877-412-1344 TL;DR
About 28.2 million Americans relocate each year, and the FMCSA fields over 4,000 complaints against household goods movers annually. Choosing the wrong nationwide mover can mean hostage loads, surprise fees, or damaged belongings. This guide compares eight nationwide movers on pricing, licensing, deposit requirements, and real customer feedback, organized around the one question most listicles skip: is your mover a carrier, a broker, or both?
Get a free quote from AmeriSafe Van Lines for your long-distance move.
Quick Comparison Table
Company | Best For | Est. Cost (3BR, 1,000 mi) | Deposit Required | Carrier, Broker, or Both | Free Storage Included |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AmeriSafe Van Lines | Coordinator-led nationwide moves | Custom quote | Yes (refundable within 72 hrs) | Both | Short- and long-term available |
Allied Van Lines | No-deposit booking flexibility | $2,200–$10,000 | No deposit for many moves | Both | Varies by agent |
United Van Lines | Premium corporate relocations | Higher tier | Varies by agent | Carrier | Varies by agent |
Safeway Moving | Budget-conscious flat-rate moves | Mid-range | Yes | Carrier | 30 days free |
International Van Lines | Combined domestic + overseas moves | $2,015–$3,445 (2BR, ~700 mi) | Up to 35% | Both | Varies |
JK Moving Services | White-glove premium service | $6,277–$9,061 (960 mi) | $250 minimum | Carrier | Varies |
American Van Lines | Specialty items (pianos, antiques) | Mid-to-high range | Yes | Carrier | Varies |
Bekins Van Lines | Senior relocations | ~$7,000 (3BR, 500 mi) | No deposit required | Carrier | Varies |
Why the Broker vs. Carrier Question Matters More Than Star Ratings
Most people shopping for nationwide movers focus on Google reviews and price. That’s understandable, but it misses the structural question that determines your actual moving experience: who will physically load your furniture onto a truck?
A carrier owns trucks and employs moving crews. A broker arranges moves but subcontracts the actual work to a carrier. Some companies hold dual authority, meaning they operate as both. This distinction matters because when something goes wrong with a brokered move, the broker points to the carrier and the carrier points to the broker. According to FMCSA data, this finger-pointing dynamic is the single biggest source of moving complaints.
Every company profiled below is labeled as a carrier, broker, or both. Use this as your first filter before comparing prices.
1. AmeriSafe Van Lines
Best for: Customers who want a single coordinator managing their entire move, with the flexibility of carrier and broker authority under one roof.
AmeriSafe Van Lines holds dual carrier and broker authority with the FMCSA, authorized for household goods. This means they can assign their own trucks on select routes or tap their nationwide carrier network depending on distance, capacity, and timing. Headquartered in Boynton Beach, Florida, AmeriSafe also carries Florida intrastate and broker licensing.
Key features:
One dedicated move coordinator from quote through delivery
Full-service menu including packing, storage, senior moves, commercial relocations, and specialty item handling
Both interstate moving services and local Florida coverage
Published regulatory disclosures, including arbitration documents, FMCSA Rights and Responsibilities brochure, and Ready to Move guide
Separate sales and customer service phone lines, so post-booking support doesn’t get routed through a sales queue
Clear deposit and refund policy with a 72-hour cancellation window
Pricing: Custom quotes based on inventory, distance, and add-ons. No standardized package tiers published.
Tradeoffs:
No published price tiers, so you need to request a quote to compare costs
As a dual-authority company, some moves may be handled by partner carriers rather than AmeriSafe’s own crew
Deposits become non-refundable after 72 hours from signing
Why it stands out: The coordinator-led model addresses one of the most common complaints in the moving industry: being handed off between departments or agents. You can read customer reviews describing specific interstate routes, such as Oregon to Texas and New Hampshire to North Carolina.
2. Allied Van Lines
Best for: Flexible booking with no upfront deposit on many moves.
Allied Van Lines has operated since 1928 and currently maintains a network of over 300 agents across North America, with more than 3,500 long-haul vehicles and roughly 4,200 drivers. They move over 50,000 families per year and have locations in 45 countries.
Key features:
No deposit required for many interstate moves
Registered as both a broker and a carrier with the FMCSA
Published price range of $2,200 to $10,000 for interstate moves
Headquarters in Chicago with global reach
Pricing: Allied’s website lists interstate moves in the $2,200 to $10,000 range, which is broad enough to cover most two- to four-bedroom households.
Tradeoffs:
The agent model creates wildly inconsistent experiences. One Allied agent in your city may be excellent while another is rated poorly. When reaching out, ask which specific locations will handle your move so you can research their reputations individually.
Allied has an average rating of 1.7 stars from 636 reviews on Yelp, though Google reviews trend noticeably higher. This platform divergence is worth investigating before you book.
Communication breakdowns are commonly reported when moves involve handoffs between local agents and long-haul drivers.
Real user perspective: Practitioners on Reddit and moving forums frequently note that Allied’s quality depends entirely on the local agent assigned to your move. The brand name provides no guarantee of a consistent experience across locations.
3. United Van Lines
Best for: Premium, high-end long-distance and corporate relocations.
United Van Lines is recognized as the largest moving company in the U.S. based on fleet size, service locations, and brand recognition. They serve residential, corporate, and commercial customers nationwide with packing, storage, and long-distance transport.
Key features:
Largest fleet and agent network among U.S. van lines
Strong corporate relocation program with employer-sponsored move management
Planning tools and customer resources designed to keep movers informed throughout the process
Long track record and broad geographic coverage
Pricing: Premium tier. United does not publish standard rate ranges, and its quotes tend to run higher than those of mid-market competitors.
Tradeoffs:
Premium pricing puts United out of reach for many budget-conscious movers
Same agent-model variability as Allied; your experience hinges on the local franchise
Corporate relocation focus means residential customers sometimes feel like an afterthought
Worth noting: If your employer is covering relocation costs, United is often on the pre-approved vendor list. For out-of-pocket moves, the premium may not be justified unless you need specific high-touch services.
4. Safeway Moving
Best for: Budget-conscious long-distance movers who want flat-rate pricing with no surprises.
Safeway Moving is a veteran-owned company operating across 48 states as a full-service long-distance mover. Their defining feature is flat-rate pricing: the quoted price on a binding estimate will not change.
Key features:
Flat-rate pricing structure eliminates the most common source of moving disputes
Triple-check virtual survey process designed to avoid quote surprises
30 days of free storage included with every interstate move
Price matching with qualifying competitors
Military discounts available
Pricing: Mid-range. The flat-rate model means what you’re quoted is what you pay, which is significant given that the TOH 2025 Moving Survey found 11.3% of movers reported their final total didn’t match the quoted rate.
Tradeoffs:
No local moving services and no auto shipping
Communication gaps between booking and moving day have been reported by multiple customers
One customer noted being inconvenienced by Safeway’s refusal to accept credit cards or checks, requiring multiple money orders for payment
Real user perspective: The flat-rate guarantee resonates strongly with people who’ve been burned by lowball estimates before. But the payment method restrictions and communication issues during the waiting period are recurring themes in customer feedback.
5. International Van Lines (IVL)
Best for: Customers who need both domestic and international moving under one company.
Founded in 2000, International Van Lines expanded from a cross-border specialist to a full domestic operation covering all 50 states and over 180 countries. They hold NVOCC and FMC-registered freight forwarder credentials alongside standard FMCSA authority.
Key features:
Licensed for domestic, interstate, and international ocean/air freight
Coverage across 180+ countries for overseas relocations
Full-service packing, storage, and auto transport
Competitive pricing for domestic long-distance moves
Pricing: A quote for a two-bedroom home from Atlanta to Chicago ranged from $2,015 to $3,445, making IVL slightly more affordable than premium carriers on domestic routes. Deposits can run up to 35% of the estimate.
Tradeoffs:
The 35% deposit requirement is among the highest in the industry
Customers have reported unexpected price adjustments when subcontractors handle the move
International moves carry higher costs and more logistical complexity, as expected
For anyone managing specialty item moves alongside an overseas relocation, IVL’s combined domestic and international capability reduces the number of vendors involved.
6. JK Moving Services
Best for: White-glove premium service with AI-powered quote accuracy.
JK Moving topped the U.S. News 2026 ratings for nationwide movers. They offer comprehensive long-distance, cross-country, and international relocations with fully customizable options for packing, special handling, and storage.
Key features:
All movers are background-checked and drug-tested
Uses AI technology (Yembo) to increase virtual survey and quote accuracy
Full customization for packing, crating, and specialty handling
Strong reputation in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia corridor
Pricing: For a 960-mile interstate move, U.S. News mystery-shopping data showed JK at $6,277 for standard service and $9,061 for full service. Minimum deposit is $250.
Tradeoffs:
On the pricey side, especially for full-service packages
Local moves are only available in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area
Premium pricing may not be justified for straightforward, smaller moves
Real user perspective: The AI-powered survey process gets positive mentions from customers who appreciate not having to manually inventory every box. But the price tag reflects the white-glove positioning, and several reviewers have noted you’re paying a premium for the JK brand.
7. American Van Lines
Best for: Moving high-value specialty items like pianos, antiques, and art.
American Van Lines operates in 48 states with a particular focus on hands-on crew training and specialized handling of fragile and high-value items.
Key features:
Full-time movers certified specifically in piano and antique relocation
Crew members average 10 years of experience with ongoing certification
Specialized packing materials and techniques for art, wine collections, and fragile items
Coverage across 48 contiguous states
Pricing: Mid-to-high range, reflecting the specialty handling capabilities.
Tradeoffs:
No service in Alaska or Hawaii
No international moving options
The specialty focus means standard moves may cost more than necessary if you don’t have high-value items
If you’re moving a baby grand piano alongside normal household goods, the certified handling is worth the premium. For a standard three-bedroom move with no specialty items, you may be overpaying for expertise you don’t need.
8. Bekins Van Lines
Best for: Senior relocations with specialized, trained staff.
Founded in 1891, Bekins is one of the oldest names in the moving industry, with over 350 agents nationwide. They’ve carved out a specific niche in senior moving services.
Key features:
Many agents are “Bekins Silver Certified,” trained specifically for moving elderly customers
No deposit required for booking
130+ years of operating history
Full-service packing and storage through the agent network
Pricing: A 500-mile, three-bedroom move lands near $7,000, which runs slightly higher than other national carriers for comparable distances. The senior-specific services add value but also come with a cost.
Tradeoffs:
Higher pricing than comparable nationwide movers for standard moves
Mixed reviews across platforms, similar to other agent-model companies
Quality depends on which local Bekins agent handles your move
AmeriSafe also offers senior moving assistance with dedicated coordination for elderly customers, which is worth comparing if the Bekins agent in your area has weak reviews.
How to Choose a Nationwide Mover
Verify FMCSA Licensing First
Every legitimate interstate mover must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The easiest way to check is through the FMCSA’s SAFER database. Look for an active USDOT number and MC (Motor Carrier) number, then confirm the company is authorized for household goods (HHG).
This step is not optional. Between 2020 and 2021, FMCSA complaints against household goods movers jumped from 4,340 to 8,295. In April 2024, the FMCSA conducted investigations across 17 states specifically targeting “HHG hostage complaints,” where movers hold belongings hostage to extort additional charges.
Understand the Broker vs. Carrier Distinction
Ask every company directly: will your own crews and trucks handle my move, or will you subcontract it? Companies registered as both brokers and carriers may do either, depending on availability, distance, or pricing. This isn’t necessarily bad, but you need to know before signing.
If the company brokers your move, ask for the name and USDOT number of the actual carrier so you can verify them independently. For more on spotting red flags, read this guide on avoiding moving scams.
Demand a Binding Estimate
The TOH 2025 Moving Survey of 1,000 recent movers found that only 43.1% said their mover offered a binding estimate. A binding estimate locks in the price, so your final bill can’t exceed the quoted amount (assuming you haven’t added any items). A non-binding estimate is just a guess, and 11.3% of movers in that same survey reported their final total didn’t match the quoted rate.
Always ask: “Is this a binding estimate or a non-binding estimate?” If the company won’t put a binding number in writing, that’s a red flag.
Watch for Red Flags
No USDOT or MC number: Walk away immediately.
Lowball quotes that seem too good to be true: They usually are. The company may add charges after loading your belongings.
Large upfront deposits: Moving companies often require 20% to 50% of the total cost as a deposit, and most are non-refundable. Any company demanding full payment before delivery is a scam risk.
No physical address or in-person/virtual survey: Reputable movers assess your inventory before quoting.
What Does a Nationwide Move Cost in 2026?
Moving costs have risen roughly 21% due to higher fuel costs as of mid-2026, with the steepest increases in California, Oregon, and Washington. The Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index shows moving and storage costs up approximately 18% since 2020.
Cost Ranges by Move Type
Move Type | Estimated Cost Range | Source |
|---|---|---|
Average across all moves | $3,020 | This Old House 2025 survey |
Long-distance, 2–3 bedroom | $3,060–$5,280 | moveBuddha 2026 dataset |
Cross-country (1,000–2,500+ mi), 3–4 BR | $3,850–$15,250+ | Extra Space Storage |
Average interstate move | $4,890 | AMSA 2025 Annual Report |
Local moves | $80–$100/hr | ConsumerAffairs 2026 |
Hidden Costs Most People Miss
Professional packing: $0.15 to $0.21 per pound, which can add $900 to $1,500 to the total, depending on home size. AmeriSafe offers professional packing services as an add-on for customers who want this handled.
Stairs and long carries: Many movers charge extra for navigating flights of stairs or carrying items more than 75 feet from the truck.
Shuttle service: If a full-size moving truck can’t access your street, a smaller shuttle vehicle adds $300 to $500.
Storage-in-transit: If your new home isn’t ready, storage fees can range from $100 to $300 per month depending on volume.
Tipping: Industry standard is $5 to $10 per mover per hour, or 15% to 20% of the total bill for exceptional service.
Insurance: Don’t Accept the Default
By federal law, carriers must offer free released value protection, which covers your belongings at just 60 cents per pound per item. That means if a mover damages your 30-pound TV worth $1,000, you’d receive $18. Full Value Protection (FVP) costs extra but requires the carrier to repair, replace, or reimburse the current market value of damaged items.
For a deeper look at what goes into an accurate moving estimate, see this guide to moving quotes.
FAQ
What is a nationwide mover?
A nationwide mover is a moving company that handles relocations across state lines, typically covering all 48 contiguous states (and sometimes Alaska and Hawaii). These companies must be registered with the FMCSA and carry a USDOT number to legally transport household goods interstate. Some nationwide movers are carriers that own their trucks; some are brokers that subcontract the work; and some hold dual authority to do both.
How much does a cross-country move cost?
For a three- to four-bedroom home moving 1,000 to 2,500+ miles, expect to pay between $3,850 and $15,250 or more as of 2026. The average interstate move costs around $4,890, according to the American Moving and Storage Association. Actual costs depend on weight, distance, time of year, and whether you add services like packing or storage.
Should I use a moving broker or a carrier?
A carrier physically handles your move with their own trucks and crews. A broker arranges the move but hires a carrier to do the work. Brokers aren’t inherently bad, but when problems arise, accountability can get murky. If you use a broker, ask for the carrier’s name and USDOT number so you can verify them. Companies with dual carrier and broker authority can sometimes offer the best of both worlds. You can learn more about interstate moving regulations and how they affect your rights.
How do I check whether a moving company is FMCSA-licensed?
Visit the FMCSA’s SAFER System website and search by company name or USDOT number. Confirm the company has active operating authority, is authorized for household goods, and check their safety record and complaint history. Any company that can’t provide a USDOT number should be avoided.
What is the difference between Full Value Protection and Released Value?
Released Value is the free, default coverage that reimburses you at 60 cents per pound per item. Full Value Protection costs extra but requires the mover to repair, replace, or compensate you at the item’s current market value. For any move involving electronics, furniture, or sentimental items, Full Value Protection is strongly recommended.
What is a binding estimate and why does it matter?
A binding estimate is a written guarantee that your moving cost will not exceed the quoted price, as long as you don’t change the scope of the move. A non-binding estimate is an approximation that can increase on moving day. Given that over 11% of movers in a recent survey reported their final bill didn’t match the quote, always insist on a binding estimate in writing.
When is the cheapest time to hire nationwide movers?
Moving rates are lowest from October through April, when demand drops. Mid-month, mid-week moves also tend to cost less than end-of-month or weekend slots, since most leases expire at month’s end, creating peak demand.
Final Verdict
Choosing among nationwide movers comes down to understanding what kind of company you’re actually hiring. Before comparing prices or reading reviews, verify FMCSA licensing and ask whether the company is a carrier, broker, or both. Then match your specific needs (budget, specialty items, senior assistance, international shipping) to the company that fits best.
For customers who want a single point of contact managing their move from start to finish, with the flexibility of both direct carrier service and a nationwide partner network, contact AmeriSafe Van Lines for a free moving estimate.
