10 Types of Moving Companies & How to Choose
Here’s the quick answer: The main types of moving companies are local, long-distance, international, and specialty movers, plus moving containers, freight trailers, rental trucks, full-service movers, packing and labor services, and moving brokers. The more of the work you do yourself, the less you pay. Moving containers and rental trucks cost about 30% less than full-service movers on average.
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.
Jump to the moving company info you’re looking for:
What are the different types of moving companies?
Different movers handle different parts of the market. Some do everything for you, while others only provide a truck, a container, or a crew. Here are the 10 main types of moving companies:
- Local moving companies
- Long-distance & interstate moving companies
- International moving companies
- Specialty moving companies
- Moving containers
- Freight companies
- Rental trucks
- Full-service movers
- Packing & labor services
- Moving brokers
1. Local moving companies
Local movers handle short moves, usually within the same city or metro area. Many treat moves under about 100 miles as local, and most charge by the hour.
Looking for the best movers in your area? Here are the best local moving companies based on where you live.
Learn MoreHiring for a local move is usually simple, since most areas have several local movers to choose from. Hourly rates vary a lot by city. Browse our guides to the best local movers to compare companies near you.
2. Long-distance & interstate moving companies
Long-distance movers handle moves between cities, states, or coasts. A move is interstate when your belongings travel between states, even if you’re moving within the same state and the route crosses another one.
Interstate movers must follow FMCSA rules and have a USDOT number. They usually price by the weight or volume of your belongings, and packing or storage costs extra. Long-distance movers fall into two groups:
- Residential movers: Help families move their household goods
- Commercial movers: Help businesses and offices relocate
Want extra protection on a long move? Choose a moveBuddha Certified mover for $1,000 in added move coverage and moveBuddha-backed dispute mediation if something goes wrong.
3. International moving companies
International movers ship your belongings overseas by sea, air, or a mix of both. Most international moves cost $3,000 - $18,000+, depending on what you ship, where you’re going, and how fast you need it.
Sea freight is the most affordable option and usually takes 4 - 12 weeks or longer. Air freight is much faster, but it can cost five to ten times more than sea freight for the same volume. International movers also help with customs paperwork. See our guide to the best international moving companies.
4. Specialty moving companies
Specialty movers handle items that need extra care or equipment. Tell your mover about special items when you get quotes, since bulky-item handling can add $150 - $400 per item. Items that often need a specialty mover include:
- Hot tubs
- Pool, ping pong & foosball tables
- Pianos & other musical instruments
- Antiques, art & collectibles
- Cars & motorcycles
- Gym equipment
- Guns & ammunition
- Safes
- Aquariums & terrariums
5. Moving containers
A moving container company drops off a container at your home, you pack and load it at your own pace, and the company drives it to your new home or a storage facility. It’s often called a “you pack, we drive” move.
| Company | Quote | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
UNITS Moving and Portable Storage 
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Check prices |
 
4.3 / 5
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U-Pack 
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Check prices |
5 / 5
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Zippy Shell 
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Check prices |
4.2 / 5
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Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service movers on average. They’re a good fit if you don’t mind the labor but don’t want to drive a truck, or if you need storage between homes. Many container companies store your container at their facility until you’re ready.
6. Freight companies
Freight companies sell space on a trailer, so you only pay for the space your belongings take up. You load the trailer yourself, and a professional driver handles the transport.
Freight moves work well for long-distance moves with a lot of furniture. The tradeoffs are less specific delivery times, no packing or loading help, and basic valuation coverage of 60 cents per pound on many shipments. See our guide to freight moving companies.
7. Rental trucks
A rental truck is as DIY as it gets and is usually the cheapest way to move. You pack, load, drive, and unload everything yourself.
Rental trucks are usually priced with a daily rate plus a per-mile fee, and you’ll refill the gas before you return it. Optional damage coverage is worth considering. A rental truck also gives you the most reliable delivery date, since you’re the one driving.
8. Full-service movers
Full-service movers handle every part of your move. They pack, load, transport, unload, and unpack, and some also offer storage, cleaning, or car shipping.
Full-service moves are the most convenient but also the most expensive option. They also have the widest delivery windows, so ask for your delivery dates in writing.
9. Packing & labor services
Packing services pack your belongings before moving day, and labor-only movers load and unload your truck or container. Many full-service movers also offer packing as an add-on.
rating
4.15 / 5
- Get multiple labor quotes
- Online booking system
- Available nationwide
Professional packing costs an extra $0.15 - $0.21 per pound on average. For labor-only help, two movers typically cost $208 - $402 for two hours, based on U-Haul Moving Help data. Ask whether packing materials are included, or if you need to buy your own. See our guide to the best moving labor companies.
10. Moving brokers
Moving brokers don’t own trucks or employ movers. Instead, they arrange your move and hand it to a carrier that does the actual work.
Brokers must be registered with the FMCSA and give you a list of the movers they use. Because you may not know who will show up on moving day, moveBuddha doesn’t recommend working with brokers. Book directly with a carrier when you can.
How do the different types of moving companies compare?
Here’s a quick look at what each moving option includes.
| Option | You handle | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Full-service movers | Nothing | Convenience |
| Moving containers | Packing & loading | Flexible timing & storage |
| Freight trailers | Packing & loading | Long-distance moves |
| Rental trucks | Everything | Lowest cost |
| Labor-only movers | Driving | DIY moves with help |
Should you hire a local or national moving company?
A local mover is usually best for a move within your area, since it knows the neighborhoods and often charges less by the hour. National movers have larger networks for cross-country moves.
For moves over 500 miles, local and national movers charge about the same. A local mover often gives you more dedicated service and closer access to customer support, so compare both before you book.
What is the most affordable way to move?
A full DIY move with a rental truck is usually the cheapest way to move. You rent a truck, pack, load, drive, and unload everything yourself.
The next most affordable option is a moving container or freight trailer. You pack and load, and the company handles the driving.
What affects the cost of a moving company?
Your cost depends on how much you’re moving, how far you’re going, and when you move. Access fees for stairs, elevators, long carries, or shuttle trucks can add $75 - $500+ when a truck can’t park close to your home.
Use our moving cost calculator to compare options. It’s built on 1,000+ live price points collected each month, so you can see how full-service, container, and truck rental costs stack up for your route. If cost matters most, see our guide to the best cheap moving companies.
Are moving companies reliable?
Most moving companies are reliable, but quality varies from mover to mover. Doing your research before you book is the best way to avoid problems.
To avoid scams, make sure an interstate mover has an active USDOT number and is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Read recent reviews and ask for details about the moving process and quote.
How can I choose the right type of mover?
Start by deciding how much of the work you want to do. Then choose between full-service movers, a moving container, a freight trailer, a rental truck, or labor-only help.
- Check coverage: Confirm the mover serves both your current city and your new one.
- Research reputation: Read reviews of the best moving companies and ask friends for referrals.
- Get 3 - 5 quotes: Ask about licensing, insurance, and anything specific to your move.
- Watch for outliers: Be wary of quotes that are much lower or higher than the average for your move.
The moveBuddha Mover Marketplace gets you up to five no-obligation quotes from one request, matched to movers’ real-time availability. Movers competing for your business saves about 30% on average.
FAQ
What are the main types of moving companies?
The main types are local, long-distance, international, and specialty movers. DIY-friendly options include moving containers, freight trailers, rental trucks, and labor-only help. Moving brokers arrange moves but don’t perform them.
What’s the difference between a local & long-distance mover?
Local movers handle short moves, usually within a city or metro area, and charge by the hour. Long-distance movers handle moves between cities or states and price by weight or volume. Interstate movers must be registered with the FMCSA.
What’s the difference between a mover & a broker?
A mover owns trucks and employs crews who do your move. A broker only arranges your move and passes it to a mover. Book directly with a mover when you can.
What is the cheapest type of moving company?
A rental truck is usually the cheapest option, since you do all the work. Moving containers and freight trailers are next and cost about 30% less than full-service movers. Full-service movers cost the most.
What is a full-service moving company?
A full-service mover packs, loads, transports, unloads, and unpacks your belongings. Some also offer storage, cleaning, or car shipping. It’s the most convenient option but also the most expensive.
Do I need a specialty mover?
You may need one for pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, safes, or fine art. Ask your regular mover first, since many handle some specialty items. Mention these items when you get quotes so your price is accurate.
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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