Best Interstate Moving Companies for Long-Distance Moves
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: There is no single best interstate moving company, but Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for value and nationwide availability. Most interstate moves of 2,000–2,500 miles run $4,000–$5,000, and the right company for you comes down to your route, home size, budget, and timing.
We reviewed 4,500+ movers across a 72-point rating system using FMCSA licensing records, real pricing data we refresh monthly, contract reviews, and firsthand customer interviews from our Better Moves Project. Two names consistently earned top marks across the routes and move types we see most: Safeway Moving and American Van Lines. Many of the same companies also rank among the best long-distance moving companies.
Use the tool below to find the top moving companies matched to your specific move.
A typical long-distance move of 2,000–2,500 miles costs $4,000–$5,000. Small moves average $900–$3,500, and large homes run $5,000–$15,000. Professional packing adds another $0.15–$0.21 per pound, and fuel surcharges add 8%–15% to transportation charges. See what your specific move should cost with our moving cost calculator.
moveBuddha users save more than 30% on average compared to people who book the first quote they receive.
Learn MoreJump to the interstate moving info you’re looking for:
moveBuddha Certified interstate movers:
Safeway Moving and American Van Lines both carry the moveBuddha Certified badge, backed by pricing data, contract reviews, and real customer interviews. Certified movers give you $1,000 in added coverage and dispute mediation if something goes wrong.
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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
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Our picks for the 10 best interstate moving companies in 2026:
These 10 companies stood out for transparent pricing, nationwide service coverage, and strong performance in our data-backed evaluation of interstate moving services. Each one is ranked using the same 72-point system applied to all 4,500+ movers in our database.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value. Safeway holds a 4.9 out of 5 moveBuddha rating and is moveBuddha Certified. Flat-rate pricing verified by video survey and 30 days of free storage on every interstate move keep your costs predictable from the day you book.
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover. American Van Lines has handled household moves since 1967 with fully trained in-house crews. It also tops our list of best antique moving companies, making it the strongest pick for art, antiques, and other high-value items.
- International Van Lines: Best customer service. International Van Lines staffs customer service 24/7 and issues binding estimates that lock in your price as long as the scope of your move does not change. Interstate customers also get 30 days of free storage, and veterans and seniors get a 10% discount.
- North American Van Lines: Best customized plans. North American Van Lines builds move plans around your specific needs rather than fixed packages. It also transports cars, boats, and other vehicles through a contract mover, which helps if you are relocating a household and a vehicle at once.
- Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage. Allied offers some of the strongest protection options in the industry for household goods in transit. It also ships cars and boats, and typically completes vehicle transport in three to seven days.
- Atlas Van Lines: Best for price matching. Atlas earns a 4.47 out of 5 moveBuddha rating and will match competitor pricing, which makes it worth adding to any quote comparison. Some customers report inconsistent handling care, so confirm which local agent will run your move.
- BLVD Moving: Best for quick quotes. BLVD sends same-day estimates by text, so you can compare a real number within hours instead of days. That speed matters most when your move date is already locked in.
- Colonial Van Lines: Most skilled moving crews. Colonial carries a 4.75 out of 5 moveBuddha rating and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Its crews earn consistently high marks for careful handling on long-distance routes.
- Mayflower: Best for binding estimates with no deposit. Mayflower has run full-service moves for nearly a century and includes full value protection at no extra charge. It requires no deposit, issues binding estimates, and offers custom crating for specialty items.
- United Van Lines: Widest local agent network. United works through a broad network of local agents and handles specialty and international moves. Our review found it falls short of our top interstate picks on price, so compare it against Safeway Moving before you book.
Pro tip: Get all three quotes on the same inventory list so you are comparing the same move, not three different guesses, and ask each company whether the estimate is binding or non-binding before you sign. Our guide to binding vs. non-binding estimates explains what can still change after you agree to a price.
Why moveBuddha
- On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
- When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
Best long-distance movers near me
Looking for a mover that serves your state? Here is our ranked list of the best long-distance movers in all 48 contiguous states.
- Long-Distance Movers in Alabama
- Long-Distance Movers in Arizona
- Long-Distance Movers in Arkansas
- Long-Distance Movers in California
- Long-Distance Movers in Colorado
- Long-Distance Movers in Connecticut
- Long-Distance Movers in Delaware
- Long-Distance Movers in Florida
- Long-Distance Movers in Georgia
- Long-Distance Movers in Idaho
- Long-Distance Movers in Illinois
- Long-Distance Movers in Indiana
- Long-Distance Movers in Iowa
- Long-Distance Movers in Kansas
- Long-Distance Movers in Kentucky
- Long-Distance Movers in Louisiana
- Long-Distance Movers in Maine
- Long-Distance Movers in Maryland
- Long-Distance Movers in Massachusetts
- Long-Distance Movers in Michigan
- Long-Distance Movers in Minnesota
- Long-Distance Movers in Mississippi
- Long-Distance Movers in Missouri
- Long-Distance Movers in Montana
- Long-Distance Movers in Nebraska
- Long-Distance Movers in Nevada
- Long-Distance Movers in New Hampshire
- Long-Distance Movers in New Jersey
- Long-Distance Movers in New Mexico
- Long-Distance Movers in New York
- Long-Distance Movers in North Carolina
- Long-Distance Movers in North Dakota
- Long-Distance Movers in Ohio
- Long-Distance Movers in Oklahoma
- Long-Distance Movers in Oregon
- Long-Distance Movers in Pennsylvania
- Long-Distance Movers in Rhode Island
- Long-Distance Movers in South Carolina
- Long-Distance Movers in South Dakota
- Long-Distance Movers in Tennessee
- Long-Distance Movers in Texas
- Long-Distance Movers in Utah
- Long-Distance Movers in Vermont
- Long-Distance Movers in Virginia
- Long-Distance Movers in Washington
- Long-Distance Movers in West Virginia
- Long-Distance Movers in Wisconsin
- Long-Distance Movers in Wyoming
Read our full methodology →
Get personalized results for your long-distance move
We have dedicated pages for every state, city, and route, with real mover rankings and pricing data for your specific journey.
What are the cheapest alternatives to full-service interstate movers?
Moving containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% compared to full-service moving. Full-service movers offer the most convenience, but these alternatives let you trade some labor for real savings.
Tips for your interstate move
How to save money on your long-distance move:
How to avoid interstate moving scams:
How to choose the right interstate mover:
Advice from actual moving customers:
Key takeaways
- Safeway Moving is our best overall interstate mover. It combines a 4.9 out of 5 moveBuddha rating, flat-rate pricing, and nationwide availability with 30 days of free storage.
- American Van Lines is best for high-value, bulky, and fragile items. It has moved households since 1967 and tops our list of best antique moving companies.
- Most interstate moves cost $4,000–$5,000 for 2,000–2,500 miles. Small moves average $900–$3,500 and large homes run $5,000–$15,000.
- Moving containers and truck rentals cost about 30% less than full-service movers. They are the right call if you can handle loading and unloading yourself.
- Always compare at least three quotes and verify a mover’s USDOT registration. moveBuddha users who compare quotes save more than 30% over people who book the first offer they get.
FAQ
What is considered a long-distance move?
A long-distance move is any move of about 100 miles or more, though the exact cutoff varies by moving company. Long-distance moves can be either in-state or interstate. What makes them long-distance is the mileage and the extra logistics involved, like longer transit times, wider delivery windows, and sometimes storage-in-transit.
If you are comparing quotes, ask each mover how they define long-distance moves and whether pricing is based on distance, shipment weight, or both.
What is an interstate move?
An interstate move is any move that crosses state lines. These moves can be a few hundred miles or several thousand, but what makes them distinct is that crossing state lines brings additional federal regulations.
Because of those rules, interstate movers must be properly registered and follow federal requirements for estimates, liability and valuation coverage, and dispute resolution.
Do interstate movers have a minimum size requirement?
Many interstate moving companies have a minimum shipment size, often around 1,000 pounds, which is roughly 40 medium boxes or a small studio apartment. Minimums can be higher during peak season from May through August, when demand is highest.
If you are moving a small load, ask about small move options, partial-load shipping, or container moves, which may be a better fit than a full-service van line minimum.
Do moving companies offer storage?
Yes, most moving companies offer storage. Of the 4,500+ movers we researched, 86% provide some sort of short- or long-term storage solution. Many interstate movers also offer storage-in-transit, which helps if your new home is not ready when your shipment arrives.
Storage-in-transit typically costs $0.50 per cubic foot per month, so a one-bedroom home at 514 cubic feet runs about $257 per month. Your items sit in the mover’s warehouse and you will not have access during that time.
Do moving companies ship cars?
Some moving companies offer auto transport, but it is not a standard service across the industry. Among our best interstate movers, Allied Van Lines, North American Van Lines, and International Van Lines all ship vehicles. Allied typically completes vehicle transport in three to seven days.
If you need dedicated car transport, it is often easier to book separately through an auto shipper, especially if you want enclosed transport or faster pickup timing.
How early should I book a move?
Book your interstate move 4–8 weeks in advance, and earlier if you are moving during peak season from May through August or at the beginning or end of the month. The earlier you book, the more likely you will get your preferred dates and better pricing.
If your dates are flexible, ask movers whether shifting by a day or two could lower your quote.
What is the cheapest way to move out of state?
The cheapest way to move out of state is renting a moving truck and doing the labor yourself. It is the most work, but rental trucks and containers cut costs by about 30% compared to full-service movers, and the savings are largest on short-to-mid distance moves.
For small-to-medium moves where you want less heavy lifting, a moving container is a good middle ground between DIY and full-service.
How long do interstate moves take?
Interstate moves take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on distance, time of year, and the mover’s routing and availability. Moves to a neighboring state are faster than cross-country moves, which often land in the 10–20 day range or longer during busy seasons.
Under ideal conditions a truck might cover up to about 400 miles per day, but many movers consolidate multiple shipments, so routes and delivery timing are not always direct.
How much does it cost to move across state lines?
A move across state lines costs $4,000–$5,000 for a typical 2,000–2,500 mile relocation, with small moves averaging $900–$3,500 and large homes running $5,000–$15,000. Costs depend on distance, shipment size and weight, and add-on services like packing, storage, specialty items, or long carries.
Rates are higher in peak season and on weekends. To avoid surprises, get at least three quotes and compare what is included, especially the estimate type, fees, and the mover’s delivery window.
How much should I tip interstate movers?
Tipping is optional, but it is common when your crew does a great job. A typical guideline is $20–$50 per mover for a half-day move, or $40–$100 per mover for a full day, and more if the work is especially difficult because of stairs, long carries, heavy items, or extreme weather.
If you would rather not tip in cash, cold drinks, snacks, or lunch are also appreciated.
Do I need moving insurance for an interstate move?
Released Value Coverage and Full Value Coverage are not moving insurance. They are carrier liability protections, and interstate movers are required to offer them. The basic option, released value protection, is limited to $0.60 per pound per item, so a 10-pound box might only be covered for $6 even if what is inside is worth much more.
Moving insurance is a separate third-party policy you buy independently, and those policies are often limited in scope. We recommend working with your mover to get Full Value Coverage instead. Confirm what is covered, what is not, and how claims are handled before you choose.
What should I look for in an interstate moving company?
Start by confirming the mover is properly licensed for interstate moves, which means it has an active USDOT number. Then compare quotes carefully and look at the estimate type, what is included, potential extra fees, and the company’s delivery window.
Review the contract terms for deposits, cancellations, refunds, and valuation coverage. If a price seems too good to be true or the company will not put details in writing, treat that as a red flag.
What’s the difference between a moving broker and a moving carrier?
A moving carrier is the company that actually transports your belongings using its own trucks and crews. A broker arranges the move by connecting you with a carrier or a network of carriers that will do the job. moveBuddha is not a broker, and we do not recommend working with brokers.
Either can be legitimate, but confirm who is responsible for your shipment, who you will contact on moving day, and which company name and USDOT number will appear on your paperwork.
What are the cheapest days or months to move out of state?
Weekdays from Monday through Thursday are cheaper than weekends, and off-season months in late fall and winter cost less than summer. Pricing also spikes at the beginning and end of the month when demand is higher.
If you can be flexible, ask movers for a few date options. Shifting your move by even a day or two can lower your quote.
How can I verify an interstate mover is licensed?
Ask for the mover’s USDOT number and look it up in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration database. A legitimate interstate mover has active registration, and the company name and contact information should match what you were given.
If a company will not provide a USDOT number, or the details do not match, treat that as a major red flag.
What’s the difference between a binding and non-binding estimate?
A binding estimate is a guaranteed price based on the inventory and services listed, so you pay that amount unless you add services or items. A non-binding estimate is only an approximation, and your final price can increase if the actual weight, volume, or services differ.
To reduce surprises, ask how the estimate was calculated and get all services and fees in writing before you sign.
How we chose the best moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.
Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.
Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.
State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.
Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).
Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.
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