
How Much Does a Long-Distance Move Cost?
Understanding what you’ll actually pay is the first step toward choosing the right mover. Here’s a breakdown based on published industry data.
By Distance
Distance | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
500 miles | $3,400–$7,500 |
1,000 miles | $6,000–$10,000 |
2,500+ miles (cross-country) | $10,000–$17,000 |
The average cost for an interstate move sits around $9,060, though that figure varies significantly based on home size, service level, and timing.
By Service Type
Service Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
Full-service professional movers | $7,000–$10,000+ |
Moving containers (U-Pack, PODS) | $3,000–$5,000 |
Rental truck (DIY) | $2,000–$4,000 |
For a detailed breakdown of what drives these costs, including deposits and hidden fees to watch for, see our guide on interstate moving costs, deposits, and red flags.
By Weight
Most legitimate long-distance movers charge by weight, typically $0.50 to $0.80 per pound. A three-bedroom home with average furnishings weighs roughly 7,500–10,000 pounds, which explains why costs cluster in the ranges above.
Important: If a mover quotes you based on cubic feet instead of weight, treat that as a red flag. Cubic-foot pricing is less standardized, harder to verify, and frequently associated with bait-and-switch tactics.
The Seasonal Premium
Timing matters more than most people realize. Moving during peak season (May through September) costs 20%–40% more than off-peak months. If your timeline is flexible, scheduling a fall or winter move can save thousands. One data point worth noting: demand spikes and availability tightens during summer months, with rates jumping 30%–40% compared to off-peak pricing.
Valuation and Insurance
This catches many people off guard. Basic carrier liability (often included free) only covers $0.60 per pound per item. That means your 50-pound flat-screen TV is covered for just $30, regardless of its actual value.
Full-value protection costs around $0.75–$1.00 per $100 of declared value. It’s not cheap, but it’s the only way to get real coverage for your belongings. Always ask your mover to explain both options in writing before you sign.
Moving Broker vs. Carrier: What You Need to Know
This is the single most important distinction in long-distance moving, and the one most consumers get wrong.
A carrier owns trucks and employs the crew that handles your move from start to finish. You work with their team, their equipment, their schedule.
A broker is a middleman. They take your booking, collect a deposit, and then assign your move to a carrier you may never have heard of. You might not know who’s actually showing up on moving day until the truck arrives.
Some companies hold dual authority as both carrier and broker. This means they may handle your move with their own trucks or outsource it depending on route, capacity, and timing. AmeriSafe Van Lines, for example, holds both carrier and broker FMCSA authorization (authorized for HHG), which gives them flexibility to deploy their own resources or coordinate through their carrier network while maintaining a single point of contact for the customer.
Why This Matters
The anti-broker sentiment in online moving communities is overwhelming. One widely shared horror story on Reddit describes a person who signed with a company found through a broker, had belongings picked up on January 31, and was promised delivery by February 28. What followed was a five-month ordeal with not a single item arriving by the agreed-upon date. The user’s advice: “avoid brokers at all costs.”
That’s an extreme case, but the pattern is common. Brokers typically charge non-refundable deposits of 10%–20%, and once your belongings are on someone else’s truck, your recourse is limited.
How to Verify Your Mover
Go to FMCSA’s ProtectYourMove.gov and search by company name or DOT number. The database shows:
Whether the company is a carrier, broker, or both
Their safety record and insurance status
Complaint history
Whether they’re authorized for household goods (HHG)
This takes two minutes and can save you months of headaches.
Red Flags to Avoid When Choosing a Long-Distance Mover
Scam movers are a real and growing problem. FMCSA launched Operation Protect Your Move, a nationwide crackdown on fraudulent interstate household goods movers and brokers. The 2023 operations alone uncovered more than 1,000 violations of FMCSA regulations.
Here’s what to watch for:
Lowball quotes that seem too good to be true. If one company quotes $3,000 and everyone else says $7,000, that’s not a deal. It’s a bait-and-switch setup where the price will “adjust” on moving day.
No in-home or virtual survey. Any legitimate mover offering a binding estimate needs to see your belongings, either in person or through a video walkthrough. A quote based on a phone call alone is unreliable.
Cubic-foot billing instead of weight. Weight-based pricing is the industry standard for long-distance moves. Cubic-foot pricing gives the mover too much room to inflate charges.
Large non-refundable deposits before any service. Some deposits are normal, but a company demanding 25%+ upfront with no refund window is a red flag. Compare deposit policies across your estimates.
No visible DOT number. Licensed movers are required to display their DOT number on their trucks and marketing materials. If you can’t find one, walk away.
Pressure tactics. “Sign today or lose this rate” is a classic scam signal. Legitimate movers know you’re getting multiple estimates and will give you time to decide.
For a deeper breakdown, read our guide on how to identify and avoid moving scams.
Checklist: How to Vet a Long-Distance Mover
Follow these steps before signing with anyone:
Search FMCSA’s database. Confirm the company’s DOT number, authority type (carrier, broker, or both), and complaint history at ProtectYourMove.gov.
Request a binding estimate. A binding estimate locks in your price. A non-binding estimate is just a guess. Always insist on binding. For more on estimate types and what to watch for, see our moving quote guide.
Ask about valuation coverage. Get both basic liability ($0.60/lb) and full-value protection quotes in writing. Decide before moving day, not after something breaks.
Get a Certificate of Insurance. Ask the mover for a certificate naming you as the certificate holder. This protects you if damage occurs during transit.
Ask the question directly: “Will you handle my move, or will you broker it out?” The answer, and their willingness to put it in writing, tells you a lot.
Get at least three binding estimates. This is non-negotiable. Pricing varies wildly between companies, and three quotes give you enough data points to spot outliers.
Check reviews beyond the company’s website. BBB complaints, Google reviews, and Reddit threads paint a more complete picture than curated testimonials.
If you want a printable version, our complete interstate moving checklist walks through every step from planning to unpacking.
One More Thing: Pack Your Valuables Yourself
This advice comes up in virtually every moving community online. Forum users on Bogleheads.org and Reddit consistently report the same lesson learned the hard way: small, expensive items (power tools, countertop kitchen appliances, jewelry, electronics, important documents) should travel with you, not on the truck.
One user specifically described experiencing “theft of small expensive things, like power tools and pricey countertop kitchen appliances.” They now always move computer and camera gear themselves.
No insurance claim is worth the hassle of replacing irreplaceable items. Keep valuables in your car.
FAQ
How far is considered “long-distance” for movers?
Most moving companies define long-distance as any move over 400 miles or crossing state lines. The FMCSA regulates interstate moves (state-to-state), which is where licensing, insurance, and consumer protection rules kick in.
What type of estimate should I get for a long-distance move?
Always request a binding estimate, which guarantees your price as long as your inventory doesn’t change. A non-binding estimate is just a ballpark figure that can increase on moving day. Some companies offer “binding not-to-exceed” estimates, which is the best option: you pay the estimate or less, but never more.
Should I tip long-distance movers?
Tipping is customary but not required. Industry guidance suggests around 15% of the total cost for large, complex moves and about 5% for smaller or straightforward jobs. Tip based on the crew’s effort, care with your belongings, and professionalism.
Can I negotiate moving costs?
Yes. Moving quotes are not fixed retail prices. You can negotiate by getting multiple binding estimates and using them as comparison points, asking about off-peak discounts, reducing services (packing yourself, for example), and being flexible on pickup and delivery dates. Movers would rather discount slightly than lose the job entirely.
What’s the cheapest month to move long-distance?
October through April is the off-peak window when rates are lowest. January and February tend to be the absolute cheapest months, with some movers offering 20%–30% discounts compared to summer rates. If you can move mid-month and mid-week, you’ll save even more.
What should I do if my belongings are damaged during a long-distance move?
File a claim with the moving company within 9 months of delivery (the FMCSA-mandated window). Document damage with photos before and after the move. If your claim is denied or you’re unsatisfied with the resolution, you can pursue arbitration, which FMCSA requires all licensed movers to offer.
How do I know if a moving company is legitimate?
Check their DOT number on FMCSA’s ProtectYourMove.gov, verify they’re authorized for household goods, confirm their insurance is current, and read reviews from multiple independent sources. Legitimate movers will have no problem sharing their DOT and MC numbers.
Choosing the best movers for long-distance isn’t just about finding the lowest price. It’s about finding a company that’s licensed, transparent, and equipped to handle your specific situation. Whether you need full-service packing, specialty item handling, or just reliable transport, start with verified carriers, get binding estimates, and trust the process.
Ready to compare your options? Get a free long-distance moving quote from AmeriSafe Van Lines to see how their coordinator-led approach fits your move.
