877-412-1344 TL;DR
Choosing the right interstate movers comes down to trust, not just price. The best companies for moving interstate give you written estimates after a physical or virtual survey, explain whether they operate as a carrier or broker, and clearly spell out deposit, refund, and valuation terms before you sign anything. This guide compares nine interstate moving companies, breaks down real costs, and gives you a framework to avoid the scams and surprises that catch thousands of consumers every year.
Interstate Moving Is a Trust Problem, Not Just a Price Problem
Over 7.5 million Americans made interstate moves in 2023 alone, according to Census data. That is a massive market, and most of those people were hiring movers for the first time in years. They did not know the rules, the risks, or the right questions to ask.
Here is what makes moving interstate different from a local move. Your belongings cross state lines, which means federal regulations apply. Delivery windows stretch from days to weeks. Pricing depends on weight, distance, packing, storage, and a dozen other variables. And the company that gave you a quote may not be the company that shows up with a truck.
The cheapest quote is not the safest quote. FMCSA rules require interstate movers to provide written estimates based on a physical or virtual survey of your inventory, unless you waive that requirement in writing. A verbal quote is not an official estimate. A suspiciously low number is often an undercounted inventory that balloons on moving day.
Practitioners on Reddit describe this pattern repeatedly: a low quote secures a deposit, a different carrier shows up, and the price doubles after belongings are loaded onto the truck. These are not isolated incidents. FMCSA’s Operation Protect Your Move targeted 78 household-goods carriers and brokers in 2024 based on complaint records.
This guide ranks nine interstate movers, then teaches you how to evaluate any mover using a framework that goes deeper than star ratings.
Best Interstate Movers at a Glance
Rank | Company | Best For | Pricing Signal | Deposit Signal | Key Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | AmeriSafe Van Lines | Coordinator-led interstate moves with packing and storage | Custom-quoted; no public price tiers | Required; non-refundable after 72 hours | Confirm whether AmeriSafe or partner carrier handles the move |
2 | Allied Van Lines | No-deposit national van line option | $$ range per Move.org | No deposit per Move.org/NerdWallet | Service quality varies by local agent |
3 | North American Van Lines | Pricing structures and shipment tracking | 1BR over 400 mi: $2,200 to $3,500 | Quote-specific | Mixed customer service sentiment |
4 | United Van Lines | Premium full-service with broad add-ons | Forbes example: $3,840 | No deposit per NerdWallet | Day-certain delivery limited to small moves |
5 | American Van Lines | Flat-rate pricing and storage | ~$5,163 for 500-mi 2BR move | 50% deposit | Large upfront deposit |
6 | International Van Lines | Complex domestic and international moves | ~$4,252 for 500-mi 2BR move | 25% deposit | Partner carriers may handle some moves |
7 | Colonial Van Lines | Training emphasis and dedicated account managers | $$$ range per Move.org | Up to 40% deposit | Not available for in-state moves |
8 | Mayflower Transit | No-deposit full-service van line | 3BR cross-country starting ~$8,000 | No deposit per Move.org | Inconsistent customer service reviews |
9 | PODS / Container Move | Budget and control alternative | ~$2,964 for 500-mi move | Varies | You pack, load, or hire labor separately |
Now for the detailed breakdown.
Best Interstate Moving Companies for 2026
1. AmeriSafe Van Lines
Best for: People who want a coordinator-led interstate move with nationwide reach, packing help, storage options, and one point of contact throughout the process.
AmeriSafe Van Lines operates as both a licensed interstate motor carrier and licensed interstate moving broker, with FMCSA authorization for household goods. That dual authority means AmeriSafe can assign its own trucks on some routes and tap a nationwide carrier network on others, giving customers van-line-level coverage without the impersonal feel of a giant franchise.
Pricing: Custom-quoted based on inventory, distance, route, packing needs, storage, specialty items, timing, and access. AmeriSafe does not publish tiered plans or standardized package pricing, which means you will need to request a quote for your specific move.
Deposit: Required to book. Deposits become non-refundable after 72 hours from signing, per AmeriSafe’s posted refund policy.
Key features:
Nationwide coverage through direct operations and carrier network
Full and partial packing services with materials included
Short-term and long-term storage options arranged through partners
Senior moving support with tailored coordination
Specialty item handling for pianos, antiques, gym equipment, and fragile goods
FMCSA consumer-rights documents, arbitration information, and Ready to Move brochure posted on site
Separate Sales and Customer Service phone numbers for clear routing
Tradeoffs:
No published price table, so you cannot comparison-shop without requesting a quote first
Customers should ask whether AmeriSafe’s own crew or a partner carrier will physically handle the move
Confirm valuation coverage, delivery window, and cancellation terms before signing
Who should choose AmeriSafe: Anyone planning an interstate move who wants a single coordinator managing packing, transport, storage, and delivery logistics, and who values regulatory transparency over the lowest possible price.
Who should skip it: Customers looking for published flat-rate pricing or a zero-deposit booking model.
2. Allied Van Lines
Best for: Customers who want a long-established national van line with no upfront deposit and virtual estimate options.
Allied is one of the largest van line networks in the country. Move.org and NerdWallet both list Allied as requiring no deposit, which is unusual among interstate movers and appealing for deposit-sensitive customers.
Pricing: Move.org rates Allied as “$$” in its comparison table. Forbes Home lists an example estimate of $5,984 for a customized long-distance plan.
Deposit: No deposit required, per Move.org and NerdWallet.
Key features:
Virtual in-home estimates
Nationwide service across all 50 states
Storage options and packing supplies
Shipment tracking
Shuttle service for hard-to-access locations
Tradeoffs:
Move.org notes limited customer reviews relative to Allied’s size and no weekend customer service
NerdWallet reports that Allied charges a fee for credit-card payments
Day-certain delivery is only available through Allied Express for small shipments
ConsumerAffairs shows 2.9 stars from 843 reviews, with mixed sentiment around damage, claims delays, and fragmented handoffs
Who should choose Allied: Customers who prioritize not tying up cash in a deposit and want a recognizable national brand.
Who should skip it: Anyone who needs guaranteed delivery dates for a larger move or values consistently strong customer service reviews.
3. North American Van Lines
Best for: Customers who want multiple estimate structures and real-time shipment tracking from a large van-line network.
North American offers several pricing approaches, including bottom-line pricing, not-to-exceed pricing, and customized pricing, giving customers flexibility in how they structure their quote.
Pricing: ConsumerAffairs lists sample pricing for moves over 400 miles: $2,200 to $3,500 for a one-bedroom, $6,700 to $9,250 for a two- to three-bedroom house, and $12,900 to $16,900 for four to five bedrooms.
Deposit: Quote-specific. Do not assume no deposit without confirmation during the quoting process.
Key features:
Multiple pricing/estimate structures
Virtual surveys
Real-time shipment tracking
Available in all 50 states, Canada, and over 130 other countries per ConsumerAffairs
Tradeoffs:
ConsumerAffairs reviewers gave low marks for discounts and conflict resolution
One recent reviewer described a last-minute handoff to another company and damage/reassembly issues after delivery
Customer service and claims sentiment is mixed across review platforms
Who should choose North American: Customers who want structured pricing options and the ability to track their shipment during transit.
Who should skip it: Anyone especially concerned about consistent post-delivery service and claims handling.
4. United Van Lines
Best for: Customers who want a premium, full-service interstate move with the widest range of add-on services.
United Van Lines is one of the largest moving networks in the U.S. and offers a deep menu of services from packing to car shipping to debris removal. NerdWallet lists United as requiring no deposit.
Pricing: Forbes Home lists United as “Best for Moves with Multiple Add-Ons” with an example estimate of $3,840.
Deposit: No deposit required, per NerdWallet.
Key features:
Packing and unpacking
Car shipping
Storage
Debris removal
Virtual walkthroughs
Digital move portal for tracking and coordination
Tradeoffs:
Day-certain delivery is only available through Snapmoves Priority, which is limited to small moves and may carry an extra fee
NerdWallet notes United had slightly more complaints than Atlas when adjusted for fleet size
Reddit discussions include negative first-hand experiences, so research the specific local agent rather than relying on the national brand alone
Who should choose United: Customers willing to pay a premium for comprehensive service with many add-on options.
Who should skip it: Budget-conscious movers or anyone who needs a guaranteed delivery date on a large shipment.
5. American Van Lines
Best for: Customers who value flat-rate pricing, own-fleet operations, and secure storage for high-value items.
American Van Lines owns its own trucks and offers flat-rate pricing, which removes some of the weight-based uncertainty common with other interstate movers. Storage facilities are described as climate-controlled, fireproof, and stormproof.
Pricing: ConsumerAffairs estimates approximately $5,163 for a 500-mile, two-bedroom move from Chicago to Kansas City.
Deposit: 50% deposit per ConsumerAffairs. This is significantly higher than most competitors.
Key features:
Owns its own fleet
Flat-rate pricing model
Secure, climate-controlled storage
Good fit for difficult-to-transport or high-value items
Tradeoffs:
50% deposit is a major commitment, especially given the common complaints about deposit friction in the moving industry
ConsumerAffairs notes limited local moves and no international service
Move.org says American Van Lines lacks GPS tracking
Some reviewers on ConsumerAffairs mention hidden fees and communication gaps despite the 4.1-star average across 2,719 reviews
Who should choose American Van Lines: Customers with valuable, fragile, or specialty items who want flat-rate certainty and do not mind a large deposit.
Who should skip it: Deposit-sensitive customers or anyone needing local or international service.
6. International Van Lines
Best for: Customers with complex domestic, international, or multi-country moves who want a broad service range under one company.
International Van Lines (IVL) operates a carrier/broker hybrid model and serves more than 180 countries. If your move involves crossing U.S. borders or combining domestic and international legs, IVL is worth evaluating.
Pricing: ConsumerAffairs lists an estimated $4,252 for a 500-mile, two-bedroom move.
Deposit: 25% deposit. ConsumerAffairs says IVL offers a full deposit refund up to 48 hours before scheduled pickup.
Key features:
Domestic, international, and local moving
Auto transport
Full-service door-to-door or port-to-port options
Relocation coordinators
In-person or virtual walkthroughs
Packing services and supplies
Tradeoffs:
No upfront pricing on IVL’s own website
25% deposit may feel steep for some customers
Partner carriers may handle certain domestic moves, so ask who is physically transporting your goods
Who should choose IVL: Anyone combining an interstate move with international shipping or relocating overseas.
Who should skip it: Customers making a straightforward domestic interstate move who want simpler logistics.
7. Colonial Van Lines
Best for: Customers who prioritize trained crews and a dedicated account manager for their interstate move.
Colonial Van Lines focuses specifically on interstate moves and emphasizes crew training through what Move.org describes as Colonial Van Lines University. Each customer gets a dedicated account manager.
Pricing: ConsumerAffairs lists $999 to $2,100 in its estimate field. Move.org rates Colonial as “$$$.” Treat these as broad signals, not guaranteed quotes.
Deposit: Up to 40% per Move.org.
Key features:
Interstate specialization
Crew training program
Dedicated account manager
Packing and storage
Special care for antiques and art
Tradeoffs:
Does not service in-state moves and is not available in every state
Up to 40% deposit is substantial
ConsumerAffairs notes complaints about price increases after quotes, scheduling delays, and communication issues
4.3 stars from over 2,900 ConsumerAffairs reviews, but complaint themes should not be ignored
Who should choose Colonial: Customers who value trained crews and direct account management for interstate-only moves.
Who should skip it: Anyone needing in-state service, budget pricing, or a low-deposit option.
8. Mayflower Transit
Best for: Customers who want a traditional nationwide van line with no deposit requirement and full-service capabilities.
Mayflower is a legacy brand with massive fleet availability across the country. Like Allied and United, Mayflower is one of the few movers that does not require a deposit at booking, per Move.org.
Pricing: Move.org says Mayflower’s starting cost for a three-bedroom cross-country move is approximately $8,000.
Deposit: No deposit required, per Move.org.
Key features:
Nationwide fleet
Full-service moving
No deposit to book
Virtual estimates and moving portal
Tradeoffs:
Move.org notes “varied customer service experiences” and surprisingly low Trustpilot scores
This Old House reports that many third-party reviews mention damaged property
Like all van lines, service quality depends heavily on the local Mayflower agent, not just the parent brand
Who should choose Mayflower: Customers who want a known van-line name with no deposit and do not mind researching the specific local agent.
Who should skip it: Anyone who cannot tolerate inconsistent service reviews or wants a more hands-on coordinator experience.
9. PODS or Container-Style Moving
Best for: Budget-conscious movers with flexible timelines who are willing to handle packing and loading themselves (or hire local labor).
Container moving is not full-service interstate moving. A company like PODS drops a container at your home, you pack and load it (or hire labor), and they transport it. This removes many of the handoff risks that plague traditional interstate movers.
Pricing: ConsumerAffairs lists PODS at approximately $2,964 for a 500-mile move. HomeAdvisor reports moving containers cost $700 to $3,200 for cross-country moves, compared with $1,400 to $9,700 for full-service movers.
Deposit: Varies by provider and booking terms.
Key features:
Customer controls packing pace
Transportation handled by provider
Can pair with local labor for loading and unloading
Often significantly cheaper than full-service interstate movers
Avoids many broker/carrier handoff risks
Tradeoffs:
Not full service unless you hire separate labor
You are responsible for packing quality, which affects damage risk
Not ideal for people who need packing assistance, specialty item handling, senior support, or complete move coordination
Real-world perspective: Reddit users in r/Scams frequently recommend container or truck-rental moves after bad broker experiences. The reasoning is straightforward: the model avoids quote escalation and surprise carrier swaps. However, it shifts all packing and loading responsibility to the customer.
Who should choose containers: Anyone with fewer belongings, flexible dates, lower-value furniture, and the ability to pack and load.
Who should skip it: Seniors, families with specialty items, or anyone who needs a full-service, coordinator-managed move.
How Much Do Interstate Movers Cost?
Interstate moving costs depend on too many variables for a single number to mean much. But ranges help set expectations.
Move Type | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
Full-service long-distance movers | $1,400 to $9,700 |
Cross-country average | $4,569 (range: $2,390 to $6,868) |
Long-distance overall range | |
Truck rental | $1,200 to $2,100 |
Moving container | $700 to $3,200 |
Sources: HomeAdvisor, Angi
The factors that drive your actual price include distance, weight or volume of inventory, home size, packing and unpacking needs, storage, specialty items (pianos, antiques, gym equipment), access issues like stairs or long carries, pickup and delivery window, season, and valuation coverage level.
Why “cheap” can be dangerous. A very low quote often means the inventory was undercounted. Under FMCSA rules, changes to estimates must happen before loading, and a mover cannot change an estimate after your belongings are on the truck. But that rule only protects you if you have a proper written estimate in the first place.
Practitioners on Reddit describe a recurring pattern: a company quotes low to secure a deposit, then the actual cost spikes when the crew sees the real inventory volume. One user on r/legaladvice described what they called a “cubic feet scam” where the estimate changed dramatically after pickup because the mover claimed the space calculation was wrong. The best defense is a detailed written estimate based on a thorough virtual or in-person survey.
Broker vs. Carrier: Who Is Actually Moving Your Belongings?
This is the single most misunderstood part of hiring interstate movers. Understanding it will protect you more than any star rating.
A carrier owns trucks and employs the crew that physically handles your move.
A broker arranges transportation by hiring a carrier on your behalf. A broker is not authorized to transport household goods.
Some companies operate as both. They hold carrier and broker authority, meaning they can move goods with their own fleet on some routes and assign partner carriers on others. AmeriSafe Van Lines is an example: FMCSA shows carrier/broker entity type with HHG authorization.
The simplistic “broker equals bad, carrier equals good” framing is wrong. A broker is not automatically a scam, and a carrier is not automatically safe. What matters is transparency. The risk shows up when a company will not clearly say whether it is the mover, the broker, or both. When it will not identify the actual carrier. When it uses a low quote to secure a deposit before the real mover appears.
FMCSA warns that a broker may fail to sell the job to a moving company because of low estimates, no availability, or limited resources, leaving the customer without a mover on moving day.
A MoveAdvisor post on LinkedIn summarizes broker red flags as: no FMCSA license number, large non-refundable deposits, unclear information about who will actually move belongings, and inconsistent reviews. That tracks with what forum users on Ask MetaFilter and Bogleheads report: experienced consumers ask for personal recommendations because they distrust generic search results and suspect some moving company reviews are manufactured.
The question to ask before you pay a deposit: “Are you the carrier, the broker, or both? Who will physically move my items? What is their USDOT number?”
For a deeper look at how moving brokers are changing cross-country relocation, including what to look for and what to avoid, that resource covers the topic in detail.
How to Verify an Interstate Mover
Before you pay anything, run through this checklist. It takes 15 minutes and can save you thousands.
Search FMCSA’s Protect Your Move database. Confirm the company is registered and check insurance and complaint records. FMCSA’s consumer tools let you look up any mover or broker by name or USDOT number.
Confirm USDOT and MC numbers. These should appear on the company’s website, marketing materials, and any paperwork.
Confirm HHG (household goods) authority. Registration alone is not enough. The company needs active authorization to transport household goods.
Check complaint history. Look at FMCSA complaint data, BBB complaint text (not just the rating), and DOT records.
Request a written estimate. FMCSA requires this for interstate moves. It must be based on a physical or virtual survey unless you waive the survey in writing.
Ask whether the estimate is binding or nonbinding. A binding estimate caps what you pay at delivery for the listed inventory and services. A nonbinding estimate can change, but the mover cannot require more than 110% of the estimate at delivery, with remaining charges billed later.
Ask who physically handles the move. If a partner carrier will be assigned, get their USDOT/MC number in advance.
Ask about valuation coverage. Interstate movers must offer two options: Released Value Protection (60 cents per pound per article, included free) and Full Value Protection (costs more, provides realistic coverage).
Read the bill of lading before signing. This is your contract. Do not sign blank or incomplete documents.
Keep every receipt and document. You will need them if you file a claim or dispute.
What Valuation Coverage Really Means
This is where many consumers get burned without realizing it until something breaks.
Released Value Protection is free, but the math is brutal. A 40-pound TV damaged under this option pays out roughly $24. That is 60 cents times 40 pounds. For most people with furniture, electronics, or anything of real value, this coverage is not enough.
Full Value Protection costs more but requires the mover to repair, replace, or reimburse at current market value. This is the more realistic option for anyone moving valuable belongings across state lines.
Third-party moving insurance can supplement either option, but read the exclusions carefully. AmeriSafe posts its arbitration information and FMCSA Rights and Responsibilities booklet on its website, which is a transparency signal worth checking for with any interstate mover you consider.
Interstate Moving Red Flags to Avoid
The DOT Office of Inspector General publishes specific fraud indicators for household goods moves. Combined with community complaint patterns, here is what to watch for:
No USDOT number or FMCSA registration on the website
Website lacks a physical business address or insurance information
Phone answered generically as “movers” or “moving company”
No written estimate provided
No physical or virtual survey (and no written waiver from you)
Large cash deposit demanded or credit cards refused
Price based on vague inventory or suspiciously low cubic footage
Company refuses to say whether it is a broker, carrier, or both
Will not identify the actual carrier before pickup
Rental truck arrives on moving day instead of a marked vehicle
Driver asks you to sign blank documents
Company does not provide FMCSA’s Rights and Responsibilities booklet
Reddit users in r/Scams consistently describe a specific pattern: a low quote, a deposit collected quickly, a different carrier showing up, and a price increase demanded at pickup or delivery. The FTC advises consumers not to hire an interstate mover that is not registered with DOT.
One more thing. Do not stop at a company’s own testimonials. Read one-star and three-star reviews on independent sites. Look for repeated patterns (not just one bad experience) around price doubling, missing items, hostage loads, or unreachable coordinators. Research the specific local agent or carrier, not just the national brand name.
Questions to Ask Before Booking Interstate Movers
Print this list or save it on your phone. Ask every question before you pay a deposit.
Are you a carrier, broker, or both?
Who will physically move my shipment?
What is the carrier’s USDOT and MC number?
Is my estimate binding or nonbinding?
What services are included in the estimate?
What can change the price after I sign?
What is the deposit amount?
When does the deposit become non-refundable?
What valuation coverage is included? What does Full Value Protection cost?
How do damage claims work, and who handles them?
What are my pickup and delivery windows?
Will storage be needed, and who manages it?
Who is my point of contact after pickup?
If any company hesitates, gives vague answers, or pressures you to sign quickly, that tells you something. A good interstate mover should welcome these questions because they indicate you understand the process.
Ready to get answers for your specific move? Request a quote from AmeriSafe Van Lines and run through these questions with their team.
When an Interstate Mover May Not Be Worth It
Honesty matters here. Full-service interstate movers are not the right choice for every situation.
Consider a container or truck rental instead if:
You have a small apartment with mostly replaceable furniture
Your timeline is flexible (you can wait a few extra days for delivery)
You are comfortable packing and loading, or willing to hire local labor for those tasks
Your budget is tight and the quote gap between container and full-service is significant
Choose a full-service interstate mover if:
You have a full household with valuable or fragile items
You need packing, unpacking, or specialty handling
You are coordinating a senior move or an assisted relocation
You need storage between homes
Your dates are firm and you cannot afford logistical delays
You want one company managing the entire process
The container option avoids many of the broker and handoff risks that generate the loudest complaints. But it transfers all packing and loading responsibility to you. For many families, seniors, and people with tight timelines, that tradeoff is not worth it.
Interstate Movers FAQ
What is an interstate move?
An interstate move is any residential or commercial move that crosses state lines. These moves fall under federal regulation through FMCSA, which means the moving company must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation and authorized to transport household goods.
How much do interstate movers cost on average?
The typical range for a full-service long-distance move is $1,400 to $9,700, with the cross-country average around $4,569 according to HomeAdvisor. Actual cost depends on distance, inventory weight, home size, packing, storage, specialty items, access, timing, and valuation coverage. Container moves run significantly cheaper at $700 to $3,200.
What is the difference between a moving broker and a moving carrier?
A carrier owns trucks and employs the crew that physically transports your household goods. A broker arranges transportation by hiring a carrier but does not move goods itself. Some companies hold both carrier and broker authority. The key is transparency: always ask whether the company you are paying will be the company that shows up on moving day.
What is a binding estimate?
A binding estimate caps the price you must pay at delivery for the inventory and services listed. If nothing changes in your inventory or service needs, the price should not change either. A nonbinding estimate can change based on actual weight and services, but under FMCSA rules, the mover cannot require more than 110% of the nonbinding estimate amount at delivery.
Are interstate movers regulated?
Yes. Interstate movers must be registered with FMCSA and authorized for household goods transportation. They must provide written estimates, offer valuation coverage options, supply the FMCSA Rights and Responsibilities booklet, and maintain an arbitration program for disputes.
How far in advance should I book interstate movers?
Four to eight weeks is a reasonable window for most moves. Summer months (May through September) are peak season, and available capacity drops fast. Last-minute moves are possible, but they may cost more and limit your choice of carriers.
Should I use full-service movers or a container for an interstate move?
It depends on your budget, timeline, and physical ability. Full-service movers handle everything from packing to delivery, which suits large households, valuable items, seniors, and tight schedules. Containers cost less but require you to pack, load, and unload (or hire local labor). Neither option is universally better.
How do I file a complaint against an interstate mover?
Start by filing directly with the moving company using their claims process. If unresolved, file a complaint with FMCSA through their National Consumer Complaint Database. You can also contact your state attorney general’s office and the Better Business Bureau. Keep all documents, photos, and communication records.
