877-412-1344 TL;DR
The best long-distance movers combine transparent pricing, proper FMCSA licensing, and consistent customer communication. This guide compares eight top-rated long-distance movers based on real pricing data, complaint histories, and service quality. Average costs for interstate moves range from $3,129 to $4,890, depending on distance and home size, with 2026 fuel surcharges pushing prices roughly 21% higher than last year. The biggest thing most guides won’t tell you: the specific agent or coordinator handling your move matters more than the brand on the truck.
Get a personalized long-distance quote to see how your move compares.
At-a-Glance Comparison Table
Company | Best For | Price Range | Deposit | Free Storage | Estimate Type | Valuation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AmeriSafe Van Lines | Coordinator-led moves with carrier/broker flexibility | Custom quote | Required (72-hr cancellation window) | Arranged through partners | Varies by move | Available |
Allied Van Lines | Full-service interstate + vehicle shipping | $4,500–$7,000 | None | No | Binding/non-binding | Optional |
North American Van Lines | Experienced long-haul with online resources | $4,500–$7,000 | None | No | Binding/non-binding | Optional |
American Van Lines | Flat-rate pricing + specialty items | $4,500–$8,000 | ~30% | No | Flat-rate binding | Optional |
International Van Lines | International + domestic combo moves | $4,200–$6,150 (3 BR) | Varies | 1 month free | Binding | Optional |
Safeway Moving | Budget-friendly full-service | Competitive | Required | 30 days free | Flat-rate binding | Optional |
United Van Lines | Premium/corporate relocations | Higher than average | None | No | Binding | Full-value included |
Mayflower Transit | Legacy brand with personalized portal | Mid-to-high range | Varies | No | Must call for quote | Optional |
How We Evaluated These Movers
Picking the top-rated long-distance movers is not as simple as checking star ratings. Here is what we looked at for every company on this list:
FMCSA licensing: Every mover must hold active USDOT and MC numbers. We verified authorization for household goods (HHG) transport through FMCSA’s SAFER database.
Complaint history: We reviewed BBB complaint ratios, FMCSA complaint records, and patterns in consumer forums. The Better Business Bureau receives more than 13,000 complaints about movers every year.
Pricing transparency: Does the company offer binding estimates? Do they require deposits? Are fees disclosed upfront?
Real user sentiment: We pulled from verified reviews, forum discussions, and published survey data rather than relying on testimonials alone.
Service range: Packing, storage, specialty items, tracking, valuation coverage.
One critical insight that most comparison guides skip: practitioners on the MovingScam.com forum consistently say that all major van lines share the same basic business model, and the individual agent booking your shipment matters far more than the brand name. A strong agent at a mid-tier company will outperform a weak agent at a premium van line every time. Keep that in mind as you read these profiles.
1. AmeriSafe Van Lines
Best for: Coordinator-led experience with carrier and broker flexibility
AmeriSafe Van Lines operates as both a licensed interstate motor carrier and a licensed interstate moving broker, authorized by FMCSA for household goods transport. This dual authority means the company can assign its own trucks on certain routes or partner with vetted carriers depending on distance, capacity, and timing. The practical benefit is that you get one company and one coordinator managing your move, regardless of who physically drives the truck.
Key features:
Dedicated move coordinator from quote through delivery
Full and partial professional packing services with materials included
Short-term and long-term storage solutions are arranged through partners
Specialty item handling for pianos, antiques, and fragile goods
Dedicated senior moving services
Published arbitration program and FMCSA consumer rights documents on-site
Clear deposit and refund policy with a 72-hour cancellation window
Separate sales and customer service phone lines for clear routing
Pricing: Custom-quoted based on inventory, distance, and add-ons. Deposit required to book.
Why this model matters: Most consumers don’t realize that many moving companies listed as “carriers” still subcontract portions of their work, while some “brokers” actually own trucks for certain lanes. AmeriSafe’s transparency about holding both authorities is unusual. You know upfront that your move might be handled by their own crew or a partner carrier, and you have a single point of contact either way.
Tradeoffs:
Pricing is not published online, so you need to request a quote
Smaller fleet compared to legacy van lines (though the partner network extends nationwide)
No self-service online booking tool
Contact AmeriSafe for a customized moving estimate
2. Allied Van Lines
Best for: Full-service interstate moves with vehicle relocation options
Allied Van Lines is the oldest global van line in the United States, founded in 1928 as a non-profit moving organization on the East Coast. Along with North American Van Lines, Allied is owned by SIRVA Worldwide, though the two operate separate fleets and independent agent networks.
Key features:
Live shipment tracking that works similarly to ride-share apps, letting you see your shipment’s location in real time
Vehicle transport services, in addition to household goods
Full-service packing, loading, and unloading
90-day storage is included in some quotes
Extensive agent network across the U.S.
Pricing: Quotes typically range from $4,500 to $7,000 with no deposit required. A sample 2-bedroom move from Atlanta to Chicago ran $4,730 to $5,375, including packing, loading, fragile-only packing, and 90 days of storage.
Tradeoffs:
Approximately 39% of BBB complaints were delivery-related, and 42% involved lost or damaged household goods
Movers sometimes arrive late for loading, and shipments can take longer than expected
The claims process receives mixed reviews, with some customers describing it as difficult to navigate
Quality depends heavily on which local agent handles your move
Real user sentiment: Allied holds an A+ BBB rating, but the gap between the institutional grade and individual customer experiences is notable. Some customers praise professional crews while others report damaged belongings and slow claims resolution.
3. North American Van Lines
Best for: Established long-haul reputation with comprehensive online resources
North American Van Lines has over 90 years of experience with long-distance and cross-country relocations. Like Allied, it operates under SIRVA Worldwide but maintains its own fleet, training standards, and agent network.
Key features:
GPS tracking on shipments
Auto shipping services
Storage solutions at agent-operated facilities
Free online moving resources and planning tools
All cross-state movers and agents must complete a rigorous training program before working with clients
Pricing: Similar to Allied, with quotes ranging from $4,500 to $7,000 and no deposit required.
Tradeoffs:
Agent quality varies significantly from location to location
As industry insiders on forums note, all van lines have stronger and weaker agents, so the brand name alone doesn’t guarantee a smooth move
Premium pricing compared to non-van-line carriers
Limited ability to choose which agent handles your move
Real user sentiment: Consistently cited among top-rated long-distance movers in editorial reviews, but individual experiences depend almost entirely on the local agent assigned to your shipment.
4. American Van Lines
Best for: Flat-rate pricing and specialty item handling (pianos, antiques)
American Van Lines positions itself as the value pick among established long-distance movers, primarily because of its flat-rate pricing model. The company conducts background checks on all workers, including drug tests and ongoing screenings.
Key features:
Flat-rate binding estimates, so the quoted price is the final price
Specialized crews for pianos, antiques, and high-value items with an average experience of 10 years
Ongoing crew training and certification for specialty items
Full-service packing and unpacking
Pricing: Flat-rate pricing ranges from approximately $4,500 to $8,000 depending on move size and distance. Expect a deposit of around 30%.
Tradeoffs:
No GPS tracking on shipments
Operates in 48 states only, excluding Alaska and Hawaii
Local moving services limited to North Carolina, Florida, and the Dallas-Fort Worth area
The 30% deposit is significantly higher than competitors that require no deposit at all
Real user sentiment: Customers consistently praise the crew’s professionalism and the flat-rate certainty. The lack of shipment tracking is a common complaint, especially for cross-country moves where days pass without updates.
If you’re moving specialty items like a piano, our guide to piano movers covers what to expect on costs and logistics.
5. International Van Lines
Best for: Combined international and domestic moves with storage included
International Van Lines (IVL) handles moves to all 50 U.S. states and over 140 countries, making it the clear pick for anyone whose relocation crosses national borders. Even for purely interstate moves, IVL differentiates itself by including a free month of storage with every booking.
Key features:
Global reach covering 140+ countries
One month of free storage on every move
Full-service packing and crating
Auto transport services
Binding estimates available
Pricing: A quote for a 3-bedroom home from Boston to Atlanta ran $4,200 to $6,150 for loading and transportation.
Tradeoffs:
Almost 30% of survey respondents noted that extra charges were added to their final bill
Approximately 41% reported last-minute schedule changes
Nearly 26% flagged hidden fees as an issue
Dependence on subcontractors for some domestic moves leads to inconsistent experiences
Real user sentiment: Customers frequently praise careful handling and clear communication, but complaints about hidden fees create a contradictory picture. If you choose IVL, get everything in writing and confirm whether your specific move will be handled by IVL’s own crew or a subcontractor.
6. Safeway Moving
Best for: Budget-friendly full-service moves with free storage
Safeway Moving is a veteran-owned interstate moving company that pairs competitive pricing with flat-rate binding estimates. For cost-conscious movers, it regularly appears on lists of top-rated long-distance movers because of transparent pricing and included perks.
Key features:
30 days of free storage on interstate moves
Flat-rate binding estimates (the quote you receive is what you pay)
Full-service packing and loading
Veteran-owned operation
Pricing: Competitive, generally below van line pricing for comparable moves.
Tradeoffs:
Customers have reported limited responsiveness during the active move phase
Some reports of refusing credit cards or checks, requiring money orders instead
Smaller operation with less brand recognition than legacy van lines
Limited public data on crew training and vetting standards
Real user sentiment: Safeway has earned a reputation for reliability and affordability, consistently scoring high for simplicity and transparent pricing. Payment method restrictions frustrate some customers, so confirm which payment options are accepted before signing.
7. United Van Lines
Best for: Premium and corporate relocations with full-value protection included
United Van Lines occupies the luxury tier of long-distance movers. Their standout differentiator is simple: full-value protection comes standard on every move, while nearly every competitor charges extra for it.
Key features:
Full-value protection included at no extra cost
MyUnited Portal for centralized document management
Extensive corporate relocation program
Large agent network with nationwide coverage
Pricing: No deposit required, but quotes run significantly higher than most long-distance movers. United positions itself as a premium option and prices accordingly.
Tradeoffs:
Higher pricing across the board
Customer complaints about careless loading and unloading leading to property damage claims
Like all van line models, quality depends on the local agent
Premium pricing doesn’t always correlate with premium execution
Real user sentiment: The included full-value protection is genuinely valuable (more on why below), but forum discussions suggest that the care taken during loading and unloading doesn’t always match the premium price tag.
8. Mayflower Transit
Best for: Legacy brand recognition with personalized online tracking
Mayflower Transit has operated since 1927 and handles all aspects of relocation, from packing and unpacking to transporting and unloading. The company offers digital tools that give customers visibility into their move.
Key features:
Personalized online portal for move management
Online tracking tools for shipment visibility
Full-service packing and unpacking
Nearly a century of operational history
Pricing: Mid-to-high range. Mayflower does not offer an online estimate tool, so you must call for an official quote.
Tradeoffs:
No online estimating tool, which slows the comparison shopping process
As a van line, quality varies by local agent
Limited public pricing data makes comparison difficult
Less competitive on price than newer, leaner operations
Real user sentiment: Mayflower benefits from name recognition, but the inability to get even a ballpark estimate online frustrates modern consumers who want to compare options quickly.
What Actually Determines a “Top Rated” Mover
Ratings on review sites tell part of the story. Here is what separates genuinely top-rated long-distance movers from companies that just market well.
FMCSA Licensing and USDOT Verification
Every legitimate interstate mover must register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and hold an active USDOT number and MC (Motor Carrier) number. You can verify any company’s status through the FMCSA SAFER database. Look for “Authorized for HHG” (household goods) under their operating authority.
The Broker vs. Carrier Distinction
This is the single most misunderstood aspect of long-distance moving, and the biggest source of consumer complaints. Moving brokers act as coordinators: they don’t own trucks or employ movers. Instead, they connect you with a carrier that handles the actual move. When you hire a carrier directly, everyone you interact with typically works for the same company, which can lead to more consistent communication.
Some companies hold both broker and carrier authority, meaning they may handle your move themselves or outsource it depending on route, availability, or pricing. The Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General explicitly advises consumers to ask whether a company will conduct the move itself or broker it to another company.
This isn’t inherently good or bad. What matters is transparency. A company that clearly explains its model, whether carrier, broker, or both, is more trustworthy than one that obscures how your belongings actually get from point A to point B. For a deeper look at vetting moving companies, our guide to vetting long-distance movers breaks down the process step by step.
Complaint-to-Volume Ratios
Raw complaint numbers are misleading. A company handling 50,000 moves per year with 200 complaints has a better track record than one handling 2,000 moves with 50 complaints. Check FMCSA complaint data and BBB complaint details (not just the letter grade) relative to the company’s size.
How Much Does a Long-Distance Move Cost in 2026?
Moving prices have climbed sharply. According to moveBuddha, moving company pricing has increased approximately 21% as of May 2026 due to rising fuel costs. Here is what to expect by move size and distance.
Move Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
Average long-distance move | $3,129 (This Old House 2025 Survey) |
Average interstate move | $4,890 (Moving Muscle) |
2-3 BR, 500-1,000 miles | $3,060–$5,280 (moveBuddha 2026) |
1-2 BR, cross-country (1,000-2,500+ mi) | $3,150–$13,650+ |
3-4 BR, cross-country (1,000-2,500+ mi) | $3,850–$15,250+ |
Most commonly reported cost | $2,000 (This Old House 2025 Survey) |
The gap between “average” and “most commonly reported” is worth noting. The $2,000 figure likely reflects smaller moves or shorter distances, while the $4,890 interstate average reflects full-service relocations by larger households over greater distances.
What Drives the Final Price
Several factors determine where your move falls within these ranges:
Weight/volume of belongings: The primary cost driver for long-distance moves
Distance: Obvious, but the pricing isn’t always linear. Some routes cost more due to seasonal demand or limited carrier availability.
Add-on services: Packing services are the top add-on, purchased by 34.3% of movers according to the This Old House 2025 survey. Full-service packing typically adds $500 to $2,000 or more.
Storage: If your new home isn’t ready, storage in transit adds cost. Some companies offer free storage (Safeway offers 30 days; IVL offers 1 month).
Seasonality: Rates drop 20% to 30% if you move mid-week or between September and February, according to ConsumerAffairs.
How to Avoid Long-Distance Moving Scams
Moving scam anxiety is real, and the data backs it up. In 2023, customers filed 12% more complaints about moving scams than the previous year, and the average victim lost $836. Hostage loads, where a mover holds your belongings until you pay an inflated price, account for 31% of complaints. Hostage-load complaints have increased 189% since 2022.
In April 2024, FMCSA conducted investigations in 17 states through “Operation Protect Your Move” specifically to address the surge in household goods hostage complaints. Those operations uncovered more than 1,000 violations of federal regulations.
Red Flags to Watch For
No physical address or USDOT number on the website. Every legitimate interstate mover must display these.
A quote that seems dramatically lower than competitors. Lowball estimates are the most common bait-and-switch tactic.
Demanding a large cash deposit before the move. Reputable companies have clear, written deposit policies. Check whether there’s a cancellation window (for example, AmeriSafe publishes a clear cancellation and refund policy with a 72-hour window).
Refusing to provide a written estimate. This is a violation of FMCSA regulations for interstate moves.
A generic company name that’s hard to research. Scam operations frequently change names to avoid review trails.
No willingness to do an in-home or video survey. A company quoting a major move without assessing your inventory is guessing, and they’ll adjust the price on moving day.
Types of Moving Estimates Explained
Understanding estimate types is directly tied to avoiding scams. This is one of the most important sections in this guide.
Binding Estimate
A binding estimate locks in the total cost based on an itemized inventory of your belongings. You and the mover are both bound by the number. This protects you from price increases on moving day, though it also means you can’t reduce your cost if you end up shipping less than inventoried. Flat-rate estimates from companies like American Van Lines and Safeway Moving fall into this category.
Non-Binding Estimate
A non-binding estimate is a best guess. The final charge is based on actual weight and services, so the price may increase. However, FMCSA’s 110% rule offers partial protection: at delivery, you cannot be required to pay more than 110% of the non-binding estimate. Any amount above that must be paid within 30 days.
Not-to-Exceed Estimate
This is the middle ground. The price won’t exceed the original quote, but it can go down if your shipment weighs less than estimated. For consumers, this is often the most favorable type of estimate. Ask specifically whether a company offers not-to-exceed estimates.
For more on what to know before requesting any type of estimate, see our guide on things to know before requesting a quote.
Moving Valuation and Insurance: What Most People Get Wrong
Here’s a statistic that should concern you: only 33.3% of movers purchase additional valuation coverage, according to the This Old House 2025 Moving Survey. That means two-thirds of people moving their household across the country rely solely on the basic liability plan.
Basic (Released Value) coverage reimburses about 60 cents per pound per item. Your 50-pound, $2,000 flat screen TV? That’s a $30 payout if it’s destroyed.
Full-Value Protection offers roughly $6 in protection per pound, providing far more meaningful coverage. United Van Lines is notable for including a full-value protection standard. Most other companies charge extra for it, typically $300 to $800 depending on the declared value of your shipment.
The takeaway: if you’re spending $4,000 to $8,000 on a long-distance move, spending another $300 to $500 on full-value protection is a straightforward decision. Ask every company you’re considering about their valuation options and get the terms in writing.
What to Ask Before Hiring Any Long-Distance Mover
Use this checklist when talking to any of the top-rated long-distance movers on this list, or any company you’re considering:
Are you a carrier, a broker, or both? Get a direct answer and ask who will physically handle your belongings.
What is your USDOT and MC number? Verify it on FMCSA’s SAFER database before going further.
What type of estimate do you provide? Binding, non-binding, or not-to-exceed? Get it in writing.
What valuation options do you offer? Ask specifically for the cost of full-value protection.
What is your deposit and cancellation policy? Know the cancellation window and whether the deposit is refundable.
Will you do an in-home or video survey? Any company quoting a multi-thousand-dollar move without assessing your inventory should raise concerns.
What’s included and what costs extra? Stairs, long carries, disassembly/reassembly, packing materials: get a complete list.
What’s your delivery window? A “guaranteed delivery date” is different from a “delivery window.” Understand what you’re getting.
How do I file a claim if something is damaged? Ask about the process, timeline, and whether they use a third-party claims administrator.
Can I see your complaint history? Check the FMCSA and BBB yourself, but a company that voluntarily provides this information demonstrates confidence.
For detailed answers to common interstate moving questions, our interstate moving FAQ covers the specifics.
Seasonal Timing Tips for Long-Distance Moves
When you move matters almost as much as who moves you.
Peak season (May through September) is when prices are 20% to 30% higher, carriers are stretched thin, and delivery windows tend to widen. Moving experts suggest booking six to eight weeks in advance for long-distance moves, and even earlier for peak summer dates.
Off-peak season (September through February) brings significantly lower rates, more available dates, and typically faster delivery windows. Mid-week moves tend to be cheaper than weekend moves regardless of the season.
If you have any flexibility on timing, moving in October or January could save you $1,000 or more on the same move that would cost peak-season prices in June.
FAQ
How much does a long-distance move cost in 2026?
The average long-distance move costs approximately $3,129 based on 2025 survey data, while interstate moves average $4,890. For a 2 to 3-bedroom home moving 500 to 1,000 miles, expect $3,060 to $5,280. Cross-country moves for larger homes can exceed $15,000. Note that 2026 pricing has increased roughly 21% due to fuel costs.
What’s the difference between a moving broker and a carrier?
A carrier owns trucks and employs the movers who handle your belongings. A broker coordinates moves by connecting you with carriers but doesn’t own trucks or employ movers. Some companies hold both licenses, meaning they may self-haul certain moves and broker others. The key is to ask up front and get a clear answer about who will physically handle your shipment.
What’s the cheapest month to move long distance?
September through February is the off-peak window when rates drop 20% to 30%. January and February tend to be the cheapest months. Mid-week moves (Tuesday through Thursday) are also less expensive than weekend moves.
How far in advance should I book long-distance movers?
Six to eight weeks is the minimum recommendation. For summer moves (June through August), booking 10 to 12 weeks out is safer. Last-minute bookings during peak season often mean fewer choices, higher prices, and wider delivery windows.
Are binding estimates better than non-binding estimates?
Binding estimates offer price certainty, which most consumers prefer. Non-binding estimates can go up based on actual shipment weight, though FMCSA’s 110% rule caps what you can be charged at delivery. Not-to-exceed estimates combine the ceiling protection of a binding estimate with the option to pay less if your shipment weighs less than the estimate. When possible, request a not-to-exceed estimate.
How do I verify a moving company is legitimate?
Search for the company’s USDOT number on FMCSA’s SAFER database. Confirm that the company is “Authorized for HHG” and has active operating authority. Cross-reference with BBB complaint history and check for patterns in complaints (delivery issues, damage claims, pricing disputes). Also verify that the physical address listed on their website corresponds to a real business location.
Should I buy full-value protection for a long-distance move?
Yes, in almost all cases. Basic released-value coverage pays only 60 cents per pound per item, which is negligible for furniture, electronics, and valuables. Full-value protection costs several hundred dollars but covers repair, replacement, or cash settlement at current market value. Only 33.3% of movers purchase it, which means two-thirds are underprotected.
What is a hostage load?
A hostage load occurs when a moving company holds your belongings on the truck and demands payment above the agreed price before unloading. This is illegal under federal regulations and is the fastest-growing category of moving complaints, up 189% since 2022. If it happens to you, contact FMCSA’s consumer complaint hotline immediately.
Ready to compare your options? Request a free quote from AmeriSafe Van Lines and get a dedicated coordinator who walks you through every step of your long-distance move.
