Top Rated Long-Distance Moving Companies (Updated in 2025)
Our top-rated long-distance moving companies scored highly in all areas, from pricing and service options to offering specialty services and overall customer satisfaction.
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Our Ratings of the Best Interstate Moving Companies
Here are our ratings for the best interstate movers:
- Best overall value: Safeway Moving
- Best for a customized approach: Mayzlin
- Best industry reputation: American Van Lines
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Our Reviews of the Best Long-Distance Moving Companies
Safeway Moving: Best overall value
Safeway Moving, (USDOT# 3756000), is a veteran-owned interstate moving company with the mission to offer military precision relocation. Safeway offers very competitive pricing because they have access to a huge network of truck capacity across the country.
Their multi-stage quality assurance process also ensures moves go smoothly from pickup to delivery. This focus on quality and accurate pricing is a huge reason why Safeway made our list.
rating
4.85 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Pros & Cons of Safeway Moving
- 30 days of free storage on all interstate moves
- A portion of every move is donated to charity
- High level of customer service and support
- Handle small and large interstate moves
- Verification process to guarantee pricing and quality of service
- Veteran-owned company
- Require a deposit at booking
- No local moving services offered as they specialize in interstate moves
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
Our Full Review: Safeway Moving
Mayzlin Relocation: For those who want a personalized approach to moving
Licensed
Insured
Price
rating
4.9 / 5
89% of users select this mover
rating
4.9 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Mayzlin Relocation (USDOT#3182355) is a family-owned moving company that puts a mom-and-pop spin on interstate moving. Don’t get us wrong — Mayzlin has a national reach and offers most of the same bells and whistles as big-name competitors. In fact, they’re one of our top choices for best long-distance movers, as well.
But their focus on customer service is more in line with a small business, so you won’t feel like just another number. This makes Mayzlin great for first-time movers who might want a little extra help throughout the process.
Pros & cons
- Price matching
- Full refund if you cancel within seven days of your move
- 24/7 customer support
- Early reservation discounts
- Website is limited (not much info on add-on service options)
- No instant online quotes
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
American Van Lines: Best industry reputation
American Van Lines (USDOT# 614506) started in 1995 with only two trucks and a single location. American Van Lines (AVL) has grown to become a nationwide full-service moving company with more than 70 moving trucks servicing 48 states (not available in Alaska or Hawaii). Despite their rapid growth, AVL still feels like a family-owned business.
This year, Newsweek Magazine commissioned an independent survey and found American Van Lines ranks as one of America’s Best Customer Service in the Moving Services category. Wow!
Their focus on customer service and affordable pricing make the moving process a little less stressful and put AVL at the top of our list!
rating
4.5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Pros & Cons of American Van Lines
- Excellent customer service scores
- Can handle last minute moves
- Private storage options available
- Member of top industry organizations
- Best pricing we’ve seen
- Various quote process options (video, app, phone)
- Can handle antiques, pianos, fine art, etc.
- May require a deposit at booking
- Automated calls may be overwhelming
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
Our Full Review: American Van Lines
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How we chose the best long-distance moving companies
We’ve been evaluating moving companies for over 10 years and have developed a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. We look at:
Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated moving cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well regarded professionally and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (10%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing services, storage, specialty item handling, expedited delivery and more.
National availability (5%): The company offers origin and destination services across the country.
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How can I save money when I’m moving?
We went deep undercover with industry insiders and got them to spill the beans on how you can save money when you use a professional interstate mover.
Get multiple quotes
Long distance moving is a game of logistics. Different schedules, availability and more allow some moving companies to offer better prices than others.
Getting several moving quotes increases the odds you find a mover in a position to offer a discounted rate. Just make sure you find reputable movers!
Book early
Ideally, you should book your mover 30-60 days in advance. Moving companies will increase prices for moves booked last minute or worst case they may not have any availability at all.
Flexible pickup & delivery
Moving is a tough business and movers often face unexpected delays like weather or traffic issues. Customers with flexible move dates enable moving companies to build some cushion into their schedule. Often times resulting in a better price for you.
Sell, donate, trash items
Roughly 70% of your total cost is determined by how much you’re moving. A good first step in the moving process is to go through your belongings and get rid of items that you no longer use or want. Downsizing can help you save money, but be aware most movers have minimum size requirements so don’t get rid of too much.
Move mid-month
Rental leases typically turnover at the end of the month causing spikes in demand on those last few days. Avoiding the rush by moving in the middle of the month can often result in better pricing.
Move mid-week
Weekends are always a more popular time to move. If you move mid-week availability and pricing will typically be better.
Prep your move properly
Avoid getting charged for expensive packing materials on moving day by properly preparing your move. Mattresses should have covers, glass table tops need to be protected, all loose items need to go in boxes.
Work with your move coordinator directly to understand who is responsible for packing certain items. If you’re packing yourself, make sure you understand the mover’s packing standards or they will have to repack items at your expense.
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What services do professional moving companies provide?
A full-service moving company’s basic package usually includes:
- Loading and unloading of all items
- Disassembly and reassembly of basic furniture
- Moving blankets, pads, straps
- All moving equipment (dolly, rollers)
- Fuel, tolls, taxes
- Parking permits
- Basic valuation coverage (not insurance)
- The following add-ons typically cost extra:
- Packing supplies like boxes, paper wrap, etc.
- Full pack service of boxes & loose items
- Short or long term storage (sometimes free)
- Additional insurance coverage (full value protection)
- Breakdown & reassembly of complicated furniture (IKEA)
- Packing of fragile or bulky items
- Full unpacking of boxes and loose items
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How to choose the best interstate moving company
When moving long distance it’s important you choose a moving company with a strong reputation and solid track record of performing interstate moves. Moves across state lines require special licensing and expertise.
Things to look for:
- Compliance with federal government regulations (ex.: active Department of Transportation (DOT) license and insurance)
- No Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) complaint history
- Check online review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- How long has the company been in business?
- Is the owner or employees listed on LinkedIn?
- Are they active on social media?
- Can you google their address? Are there trucks or a warehouse?
Once you narrow down your search to a few moving companies, be sure to ask questions about their staff. Does the company conduct background checks on its movers and drivers? Are crews trained in specialized services like piano moving?
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FAQs about interstate moving companies
What is the difference between an interstate move and a long-distance move?
An interstate move and a long distance move are terms often used interchangeably, but there are slight differences between the two.
An interstate move crosses state lines during relocation, even if it circles back to the originating state. It’s regulated by federal laws and requires a moving company with a US DOT license. If you move from New York to North Carolina, that’s an example of an interstate move.
A long-distance relocation, however, covers a significant distance (usually greater than 50 miles) within the same state and is governed by state laws. If you move from Los Angeles to San Francisco, that’s a long distance move since you’re in the same state but traveling more than 50 miles. If this is more of what you’re looking for, check out our best long distance movers guide.
Both moves involve similar preparations, but the difference impacts the choice of moving company and relevant regulations.
Do interstate movers have a minimum size requirement?
Most moving companies have a minimum size requirement of 1,000 pounds which is equivalent to roughly 40 medium-sized moving boxes or a small studio worth of household goods.
During the peak summer moving season (May-August), some moving companies increase their minimum size to 2,000 or even 3,500lbs. This is about the average weight of a one-bedroom apartment.
Do moving companies offer storage?
Most professional movers offer long and short term storage options. Many companies will offer 30 days of free storage (aka “Storage-in-transit”). Keep in mind the moving company will most likely store your goods in their warehouse so you will not have access to the items while stored.
If you’re relocating over 1,000 miles or cross country, you’ll want to consult your mover about delivery timeframes to make sure storage services are necessary. It’s not uncommon for deliveries to take over 2 weeks.
Do moving companies ship cars?
Some freight companies will transport cars, but it’s typically not the best option since a car takes up space and other items can’t be loaded on tip. Instead, many reputable moving companies partner with professional car shippers. If you need auto transport for a corporate relocation or a family move, check out our post on the best car shippers to find the company that’s right for you.
Can you hire movers just to load a rental truck?
Some moving companies offer labor only services, it just depends on the company. The best way to find labor-only moving services is on a website like HireAHelper.
How early should I book a move?
Generally, we recommend booking a moving company 2 months before your expected move date. If you’re moving during the busy summer months (May-August) you may want to consider booking as early as possible. If you wait too long many companies will book up and your options will be limited. Check out our article on the best time to move for more info to meet your specific moving needs.
How can I move out-of-state cheaply?
Relocating long distance is expensive but there are some ways you can reduce your overall cost depending on the type of move. A few ideas:
- Consider “Do-it-yourself” (DIY) moving options like renting a moving truck
- Consider “hybrid moves” where you pack and unpack and pay a moving container company or freight company like PODS or U-Pack to do the driving for you
- Move during off-peak times
- Find free moving boxes and supplies
- Downsize as much as possible
Check out our article on cheap ways to move out of state for more ideas and tips.
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