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Long-distance moving costs average $3,129 but can climb past $13,000 for cross-country relocations. The BBB received 5,918 complaints against moving companies in 2023 alone, so choosing the right mover matters. This guide ranks eight long-distance movers based on pricing, authority type, deposit policies, and real user feedback, then walks you through exactly how to vet any company before signing.
Why Choosing the Right Long-Distance Mover Is a Big Deal
Handing everything you own to a company that will drive it across state lines requires a level of trust most people underestimate. When things go wrong with moving long-distance movers, they go seriously wrong. The FMCSA’s Operation Protect Your Move uncovered more than 1,000 regulatory violations in a single enforcement sweep. People who fell victim to moving scams in 2024 lost an average of $754, according to the Better Business Bureau. And 23% of fraud cases that year involved carriers operating under three or more business names simultaneously.
The complaint breakdown tells its own story: hostage-load situations (movers refusing to release your belongings until you pay more) account for 31% of complaints, followed by damaged goods at 24%, late delivery at 19%, and overcharging at 15%.
This is not meant to scare you away from hiring professional help. Most long-distance moves go fine. But the gap between a good mover and a bad one is enormous, and the consequences of choosing poorly range from a few hundred dollars in surprise fees to months without your possessions.
This guide ranks eight long-distance moving companies worth considering, explains exactly what to look for (and what to run from), and gives you the pricing benchmarks you need to spot a lowball scam quote from a mile away.
Get a free long-distance quote to start comparing your options.
At-a-Glance Comparison Table
Company | Price Range (1,000-mi move) | Deposit Required | Carrier, Broker, or Both | Free Storage | Binding Estimate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AmeriSafe Van Lines | Custom-quoted | Yes (refundable within 72 hrs) | Both | Available | Yes | Coordinator-led moves with flexibility |
Allied Van Lines | $4,500–$7,000 | $0 | Both | No | Yes | No-deposit booking |
North American Van Lines | $4,500–$7,000 | $0 | Both | No | Yes | Budget-conscious, extensive network |
International Van Lines | $3,957–$7,700 | 35% at booking | Both | 1 month free | Yes | International + domestic combos |
Safeway Moving | Custom-quoted | Varies | Broker | 30 days free | Yes | Flat-rate pricing |
United Van Lines | Varies | $0 | Carrier | No | Yes | Full-value protection included |
JK Moving Services | Varies | Small flat fee | Carrier | No | Yes | Tech-forward virtual surveys |
Atlas Van Lines | Varies | Varies | Both | No | Yes | BBB-accredited, AAA discounts |
How We Evaluated These Long-Distance Movers
Every company on this list was assessed across several dimensions:
FMCSA registration verification. Is the company licensed as a carrier, broker, or both? Is its authority active?
Estimate type. Does the company offer binding or binding-not-to-exceed estimates, or only non-binding ones?
Real user feedback. Reviews from multiple platforms, including community forums where practitioners on Reddit and HomeAdvisor share unfiltered experiences.
Service breadth. Packing, storage, specialty item handling, geographic coverage.
Deposit and cancellation transparency. What do you pay upfront, and what happens if you change your mind?
No company paid for placement in this ranking. The profiles below include honest limitations alongside strengths.
The 8 Best Long-Distance Movers for 2026
1. AmeriSafe Van Lines
Best for: Coordinator-led moves with dual carrier/broker flexibility
AmeriSafe Van Lines operates as both a licensed interstate motor carrier and a licensed interstate moving broker. That dual authority means the company can dispatch its own trucks on certain routes or assign a vetted partner carrier when capacity or geography calls for it. Either way, you get a single point of contact throughout the process.
Key features:
Nationwide coverage for local, long-distance, and interstate moving services
Full and partial professional packing services with materials supplied
Short-term and long-term storage options for staggered move-ins
Dedicated senior moving services with tailored assistance
FMCSA consumer rights documents published directly on-site, including the “Rights and Responsibilities” and “Ready to Move” brochures
Separate sales and customer service phone lines so post-booking support doesn’t get buried in new-quote calls
Pricing: Custom-quoted based on inventory, distance, and add-on services. No published pricing matrix, so you need to call or fill out a form to get pricing.
Deposit policy: Deposits are non-refundable after 72 hours from the signing date. That cancellation window is clearly posted, which is more transparent than most competitors offer.
Standout detail: AmeriSafe publishes its carrier network on its website, so you can see who might show up at your door. This directly addresses the anxiety that dominates long-distance movers’ conversations online: “Who actually handles my stuff?”
Limitations:
No self-service online pricing calculator; quotes require human interaction
As a dual-authority company, the carrier performing your move may vary by route
Smaller fleet compared to legacy van lines
What users say: Customer testimonials on AmeriSafe’s site describe moves across routes such as Orlando to Miami and Chicago to Monterey, CA, with coordination praised as a recurring theme. You can read customer experiences directly on their site.
2. Allied Van Lines
Best for: Overall reliability and zero-deposit booking
Allied Van Lines has been operating since 1928, making it one of the oldest names in the business. Move.org ranks Allied as its top pick for long-distance moving based on flexible pricing, no-deposit options, and nationwide availability.
Key features:
Nearly a century of operational history
No deposit required to book
Full-service packing, loading, transport, and unloading
Available in all 50 states
Binding and binding-not-to-exceed estimates offered
Pricing: Quotes typically range from $4,500 to $7,000 for a standard long-distance move. The average cross-country move with Allied comes in around $3,500, according to industry data, though actual costs vary widely based on weight and distance.
Limitations:
Delivery timing is a recurring complaint. Allied tends to struggle with punctuality and meeting tight timelines, according to This Old House’s review.
Uses an agent model, meaning local crews are independently operated franchises with varying quality
Premium pricing compared to smaller movers
What users say: Practitioners on Reddit consistently mention Allied as a “safe but expensive” choice. The praise centers on transparency during the quoting process, while the complaints almost always involve delivery windows being missed by days or sometimes weeks.
3. North American Van Lines
Best for: Budget-conscious moves with an extensive global network
North American Van Lines has over 90 years of experience and holds both carrier and broker authority. The company serves all 50 states, U.S. territories, and more than 175 countries, including international relocations.
Key features:
Dual carrier/broker licensing
International moving capability to 175+ countries
No deposit required at booking
Full-service and self-pack options
Binding estimates available
Pricing: Similar to Allied at $4,500 to $7,000 for a typical long-distance move, with no deposit.
Limitations:
An agent-based model creates inconsistent crew quality from one market to another
Customer service communication can be slow during peak season (June through August)
International moves add complexity and potential delays at customs
What users say: Forum discussions frequently mention North American as a solid option for people moving long distances who want a recognized name without Allied or United pricing. The trade-off, according to multiple community threads, is that your experience depends heavily on which local agent handles your origin and destination.
4. International Van Lines
Best for: Combined international and domestic moves with free storage
If your long-distance move has a global component, or you need storage between homes, International Van Lines (IVL) is worth a look. Roughly 80% of IVL’s business focuses on long-distance moves, so this is their core competency, not a side offering.
Key features:
One month of free storage included
No extra fee when belongings are delivered from storage
International and domestic service under one company
Full packing and crating services
Climate-controlled warehouse facilities
Pricing: Expect a 35% deposit at booking, with 50% of the remaining cost due at pickup and the rest at delivery. Reported quotes range from $3,957 to $7,700 depending on move size and distance.
Limitations:
The 35% deposit is substantial compared to companies that charge nothing upfront
Communication consistency is a known pain point. One user review noted dealing with six different people throughout the process, each providing slightly different information.
Claims processing can be slow
What users say: Community reviews on HomeAdvisor and Reddit are split. People who had smooth moves praise the storage inclusion and competitive pricing. Those with problems describe a pattern where the handoff between sales, coordination, and delivery crews creates confusion. The lack of a single, consistent point of contact is the most common source of frustration.
5. Safeway Moving
Best for: Flat-rate pricing transparency
Safeway Moving is a veteran-owned national moving company that has built its reputation on flat-rate pricing, which removes the uncertainty of weight-based billing.
Key features:
Flat-rate pricing model (no surprise charges based on actual weight)
30 days of free storage with interstate moves
Virtual survey option for remote quoting
Full-service long-distance moving support
Pricing: Custom-quoted, but the flat-rate structure means the number you agree to should be the number you pay. This is a meaningful distinction from companies that provide non-binding estimates and then adjust based on actual shipment weight.
Limitations:
Today’s Homeowner identifies Safeway Moving Systems as a nationwide moving broker. This is an important nuance: Safeway coordinates your move but uses third-party carriers for the physical transport.
Occasional update gaps during the busy season
Delivery and storage delays reported during the summer months
What users say: Practitioners on Reddit who have used Safeway appreciate the predictability of pricing but note that, because a different carrier actually performs the move, the experience can vary. The company’s reputation lives or dies on which carrier gets assigned to your particular route.
If the broker vs. carrier distinction confuses you, check our tips to identify and avoid moving scams for a clear breakdown of what to watch for.
6. United Van Lines
Best for: Full-value protection included in every quote
United Van Lines stands apart on one critical point: it is one of the few moving companies to include full-value protection (FVP) in the price of every move. Most competitors offer only released-value protection (60 cents per pound per item) as the default, which means a 50-pound TV that gets smashed would net you $30.
Key features:
Full-value protection included at no additional cost
No deposit required
One of the largest carrier networks in the country
Available in all 50 states
Pricing: Varies by move, but United sits at the premium end of long-distance movers’ pricing.
Limitations:
Damaged or missing items have still been reported despite the inclusion of the FVP. Several reviews mention dissatisfaction with the claims resolution process.
Final costs sometimes come in higher than the original quote
Agent model means local quality varies
What users say: The included full-value protection is the single biggest reason people choose United over other van lines. But Reddit threads frequently surface frustration with the claims process itself. Having the coverage is one thing; actually getting paid out is another conversation entirely.
7. JK Moving Services
Best for: AI-powered virtual surveys and a tech-forward experience
JK Moving is U.S. News’ best overall pick in the 2026 Best Moving Companies rating. The company handles long-distance moves across the entire U.S. and has invested heavily in technology to streamline the quoting and coordination process.
Key features:
AI-powered virtual home surveys for accurate remote estimates
Long-distance moving in all parts of the U.S.
Small flat-rate deposit to reserve services
Strong corporate and government relocation track record
Pricing: Not publicly listed. JK Moving uses virtual and in-person surveys to generate customized quotes.
Limitations:
The service area is strongest around Washington, D.C., where the company is headquartered. Moves originating far from the mid-Atlantic may involve different logistics.
Premium pricing reflects the technology investment
Less suited for budget moves or small apartments
What users say: JK Moving’s tech approach gets praise from people who hate the traditional “someone comes to your house and eyeballs everything” estimate process. The virtual survey, when it works well, produces accurate quotes without the scheduling hassle. David Cox, JK Moving’s representative, has publicly acknowledged that “the internet is a magnet for unscrupulous brokers and movers,” positioning the company as an industry voice for reform.
8. Atlas Van Lines
Best for: BBB-accredited moves with AAA member discounts
Atlas Van Lines has been in business since 1948 and maintains full accreditation with the Better Business Bureau. If you’re a AAA member, Atlas offers substantial savings that can bring its pricing in line with less premium competitors.
Key features:
BBB-accredited with a long operational track record
AAA member discounts
Full-service packing, transport, and unpacking
Agent network across the U.S.
Pricing: Varies by move. The AAA discount is worth asking about, as it can meaningfully reduce the total.
Limitations:
Pricing without the AAA discount tends to be on the higher side
An agent-based model means that quality depends on the local operator
Less visibility online compared to Allied or United, which can make comparison research harder
What users say: Atlas shows up less frequently in Reddit moving discussions than Allied or United, but when it does, the feedback is generally positive. The AAA discount is the detail that comes up most often, particularly from members who were already comparison shopping and found Atlas through their membership portal rather than via a Google search.
Broker vs. Carrier: What Actually Matters When Moving Long Distance
This distinction causes more confusion (and more arguments on moving forums) than almost anything else in the industry. Here’s the straightforward version:
A carrier owns trucks and employs movers. They physically transport your belongings. A broker does not own trucks. They coordinate your move and assign it to a carrier.
The complication? Most long-distance moving companies operate as both. As one dual-authority company put it, the idea of simply “avoiding brokers” is misleading because nearly every long-distance moving brand subcontracts or brokers shipments to some degree.
What actually matters is not the label. It’s the answer to three questions:
Who physically shows up at my door? Ask directly. A good company will tell you.
Who is liable if something breaks? The carrier performing the move holds primary liability, but your contract is with whichever company you signed with.
Will I have one point of contact throughout? The worst experiences, based on community feedback, involve being bounced between a broker’s sales team and an unfamiliar carrier’s dispatch.
AmeriSafe Van Lines holds both carrier and broker authority, and it publishes its carrier partners page for transparency. Companies that operate with dual authority can dispatch their own trucks when the route fits or partner with vetted carriers when it makes more sense logistically. The key is whether the company maintains accountability regardless of who handles the physical move.
For a deeper look at interstate regulations and how they affect your rights, read the interstate moving FAQ.
How to Vet a Long-Distance Mover: The Complete Checklist
Before you sign with any company, run through these steps. They take about 30 minutes and can save you thousands.
1. Verify FMCSA registration. Go to protectyourmove.gov and search the company’s name or USDOT number. Confirm their authority is active and they’re authorized for household goods.
2. Demand a binding or binding-not-to-exceed estimate. A binding estimate locks in your price regardless of actual shipment weight. A binding-not-to-exceed estimate is even better: if your shipment weighs less than estimated, the price drops, but it will never exceed the quoted amount.
3. Ask: “Are you the company that will physically move my furniture?” This one question cuts through the broker vs. carrier confusion instantly. If the answer is “we assign a carrier,” ask which carrier, whether you can vet them, and who your point of contact will be throughout the process.
4. Read 10 to 15 reviews across multiple platforms. Don’t rely on the company’s own website. Check Google, BBB, Yelp, and Reddit. Look for patterns, not one-off complaints.
5. Understand the deposit and cancellation policy before signing. Some movers charge nothing upfront. Others require 25 to 35%. Know exactly what happens to your deposit if you cancel.
6. Confirm valuation coverage options. The default released-value protection covers only 60 cents per pound per item. That means your $2,000 flat-screen TV, if it weighs 30 pounds, is worth $18 under basic coverage. Ask about full-value protection and its cost.
7. Be skeptical of estimates far below the competition. If three companies quote $5,000 and one quotes $2,500, that low number is almost certainly a trap. Lowball estimates are the single most common entry point for moving scams.
Looking for a trusted moving quote? Getting estimates from multiple companies is the best way to establish a realistic price range.
What Moving Long Distance Actually Costs in 2026
Pricing has shifted significantly. Moving company costs have increased by approximately 21% as of mid-2026 due to rising fuel prices, so benchmarks from even two years ago are outdated.
Here are the current numbers:
By distance and home size:
500 to 1,000 miles, 2 to 3 bedrooms: $3,060 to $5,280 (moveBuddha 2026 data)
1,000 to 2,500+ miles, 1 to 2 bedrooms: $3,150 to $13,650+ (Extra Space Storage)
1,000+ miles, average household (7,400 lbs): Approximately $4,300
By company type:
Major van lines average around $8,800 per move
Smaller moving companies average around $5,000
Hidden fees to watch for:
Long carry charges: If the truck can’t park within a certain distance of your door, expect $75 to $200 extra
Shuttle fees: If a full-size truck can’t access your street, a smaller truck shuttles your items. This adds $300 to $700.
Stair charges: Typically $50 to $75 per flight
Storage-in-transit: If your new home isn’t ready, temporary storage runs $150 to $300 per month
Fuel surcharges: Increasingly common and sometimes buried in the fine print
For a more detailed breakdown of packing add-ons and how they affect your total, read the packing services cost guide.
The This Old House survey of 1,000+ customers found the average cost of all moves in 2025 was $3,020, with long-distance moves specifically averaging $3,129. Keep in mind that this average includes smaller moves and shorter distances. A full household going cross-country will land well above that number.
Real Horror Stories and What They Teach You
The worst experiences with moving long-distance movers follow a predictable pattern. One Reddit user documented signing with a broker-sourced company, having belongings picked up on January 31 with a February 28 delivery agreement, then enduring a five-month ordeal with no items delivered, no updates, and unanswered calls.
Another common pattern, echoed across HomeAdvisor and Reddit: companies lowball the estimate to win the business, then dramatically increase the price once movers arrive. Sometimes they use a third-party mover to complete the work and hold belongings hostage until the inflated price is paid.
One user summed it up: “They promise you a guaranteed out-of-pocket rate, then triple it when the movers show up. Then promise delivery within three days, and I now sit still waiting for my property to be delivered more than two weeks later.”
These aren’t isolated incidents. The FMCSA conducted investigations in 17 states during a single three-week period in April 2024 specifically to address the spike in household goods hostage complaints.
The lesson? Every step in the vetting checklist above exists because real people skipped it and paid the price.
Understanding Moving Estimates: Binding vs. Non-Binding
The type of estimate you accept shapes your entire experience. There are three kinds:
Binding estimate: A written, legally enforceable commitment by the carrier to move your shipment for the quoted price, regardless of actual weight. What you’re quoted is what you pay.
Binding not-to-exceed estimate: The consumer-friendly gold standard. If your shipment weighs more than estimated, the price stays the same. If it weighs less, the price may decrease. You’re protected from price increases while still benefiting from favorable surprises.
Non-binding estimate: An approximation. Federal rules provide some protection at delivery. The mover cannot require more than 110% of the non-binding estimate before releasing your goods. But you may owe the balance within 30 days.
Always push for a binding or binding-not-to-exceed estimate. Non-binding estimates are where bait-and-switch scenarios begin. For more on what to look for when requesting estimates, see our guide to moving quotes you can trust.
FAQ
What counts as a long-distance move?
Most moving companies define a long-distance move as any relocation of 100 miles or more, or any move that crosses state lines. Interstate moves (crossing state borders) are regulated by the FMCSA regardless of distance.
How far in advance should I book long-distance movers?
Four to eight weeks is the standard recommendation. During peak season (May through September), booking six to eight weeks out gives you the best chance of securing your preferred dates and competitive pricing. Last-minute bookings in summer often incur premium charges and have limited availability.
What is the difference between released-value protection and full-value protection?
Released-value protection is the basic, no-cost default. It covers approximately 60 cents per pound per article. A 100-pound dresser that is destroyed is covered for $60 under this coverage. Full-value protection requires the mover to repair, replace, or reimburse you for the current market value of damaged or lost items. It costs more but provides meaningful coverage.
Can a moving company legally hold my belongings hostage?
No. Holding household goods hostage violates federal regulations. However, it happens. Hostage-load complaints account for 31% of all moving complaints tracked by the FMCSA. If this happens to you, file a complaint with the FMCSA immediately and contact local law enforcement. Having a binding estimate is your strongest protection.
How do I file a complaint against a mover?
File complaints through the FMCSA’s National Consumer Complaint Database. You can also file with the Better Business Bureau and your state’s attorney general’s office. Document everything: contracts, photos of damage, communication records, and receipts.
Should I avoid moving brokers entirely?
Not necessarily. The carrier vs. broker debate has become something of a distraction. As one industry professional noted, the real issues are unexpected price increases, not the business model itself. Many reputable companies hold both carrier and broker authority. The important thing is to ask who will physically perform your move, verify that the company’s FMCSA registration, and ensure you have a single point of accountability.
What should I do if my estimate seems suspiciously low?
Treat it as a red flag. Get at least three to five estimates and compare them against the pricing benchmarks in this article. If one quote comes in dramatically lower than the others, it is almost certainly a bait-and-switch setup. The company will likely raise the price after loading your belongings onto the truck.
Is moving insurance the same as valuation coverage?
No. Valuation coverage is the mover’s liability for your belongings and is governed by federal regulations. Actual moving insurance is a separate product you purchase from a third-party insurer. Valuation coverage comes from the mover; insurance comes from an insurance company. For high-value items, consider purchasing both.
Finding the Right Long-Distance Mover for Your Situation
The best long-distance mover for you depends on your priorities. If zero-deposit booking matters most, Allied and United are strong choices. If you need international capability plus storage, International Van Lines covers both. If flat-rate pricing helps you sleep at night, Safeway’s model eliminates weight-based surprises.
For people who want the flexibility of a company that can use its own trucks or partner carriers depending on the route, with a single coordinator managing the process from start to finish, AmeriSafe Van Lines combines dual carrier/broker authority with the kind of transparency (published carrier network, posted cancellation policies, FMCSA brochures on-site) that most long-distance movers simply don’t provide.
Whatever company you choose, run through the vetting checklist. Demand a binding estimate. Verify the FMCSA registration. Read the reviews. And never, under any circumstances, go with the cheapest quote just because it’s cheap.
Request your free quote from AmeriSafe Van Lines to start planning your long-distance move with a company that puts transparency first.
