877-412-1344 TL;DR
The best long-distance moving companies combine proper FMCSA licensing, transparent pricing, and clear communication about who actually handles your belongings. AmeriSafe Van Lines stands out for its dual carrier/broker authority and coordinator-led experience. Allied Van Lines works well for no-deposit flexibility, while International Van Lines excels at complex or overseas relocations. Before signing with anyone, verify their USDOT number, demand a binding estimate, and confirm whether they’re a broker, a carrier, or both. This single question will save you more headaches than any star rating.
What Actually Makes a Long-Distance Mover “Best”
Most people move every five years or so. That means you’re essentially a first-time buyer every time, navigating an industry where over 100,000 inquiries were made to the BBB about movers in 2024 alone, and moving fraud cases have jumped 35% since that year. The stakes are real: victims of moving scams lose an average of $2,800 per incident, according to industry tracking data.
Star ratings and glossy websites won’t protect you. What actually separates a trustworthy long-distance mover from a disaster waiting to happen comes down to a few concrete things:
FMCSA authority type. Is the company a carrier (owns trucks), a broker (middleman), or both? This changes everything about your experience.
Estimate type. Binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed? The difference can cost you thousands.
Deposit policy. Some companies charge nothing up front. Others want 20-30% before they touch a box.
Complaint history. Not just star averages, but actual complaint volume relative to moves performed.
Valuation coverage. The free option covers almost nothing. Most people don’t learn this until it’s too late.
This guide covers all of it. Every company listed below is labeled by its FMCSA authority type, something almost no other comparison article does, despite it being the single most important thing you can check.
At-a-Glance Comparison Table
Company | Best For | Carrier/Broker/Both | Deposit Required | Pricing Range | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AmeriSafe Van Lines | Coordinator-led nationwide moves | Both (dual authority) | Yes, non-refundable after 72 hrs | Custom quoted | One point of contact from start to finish |
Allied Van Lines | Flexible, no-deposit moves | Carrier | No | $4,500–$16,900 avg | 400+ local agent network, no upfront deposit |
International Van Lines | Complex or international moves | Both | Varies | Mid-range | Full-service packages with overseas coverage |
North American Van Lines | Experienced agent network | Carrier | Varies | Higher avg (~$3,601) | 90+ years, 500+ locations, rigorous training |
Colonial Van Lines | Budget-conscious movers | Broker | Yes (20-30%) | Lower range | Strong upfront communication on pricing |
Safeway Moving | Dedicated truck full-service | Carrier | Yes (10-18%) | Mid-range | Dedicated trucks, clear crew communication |
Mayflower | Premium full-service moves | Carrier | Varies | Higher range | Custom crating, car shipping, identity theft protection |
PODS | DIY-flexible budget moves | Container service | Varies | Lower range | You pack, they drive; maximum flexibility |
Our Top Picks for Best Long-Distance Moving Companies
1. AmeriSafe Van Lines
Best for: Consumers who want nationwide van line reach with a dedicated, coordinator-led experience
AmeriSafe Van Lines operates as both a Licensed Interstate Motor Carrier and a Licensed Interstate Moving Broker, holding dual authority with the FMCSA and authorized for household goods transport. This dual-authority model means AmeriSafe can assign its own trucks and drivers on certain routes or coordinate with vetted partner carriers depending on capacity and distance, all while keeping you connected to a single coordinator throughout your move.
Key features:
Full and partial professional packing services with materials provided
Short-term and long-term storage solutions for staggered move-ins
Specialty handling for pianos, antiques, gym equipment, and other high-value items
Dedicated senior moving services for higher-need relocations
Commercial and office moving capabilities
Separate sales and customer service phone lines so post-booking support doesn’t get lost in the sales queue
Transparency signals:
Published arbitration program and FMCSA consumer rights documentation (the “Your Rights and Responsibilities” booklet) linked directly on their site
Clear refund policy page stating deposits become non-refundable after 72 hours from signing
Pay-my-deposit page listing accepted methods, including credit card and e-check
Deposit policy: Required. Non-refundable after 72 hours from signing, which gives a short but defined cancellation window.
Tradeoffs:
No published standardized package tiers or pricing matrix; every move is custom quoted
The deposit is non-refundable after the 72-hour window, which is tighter than some competitors.
Because of the dual-authority model, your move may be handled by partner carriers on some routes.
Why the dual authority matters: Many consumers don’t realize that some movers only broker your job to whoever is available. Others only operate their own trucks on limited routes. AmeriSafe’s structure means they can flex between these modes, a practical advantage for cross-country moves where a single company’s fleet might not cover every corridor. For a deeper look at how this works, their complete guide to interstate movers breaks down the distinctions.
If you’re ready to start comparing numbers, get a free moving quote from AmeriSafe to see how their pricing compares for your specific route.
2. Allied Van Lines
Best for: Flexibility and no-deposit moves
Allied Van Lines is one of the largest and most established names in the long-distance moving industry. Over the past 15 years, they’ve helped approximately 750,000 families relocate, supported by a network of over 400 local agents across the country.
Key features:
No deposit required to book, which is unusual for major van lines
Flexible pricing options with customizable service levels
Nationwide availability through an extensive agent network
Full-service packing, loading, and delivery
Pricing: The average cost of a long-distance move with Allied and similar major carriers ranges from $4,500 to $16,900, depending on distance, weight, and selected services.
Tradeoffs:
Allied’s limited volume of customer reviews represents less than 1% of all moves they perform annually, and those reviews tend to score lower than those of some competitors.
Charges a fee for credit card payments, which pushes some customers toward less protected payment methods
As a carrier working through local agents, the crew quality and equipment can vary significantly by location
Real user perspective: Practitioners on Reddit frequently note that national van lines like Allied hire local movers, who can be hit-or-miss. One common observation: your belongings may ride on a single truck the whole way, or they may be transferred to another truck at a hub, which can mean delays of days or even weeks.
3. International Van Lines
Best for: Complex or international relocations
International Van Lines (IVL) consistently earns top marks from independent review organizations, including the #1 spot on ConsumerAffairs’ 2026 list. If your move involves crossing national borders or requires specialty logistics, IVL is one of the few companies with genuine expertise in that space.
Key features:
Full-service packages including packing, crating, and specialty item handling
International shipping coverage beyond U.S. borders
Consistently positive independent review reputation
One of the broader service menus in the industry
Tradeoffs:
Operates as both a carrier and broker, meaning non-IVL crews and trucks may handle your move on certain routes
International moves involve customs paperwork and longer timelines that can be stressful, regardless of the company
Premium pricing for international services
Real user perspective: The dual carrier/broker model is worth watching. When IVL operates as a broker, you may not know which moving crew will be assigned until close to your pickup date. This is a common point of frustration flagged in online moving forums.
4. North American Van Lines
Best for: Decades of experience and a massive agent network
With over 90 years in the business and more than 500 locations across the U.S. and Canada, North American Van Lines offers the kind of institutional depth that smaller companies can’t match.
Key features:
All cross-state movers and agents must complete a rigorous company training program
One of the largest agent networks in North America
Full range of residential and commercial services
Long track record with consistent service standards
Pricing: The average cost is around $3,601 per move, based on This Old House survey data, which is on the higher end compared to some competitors.
Tradeoffs:
Higher average pricing than many alternatives
Like Allied, the agent-based model means your experience depends heavily on which local affiliate handles your move
Large company bureaucracy can mean slower resolution of complaints
5. Colonial Van Lines
Best for: Budget-conscious movers who prioritize upfront communication
Colonial Van Lines serves all 50 states and has built a reputation for honest, direct communication about pricing. If you’re watching every dollar, Colonial is one of the stronger options for getting a clear picture of costs before committing.
Key features:
All 50 states covered
Consistent praise for transparent pricing discussions
Upfront communication about what’s included and what costs extra
Tradeoffs:
Requires a high upfront deposit, typically 20% to 30% of the total estimated cost
Operates primarily as a broker, meaning a third-party carrier will likely handle the physical move
The large deposit, combined with broker status, creates a risk profile that some consumers find uncomfortable
Worth noting: A 20-30% deposit on a $6,000 move means $1,200 to $1,800 paid before a truck ever shows up. Compare this against companies that require no deposit at all. Understanding interstate moving costs, deposits, and red flags before signing anything is critical when the upfront cash requirement is this high.
6. Safeway Moving
Best for: Dedicated truck, full-service experience
Safeway Moving earns strong marks for long-distance moves, with customers consistently citing clear communication, fair pricing, and careful handling from crews.
Key features:
Dedicated trucks for your move (your stuff isn’t sharing space with other customers)
Strong customer communication throughout the process
Full-service packing and unpacking available
Tradeoffs:
Requires a 10-18% deposit for long-distance moves, which is unusual compared to no-deposit competitors
Smaller footprint than the major van lines
Fewer independent reviews to cross-reference
7. Mayflower
Best for: Premium full-service moves with extras
Mayflower handles everything from custom crating and debris removal to car shipping and, uniquely, identity theft protection as a post-move benefit. It’s one of the more comprehensive packages available.
Key features:
Custom crating for fragile or high-value items
Vehicle shipping services
Debris removal after unpacking
Identity theft protection is included with moves
Long history as a premium van line brand
Tradeoffs:
Premium pricing reflects premium service, but may price out budget-conscious movers
Agent-based model with the same variability concerns as Allied and North American
The extensive service menu can be overwhelming if you just need a straightforward point-A-to-point-B move
8. PODS
Best for: DIY-flexible, budget-friendly alternative to full-service moving
PODS isn’t a moving company in the traditional sense. They deliver a container to your door, you pack it yourself, and they drive it to your new location. For people who don’t need or want a full-service crew, this model can substantially cut costs.
Key features:
You control the packing timeline
Container delivered to you, picked up when you’re ready
Storage-in-transit is built into the model
Significantly cheaper than full-service movers for many routes
Tradeoffs:
You do all the packing, loading, and unloading yourself (or hire local labor separately)
No specialty item handling or professional packing included
Limited customer support if something goes wrong during transit
Not suitable for large homes with heavy furniture unless you’re prepared for serious physical work
How Long-Distance Moving Pricing Actually Works
Long-distance moves are priced primarily on two factors: weight and distance. Unlike local moves billed by the hour, interstate relocations calculate costs based on how much your stuff weighs and how far it’s traveling.
Based on data from over 15,000 interstate move reviews compiled by MoveAdvisor, long-distance moves cost between $2,940 and $8,400 on average. Allied Van Lines puts the broader range at $4,500 to $16,900. For cross-country moves exceeding 2,500 miles, expect to pay between $3,150 and $15,250+, depending on home size.
Estimate types you need to understand
There are three types of moving estimates, and the differences are not trivial. For a more detailed walkthrough, this guide to moving quote types and red flags covers each in depth.
Binding estimate: The price is locked. You pay what was quoted, regardless of whether your shipment weighs more or less than estimated. This is the safest option for consumers.
Non-binding estimate: The final price is based on actual weight. Your bill can (and often does) go up. Under FMCSA rules, the mover can only require you to pay 110% of the estimate at delivery, with the balance due within 30 days. This is the “110% rule,” and it exists specifically to protect consumers from being ambushed with a bill double the quoted price.
Not-to-exceed estimate: A hybrid. The price can go down if your shipment weighs less than estimated, but it can’t go above the quoted amount. This is arguably the best deal available to consumers.
According to a This Old House survey of 1,000 recent movers, only 43.1% of respondents said their mover offered a binding estimate. That means more than half of consumers were exposed to potential price increases on moving day.
The seasonal factor
Summer is always the most expensive season for moving. Demand spikes, availability tightens, and rates jump 30-40% compared to off-peak months. If your timeline has any flexibility, moving in the fall or winter can save you a significant amount. Even shifting from a weekend to a midweek pickup in September, compared with July, can make a noticeable difference.
Moving Broker vs. Carrier: Why This Matters More Than You Think
This distinction is the single biggest source of confusion, frustration, and outright scams in the moving industry. The FMCSA defines the two categories clearly:
A carrier owns trucks and employs moving staff. They assume full responsibility for transporting your goods and provide estimates based on their own tariff.
A broker does not own trucks or employ professional movers. They act as a middleman, connecting you with a carrier. They are not authorized to transport your belongings physically.
Some companies hold dual authority, registered as both broker and carrier. This means they may handle your move with their own equipment or outsource it to a partner, depending on route, capacity, and pricing.
Why does this keep people up at night?
One of the most common warnings on Reddit is to be careful with moving brokers. A broker isn’t the company that shows up with the truck. They’re a middleman who sells your job to whoever they can find, and the quality of that carrier is entirely outside your control.
The horror stories are real. One Reddit user described signing a contract through a broker and having their belongings picked up on January 31, with an agreed-upon delivery date of February 28. What followed was a five-month ordeal. The user never recovered their possessions.
The FMCSA has increased scrutiny on broker-carrier relationships in the household goods space. In 2023, broker-focused operations in Nevada, New York/New Jersey, and Florida uncovered more than 1,000 violations, resulting in enforcement actions, including revoked operating authority.
The one question to ask every mover
Before you sign anything, ask: “Will your company physically handle my move, or will you assign it to another carrier?”
If they hesitate, deflect, or can’t give you a straight answer, that tells you everything you need to know. Companies with dual authority, like AmeriSafe, should be able to clearly explain when they use their own trucks versus when they coordinate with partners, and they should be transparent about the process.
For a deeper dive into how the broker-carrier dynamic plays out on real moves, read this breakdown of how to identify and avoid moving scams.
How to Vet Any Long-Distance Mover: Step-by-Step Checklist
No listicle can substitute for doing your own verification. Here’s how to vet any long-distance moving company, whether they’re on this list or not.
Step 1: Check the FMCSA database. Every legitimate interstate mover has a USDOT number. Search it on the FMCSA’s SAFER system to confirm their operating authority is active, what type of authority they hold (carrier, broker, or both), and whether they’re authorized for household goods.
Step 2: Review BBB complaint history. In 2024, 718 complaints were filed with the BBB against movers. Don’t just look at the star rating; read the complaints themselves. Patterns matter more than individual grievances.
Step 3: Demand a binding or not-to-exceed estimate. A non-binding estimate is essentially a guess. If a company refuses to offer a binding option, consider that a yellow flag.
Step 4: Ask who physically handles your move. This is the broker vs. carrier question. Get the answer in writing.
Step 5: Pay by credit card, never by cash, wire transfer, or Zelle. Credit cards give you chargeback rights if something goes wrong. Companies that insist on cash or electronic transfers only are removing your consumer protections.
Step 6: Confirm they provide the “Your Rights and Responsibilities” booklet. Federal law requires interstate movers to give you this document before you sign. If they don’t, they’re already violating regulations.
Step 7: Get the estimate in person or via a detailed video survey. Any company that quotes you a firm price based solely on a phone call or online form, without seeing your actual inventory, is guessing. And that guess will almost certainly go up.
Understanding Moving Insurance vs. Valuation Coverage
Here’s something most people learn too late: the “free” insurance that comes with every interstate move is essentially worthless for protecting your belongings.
Released Value Protection (the free option)
Under federal law, every interstate mover must offer Released Value Protection at no additional charge. Under this option, the mover’s liability is capped at 60 cents per pound, per article. That means if your 25-pound flat screen TV is lost or destroyed, you receive $15. Not the $800 the TV cost. Fifteen dollars.
Full Value Protection (the one you should get)
Full Value Protection makes the mover responsible for the replacement value, repair, or cash settlement of lost or damaged items. It typically costs 1-2% of your declared shipment value. According to the This Old House 2025 survey, only 33% of movers purchased this coverage. That means two-thirds of people moving long distances are exposed to catastrophic loss with almost no recourse.
Third-party moving insurance
For high-value items (artwork, jewelry, antiques, electronics), consider purchasing a separate policy from a third-party insurer that specializes in transit coverage. This adds another layer of protection beyond what any moving company offers.
This matters more for long-distance moves because your belongings spend more time in transit, face more handling, and travel through more potential risk points than during a local move across town.
Common Long-Distance Moving Scams and How to Avoid Them
The FMCSA conducted 135 investigations in 2024 and 21 more through early 2025 into companies that transport household goods. From April 1-19, 2024, alone, the agency ran targeted investigations across 17 states specifically to address “HHG hostage complaints,” which are reports of movers holding people’s possessions hostage to extort additional charges.
Here are the scams you’re most likely to encounter:
The lowball quote / bait-and-switch
A company (usually a broker) quotes you an unrealistically low price over the phone. On moving day, the actual carrier shows up, loads your truck, and then informs you that the real price is double or triple the estimate. With your belongings already on the truck, you have almost no leverage.
How to avoid it: Get a binding estimate based on a physical or video inventory. If the quote seems too good to be true, it is.
The hostage load
Your belongings are loaded onto the truck. Midway through the move (or at delivery), the company demands thousands more than quoted and refuses to unload until you pay. This is illegal, but it happens frequently enough that the FMCSA runs dedicated enforcement operations against it.
How to avoid it: Pay by credit card. Document everything. Call the FMCSA hotline (1-888-368-7238) immediately if this happens.
The no-show after the deposit
You pay a deposit, the moving day arrives, and nobody shows up. The company stops returning calls. In 2023, no-show scams accounted for 26% of all reported moving scams, with the average victim losing $836.
How to avoid it: Verify the company’s USDOT number and operating authority. Read recent reviews. And never pay a large deposit to a company with limited verifiable history.
Unlicensed operators
Some companies advertise moving services without any FMCSA registration. They have no insurance, no liability requirements, and no accountability.
How to avoid it: If they can’t give you a USDOT number, walk away. No exceptions.
A blunt Bogleheads forum user captured the anxiety many people feel: “Bottom line, it is a crap shoot.” One user in that thread shared that they sold most of their belongings instead of paying to move them cross-country, calculating they could buy replacements with the money saved on moving. While that’s an extreme approach, it speaks to the level of distrust consumers feel toward the industry.
You don’t have to roll the dice. Proper vetting eliminates most risk. If you want a company that publishes its arbitration process, FMCSA consumer rights documents, and refund policy upfront, AmeriSafe Van Lines makes that information accessible before you ever pick up the phone. You can explore their full range of moving services or read customer reviews to get started.
FAQ
How much does a long-distance move cost?
The average cost of a long-distance move ranges from $2,940 to $8,400, based on review data from over 15,000 interstate moves. Cross-country moves of 2,500+ miles can climb to $10,000-$17,000 for larger homes. A mid-sized home moving 500 miles typically runs $3,400 to $7,500. These ranges swing significantly based on weight, distance, season, and service level.
What’s the difference between interstate and long-distance moving?
They’re often used interchangeably, but technically “interstate” means crossing state lines (regulated by the FMCSA regardless of distance), while “long-distance” generally refers to moves over 400 miles. A 50-mile move from Philadelphia to New Jersey is interstate but not truly long-distance. This state-to-state moving guide walks through the regulatory distinctions in more detail.
How far in advance should I book a long-distance mover?
Book at least 4-8 weeks ahead for non-summer moves and 8-12 weeks ahead for summer (May through September). Summer rates jump by 30-40% compared to off-peak months, and the best carriers fill their schedules early in peak season.
Do I need moving insurance?
The free Released Value Protection included with every interstate move covers only $0.60 per pound per item, which is negligible. Full Value Protection, at 1-2% of your declared shipment value, provides actual replacement-level coverage and is worth the investment for any long-distance move. Only a third of movers actually purchase it, leaving most consumers dangerously underinsured.
Can I negotiate with movers?
Yes, to a degree. You have the most leverage during off-peak months (October through April), midweek pickup dates, and when getting competing quotes. Some companies will match or beat a competitor’s binding estimate. Others won’t negotiate but may offer discounts for flexibility on delivery windows. Getting at least three in-home or video estimates gives you the data to negotiate effectively.
How do I know if a moving company is a broker or a carrier?
Search the company’s USDOT number on the FMCSA’s SAFER website. The entity type will be listed as CARRIER, BROKER, or CARRIER/BROKER. You can also ask the company directly: “Will your employees and trucks handle my move?” If they say the work will be assigned to a partner, you’re dealing with a broker, even if they don’t call themselves one.
What should I do if a mover holds my belongings hostage?
Call the FMCSA’s consumer complaint hotline at 1-888-368-7238 immediately. File a complaint online through the FMCSA’s National Consumer Complaint Database. Contact your credit card company to initiate a chargeback if you paid by card. Document everything with photos, texts, and written records of all communication. This is illegal under federal law, and the FMCSA actively investigates these cases.
Is it better to hire a moving company or rent a truck and do it myself?
It depends on your budget, physical ability, and tolerance for logistics. Full-service long-distance moves average $4,890 nationally. Renting a truck and driving it yourself costs significantly less but adds fuel, lodging, food, and the physical labor of loading and unloading. Hybrid options like PODS split the difference: you pack, they drive. For large households or anyone with specialty items, professional movers usually justify the cost with reduced stress and lower risk of damage.
