877-412-1344 TL;DR
The top long-distance movers in 2026 include AmeriSafe Van Lines (our pick for its dual carrier/broker authority and coordinator-led service), Allied Van Lines (no-deposit flexibility), North American Van Lines (50-state and international coverage), and American Van Lines (flat-rate pricing). Long-distance moves typically cost between $3,060 and $16,900 depending on distance and home size. Always verify a mover’s USDOT number, confirm whether they’re a broker or carrier, and get a binding estimate before signing anything.
Why Choosing the Right Long-Distance Mover Matters More Than Ever
Moving across state lines is one of the most expensive and stressful purchases a household makes. It’s also one where fraud is surging. The FMCSA received over 7,500 complaints against moving companies and brokers in 2022 alone, more than double the figure from 2015. Between 2020 and 2021, complaints nearly doubled, rising from 4,340 to 8,295.
The stakes are high. Pick the wrong company, and you could face a doubling of the price on loading day, damaged belongings, or a broker who vanishes after collecting your deposit. Pick the right one and the entire process feels manageable.
This guide ranks the top long-distance movers based on licensing status, pricing transparency, service coverage, and real customer outcomes. It also covers how to vet any mover yourself so you never end up filing an FMCSA complaint.
Get a free long-distance quote to compare against the companies listed below.
At-a-Glance Comparison Table
Company | Best For | Pricing Model | Deposit Required? | Carrier, Broker, or Both? | Standout Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AmeriSafe Van Lines | Coordinator-led full service | Custom quoted | Yes (within 72-hr refund window) | Both | Dual FMCSA authority (carrier + broker) |
Allied Van Lines | No-deposit flexibility | Weight-based | No | Carrier | 750,000+ families moved in 15 years |
North American Van Lines | International + 50-state | Weight-based | Varies by agent | Carrier | Service to 175+ countries |
American Van Lines | Flat-rate, no hidden fees | Flat-rate | Yes | Carrier | Specialty items (pianos, antiques) |
Safeway Moving | Military/veteran movers | Flat-rate | Yes | Carrier | 30 days free storage on every interstate move |
United Van Lines | Large/complex relocations | Weight-based | Varies by agent | Carrier | Full-value protection on every move |
JK Moving Services | Security-conscious customers | Custom quoted | Yes | Carrier | All crews background-checked and drug-tested |
Colonial Van Lines | First-time long-distance movers | Weight-based | Yes | Carrier | In-house mover training (Colonial University) |
Mayflower | Shipment tracking | Weight-based | Varies by agent | Carrier | Real-time tracking portal |
Mayzlin Relocation | Budget-conscious movers | Competitive/custom | Lower than average | Broker | Abundant discount options |
The Top 10 Long-Distance Movers in 2026
1. AmeriSafe Van Lines
Best for: Customers who want a single point of contact with both carrier capabilities and nationwide broker reach.
AmeriSafe Van Lines holds dual authority from the FMCSA as both a licensed interstate motor carrier and a licensed interstate moving broker, authorized for household goods. This is a meaningful distinction. Most companies are one or the other. Being both means AmeriSafe can assign its own trucks on select routes or coordinate with vetted carrier partners when the move requires it, all under a single company umbrella.
Key strengths:
Dedicated coordinator model with separate sales and customer service phone lines, so post-booking support doesn’t get lost in the sales queue
Full menu of services: packing and unpacking, short-term and long-term storage, senior moving services, specialty handling for pianos and antiques, and commercial relocations
Published arbitration process, FMCSA consumer-rights brochures, and a clear refund policy on the website, something many competitors bury or skip entirely
Headquartered in Boynton Beach, Florida, with nationwide coverage
Limitations:
Does not publish standardized package tiers or pricing online; all moves are custom quoted
Deposits become non-refundable after 72 hours from signing
Why this matters: The broker vs. carrier confusion is the single biggest source of moving complaints (more on that below). AmeriSafe’s dual-authority structure addresses this directly. You’re dealing with one entity that has both the federal authority to carry your goods and the broker reach to cover routes nationwide through its carrier network.
2. Allied Van Lines
Best for: Movers who don’t want to pay a deposit upfront.
Allied Van Lines is one of the oldest and most recognized names in the industry. Move.org named it its top pick for 2026, citing flexible pricing and no-deposit options. Over the past 15 years, Allied has helped approximately 750,000 families relocate.
Key strengths:
No deposit required to book, which is rare among major van lines
Nationwide availability with an extensive agent network
Allied states the average cost of a long-distance move ranges from $4,500 to $16,900, and they’re transparent about this range upfront
Limitations:
An agent-based model means service quality can vary by location
Major van lines tend to be the most expensive option, averaging around $8,800 per move, compared to $5,000 for smaller companies
Binding estimates through agents may not always include all accessorial charges
Real-world note: A U.S. News mystery shop found Allied quoted $12,554 to $13,886 for a 2,800-mile move of a 3BR/2BA home (standard service, no packing). That’s a useful benchmark if you’re comparing quotes.
3. North American Van Lines
Best for: Families needing 50-state coverage or international relocation.
U.S. News rated North American Van Lines as its top long-distance company. The carrier services all 50 states and offers international relocations to more than 175 countries, making it a strong choice for military families, corporate transferees, or anyone with an overseas component to their move.
Key strengths:
True nationwide and international reach
Strong reputation for handling large, complex household shipments
Full suite of services including packing, unpacking, and storage-in-transit
Limitations:
Pricing is weight-based, which can surprise customers who underestimate inventory
Like Allied, the agent model introduces service variability
International moves add significant complexity and cost
4. American Van Lines
Best for: Flat-rate pricing with no surprise fees on specialty items.
Move.org flagged American Van Lines as its value pick for 2026. The company uses flat-rate pricing that doesn’t tack on extra fees for services that other movers charge separately, including piano moving and other specialty items.
Key strengths:
Flat-rate model eliminates the weight-estimation guessing game
Handles specialty items (pianos, pool tables, artwork) without add-on charges
Offers auto transport bundled with household moves
Limitations:
Flat-rate pricing may not always be the cheapest for smaller, lighter shipments
Customer reviews on aggregator sites are mixed on communication during transit
Availability can be limited during peak season (May through September)
5. Safeway Moving
Best for: Military families and veterans seeking discounts and free storage.
Founded by a U.S. Army veteran, Safeway Moving operates across 48 states and includes 30 days of free storage with every interstate move. Their flat-rate pricing model appeals to customers who want cost certainty.
Key strengths:
Military and veteran discounts are baked into the pricing structure
30 days of complimentary storage included, no questions asked
Flat-rate quotes reduce the risk of price inflation on moving day
Limitations:
Operates in 48 states (not all 50), so confirm coverage for your route
Newer brand compared to legacy van lines, so less historical review data
Some industry observers note that the flat-rate model can run higher for very small moves
6. United Van Lines
Best for: Large, complex moves requiring full-value protection.
United Van Lines is one of the largest carriers in North America. A standout policy: full-value protection is included on every move, meaning the company commits to the replacement value of your belongings by default rather than the nearly worthless released-value option.
Key strengths:
Full-value protection standard on all shipments
Extensive agent network with decades of operational history
No hefty deposit required on most moves
Limitations:
Weight-based pricing can climb quickly for large households
Agent quality varies, as with any van line franchise model
Lead times can be long during the peak summer months
Understanding the difference between full-value protection and released value is critical for any long-distance move. See the valuation protection section below for the math that makes this decision obvious.
7. JK Moving Services
Best for: Security-conscious customers who want background-checked crews.
JK Moving Services earned U.S. News’ top overall rating for 2026. Every mover on their team is background-checked and drug-tested, a policy that’s surprisingly uncommon in the industry.
Key strengths:
All crew members are vetted through background checks and drug testing
Comprehensive nationwide service, including corporate relocations
Strong ratings across multiple independent review platforms
Limitations:
Premium pricing reflects the higher labor screening standards
Primarily strong on the East Coast; coverage thins in some Western states
Custom-quoted only, with no published rate cards
8. Colonial Van Lines
Best for: First-time long-distance movers who need guidance.
Colonial Van Lines differentiates through education. All movers attend Colonial Van Lines University, their in-house training program, and the company offers military discounts alongside seasonal promotions.
Key strengths:
An in-house training program creates more consistent service quality
Military discounts and periodic seasonal specials
Specializes in long-distance and cross-country moves specifically
Limitations:
A U.S. News mystery shop quoted a 960-mile move at $6,690 for standard service and $9,133 for full service, which lands in the higher range
Some forum users report that communication gaps occur between the sales process and the actual moving day
Operates primarily as a carrier but uses agents on certain routes
9. Mayflower
Best for: Customers who want real-time shipment tracking.
Mayflower’s standout feature is its shipment tracking portal, which lets you see where your belongings are during transit. For cross-country moves that take multiple days, this visibility considerably reduces anxiety.
Key strengths:
Real-time tracking portal for shipment location updates
Full-service packages through a qualified agent network
Long operational history with strong brand recognition
Limitations:
Agent-based pricing varies by location and season
Premium positioning means costs typically exceed those of smaller carriers
Tracking accuracy depends on the specific agent handling the move
10. Mayzlin Relocation
Best for: Budget-conscious movers looking for discounts and lower deposits.
Mayzlin Relocation is the youngest company to appear on major ranking lists, and it competes on price. Move.org highlighted its competitive pricing, lower-than-average deposit requirements, and abundant discount options.
Key strengths:
Lower deposit requirements than most competitors
Multiple discount programs for seniors, military, and repeat customers
Competitive pricing that undercuts legacy van lines
Limitations:
As a newer company, its long-term track record is limited
Operates as a broker, which means a separate carrier will perform the actual move
Fewer customer reviews available compared to established brands
If you’re weighing these options, it helps to understand what each quote actually includes. Our guide to getting a moving quote you can trust breaks down exactly what to look for.
How Much Does a Long-Distance Move Cost in 2026?
Pricing has climbed sharply. MoveBuddha’s 2026 dataset shows moving company pricing has increased by approximately 21% due to rising fuel costs. Here’s what you should expect to pay based on distance and home size:
Distance | 1-2 Bedroom | 3-4 Bedroom |
|---|---|---|
Short interstate (100-250 mi) | $600-$2,400 | $1,300-$4,000 |
Mid-range (250-500 mi) | $900-$3,650 | $1,600-$5,250 |
Long-distance (500-1,000 mi) | $1,650-$6,150 | $2,350-$7,750 |
Cross-country (1,000-2,500+ mi) | $3,150-$13,650+ | $3,850-$15,250+ |
For a typical 2-3-bedroom home, moveBuddha reports that most long-distance moves fall between $3,060 and $5,280. Allied Van Lines puts the broader range at $4,500 to $16,900. The gap largely depends on whether you’re moving a studio apartment 300 miles or a four-bedroom house coast to coast.
Pricing models matter
Not all quotes work the same way. Weight-based pricing (used by most legacy van lines) charges per pound of cargo plus mileage. Flat-rate pricing locks in a total price based on your inventory list. Cubic-foot pricing charges based on the space your belongings occupy in the truck.
Flat-rate quotes offer the most cost certainty. Weight-based quotes can shift if your actual shipment weighs more than estimated. Always ask which model a company uses before comparing numbers.
Ways to reduce costs
Move during the off-season. October through April is cheaper than the peak season of May through September. Even shifting your date by a few days within a month can yield savings.
Skip professional packing if you can. Full-service packing typically adds $900 to $1,500 to your move cost. If the budget is tight, pack non-fragile items yourself and reserve professional packing for valuables.
Leave bulky items behind. Sometimes selling a heavy dresser and buying a replacement is cheaper than paying to ship it 2,000 miles.
Broker vs. Carrier: What You Must Know Before Booking
This is the single most important concept in long-distance moving, and most consumers don’t understand it until something goes wrong.
A carrier owns trucks, employs movers, and physically transports your belongings. When you have a problem, there’s one company responsible.
A broker markets moving services, provides estimates, and collects deposits, but does not own trucks or employ movers. Instead, the broker sells your move to a carrier, usually the one that will do it the cheapest. When furniture arrives damaged, or delivery runs two weeks late, the broker points to the carrier and the carrier points to the broker. This accountability gap is the single biggest source of moving complaints.
Practitioners on review aggregator sites describe this pattern vividly. One MoveAdvisor reviewer wrote: “They talk a really good game on the phone and make you feel like you will be taken care of, but in reality, they are just a broker, and once they get their 50% up front, they just walk away.”
The FMCSA has increased scrutiny on this relationship. If a third party advertises moving services, collects customer information, and assigns shipments to carriers, the FMCSA requires that entity to be properly licensed as a broker, and customers must know who their actual carrier will be.
The middle ground: Companies like AmeriSafe Van Lines, which hold both carrier and broker authority, offer a structural advantage. They can deploy their own trucks on routes where they have capacity and coordinate with vetted carrier partners on others, all while maintaining a single point of accountability. You’re not passed off to a stranger.
For a deeper look at broker red flags and how to protect yourself, read our guide on how to spot and avoid moving scams.
How to Vet Any Long-Distance Mover
Before signing with anyone on this list or off it, run through this checklist:
1. Verify their USDOT and MC numbers. Every legitimate interstate mover has these. Look them up on FMCSA’s SAFER database to confirm active authority.
2. Confirm carrier vs. broker status. Ask directly: “Are you a broker or a carrier? Will your company’s trucks and employees handle my move?” Industry practitioners on CheckAMover recommend getting the assigned carrier’s DOT number in writing before moving day if a broker is involved.
3. Get a binding or not-to-exceed estimate. A non-binding estimate is just a guess. A binding estimate locks in the price. A “not-to-exceed” estimate caps the maximum, so you pay less if the actual weight comes in lower but never more.
4. Check complaint history. Visit ProtectYourMove.gov to see complaints filed against any company.
5. Scrutinize the deposit. A deposit of 20-35% of the total cost is standard. If a company asks for 40-50% upfront before any labor is performed, that is a clear red flag.
6. Ask about valuation protection options. Any mover that doesn’t explain your coverage choices is cutting corners.
7. Ask if the same crew loads and unloads. For long-distance moves, this isn’t always possible, but it reduces damage risk when it is.
Our interstate moving FAQ covers additional questions about timelines, paperwork, and what to expect at delivery.
Understanding Valuation Protection
This is the financial decision most people get wrong because they don’t realize they’re making it.
Federal law requires interstate movers to offer two liability options:
Released Value Protection costs nothing. It also covers almost nothing. The mover’s liability maxes out at 60 cents per pound per article. That 25-pound, 50-inch TV you paid $800 for? You’d receive $15 if it’s destroyed. A 200-pound antique armoire worth $3,000? You’d get $120.
Full Value Protection makes the mover responsible for the replacement value of lost or damaged goods in your entire shipment. The cost is typically 1-2% of your declared shipment value. For a shipment valued at $50,000, that’s $500 to $1,000, a fraction of what replacing even one major piece of furniture would cost.
Unless you explicitly choose Released Value, movers are required to ship under Full Value Protection by default. But some companies bury the choice in paperwork, and customers waive full protection without realizing what they’re giving up.
For high-value items like artwork, musical instruments, or electronics, consider supplementing your moving insurance with third-party coverage. Your homeowner’s or renter’s policy may not cover damage during a professional move.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is considered a long-distance move?
Most movers define long-distance as any move over 400 miles, though some use 100 miles as the threshold. Interstate moves (crossing state lines) are regulated by the FMCSA regardless of distance.
When is the cheapest time to move long-distance?
October through April is the off-season, with the lowest rates. Peak season runs May through September. Mid-month and mid-week dates tend to be cheaper than weekends and month-end dates.
How far in advance should I book a long-distance mover?
At least two months before your move date, especially for summer moves. Booking early gives you more carrier options and better pricing. Last-minute moves during peak season often cost significantly more and offer fewer choices.
What’s the difference between a binding and a non-binding estimate?
A binding estimate guarantees the total cost based on the services and items listed. A non-binding estimate is a rough projection that can change after the mover weighs your shipment. Always push for a binding or not-to-exceed estimate to protect your budget.
How do I file a complaint against a mover?
Contact the FMCSA at 1-888-DOT-SAFT (1-888-368-7238) or file online at ProtectYourMove.gov. You have 9 months from the delivery date to file a claim with the moving company, and the carrier has 120 days to settle after receiving your claim.
Can I negotiate moving costs?
Yes. Most companies offer periodic discounts, will match a written competitor quote, and can adjust pricing if you shift your date by a few days or remove bulky items from the shipment.
What should I do if the mover holds my belongings hostage?
This is illegal. Contact FMCSA immediately and file a police report. Under federal law, a mover cannot refuse delivery of your shipment because of a price dispute if you agree to pay the original binding estimate amount.
Is it better to hire a broker or a carrier for a long-distance move?
Booking directly with a carrier gives you clearer accountability. If you use a broker, demand the assigned carrier’s DOT number in writing before moving day and get a binding estimate from the actual carrier, not just the broker. Companies with both carrier and broker authority offer a middle-ground option.
Comparing top long-distance movers takes time, but the payoff is avoiding the kind of nightmare scenarios that fill FMCSA complaint databases. Start with the companies on this list, run them through the vetting checklist, and get at least three binding estimates before committing.
Request your free quote from AmeriSafe Van Lines to see how their dual-authority model and coordinator-led approach compare.
