877-412-1344 TL;DR
Cross-country moving costs typically range from $4,000 to $19,200 depending on distance, home size, and season. The best movers that move cross-country combine FMCSA licensing, transparent pricing, and real accountability when things go wrong. This guide compares seven companies, breaks down actual pricing tiers, explains the broker vs. carrier distinction most articles gloss over, and gives you a concrete checklist for avoiding scams that cost Americans an average of $754 per incident.
Why Choosing Cross-Country Movers Is So High-Stakes
Every year, the BBB receives more than 700 complaints against moving companies, and Move Rescue estimates up to 3,000 cases of interstate mover fraud annually. FMCSA’s Operation Protect Your Move, a nationwide crackdown on scam interstate movers and brokers, uncovered more than 1,000 regulatory violations in its 2023 operations alone.
The numbers make the stakes clear. But what makes choosing movers that move cross-country especially difficult is the information asymmetry. Most people move every few years at best. They don’t have a trusted mover on speed dial. They’re comparing companies with polished websites and five-star testimonials, many of which mask whether the company will actually show up with its own truck or hand the job off to a subcontractor you’ve never heard of.
This guide exists to cut through that. Every company below was evaluated on FMCSA licensing status, pricing transparency, real customer feedback (including complaints), and whether they operate as a carrier, broker, or hybrid.
Get a cross-country moving quote from a licensed carrier/broker with dedicated coordinators.
Quick-Glance Comparison Table
Company | Best For | Price Range | Deposit Required? | Key Differentiator | BBB Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AmeriSafe Van Lines | Coordinator-led hybrid flexibility | Custom-quoted | Yes (non-refundable after 72 hrs) | Dual carrier/broker authority | Accredited |
Allied Van Lines | Alaska/Hawaii & international | ~$3,500–$5,375+ | No | 400-agent network, 90+ years | A+ |
North American Van Lines | Flexible estimate types | $4,500–$9,000 | Yes (amount unclear) | Real-time shipment tracking | A+ |
Safeway Moving | Budget flat-rate pricing | Deposits from $1,850 | Yes (up to 40%) | 30 days free storage, GPS tracking | Accredited |
American Van Lines | Specialty/high-value items | ~$9,732 (2,800 mi) | No | Background-checked crews, price matching | Accredited |
International Van Lines | Military & international combos | Varies | Yes | 180+ countries, gov’t authorized | Accredited |
Mayflower Transit | Large households & corporate | $5,000–$12,000 | Yes | Digital move portal, 90+ years | A+ |
How We Evaluated These Cross-Country Movers
No single metric tells you whether a moving company is trustworthy. We weighed five factors:
FMCSA authorization: Is the company registered as a carrier, broker, or both? Is it authorized for household goods (HHG)?
Pricing transparency: Does the company offer binding estimates? Are deposit policies published?
Real customer feedback: Not just star ratings, but patterns in BBB complaints, Reddit threads, and review site discussions.
Service breadth: Can they handle packing, storage, specialty items, and the full logistics chain?
Accountability structure: When something goes wrong, is there a single point of contact, or do you get bounced between a broker and a subcontractor?
A 2025 This Old House survey of 1,000 recent movers found that 11.3% had their final total diverge from the quoted rate, and only 43.1% received a binding estimate. That gap between quote and final bill is where most disputes start, so estimate transparency weighed heavily in our evaluation.
1. AmeriSafe Van Lines
Best for: Customers who want one point of contact for a cross-country move with the flexibility of a carrier/broker hybrid and a coordinator-led experience.
AmeriSafe Van Lines is a Licensed Interstate Motor Carrier and Licensed Interstate Moving Broker, holding dual FMCSA authority with “Authorized for HHG” status. Headquartered in Boynton Beach, Florida, the company also holds Florida intrastate carrier (IM) and broker (MB) licensing.
What sets AmeriSafe apart is its hybrid model. The company can assign its own trucks for a move or broker to vetted partners depending on route and capacity. This means customers aren’t locked into a single fleet’s limitations, but they also aren’t blindly handed off to an unknown subcontractor. Every move is managed through a dedicated coordinator.
Key features:
Full and partial packing services, plus moving supplies
Short-term and long-term storage options are arranged through partners
Dedicated senior moving services and special handling for pianos, antiques, and other high-value items
Separate Sales and Customer Service phone lines for clearer communication
Published arbitration program and FMCSA consumer-rights documents (Rights and Responsibilities brochure, Ready to Move brochure)
Services include residential, commercial, local, and interstate moves nationwide
Pricing:
AmeriSafe does not publish standardized pricing tiers. Moves are custom-quoted based on inventory, distance, and selected services. Deposits become non-refundable 72 hours after signing, and the company publishes its refund policy on its website.
Tradeoffs:
No published price ranges or instant online calculator, so you need to request a quote to get numbers
Deposit non-refundable after 72 hours, which is a tighter cancellation window than companies that don’t require deposits
As a hybrid carrier/broker, your move may be fulfilled by a partner carrier on certain routes
Real-world perspective:
AmeriSafe publishes customer testimonials covering routes like Oregon to Texas, New Hampshire to North Carolina, and Chicago to Monterey, CA. You can read customer reviews directly on their site for move-specific details.
2. Allied Van Lines
Best for: Full-service cross-country moves, especially Alaska, Hawaii, or international relocations.
Founded in 1928 and now owned by Sirva (which also owns North American Van Lines), Allied is one of the oldest names in the moving industry. It operates through a network of roughly 400 local agents across the country.
Key features:
No deposit required for booking
Virtual in-home estimates available
Full-service packing, unpacking, car shipping, storage, and debris removal
One of the few movers that service Alaska and Hawaii
Over 90 years of operational history
Pricing:
The average cost for a cross-country move with Allied runs roughly $3,500, though a sample 2-bedroom move from Atlanta to Chicago was quoted at $4,730 to $5,375. Allied charges a fee for credit card payments.
Tradeoffs:
The independent agent model means your experience varies significantly by location. One ConsumerAffairs reviewer noted: “It was clear that every stage was a different entity with no context or continuity.”
Mixed BBB complaint patterns, particularly around damaged belongings and difficult claims processes
Credit card surcharge adds to the final cost
Real-world perspective:
Allied holds an A+ BBB rating, but practitioners on Reddit and review sites frequently point out that quality depends almost entirely on which local agent handles your move. Some crews earn high praise; others generate complaints about damage and communication breakdowns.
3. North American Van Lines
Best for: Customers who want maximum flexibility in estimate types and the ability to customize which services they pay for.
Formed in 1933 in Cleveland, Ohio, North American Van Lines is also owned by SIRVA. The company distinguishes itself by offering three estimate formats: binding, non-binding, and not-to-exceed.
Key features:
Real-time shipment tracking using a six-digit registration number
Customizable service menu (you can pack yourself to save money, or add packing and specialty handling)
Specialized programs for senior and military moves
Three estimate types give customers control over pricing certainty
Pricing:
Moves typically cost between $4,500 and $9,000 for cross-country relocations.
Tradeoffs:
The website is clunky, and it’s difficult to determine deposit requirements before committing
Some customer complaints about the timeliness and handling of items
Like Allied, uses a local agent network, so service consistency varies
Real-world perspective:
Most reviews describe North American as a reputable, affordable option with a solid breadth of services. The not-to-exceed estimate option is especially popular with budget-conscious movers who want a price ceiling without the rigidity of a flat rate.
4. Safeway Moving
Best for: Budget-conscious long-distance movers who want flat-rate pricing predictability and free storage.
Safeway Moving is a veteran-owned company that has built its reputation around flat-rate pricing and a “triple-check” quoting process that includes virtual surveys.
Key features:
Flat-rate pricing with a triple-check verification process for accuracy
30 days of free storage on all interstate and long-distance moves
Real-time GPS tracking of your shipment
Veteran-owned operation
Pricing:
Deposits ranged from $1,850 for shorter interstate moves to up to 40% of the total cost for cross-country relocations (one customer reported a $2,350 deposit). These are among the highest upfront requirements on this list.
Tradeoffs:
Higher upfront deposits than most competitors
Some customers report communication issues and delivery delays. One customer dealt with a 60-day wait for their belongings.
Safeway does not accept credit cards or checks for some transactions, requiring money orders instead
When comparing cross-country movers’ costs, it helps to understand what goes into a moving quote before you sign anything.
Real-world perspective:
Safeway gets praise on review sites for competitive pricing and professional crews. The flat-rate model appeals to people who’ve been burned by ballooning estimates. But the payment restrictions and high deposits are a consistent friction point in customer feedback.
5. American Van Lines
Best for: Moves involving antiques, pianos, and other high-value or specialty items.
Operating since 1995, American Van Lines has carved out a niche in handling specialty items. Their crews receive ongoing training specifically for art, antiques, pianos, and fitness equipment.
Key features:
No deposit required
Price matching available
All movers undergo background checks
Specialized training for high-value and fragile items
Pricing:
A 2,800-mile move was quoted at $9,732 for standard service. No instant online quotes are available.
Tradeoffs:
Limited availability in some states
Not available for moves to Alaska or Hawaii
No online quoting tool, so you must call or submit a form to get pricing
If you’re moving specialty items like pianos, our piano moving cost guide breaks down what to expect.
Real-world perspective:
Customers consistently praise American Van Lines for careful handling of fragile and valuable items. One customer, Phoenix, reported on a review site that the company “took good care of her belongings during the move.” The lack of a deposit requirement removes a major barrier for cautious shoppers.
6. International Van Lines (IVL)
Best for: Customers combining a cross-country domestic move with international relocation needs or military/PCS moves.
International Van Lines handles moves to more than 180 countries and supports long-distance and cross-country domestic relocations. The company is authorized to work with the U.S. government and can handle military PCS moves.
Key features:
International reach covering 180+ countries
Government-authorized for military moves
Scored 96 out of 100 in This Old House’s review
Full-service options including packing, storage, and vehicle transport
Pricing:
Varies by move type. Cross-country domestic moves are competitively priced, but international moves carry higher costs.
Tradeoffs:
Some customers report final costs exceeding quoted prices, particularly when subcontractors are involved
International moves come with inherently more complex logistics and higher price tags
Unexpected price adjustments are a recurring complaint theme
Real-world perspective:
Customer reviews suggest generally reliable service with customized assistance, but the subcontractor issue surfaces repeatedly. When IVL brokers part of a move to a third party, the pricing transparency that earned the initial quote can break down.
7. Mayflower Transit
Best for: Large household moves and corporate relocations where digital planning tools are valued.
With over 90 years in the industry, Mayflower has adapted to modern expectations with its MyMayflower Move Portal, a digital platform for personalized moving plans and online shipment tracking.
Key features:
MyMayflower Move Portal for digital move planning and tracking
Full-service packing, storage, and auto transport
Established reputation with decades of corporate relocation experience
Nationwide coverage through the agent network
Pricing:
Average costs range from $5,000 to $12,000 for cross-country relocations, placing Mayflower at the higher end of the spectrum.
Tradeoffs:
Premium pricing compared to most competitors
Like other van lines, outsources to local agents, creating service variability
The digital tools are nice, but they don’t solve the fundamental agent-quality lottery
Real-world perspective:
Mayflower’s corporate relocation track record is strong, and the digital portal genuinely helps with planning complex household moves. However, forum discussions frequently note that the Mayflower name on the truck doesn’t guarantee the crew quality you’d expect from a premium price.
How Much Does a Cross-Country Move Cost?
The short answer is: it depends on the distance and the size of your household. The longer answer involves a surprising number of variables.
Cost by Distance (3-Bedroom Home)
Distance | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
Under 400 miles | ~$3,200 |
800–1,200 miles | ~$9,800 |
2,000+ miles | ~$19,200 |
Cost by Service Type
Service Type | Cross-Country Range |
|---|---|
Professional full-service movers | $7,000–$10,000 |
Moving containers (PODS, etc.) | $3,000–$5,000 |
Rental truck (DIY) | $2,000–$4,000 |
Professional packing add-on | $900–$1,500 |
What Drives the Price
The two factors that matter most are item weight and the distance from the origin to the destination. Beyond those fundamentals:
Season: Summer moves (May through September) cost significantly more due to demand. Moving in winter can save 20-30%.
Origin city: Moving out of high-demand areas like California or New York drives prices higher because of limited truck availability on outbound routes.
Add-on services: Professional packing typically adds $900 to $1,500. Stair fees run $50 to $150 per flight. Fuel surcharges can add 10-30%.
Estimate type: Non-binding estimates are just projections. Only binding or not-to-exceed estimates lock in a price ceiling.
Request a custom quote to see exact pricing for your route and inventory.
Moving Broker vs. Carrier: What Cross-Country Movers Actually Need to Know
This is the most important section of this article, and the one most competitor guides skip or oversimplify.
The Textbook Definitions
A carrier owns trucks and employs moving staff. It assumes full responsibility for transporting your goods and provides estimates based on its own tariff.
A broker does not own trucks or have professional movers. It acts as a middleman, connecting you with a carrier, and is not authorized to transport goods itself.
The Reality
The common advice to “just avoid brokers” is misleading. The truth is that most long-distance moving companies operate as both carrier and broker. Nearly every major van line subcontracts or brokers shipments to some degree. Allied Van Lines, for example, is made up of a network of independent agents who are contracted to perform the actual moves but who aren’t Allied employees.
This isn’t inherently bad. The hybrid model exists because no single carrier can efficiently cover every route in the country. The problem arises with accountability.
When something goes wrong with a brokered move, the broker points to the carrier and the carrier points to the broker. You’re caught in the middle with no clear accountability. This is the single biggest source of moving complaints.
What to Look For
Companies with dual carrier/broker authority (registered with the FMCSA) can offer flexibility while maintaining direct responsibility. AmeriSafe Van Lines, for instance, holds both Licensed Interstate Motor Carrier and Licensed Interstate Moving Broker authority. This means the company can deploy its own trucks when capacity allows or tap its vetted partner network for other routes, all while maintaining a single coordinator as your point of contact.
The key question to ask any mover: “Will your company be performing the move, or will it be subcontracted? And if subcontracted, who handles the claim if something is damaged?”
For a deeper look at vetting movers that move cross-country, our guide to vetting long-distance movers walks through the entire process.
How to Avoid Cross-Country Moving Scams
In 2024, BBB received more than 700 complaints against moving companies, and victims lost an average of $754 per scam. The most common schemes:
Bait and switch: A lowball quote over the phone, then a dramatically higher price once your belongings are loaded
Hostage load: The mover refuses to deliver your belongings until you pay an inflated amount in cash
Non-binding estimate tricks: Giving a non-binding estimate designed to look like a firm price, then adding charges after loading
False reviews: Fabricated online reviews that mask a pattern of complaints
Red Flags That Should Stop You Cold
No physical address. A P.O. box or no address at all is a warning sign.
Demand for a large upfront cash deposit. Reputable movers either don’t require deposits or clearly publish their deposit policy.
No FMCSA license. If a mover isn’t registered with FMCSA, it’s probably a scam. The agency regulates all interstate moving companies. Verify any mover’s registration through FMCSA’s database.
Refusing to do an in-home or virtual estimate. Phone-only quotes are where most “estimate surprises” originate.
Surprise fees after loading. Fuel surcharges (10-30%), stair fees ($50-150 per flight), or sudden “underestimated volume” excuses are classic bait-and-switch tactics.
Consumer Protection Resources
ProtectYourMove.gov for FMCSA’s official consumer tools
FMCSA complaint hotline: 1-888-368-7238
BBB complaint search for any specific company
How to Get the Best Cross-Country Moving Quote
Getting accurate, comparable quotes from movers that move cross-country requires a systematic approach. Here’s what works:
1. Get at least three quotes. This is non-negotiable. Pricing varies dramatically between companies for the same move. Three quotes give you a baseline for what’s reasonable.
2. Insist on a virtual or in-home survey. Phone estimates based on your verbal description of belongings are unreliable. The 11.3% price-mismatch rate in the This Old House survey drops considerably when movers actually see your inventory.
3. Ask for a binding or not-to-exceed estimate. A non-binding estimate is just a guess. Only binding estimates lock in a maximum price. Not-to-exceed estimates are even better: if the move comes in under the estimate, you pay less.
4. Compare apples to apples. Make sure each quote covers the same services. One company’s “full service” might include packing while another’s doesn’t.
5. Verify FMCSA registration. Check each company’s USDOT number at FMCSA’s SAFER database. Look for “Authorized for HHG” status and whether they’re registered as a carrier, broker, or both.
6. Read complaint patterns, not just star ratings. A company with a 4.5-star average but recurring complaints about hostage loads or final-bill surprises tells you more than the number alone.
For a complete breakdown of what to expect when requesting estimates, see our guide to moving service quotes.
FAQ
How much do movers that move cross-country typically charge?
For a full-service professional move, expect to pay between $7,000 and $10,000 for a typical household. Costs vary widely by distance: a 3-bedroom move under 400 miles averages around $3,200, while the same move over 2,000 miles can hit $19,200. Moving containers ($3,000-$5,000) and rental trucks ($2,000-$4,000) are cheaper alternatives if you’re willing to do more of the work yourself.
What’s the difference between a moving broker and a moving carrier?
A carrier owns trucks and employs crews to physically transport your belongings. A broker connects you with a carrier but doesn’t handle the move itself. Many companies, including most major van lines, operate as both. The critical issue is accountability: ask who handles your claim if something goes wrong, and get that answer in writing.
How do I verify that a cross-country mover is legitimate?
Check their USDOT number on FMCSA’s SAFER system. Look for “Authorized for HHG” (household goods) status and confirm their operating authority is active. Also check for a physical address, a published complaints process, and a BBB listing.
Should I get a binding or non-binding estimate?
Always request a binding or not-to-exceed estimate for cross-country moves. Non-binding estimates are just projections. A binding estimate locks your price. A not-to-exceed estimate gives you a price ceiling but lets you pay less if the actual weight/volume comes in lower. Only 43.1% of recent movers received binding estimates, which partly explains why over 11% experienced price mismatches.
When is the cheapest time to move cross-country?
October through April is the off-peak season, with prices typically lowest between November and February. Summer months (May through September) see the highest demand and prices. If you have flexibility, a mid-month, mid-week move in winter will get you the best rates.
What should I do if a mover holds my belongings hostage?
Contact FMCSA immediately at 1-888-368-7238. File a complaint through ProtectYourMove.gov. Also file with the BBB and your state attorney general’s office. Document everything in writing, including the original estimate, any communications, and the amount demanded.
Can cross-country movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
Yes, but not all movers have trained crews for specialty items. American Van Lines specializes in this area. AmeriSafe Van Lines also offers special services for high-value and oversized items. Always ask whether the crew has specific training and what additional insurance or valuation coverage is available for these items.
How far in advance should I book a cross-country move?
Six to eight weeks is a good general rule. During peak summer months, booking 10 to 12 weeks out is safer for getting your preferred dates. Last-minute moves are possible but typically more expensive and offer less leverage when choosing a quality mover.
Ready to plan your cross-country move? Contact AmeriSafe Van Lines for a personalized quote with a dedicated coordinator who stays with you from estimate through delivery.
