877-412-1344 Last updated: July 2026
TL;DR
Cross-country moves in 2026 average $3,500 to $7,780 or more depending on home size, distance, and services. This guide ranks nine top-rated cross-country movers based on FMCSA authority type, pricing transparency, deposit policies, and real complaint data. Every company is labeled as a carrier, broker, or both, something no other comparison does consistently. If you want a coordinator-led experience with dual carrier and broker authority, get a free quote from AmeriSafe Van Lines.
Why This Guide Exists
Choosing the wrong cross-country mover can cost you thousands. We’re not talking about a slightly inconvenient experience. We’re talking about hostage loads (where a carrier holds your belongings until you pay inflated fees), damaged heirlooms with denied claims, and surprise charges that double your original quote.
The average cross-country move costs roughly $7,780, according to Allied Van Lines’ own calculator data. At that price point, you deserve to know exactly who is handling your furniture, whether they own the truck that shows up, and what happens if something goes wrong.
This guide does three things most listicles skip. First, it labels every mover’s FMCSA authority type, because the difference between a carrier and a broker can mean the difference between accountability and finger-pointing. Second, it compares deposit and cancellation policies side by side. Third, it includes real complaint patterns from BBB filings and consumer forums, not just marketing copy.
You’re probably comparing two or three companies right now. Let’s help you narrow that list with confidence.
At-a-Glance Comparison Table
Company | Best For | Est. Cost Range | Deposit | Carrier/Broker | Key Differentiator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AmeriSafe Van Lines | Coordinator-led nationwide moves | Custom-quoted | Yes (72-hr refund window) | Carrier + Broker | Dual FMCSA authority, single coordinator |
Allied Van Lines | No-deposit flexibility | $4,400–$17,000 | None | Carrier | Zero deposit, vehicle shipping |
North American Van Lines | Established reliability | ~$4,300 (1,000 mi) | Varies by agent | Carrier | 90+ years, GPS tracking |
International Van Lines | Budget cross-country | $4,153–$7,000+ | Yes | Carrier | 24/7 support, 180+ countries |
American Van Lines | Flat-rate predictability | $4,000–$10,000 | Yes | Carrier | Binding flat-rate estimates |
JK Moving Services | Premium white-glove | $5,000–$12,000 | Yes | Carrier (direct employees) | Employee model, not agents |
Mayzlin Relocation | Low deposit with tracking | Varies | 25% (refundable 7 days out) | Carrier | GPS live tracking, price matching |
Safeway Moving | Alaska/Hawaii coverage | Varies | Yes | Carrier | All 50 states including AK and HI |
Atlas Van Lines | Military/corporate moves | Varies | Yes | Carrier | Low DOT complaint rate per vehicle |
How We Evaluated These Movers
Every company on this list was cross-referenced against multiple data sources: FMCSA registration records, DOT complaint ratios, BBB ratings, published pricing data, deposit and cancellation terms, and real user reviews from BBB filings and consumer forums.
We weighted four factors most heavily. FMCSA authority type (carrier, broker, or both) came first because it determines who is legally responsible for your belongings. Pricing transparency was second, because vague “call for a quote” language often hides bait-and-switch tactics. Third was deposit and cancellation policy, since these terms directly affect your financial risk. Fourth was the pattern of real consumer complaints, not just star ratings but the specific issues people report.
No company paid for placement on this list. AmeriSafe Van Lines is included because it meets our evaluation criteria and operates with dual carrier/broker authority, a genuine structural differentiator.
1. AmeriSafe Van Lines
Best for: Coordinator-led moves with dual carrier/broker flexibility
AmeriSafe Van Lines holds both carrier and broker authority with the FMCSA, registered as CARRIER/BROKER and authorized for household goods (HHG). This dual structure means AmeriSafe can dispatch its own trucks on certain routes and broker to vetted carrier partners on others, giving customers nationwide reach without losing a single point of contact.
Pricing: Custom-quoted based on inventory, distance, and services. Request a free estimate to get route-specific pricing.
FMCSA Status: Carrier + Broker (dual authority)
Key features:
Single dedicated coordinator from quote through delivery, eliminating the “passed around between departments” problem
Full-service packing and materials available
Short-term and long-term storage solutions for staggered move-ins
Specialized services for seniors, pianos, antiques, and commercial relocations
Published arbitration and FMCSA consumer rights documents on their website
Separate sales and customer service phone lines for clear routing
Limitations:
Deposits become non-refundable after 72 hours from signing, so you need to be reasonably committed before booking
As a smaller operation compared to legacy van lines, they have fewer trucks in their own fleet
Pricing is custom-quoted only, with no published rate calculator on the website
Real user perspective: The dual authority model is the standout here. Pure brokers are the source of most moving complaints, because when something goes wrong, the broker points to the carrier and the carrier points to the broker. AmeriSafe’s ability to operate as both means clearer accountability. Their published customer reviews include named scenarios covering routes like Oregon to Texas and Chicago to Monterey, CA.
2. Allied Van Lines
Best for: Movers who want zero deposit risk
Allied Van Lines is Move.org’s top pick for interstate moves in 2026, earning that position through nationwide availability, booking flexibility, and its zero-deposit requirement. That last point is rare. Most cross-country movers require 25% to 50% upfront, which means you’re financially committed before a single box is packed.
Pricing: $4,400 to $17,000 for cross-country moves, with the average landing at $6,700 to $9,250 for a 2-3-bedroom home.
FMCSA Status: Carrier
Key features:
No deposit required to book your move
Vehicle relocation services for shipping cars alongside household goods
Full-service packing and unpacking options
A+ BBB rating
Limitations:
Allied operates through independent agent networks, so your experience can vary dramatically depending on which local agent handles your move. Practitioners on moving forums frequently note that “local reps do their job initially but don’t follow through whether things went well or not.”
One BBB complaint documented items delivered heavily damaged where the driver noted damage at pickup, yet Allied initially denied the claim.
Allied is owned by SIRVA Worldwide, the same parent company that owns North American Van Lines. If you’re “comparing” both, you may be comparing sister companies operating under the same corporate umbrella.
Real user perspective: The inconsistency issue is structural, not occasional. Because Allied licenses its brand to independent agents, pricing, availability, and scheduling can differ even for the same route. Ask your sales rep directly whether an Allied-employed crew or a subcontracted agent will handle your move.
3. North American Van Lines
Best for: Proven track record with 90+ years of experience
North American Van Lines holds the top long-distance spot in U.S. News’s 2026 Best Moving Companies rating. With over nine decades in business, the company has the infrastructure and route coverage that newer movers simply can’t match.
Pricing: Approximately $4,300 for a 1,000-mile move. Cross-country moves for larger homes run significantly higher.
FMCSA Status: Carrier
Key features:
GPS tracking on shipments for real-time visibility
ProMover certification through the American Trucking Associations
Full suite of services including packing, storage, and specialty item handling
Extensive agent network across all 48 contiguous states
Limitations:
Like Allied, North American is owned by SIRVA Worldwide. The agent network model means uneven service quality from location to location.
One BBB complaint reports “delayed delivery, poor communication, and unprofessional service” on a move costing over $7,700.
Deposit requirements vary by agent, so there’s no single company-wide policy you can count on.
Real user perspective: The SIRVA connection matters more than most consumers realize. When you get quotes from both Allied and North American, you might be getting bids influenced by the same parent company’s pricing framework. That’s not necessarily bad, but it’s worth knowing.
4. International Van Lines
Best for: Budget-conscious cross-country moves
International Van Lines consistently delivers lower quotes than competitors for comparable routes. ConsumerAffairs named IVL its top pick for 2026, and real move data backs up the value claim: IVL quoted $4,153 for a Miami to New York move where competing companies quoted $5,200 to $7,069.
Pricing: $4,153 to $7,000+ depending on distance and volume.
FMCSA Status: Carrier
Key features:
24/7 customer support, a genuine advantage during the anxiety of a cross-country transit
International capabilities spanning 180+ countries (useful if your next move is overseas)
In-house crews for many routes
Competitive pricing without sacrificing full-service options
Limitations:
A deposit is required, though specific terms vary by move
Coverage for international moves is strong, but some domestic routes may still involve subcontractors
Fewer online resources for tracking your shipment compared to GPS-equipped competitors like Mayzlin
Real user perspective: If cost is the primary deciding factor for your cross-country move, IVL deserves a quote. The Miami-to-New York pricing data is particularly telling, showing savings of $1,000 to $3,000 compared to peer companies on the same route.
For context on how route-specific pricing works, our guide on the best way to move state to state breaks down variables that affect your final bill.
5. American Van Lines
Best for: Flat-rate pricing with no surprise fees
American Van Lines is Move.org’s value pick for 2026, and the reason is straightforward: flat-rate binding estimates. When American Van Lines gives you a price, that’s the price. No weight recalculations on moving day, no fuel surcharge surprises, no “oh, your staircase adds $300.”
Pricing: $4,000 to $10,000 for typical cross-country moves, with flat-rate binding estimates.
FMCSA Status: Carrier
Key features:
Flat-rate binding estimates that lock in your price
Background-checked crews (a step beyond the industry standard)
Full packing and unpacking services
Dedicated move coordinators consistently praised in reviews
Limitations:
Deposit is required to lock in the flat rate
Flat-rate pricing may be higher than non-binding estimates from competitors, since the company builds in a buffer
Limited international capabilities compared to IVL
Real user perspective: The flat-rate model eliminates the single biggest source of moving-day stress. Practitioners on Reddit and moving forums repeatedly cite “bait-and-switch estimates” as their top complaint. American Van Lines sidesteps this entirely. The tradeoff is that you might pay slightly more upfront than a non-binding quote would suggest, but you’re paying for certainty.
6. JK Moving Services
Best for: Premium white-glove relocations
JK Moving Services earned the top overall position on U.S. News’s 2026 Best Interstate Moving Companies ranking and Forbes’s highest marks for professionalism across 45 licensed companies evaluated against 76 metrics. That’s a serious credential.
Pricing: $5,000 to $12,000 for cross-country moves, reflecting the premium service model.
FMCSA Status: Carrier (direct employees, not agents)
Key features:
All movers are direct W-2 employees, not subcontracted agents or day laborers
White-glove handling for fine art, antiques, and high-value items
Project management approach with detailed planning timelines
Corporate relocation expertise
Limitations:
Premium pricing puts JK out of range for budget-conscious moves
Strongest coverage on the East Coast; some western routes may involve longer lead times
The employee model, while superior for quality control, means less scheduling flexibility during peak season
Real user perspective: The employee model is JK’s true differentiator. When a van line sends an agent crew, you don’t know who’s touching your belongings until moving day. With JK, every person on the truck is trained, vetted, and accountable to JK directly. For moves involving high-value items or complex logistics, that control matters.
7. Mayzlin Relocation
Best for: Low deposit commitment with real-time GPS tracking
Mayzlin Relocation addresses two of the biggest anxieties in cross-country moving: financial risk and “where is my stuff?” Their deposit is capped at 25% (compared to up to 50% elsewhere), with a full refund available up to seven days before your moving date. And their GPS live tracking lets you watch your shipment in transit.
Pricing: Custom-quoted; pricing varies by route and volume. Mayzlin offers price matching, which gives you negotiating power.
FMCSA Status: Carrier
Key features:
25% deposit with full refund up to 7 days before the move
GPS live tracking during transit
Price-match guarantee
Full-service packing and storage options
Limitations:
Newer company without the decades-long track record of legacy van lines
Fewer online reviews compared to Allied or North American, making independent verification harder
Custom pricing means no published rate tables to reference before calling
Real user perspective: The combination of low deposit, generous cancellation window, and GPS tracking makes Mayzlin particularly appealing for people who’ve been burned before. If your previous moving experience involved a company going dark for two weeks while your belongings were “in transit,” the tracking feature alone might justify choosing Mayzlin.
8. Safeway Moving
Best for: Moves to Alaska and Hawaii
Most cross-country movers serve the contiguous 48 states and stop there. Safeway Moving covers all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii. If your cross-country move ends in Anchorage or Honolulu, your options narrow considerably, and Safeway is one of the very few full-service movers that handles those routes.
Pricing: Custom-quoted; Alaska and Hawaii routes carry significant premiums due to shipping logistics.
FMCSA Status: Carrier
Key features:
Service to all 50 states, including Alaska and Hawaii
Full-service packing, loading, and delivery
Vehicle shipping available
Storage-in-transit options
Limitations:
Alaska and Hawaii moves involve ocean freight, which adds transit time and complexity
Less differentiated for standard contiguous-states moves
Fewer mentions in third-party rankings compared to legacy van lines
Real user perspective: For most cross-country moves, Safeway competes in a crowded field. But for the roughly 60,000 people who relocate to or from Alaska and Hawaii each year, Safeway fills a gap that bigger names simply don’t cover.
9. Atlas Van Lines
Best for: Military and corporate relocations
Atlas Van Lines carries one of the lowest Department of Transportation complaint rates per 100 vehicles among major van lines, according to NerdWallet’s analysis. That metric matters because it’s harder to game than star ratings, since it’s based on formal federal complaints.
Pricing: Custom-quoted; competitive with other legacy van lines for standard cross-country routes.
FMCSA Status: Carrier
Key features:
Low DOT complaint rate relative to fleet size
Strong military and corporate relocation programs
Extensive agent network with quality control programs
Full suite of specialty services
Limitations:
Like Allied and North American, Atlas uses an agent network, so local quality varies
Pricing is not published online
Corporate and military programs are the strength; individual consumer moves may not receive the same attention
Real user perspective: If your cross-country move is employer-sponsored or military-related, Atlas’s corporate infrastructure makes the process smoother. For individual consumers, the low complaint rate is reassuring, but you’ll still want to verify which local agent handles your specific move.
Carrier vs. Broker: Why It Matters for Your Cross-Country Move
This is the single most important thing to understand before hiring any top-rated cross-country mover, and most comparison sites barely mention it.
Carriers own trucks and employ moving staff. They assume full legal responsibility for transporting your household goods. When something breaks, there’s one company to hold accountable.
Brokers do not own trucks, do not employ movers, and are not authorized to transport your belongings. A broker’s job is to find a carrier for you. The FMCSA is explicit: “A broker does not assume responsibility for, and is not authorized to transport, your household goods.”
The real-world risk: When you book through a pure broker, the broker gives you an estimate, but the carrier who actually shows up may have a different estimate. The broker’s number is often non-binding. This is how many hostage-load scams begin. And when something goes wrong, you’re caught in a blame loop. The broker points to the carrier. The carrier points to the broker. You’re stuck in the middle.
Dual authority companies (like AmeriSafe Van Lines) hold both carrier and broker registrations. They can run their own trucks on certain lanes and broker to vetted partners on others. This doesn’t automatically make them better, but it does mean one entity holds legal accountability regardless of who physically handles the move.
Before signing with anyone, verify their status at ProtectYourMove.gov. For a deeper explanation of how interstate moving regulations work, see our interstate moving FAQ.
How Much Does a Cross-Country Move Cost in 2026?
Pricing is what most people searching for top rated cross country movers want first. Here are the current numbers.
Move Size | Distance | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
1-bedroom apartment | ~1,000 miles | $2,500–$4,000 |
2-3 bedroom home | ~1,000 miles | $3,060–$5,280 |
2-3 bedroom home | Cross-country (2,000+ mi) | $6,700–$9,250 |
4-bedroom home | Cross-country | $7,000–$12,000+ |
All sizes average | Cross-country | ~$7,780 |
Weight is the biggest cost driver. Full-service cross-country movers charge roughly $0.50 to $0.80 per pound for long-distance shipments. That means every 500 pounds you eliminate through decluttering saves $250 to $400 on your final bill.
The 2026 fuel factor: According to moveBuddha’s most recent data, moving company pricing has increased by approximately 21% as of June 2026 due to rising fuel costs. Standard fuel surcharges run 10% to 20% of the base cost, but during price spikes, that surcharge can jump to 25% to 30%.
Binding vs. non-binding estimates make a huge difference in what you actually pay. A binding estimate locks your price. A non-binding estimate is a guess that can change on moving day. Always push for a binding or not-to-exceed estimate.
For specific route pricing, our breakdown of Florida to New York moving costs gives a real-world example.
How to Vet a Cross-Country Mover: 5-Point Checklist
Use this checklist before signing with any of the top rated cross country movers on this list, or any company not on it.
1. Verify FMCSA registration. Go to ProtectYourMove.gov and confirm the company’s DOT number, MC number, and authority type (carrier, broker, or both). If they’re not registered, walk away.
2. Demand a binding or not-to-exceed estimate. The DOT Office of Inspector General warns that movers who “give an estimate over the telephone or Internet sight unseen” without offering an onsite inspection are a red flag. An in-home or virtual survey should precede any binding estimate.
3. Confirm who physically moves your belongings. Ask directly: “Will your employees be on the truck, or will you assign a subcontractor?” This question alone separates transparent companies from evasive ones.
4. Understand your insurance options. Federal law requires movers to offer two valuation tiers. Basic released value covers 60 cents per pound per item, which means your $2,000 TV gets reimbursed at about $18 if it weighs 30 pounds. Full Value Protection costs more but covers repairs, replacement, or a cash settlement at the current market value.
5. Read the cancellation and deposit terms before signing. Compare policies directly. Allied requires no deposit. Mayzlin refunds within 7 days. AmeriSafe’s deposits become non-refundable after 72 hours. Know your window.
Red Flags That Signal a Moving Scam
The DOT Office of Inspector General publishes specific warning signs. Any of these should end the conversation:
Large cash deposit demands. Legitimate movers accept credit cards and e-checks. A company that insists on cash or wire transfer is a scam risk.
No onsite or virtual survey. A mover who quotes your entire household by phone without seeing your inventory is guessing, or worse, lowballing intentionally.
Rental truck on moving day. If a Penske or U-Haul pulls up instead of a company-branded fleet vehicle, that’s not the company you hired.
High-pressure sales tactics. Statements like “this deal is only good for today” are a classic red flag identified by the DOT OIG.
Generic phone answering. If you call back and someone answers with “moving company” instead of the company name, proceed with extreme caution.
For a more detailed guide on protecting yourself, read our tips on identifying and avoiding moving scams.
The “Who Actually Shows Up” Problem
This deserves its own section because it’s the source of more complaints than pricing, damage, or delays combined.
Major van lines like Allied, North American, and Atlas operate through independent agent networks. This means the company you researched and the company that shows up on moving day might be entirely different organizations operating under the same brand umbrella. The quality of your move depends almost entirely on which local agent gets assigned to your route.
Here’s what makes this worse: Allied and North American are both owned by SIRVA Worldwide. When you think you’re getting competitive quotes from two different companies, you might be comparing prices from the same corporate parent.
Companies that use direct employees (like JK Moving) or maintain dual carrier/broker authority (like AmeriSafe) offer more accountability in this area. With a dual-authority company, even when the move is brokered to a partner carrier, the booking company retains legal responsibility.
The question to ask is simple: “Will the people loading my truck work for your company, or are they from a separate business?” The answer tells you everything about accountability.
Planning Your Cross-Country Move: What Comes Next
If you’ve narrowed your list of top rated cross country movers to two or three companies, here’s how to proceed. Get binding estimates from each. Compare not just the bottom-line price but the deposit terms, cancellation window, and valuation options. Verify every company at ProtectYourMove.gov. Ask about the crew, not just the brand.
Contact AmeriSafe Van Lines for a free, no-obligation estimate on your cross-country move.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a cross-country move vs. a long-distance move?
A long-distance move is any relocation between 400 and 2,000 miles. Anything over 2,000 miles is typically considered cross-country. The distinction matters because pricing tiers, transit times, and even insurance requirements can shift at the cross-country threshold.
What’s the cheapest way to move cross-country?
Renting a truck and driving yourself is the cheapest option, typically $1,500 to $3,500 for a cross-country route. For those who want professional help at a lower cost, portable containers (PODS, U-Pack) split the difference between DIY and full-service. Among full-service movers, getting three or more binding estimates and decluttering aggressively (every 500 pounds cut saves $250 to $400) are the most effective cost-reduction strategies.
How long does a cross-country move take?
Most full-service cross-country moves take 7 to 21 days from pickup to delivery. The range depends on distance, time of year, and whether the mover consolidates your shipment with other customers’ goods on the same truck.
What’s the difference between a binding and a non-binding estimate?
A binding estimate is a guaranteed price. The mover cannot charge more than the quoted amount, even if your shipment weighs more than estimated. A non-binding estimate is the mover’s best guess, and the final price can change on moving day, sometimes dramatically. Always request a binding or not-to-exceed estimate.
How do I file a complaint against a mover?
You must file a written claim with the mover within nine months of delivery. Federal law requires movers to offer a neutral arbitration program for settling disputes about loss or damage. You can also report unsafe movers by calling the FMCSA complaint hotline at 1-888-368-7238 or visiting ProtectYourMove.gov.
Should I buy full-value protection insurance?
Almost certainly yes for a cross-country move. The default coverage (released value) pays only 60 cents per pound per item. A 50-pound flat-screen TV worth $1,500 would be reimbursed at $30. Full Value Protection costs more, typically 1% to 3% of your shipment’s declared value, but covers actual repair or replacement costs.
What questions should I ask before hiring a cross-country mover?
Five essential questions: (1) Are you a carrier, broker, or both? (2) Will your employees handle my move, or will you subcontract? (3) Is this a binding estimate? (4) What is your cancellation and refund policy? (5) What valuation/insurance options do you offer? The answers to these five questions will tell you more than any star rating.
