877-412-1344 TL;DR
No long-distance mover has a perfect record. The highest rated long distance movers distinguish themselves through FMCSA compliance, transparent pricing, and consistent service across routes. This guide profiles seven companies worth considering, explains the critical broker vs. carrier distinction most lists ignore, and gives you a practical checklist to vet any mover before signing. AmeriSafe Van Lines stands out for its dual carrier/broker authority and coordinator-led model, while options like Allied, Safeway, and JK Moving each serve different priorities and budgets.
At-a-Glance Comparison Table
Company | Best For | Deposit Required | Free Storage | Coverage | Key Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AmeriSafe Van Lines | Coordinator-led personalized moves | Yes (non-refundable after 72 hrs) | Arranged through partners | Nationwide | No published package matrix |
Allied Van Lines | No-deposit flexibility | No | Yes | 50 states + international | Credit card surcharge; agent inconsistency |
Safeway Moving | Budget-friendly full-service | Yes | 30 days free | 50 states | Limited payment methods |
International Van Lines | International + domestic versatility | Up to 35% | 30 days free | 50 states + 180 countries | Price escalation reported on some moves |
Colonial Van Lines | Trained crews and digital planning | 10%–40% | Yes | 48 contiguous states | No local moves; high deposits |
North American Van Lines | Full-service legacy support | No | Yes | 50 states + international | Premium pricing; agent model complaints |
JK Moving Services | Premium white-glove service | $250 | Yes | Nationwide + international | Most expensive option |
Get a personalized quote from AmeriSafe Van Lines for your upcoming interstate move.
What Makes a Long-Distance Mover “Highest Rated”?
The phrase “highest rated” means different things depending on where you look. A company might carry 4.8 stars on Google but hold a poor BBB record or face dozens of FMCSA complaints. Triangulating across platforms is the only reliable approach.
A genuinely high-rated long-distance mover earns that label through customer feedback on Google, Yelp, and Trustpilot, combined with industry standing (years in business, geographic reach, reputation) and consistency in meeting promises and resolving problems when things go wrong.
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: every long-distance moving company has serious complaints. In 2011 alone, FMCSA received 2,851 consumer complaints about household goods movers, and the volume has only grown. The most common issues include shipments held hostage, damaged or lost items, and deceptive pricing. What separates the highest rated long distance movers from the rest isn’t the absence of complaints. It’s the pattern. A handful of delivery delays across thousands of moves is normal. A consistent theme of bait-and-switch pricing is a red flag.
The companies below were evaluated across FMCSA registration status, review platform trends, pricing transparency, service breadth, and deposit/refund policies.
The 7 Highest Rated Long Distance Movers for 2026
1. AmeriSafe Van Lines
Best for: Coordinator-led, personalized interstate moves
AmeriSafe Van Lines holds dual FMCSA authority as both a licensed interstate motor carrier and a licensed interstate moving broker, with “Authorized for HHG” status and active power units and drivers listed in the SAFER database. This hybrid model is a genuine differentiator. The company can assign its own trucks on select routes or partner with vetted carriers for national coverage, giving customers flexibility that pure brokers or pure carriers can’t match.
The coordinator-led approach means you get a dedicated point of contact throughout your move, with separate sales and customer service phone lines to keep inquiries routed properly. That might sound like a small detail, but practitioners on Reddit and moving forums frequently cite “communication black holes after booking” as their biggest frustration with interstate movers. Having distinct support channels addresses that directly.
Key features:
Nationwide coverage for local, long-distance, and interstate moves
Full and partial professional packing services with materials provided
Short-term and long-term storage are arranged through partners
Dedicated senior moving services and specialty item handling (pianos, antiques, gym equipment)
Published regulatory disclosures, including the arbitration program, “Rights and Responsibilities” brochure, and “Ready to Move” brochure
Deposit required with clear refund policy: deposits become non-refundable after 72 hours from signing
Tradeoffs:
No standardized tier or package pricing is published on the site; all moves are custom-quoted
Deposit is non-refundable after the 72-hour window
Like any company using partner carriers on some routes, crew quality can vary
Why it stands out: Most moving companies either bury their regulatory disclosures or don’t post them at all. AmeriSafe publishes its arbitration program, FMCSA consumer brochures, and refund policy in accessible locations on its site. That transparency is exactly what consumer protection advocates recommend looking for.
2. Allied Van Lines
Best for: No-deposit flexibility and established agent network
Allied Van Lines has been operating since 1928 and is owned by Chicago-based Sirva Worldwide, the same corporation behind North American Van Lines. Its biggest draw for budget-conscious movers is that it doesn’t require an upfront deposit, which is unusual among the highest-rated long-distance movers.
Key features:
No deposit required to book
Binding and non-binding estimate options
Coverage across all 50 states plus international destinations
Nearly a century of brand recognition
Tradeoffs:
Charges a surcharge for credit card payments, which is uncommon in the industry
Operates on an agent model, meaning your actual crew is a local franchise, not Allied corporate employees
Customer complaint records are middling compared to other legacy carriers
One Trustpilot reviewer described agents “operating without apparent oversight or continuity between stages.”
Real user perspective: The agent model is Allied’s biggest weakness. Practitioners on Trustpilot report wildly varying experiences depending on location. Some customers describe excellent foremen and on-time delivery. Others encounter local agents who seem disconnected from the company’s standards. The same van line can deliver a five-star experience in one city and a one-star experience in the next. This is the fundamental tradeoff of any agent-based van line.
3. Safeway Moving
Best for: Budget-conscious long-distance moves
Safeway Moving is a veteran-owned interstate moving company based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It positions itself as combining full-service reliability with competitive pricing, and it generally delivers on the value promise. One standout perk is 30 days of free storage on interstate moves, which is helpful for anyone dealing with a gap between closing dates.
Key features:
30 days of free storage included with interstate moves
Coverage across all 50 states
Flat-rate binding estimates available
Veteran-owned operation
Tradeoffs:
Limited payment options: some customers have reported being unable to pay by credit card or check, requiring money orders instead
Partners handle certain moves, which introduce the same crew-quality variability seen in agent models
Communication issues and discrepancies between estimates and final costs appear in some reviews
Real user perspective: Communication drops after booking is a recurring theme in Safeway reviews across ConsumerAffairs and BBB. One customer described being “inconvenienced by the refusal to accept credit cards or checks,” which forced them to obtain multiple money orders. If flexible payment options are important, confirm the accepted methods before signing.
4. International Van Lines
Best for: Combined international and domestic moving versatility
International Van Lines (IVL) holds an A+ BBB rating and covers all 50 states plus roughly 180 countries, making it a strong pick for anyone who might need overseas shipping alongside a domestic move. ConsumerAffairs named it the top national mover in its 2026 ratings, and pricing for domestic moves falls in a reasonable range: roughly $900 to $4,306 for a two-bedroom move depending on distance.
Key features:
A+ BBB rating
Service to all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii, plus international
Binding estimates available
30 days of free storage
Tradeoffs:
Deposits can run up to 35% of the estimate, which is steep
Some Reddit users were surprised to learn IVL wasn’t the company physically moving their belongings, even though IVL remains legally responsible as the carrier of record
Price escalation has been reported on international moves; one Trustpilot reviewer documented an 86% price increase between estimate and final billing
Real user perspective: The Reddit discovery that IVL sometimes uses partner companies for physical transport highlights a recurring anxiety in this industry. Even when a company holds carrier authority, it may still subcontract crews. This isn’t necessarily a problem, but it’s worth asking upfront: “Will your own crew handle my move, or will a partner company?”
For more on how to evaluate top-rated long-distance movers, including detailed cost breakdowns, read our companion guide.
5. Colonial Van Lines
Best for: Trained crews and digital move planning
Colonial Van Lines differentiates itself through training. Movers receive intensive hands-on instruction at what the company calls “Colonial Van Lines University,” reflecting a stronger commitment to crew quality than most competitors offer. The company is also pushing sustainability, with plans to add Tesla electric tractors to its fleet by 2026 and to go fully electric by 2028.
Key features:
Dedicated training program for movers
Inventory-based estimates
Sustainability initiative with electric fleet plans
Digital planning tools
Tradeoffs:
Does not handle local moves, only long-distance
Deposits range from 10% to 40%, which can be significant on larger moves
Pricing runs from $4,000 to $8,000+, for long-distance, putting it in the upper bracket
Some customers report issues with delivery windows and final pricing discrepancies
Real user perspective: The training commitment is real and worth noting. But “trained” doesn’t always mean “consistent.” Customer reviews on BBB still mention delivery delays, which training alone can’t solve when the bottleneck is logistics coordination rather than crew skill.
6. North American Van Lines
Best for: Full-service legacy support with 90+ years of experience
North American Van Lines is the sister company of Allied (both owned by Sirva) and serves long-distance moves across all 50 states, as well as international relocations. U.S. News rates it as a top long-distance mover, and it offers customizable services including specialized senior and military moves.
Key features:
No deposit required
Binding and non-binding estimates
Senior and military move specializations
International relocation capability
Tradeoffs:
Premium pricing compared to mid-market options
Agent-model inconsistency, same as Allied
Holds a 1.2-star rating from 15 reviews on PissedConsumer, with common themes of damaged or stolen items, late delivery, and poor customer service
Real user perspective: The PissedConsumer rating is alarming at first glance, but context matters. A small sample of 15 reviews skews heavily negative because satisfied customers rarely seek out complaint platforms. Still, the themes of damaged items and delivery delays match broader industry patterns and shouldn’t be dismissed.
If you’re planning a cross-country relocation, our guide on the best cross-country moving companies provides additional route-specific insights.
7. JK Moving Services
Best for: Premium white-glove service
JK Moving Services is the most expensive option on this list, and it earns that pricing through comprehensive service. U.S. News names it a top pick for national coverage, and all movers are background-checked and drug-tested, which is a standard few competitors publicize.
Key features:
Background-checked and drug-tested crews
Low deposit starting at just $250
Binding estimates
Full-service and standard-service tiers
Tradeoffs:
Among the priciest movers available: a 960-mile interstate move runs approximately $6,277 for standard service and $9,061 for full service
Premium pricing may not be justified for straightforward moves with minimal specialty items
Real user perspective: JK Moving is the right choice if your budget allows and you’re moving high-value items where crew quality and accountability are worth the extra cost. For a standard two-bedroom apartment move, the premium may not pencil out.
Broker vs. Carrier: The Distinction Most Lists Ignore
This is the single most important concept for anyone comparing the highest-rated long-distance movers, and almost every competing list glosses over it.
A moving broker arranges your move but doesn’t physically transport your belongings. Instead, the broker assigns your move to a motor carrier, which is responsible for actually getting your household goods from origin to destination. As FMCSA defines it, property brokers are the “middle person” between a shipper and a motor carrier. They don’t transport property, don’t operate vehicles, and don’t assume responsibility for cargo.
A carrier, by contrast, owns trucks and employs drivers. The carrier is legally liable for your shipment.
Why does this matter? If you hire a broker without realizing it, you may have limited recourse if something goes wrong during transit. The carrier who shows up at your door might be a company you’ve never heard of. You can verify any mover’s status at ProtectYourMove.gov, the FMCSA’s consumer verification tool.
Some companies hold dual authority as both carrier and broker. AmeriSafe Van Lines, for example, is registered with the FMCSA as a CARRIER/BROKER entity, with “Authorized for HHG” and active power units and drivers. This means the company can either operate its own trucks on certain routes or broker moves to partner carriers depending on capacity and geography. The dual model provides flexibility while maintaining a single point of accountability.
For a deeper explanation of interstate moving regulations, including your rights as a consumer, the FMCSA publishes free brochures that every mover is required to provide before your move.
What Does a Long-Distance Move Actually Cost in 2026?
Pricing is the question everyone asks first, and the one most moving company websites answer last. Here’s what the data shows.
The average cost of a long-distance move is around $3,129, according to a 2025 This Old House survey, while interstate moves average closer to $4,890, according to GetMovingMuscle. For a two- to three-bedroom home moving 500 to 1,000 miles, expect $3,060 to $5,280 based on 2026 moveBuddha data. Cross-country moves for similar-sized homes range from $3,000 to $9,500.
The full spectrum for a full-service long-distance move runs from roughly $2,200 at the low end to $16,900 or more for large, complex relocations.
Two important pricing factors for 2026: moving company pricing has increased by approximately 21% as of May 2026 due to rising fuel costs. And you can save 20% to 30% by moving mid-week or between September and February, avoiding peak summer rates.
A worked example: A three-bedroom home moving from Florida to Texas (roughly 1,100 miles) with full packing service might look like this: base transport of $4,500 to $6,000, plus $800 to $1,500 for full packing, plus $200 to $400 for specialty items like a piano or antique furniture. Total: roughly $5,500 to $7,900. Add-on packing services and storage can shift this range significantly in either direction.
How to Vet a Long-Distance Mover: Your Checklist
Before signing with any company, even the highest-rated long-distance movers on this list, run through these steps:
1. Verify FMCSA registration. Look up the company’s DOT number at ProtectYourMove.gov. Confirm their authority is active and they’re authorized for household goods. If a company can’t provide a DOT number, walk away.
2. Check the BBB. Look for accreditation status, complaint volume, and resolution patterns. A few complaints are normal. Dozens of unresolved complaints are not.
3. Understand the estimate type. A binding estimate locks in your price. A non-binding estimate can change based on actual weight. Under federal law, you are not required to pay more than 110% of a non-binding estimate at delivery, with the balance due within 30 days.
4. Review the deposit and refund policy. Know exactly when your deposit becomes non-refundable. Ask whether the deposit applies to your final balance or is a separate fee.
5. Confirm carrier vs. broker status. Ask directly: “Are you a carrier, a broker, or both? Will your own crew handle my move?”
6. Watch for red flags. No DOT number displayed anywhere, phone-only estimates without an in-home or video survey, demands for large cash deposits, and a name that doesn’t match FMCSA records are all warning signs. Our guide on identifying and avoiding moving scams covers these in detail.
7. Get at least three estimates. Compare not just price but what’s included, what insurance is offered, and what the claims process looks like.
Red Flags That Should Stop You Cold
Most listicles ranking the highest-rated long-distance movers skip this part entirely. These warning signs apply to any mover, regardless of brand recognition:
No physical address or DOT number on their website. Legitimate carriers display this information prominently.
A quote given over the phone without any inventory assessment. Accurate estimates require knowing what you’re moving. Phone-only quotes almost always change.
Demands for a large cash deposit before the move. Reputable companies accept credit cards or electronic payment and keep deposits reasonable.
The estimate seems too good to be true. A quote that’s 40% below every other company is a setup for move-day price increases.
You can’t find them on FMCSA’s database. If a company’s DOT number doesn’t appear or shows “Not Authorized,” it’s operating illegally.
If something goes wrong, you must file a written claim with the mover within 9 months of delivery and file an FMCSA complaint within 18 months of the incident.
The Agent Model Problem Nobody Talks About
One pattern in reviews across Allied, North American, United, and Mayflower deserves its own explanation. These legacy van lines operate through local agents: independently owned businesses that operate under the van line’s brand. Your actual moving crew is not employed by the parent company.
This means the quality of your experience depends almost entirely on which local agent handles your move. One Allied customer on Trustpilot put it plainly: “They claim to be all one company, but it was clear that every stage was a different entity with no context or continuity.”
This isn’t a reason to avoid agent-based van lines entirely, but it is a reason to research the specific local agent assigned to your move, not just the national brand. Ask which agent will handle your pickup and delivery, then look up that agent’s reviews separately.
Companies with a coordinator-led model, where a single point of contact manages the process from estimate through delivery, tend to produce more consistent experiences because accountability stays with one team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest long-distance moving option?
For a full-service experience, Safeway Moving generally comes in at the lower end of the pricing spectrum. If you’re willing to do the work yourself, renting a moving truck or using a portable container service will cost significantly less, typically $1,500 to $3,500 for a cross-country move versus $3,000 to $9,500 for full-service movers.
How far in advance should I book a long-distance move?
Six to eight weeks is the standard recommendation. During peak season (May through August), booking 10 to 12 weeks out offers better pricing and greater crew availability. Last-minute bookings made under two weeks often incur premium surcharges and have limited options.
What’s the difference between binding and non-binding estimates?
A binding estimate guarantees your final price as long as the inventory doesn’t change. A non-binding estimate is the mover’s best guess based on estimated weight, and the final cost can be higher. Under federal law, you cannot be required to pay more than 110% of a non-binding estimate at delivery. For a complete breakdown, read our interstate moving FAQ.
How do I file a complaint against a mover?
You must submit a written claim to the moving company within 9 months of delivery. Before moving your household goods, the carrier must provide information about its dispute settlement program. If the company doesn’t resolve your issue, file a complaint with FMCSA within 18 months of the incident.
Are moving deposits refundable?
This varies by company. AmeriSafe Van Lines, for example, allows cancellation with a refundable deposit within 72 hours of signing, after which the deposit becomes non-refundable. Some companies like Allied and North American don’t require deposits at all. Always confirm the refund policy in writing before paying anything.
What items can’t be moved by long-distance movers?
Federal regulations prohibit interstate movers from transporting hazardous materials, including gasoline, propane tanks, ammunition, fireworks, and certain cleaning chemicals. Most movers also won’t transport perishable food, plants, or pets. High-value items like jewelry or important documents should travel with you personally.
How long does a long-distance move typically take?
A move of 500 to 1,000 miles usually takes 3 to 7 business days for delivery. Cross-country moves (2,000+ miles) can take 7 to 21 business days depending on the carrier’s routing schedule. Get the delivery window in writing as part of your contract, and confirm whether the company offers any guarantees around timing.
Choosing among the highest-rated long-distance movers comes down to your priorities: budget, service level, payment flexibility, and how much control you want over the process. No company is perfect, but the right one for your move is the one whose strengths match your needs and whose limitations you can live with.
Contact AmeriSafe Van Lines for a custom quote on your upcoming long-distance move.
