877-412-1344 TL;DR
Choosing an interstate movers company comes down to reducing five risks: unlicensed operators, broker confusion, surprise price changes, damage claims, and delivery delays. AmeriSafe Van Lines is the recommended first call for families wanting a coordinator-led interstate move with nationwide reach. Allied Van Lines is the top pick if you refuse to pay a deposit. U-Pack or PODS work best for budget-conscious DIY movers who want fewer people touching their belongings.
Interstate moves are not just bigger local moves. They cross state lines, fall under federal regulation, and involve more paperwork, more handoffs, and more ways for things to go wrong. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates more than 5,000 interstate household goods carriers and brokers, and Census Bureau data shows roughly 2.1% of U.S. residents moved to a different state in 2024. That is millions of people each year making one of the most expensive, stressful purchases of their lives, often with a company they have never used before.
This guide compares the best interstate moving companies by price, deposit policy, services, operating model, and real customer sentiment. It also covers how to verify licensing, spot red flags, and ask the right questions before paying a deposit. The goal is not to hand you a list of names. It is to give you a framework for making a decision you will not regret.
Best interstate moving companies at a glance
Company | Best for | Price signal | Deposit | Key services | Main tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AmeriSafe Van Lines | Coordinator-led interstate moves | Custom quoted | Required; nonrefundable after 72 hours | Packing, storage, senior moves, specialty items | No public pricing tiers; may use own trucks or partners |
Allied Van Lines | No-deposit national van line | ~$3,520 avg. sample | None | Virtual estimates, tracking, storage, vehicle transport | Quality varies by local agent |
American Van Lines | Flat-rate pricing, high-value items | $2,697–$16,024 range | 10%–50% | Pianos, antiques, custom crating, full packing | Deposit can be large; no shipment tracking |
North American Van Lines | Customizable van-line moves | ~$3,601 avg. sample | None | Custom crates, tracking, auto transport, cleaning | Binding quote may require home survey |
International Van Lines | International add-ons and broad services | ~$3,112 avg. sample | Up to 25% | 180+ countries, 30 days free storage, vehicle shipping | Subcontractor variability |
JK Moving Services | Premium/white-glove moves | Premium tier ($$$$) | $250 | Financing, high-end items, corporate relocation | Expensive; limited local-move coverage |
Safeway Moving | Value-focused full-service | ~$2,944 avg. sample | 20%–40% | Flat-rate, price matching, 30 days storage | Mixed customer service reviews |
U-Pack / PODS | DIY container alternative | $349–$2,500 | U-Pack: none | Containers/trailers, flexible storage | You pack and load |
Price samples for Allied, North American, IVL, JK, and Safeway are based on This Old House’s analysis of roughly 1,000 quotes for two-bedroom moves of 200–500 miles. Actual costs vary significantly by distance, home size, services, and timing.
How much do interstate movers cost?
Price is the first question most people have, so here are realistic ranges before the company breakdowns.
By move size and distance:
Studio or small apartment, short interstate: often $900–$3,500
Two-bedroom, 200–500 miles: averaging around $3,000 in industry sample data
Full household, 2,000–2,500 miles: typically $4,000–$5,000
Large 4–5 bedroom home, cross-country: $5,000–$15,000
These figures draw from MoveBuddha’s 2026 interstate cost analysis and Forbes Home’s long-distance estimates of $1,500–$8,300 for 1,000-mile moves and $3,000–$12,000 for cross-country moves.
What drives cost up:
More inventory (weight or cubic feet)
Greater distance
Full packing and unpacking
Stairs, elevators, or long carries at either end
Shuttle service if a full-size truck cannot reach the address
Storage in transit
Specialty items like pianos, antiques, or gym equipment
Peak season (summer) or last-minute booking
Valuation/full-value protection upgrades
If you are considering a long-distance move and want an accurate number, a virtual or in-home survey tied to a detailed inventory will always beat a phone estimate based on a rough description.
Best interstate moving companies
1. AmeriSafe Van Lines
Best for: Families who want a single coordinator managing a nationwide interstate move.
AmeriSafe Van Lines is the recommended starting point for readers comparing interstate movers. The company is headquartered in Boynton Beach, Florida and serves customers nationwide. What sets AmeriSafe apart from pure brokers is that it holds both carrier and broker authority with FMCSA, listed as an authorized HHG (household goods) entity. That dual authority means it can assign its own trucks on some routes and coordinate partner carriers on others, giving it van-line-style reach with a more personal, coordinator-led process.
Key features:
Nationwide interstate and long-distance moving coverage
Both carrier and broker FMCSA authority under one company
Dedicated coordinator as a single point of contact
Full and partial packing services plus moving supplies
Short-term and long-term storage arranged through partners
Senior moving services with tailored assistance
Specialty item handling (pianos, antiques, gym equipment)
Commercial and office relocation
FMCSA consumer rights documents and arbitration information posted on site
Separate Sales and Customer Service phone numbers
Pricing: Custom quoted based on inventory, distance, route, access conditions, timing, and add-on services. AmeriSafe does not publish standardized pricing tiers or a package matrix.
Deposit: Required to book. The deposit becomes nonrefundable after 72 hours from signing. Read the full refund policy before paying.
Tradeoffs:
No public pricing tiers, so you cannot compare online without requesting a quote.
The dual carrier/broker model means you should ask whether AmeriSafe’s own truck or a partner carrier will handle your specific route.
Storage is arranged through partners, so confirm where goods will be stored, who controls the warehouse, and whether storage pricing is included or separate.
The 72-hour nonrefundable deposit window is tighter than some competitors.
What to verify before paying:
Confirm whether AmeriSafe or a partner carrier will physically perform your move
Get the USDOT/MC number of the transporting company
Confirm your estimate type (binding, nonbinding, or binding-not-to-exceed)
Confirm deposit/refund timing
Confirm whether packing, storage, and specialty handling are included or separate
Confirm the delivery window
Who should skip AmeriSafe: Readers who demand instant public pricing or who only want companies that guarantee every move is self-performed with company-owned trucks.
Get a custom interstate moving quote from AmeriSafe Van Lines.
2. Allied Van Lines
Best for: Customers who want a large national van line and refuse to pay a deposit upfront.
Allied Van Lines appears across nearly every major ranking guide for interstate moves. Move.org names it the top long-distance/interstate pick and highlights flexible pricing, no deposit, 50-state coverage, and virtual in-home estimates.
Key features:
No upfront deposit
50-state availability through a local-agent network
Virtual in-home estimates
Storage options
Shipment tracking
Vehicle transport
Packing supplies and services
Pricing: This Old House’s sample average was $3,520 for a two-bedroom, 200–500-mile move.
Deposit: None in both This Old House and Move.org comparison tables.
Customer sentiment: Move.org includes a firsthand experience where delivery arrived faster than expected. ConsumerAffairs paints a more mixed picture, with a 2.9 rating from 843 reviews and recent complaints about communication gaps, damaged items, and claims delays.
Tradeoffs:
Service quality depends heavily on which local agent handles your move.
Communication complaints surface regularly in review data.
Tends to be pricier than smaller or brokered options.
Who should skip Allied: Anyone who has researched their local Allied agent and found consistent negative reviews for that specific location.
3. American Van Lines
Best for: Flat-rate long-distance pricing and moves involving pianos, antiques, or high-value items.
American Van Lines is consistently ranked for predictable pricing, background-checked crews, and specialty handling. Move.org labels it “best for predictable pricing + high-value items,” and MoveBuddha highlights binding pricing, fragile-only packing, and piano/art handling.
Key features:
Flat-rate pricing for long-distance moves
Full-service and fragile-only packing
Custom crating for artwork, antiques, and pianos
Storage
Corporate and military moving
Pricing: ConsumerAffairs reports website quote examples ranging from $2,697 to $16,024 depending on route, weight, and services. Flat-rate pricing for long-distance, hourly for local in select states.
Deposit: 10%–50% according to Move.org; up to 50% in MoveBuddha’s data.
Customer sentiment: ConsumerAffairs shows a 4.1 rating from 2,715 reviews. Common praise: easy booking, flat-rate pricing, wide packing options. Common complaints: inaccurate estimates and “a lot of extra little fees” from one featured reviewer.
Tradeoffs:
Deposit can be very large.
No online shipment tracking in MoveBuddha’s review.
Does not serve Alaska or Hawaii per MoveBuddha’s listed cons.
Some complaints about final costs exceeding expectations.
Who should skip American Van Lines: Budget-conscious movers who cannot afford a 50% deposit or who need Alaska/Hawaii service.
4. North American Van Lines
Best for: Customers who want to customize their service package and pick only what they need.
North American Van Lines is a major van line offering 1,500 local agents, satellite shipment tracking, and a guaranteed not-to-exceed quote option. MoveBuddha names it best for customized plans.
Key features:
Customizable full-service moves
Packing/unpacking
Auto transport
Specialty fragile-item transport
Cleaning services
24/7 shipment tracking
Guaranteed not-to-exceed quote option
No upfront deposit
Pricing: This Old House sample average of $3,601 for a two-bedroom, 200–500-mile move.
Deposit: None in both This Old House and MoveBuddha tables.
Customer sentiment: ConsumerAffairs notes the moving crew experience tends to rate well, but customer service and discounts score lower. Recent complaints include last-minute carrier/agent assignment, rushed delivery, damage, and claims frustration.
Tradeoffs:
A binding quote may require an in-home survey, which slows the process.
Claims process complaints are recurring in reviews.
Like Allied, service quality depends on the assigned local agent.
Who should skip North American: Readers who want a fully online binding quote without scheduling a survey.
5. International Van Lines
Best for: Customers who may need both domestic interstate and international moving services.
According to MoveBuddha, International Van Lines serves all 50 states and over 180 countries, offers 30 days of free storage, and can handle last-minute moves within 48 hours of booking.
Key features:
Domestic and international moves
Vehicle shipping
30 days of free storage
Full-service packing/unpacking
Government and military moves
Senior/veteran discounts mentioned by MoveBuddha
Pricing: This Old House sample average of $3,112. Deposit up to 25%.
Customer sentiment: Recent ConsumerAffairs reviews praise responsiveness, careful crews, and reasonable pricing. This Old House warns that IVL functions as both carrier and broker and may outsource moves, advising customers to ask about third-party movers before booking.
Tradeoffs:
Carrier/broker model can create subcontractor variability.
Not always the cheapest for purely domestic moves.
No mobile app.
Ask who will physically transport the shipment before you book.
Who should skip IVL: Readers who are firmly opposed to any possibility of subcontracting.
6. JK Moving Services
Best for: High-end moves involving expensive furniture, art collections, or corporate relocations.
JK Moving is the premium option on this list. MoveBuddha labels it best for white-glove services and notes guaranteed pickup/delivery dates, a $250 deposit, a mobile app, financing, and background-checked/drug-screened staff.
Key features:
White-glove handling for fragile and high-end items
Custom crates
Full insurance coverage
Financing options
Corporate relocation services
Mobile app and 24/7 support
Pricing: This Old House sample average of $2,273, but MoveBuddha classifies JK as premium/$$$$. The low sample average likely reflects smaller moves in the dataset, not JK’s typical price point for a full-service cross-country move.
Deposit: $250.
Customer sentiment: A March 2026 ConsumerAffairs reviewer praised a Virginia-to-Massachusetts move as seamless. Others complained about damaged furniture, lost items, and claims outcomes below deductible thresholds.
Tradeoffs:
Expensive for most household budgets.
Claims complaints exist despite the premium positioning.
Local moves limited to Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.
Who should skip JK: Price-sensitive families or anyone moving locally outside the D.C. metro area.
7. Safeway Moving
Best for: Budget-conscious families who still want a full-service interstate move.
MoveBuddha names Safeway the best overall value for interstate moves, citing competitive full-service pricing, nationwide availability, and 30 days of free storage.
Key features:
Flat-rate pricing
Price matching
30 days of storage on interstate moves
Packing/unpacking
Furniture disassembly/reassembly
Full-value protection coverage option
Pricing: This Old House sample average of $2,944. Deposit ranges from 20%–30% (This Old House) to up to 40% (MoveBuddha).
Customer sentiment: MoveBuddha reports praise for professional crews and fair pricing. However, Trustpilot results include complaints about customer service, and Reddit threads about Safeway mention negative experiences around inventory/quote changes.
Tradeoffs:
No instant online pricing.
Deposit can reach 40%.
Mixed customer service sentiment suggests checking very recent reviews before booking.
May not be ideal for very small moves.
Who should skip Safeway: Readers making a small, simple move or those who are uncomfortable with a potentially large deposit.
8. U-Pack or PODS
Best for: DIY movers who want to control packing quality and minimize the number of people handling their belongings.
Not everyone wants a full-service interstate movers company. U-Pack and PODS provide containers or trailers, transport them long-distance, and let you handle the loading and unloading.
Key features:
U-Pack: ReloCube containers or trailer, up to three days to load, pay-for-what-you-use pricing
PODS: 7-, 12-, and 16-foot containers, at-home or facility storage
Both offer long-distance transport and storage options
Third-party packing/loading help can be arranged separately
Pricing: ConsumerAffairs lists U-Pack at $500–$2,500 and PODS at $349–$2,999.
Deposit: U-Pack requires no down payment and charges after belongings are loaded. Cancellation with a full refund is available up to seven days before the move.
Customer sentiment: ConsumerAffairs reports U-Pack at 4.8/5 and PODS at 4.6/5 overall satisfaction. Practitioners on Reddit frequently recommend U-Pack for people who can pack and load themselves because, as one commenter put it, you lock the container and “they just drive it.”
Tradeoffs:
Not full-service. You are responsible for packing quality and loading.
U-Pack does not offer local moves.
Only three days to load/unload with U-Pack.
Containers may need permits, driveway space, or HOA clearance.
Who should skip containers: Families with large, fragile inventories, seniors who need hands-on help, or anyone without the physical ability or time to load a container.
How to choose an interstate moving company
Picking the right interstate movers company is really about passing five verification gates. Skip any of them and you increase your risk.
Gate 1: Verify FMCSA registration and authority
Every company that transports household goods across state lines must be registered with FMCSA and hold a USDOT number. Brokers that arrange interstate moves must also be registered. FMCSA maintains a searchable database where you can confirm a company’s registration status, authority type, and complaint history.
Do not skip this step. In 2024, FMCSA’s Operation Protect Your Move conducted 62 investigations and addressed 380 household goods complaints, including 128 “hostage” complaints where movers held belongings until customers paid inflated prices.
Gate 2: Understand the broker, carrier, and hybrid difference
This is where most confusion (and most complaints) originate.
FMCSA defines it simply: a mover owns trucks, employs moving staff, and assumes responsibility for transport. A broker arranges transportation through a mover but is not authorized to transport goods itself.
But the real world is messier than that. The operating models look like this:
Direct carrier: Owns and operates the trucks and crews for your move.
Van line/agent network: A national brand that assigns local agents to handle the work.
Carrier/broker hybrid: May self-perform some moves and broker others depending on route and capacity.
Pure broker: Books your move and assigns it to a carrier. The broker does not transport anything.
Container/freight model: You load the container; the company transports it.
Practitioners on Reddit frequently warn that the broker/carrier confusion is the number one source of moving disputes. In one r/YouShouldKnow thread, a commenter explained that the problem with brokered moves is that the broker offers a quote, subcontracts the move, and then appears helpless when the carrier that arrives demands more money.
The takeaway is not “avoid brokers at all costs.” Some brokers coordinate effectively. The takeaway is: ask these questions before you pay.
Are you the carrier, broker, or both?
Who will physically perform my move?
What is the USDOT/MC number of the company transporting my goods?
Will the carrier name appear on my bill of lading?
Can I see the list of partner carriers used on my route?
In a recent r/moving thread, a commenter noted that a company can hold both carrier and broker authority, but customers should check the truck count in FMCSA records because very small carrier capacity usually means most moves are brokered out. That is practical advice. Dual authority is not automatically bad. It can give a company more flexibility. But you should get a clear, written answer about how your specific move will be handled.
Gate 3: Compare written estimates
Three estimate types matter for interstate moves:
Binding estimate: The mover cannot charge more than the quoted price for the services listed, even if the shipment weighs more.
Nonbinding estimate: The final price is based on actual weight or volume and can go up (or down).
Binding not-to-exceed estimate: The mover charges the quoted price or lower if the shipment weighs less.
FMCSA requires that brokers base estimates on the tariff of the mover that will actually transport the shipment. If you receive an estimate that is not tied to a specific carrier’s tariff, treat that as a warning sign.
Always get at least three written quotes based on a detailed inventory. A phone-only quote with a vague inventory is one of the highest-risk signals in the industry.
Gate 4: Check deposit and cancellation terms
Deposits range from zero (Allied, North American) to as high as 50% (American Van Lines). The refund window also varies. AmeriSafe, for example, makes deposits nonrefundable after 72 hours from signing, which is clearly stated on its refund policy page.
Before paying any deposit, confirm: How much? When does it become nonrefundable? What payment methods are accepted? What happens if you need to change dates?
Gate 5: Understand valuation, claims, and disputes
Every interstate mover must offer two levels of liability coverage:
Released value protection: Free, but covers goods at just 60 cents per pound. A 20-pound item worth $1,000 gets a payout of $12.
Full-value protection: Costs extra but requires the mover to repair, replace, or reimburse the current value of damaged/lost items (subject to deductibles).
BBB’s moving scam research confirms that the 60-cents-per-pound released value coverage is a common source of consumer shock and frustration. Ask about full-value protection, deductibles, claim filing deadlines, and the dispute resolution process before moving day. Companies like AmeriSafe post their arbitration procedures publicly, which is a useful transparency signal.
Interstate moving red flags
BBB reported that consumers made over 100,000 inquiries about movers on BBB.org in 2024 and filed 718 complaints, with a median reported loss of $754 in scam reports. A LinkedIn post summarizing FMCSA’s Operation Protect Your Move noted that federal regulators launched a nationwide effort specifically targeting scam interstate household goods movers and brokers.
Moving fraud is not rare. Watch for these red flags:
No USDOT number or refusal to provide one
Refuses to clarify whether the company is a broker or carrier
No written estimate
Quote dramatically lower than every competitor
High-pressure tactics to pay a deposit immediately
No physical or virtual survey for a sizable move
Vague company name, no physical address, or stock-photo website
Only generic glowing reviews with no specific details
Demands large additional payment after loading your belongings onto the truck
Does not provide FMCSA consumer documents (Your Rights and Responsibilities booklet, Ready to Move brochure)
Unmarked rental truck with no company branding on moving day
Refuses to provide a bill of lading or order for service
One commenter on r/moving who claimed 15 years of experience investigating moving companies warned that consumers should look for patterns in bad reviews rather than relying on star ratings. The same comment flagged made-up discounts, high-pressure deposits, and quote games based on cubic feet as recurring tactics.
Full-service interstate movers vs. moving containers
Not sure whether you need a full-service interstate movers company or a container? Here is how the models compare.
Option | Best for | Relative cost | Your labor | Risk profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Full-service mover | Families, seniors, heavy/complex moves | Higher | Low | More handoffs; higher need to vet company |
Van line | Large moves, national agent coverage | Mid-high | Low | Quality depends on assigned local agent |
Carrier/broker hybrid | Flexible national capacity | Varies | Low | Must clarify who performs the move |
Container (U-Pack, PODS) | Budget DIY, flexible timing | Lower-mid | High | Customer controls packing; fewer people involved |
Rental truck | Cheapest DIY option | Lowest | Highest | Customer drives, loads, and manages everything |
For families with complex inventories or special handling needs, a full-service mover usually makes sense despite the higher cost. For smaller households moving on a tight budget, containers offer real savings if you are willing to pack and load yourself.
Questions to ask before paying a deposit
Use this checklist with any interstate moving company before committing money.
Are you a carrier, broker, or both?
Who will physically transport my shipment?
What USDOT/MC number applies to the transporting company?
Are you authorized for interstate household goods?
Will my estimate be binding, nonbinding, or binding-not-to-exceed?
Is my estimate based on weight, cubic feet, or a tariff?
What is included in the quoted price?
What fees are not included (stairs, long carry, shuttle, packing materials)?
How much is the deposit?
When does the deposit become nonrefundable?
What is the pickup window?
What is the first available delivery date?
Is the delivery date guaranteed, or just the earliest possible date?
What valuation coverage is included at no extra cost?
What does full-value protection cost, and what is the deductible?
What is the claims process and deadline?
Is storage included or a separate charge?
Where will my goods be stored if needed?
Will my goods be combined with other shipments?
What documents should I receive before pickup?
That delivery date question (number 13) matters more than most people realize. Practitioners on Reddit often warn that “first available delivery date” is not a guaranteed delivery date, and misunderstanding this distinction is one of the most common sources of frustration with interstate moves.
FMCSA’s Moving Resources Hub organizes consumer guidance by phase of the move (before, during, and after), including checklists, consumer rights, mover liability, and dispute handling resources. It is worth bookmarking.
How we evaluated these companies
To compare interstate moving companies for this guide, we looked at five practical factors: nationwide availability, service range, pricing transparency, deposit/refund terms, and customer complaint patterns. We also considered whether each company’s operating model is easy for consumers to understand, including whether it acts as a carrier, broker, van line, or container provider. Because interstate moving is federally regulated, we prioritized companies and guidance that align with FMCSA consumer-protection requirements.
For AmeriSafe-specific details, we relied on the company’s published service descriptions, policy pages, and regulatory disclosures. Competitor data draws from Move.org, MoveBuddha, This Old House, ConsumerAffairs, FMCSA records, and practitioner discussions on Reddit.
A note about reviews
Do not rely on a single star rating. For an interstate movers company, read the negative reviews first and look for repeated patterns: final-price increases, damaged items, long delivery delays, difficulty reaching customer service, claim denials, and confusion over who the carrier was. A company with some bad reviews is normal. Every mover has them. A company with dozens of complaints about the same failure is a risk.
Reddit users in r/moving consistently echo this advice. One commenter recommended looking specifically for a highly rated mover with interstate licensing and few FMCSA complaints, rather than trusting polished “best of” lists at face value.
Ready to compare quotes for your state-to-state move? Request a custom interstate moving quote from AmeriSafe Van Lines or call their sales team directly to walk through your inventory, route, and timeline.
Frequently asked questions
What is an interstate moving company?
An interstate moving company is a mover authorized to transport household goods across state lines. Interstate movers must be registered with FMCSA and hold a USDOT number. Moving brokers that arrange interstate moves (but do not transport goods themselves) must also be registered with FMCSA.
How much do interstate movers cost?
Costs depend on shipment size, distance, services, timing, and access conditions. A typical 2,000–2,500-mile move runs about $4,000–$5,000, while small moves may cost $900–$3,500 and large homes can reach $5,000–$15,000.
Should I choose a carrier or a broker for my interstate move?
A carrier gives you a more direct connection to the company transporting your belongings. A broker may offer wider scheduling or route flexibility, but you need to confirm the actual carrier’s name and credentials before booking. If a company holds both carrier and broker authority, ask whether your specific move will be self-performed or assigned to a partner, and get that answer in writing.
Are moving containers cheaper than hiring interstate movers?
Usually, yes. ConsumerAffairs lists U-Pack at $500–$2,500 and PODS at $349–$2,999. The tradeoff is that you handle all packing and loading yourself, or hire separate labor.
What is the biggest red flag when hiring an interstate mover?
A suspiciously low quote combined with vague paperwork. If a company cannot provide a USDOT/MC number, refuses to say whether it is a broker or carrier, gives no written estimate, pressures you for a large immediate deposit, and will not identify who will actually transport your goods, walk away.
What documents should my interstate mover provide?
FMCSA requires brokers to provide the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet and the “Ready to Move” brochure. You should also receive an order for service, a bill of lading, and a written estimate before pickup.
How far in advance should I book an interstate move?
Four to eight weeks is generally recommended. Summer months (May through September) are peak season and fill up faster. Last-minute moves are possible with some companies (International Van Lines advertises 48-hour booking), but they typically cost more and limit your options.
What happens if my belongings are damaged during an interstate move?
File a claim with the carrier (not the broker, if different) within the deadline stated in your contract. If you only have released value protection, compensation is limited to 60 cents per pound per item. Full-value protection offers better coverage but involves deductibles. If the company does not resolve your claim, you can pursue arbitration or file a complaint with FMCSA.
