Best Long-Distance Movers in South Dakota (2026 Guide)

We found Safeway Moving and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK to be the best long-distance movers in South Dakota based on our research. moveBuddha reviewed 12 movers in the state that offer interstate moving services and narrowed our selection to 3 national movers and 5 South Dakota-based movers. The companies featured here rose to the top for their strong value and reliability.

Most full service long-distance moves out of South Dakota cost between $1,495 and $6,024 depending on home size and destination.

Key takeaways

Who are the best long-distance movers in South Dakota?

Here are the best long-distance movers in South Dakota based on our research:

These national long-distance movers are the stronger choice for moves exceeding 500 miles from the Mount Rushmore State. Their carrier networks cover all 48 contiguous states, and their tracking, dispatch, and scheduling systems are built for multi-state routes that regional carriers cannot handle at scale. They are the best fit for larger households, cross-country relocations, and shipments requiring packing services or specialty-item handling.

Safeway Moving

Safeway Moving (USDOT#: 3166589) ranks as our best overall value pick in South Dakota because it offers the kind of pricing many shoppers want without giving up the premium support features that can make an interstate move easier to coordinate.

• Best overall value: Safeway Moving uses a barcode-scanned inventory system and 24/7 customer support to give you better visibility and control throughout your move.
• Competitive advantage: What helps Safeway separate itself is the inclusion of 30 days of free climate-controlled storage, along with optional full-value protection for customers moving higher-value belongings or planning a more involved relocation.
• Average cost: In one Better Moves experience, Safeway gave a $4,300 quote to move roughly 2,500 pounds about 1,300 miles.

Best overall value

Licensed

Insured

Price

rating 4.9 / 5

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(855) 650-0657

At A Glance

• Best overall value
• Veteran owned
• Portion to charity

read our full review

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(855) 650-0657

American Van Lines

American Van Lines (USDOT#: 614506) is our choice for the most experienced full-service interstate mover serving South Dakota because it's built for long-distance moves where precision matters, including shipments with antiques, pianos, large furniture, and high-value belongings.

• Most experienced handling: With dedicated crews and specialized training programs, American Van Lines is designed to safely move fragile and high-value items that require extra care and coordination.
• Competitive advantage: American Van Lines provides more advantages with its specialized crating, climate-controlled storage, antique handling services, and support for last-minute interstate moves, positioning it well for demanding moves.
• Average cost: For reference, moveBuddha data places the average cost for a two-bedroom interstate move of 1,000 miles with American Van Lines at about $3,948.

Most experienced mover

Licensed

Insured

Price

rating 4.9 / 5

Get A Quote

(866) 835-2392

At A Glance

• Certified crews
• Flat-rate pricing
• Family-owned

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(866) 835-2392

North American Van Lines

North American Van Lines (USDOT#: 070851) is our top pick for the best customized plans among full-service interstate movers in South Dakota because it provides more control over pricing, services, and booking terms than competing long-distance movers.

• Best customized plans: North American Van Lines offers flexible, build-your-own service options with a la carte pricing and tracking tools, making it easier to tailor a move to your budget and priorities.
• Competitive advantage: North American Van Lines has no upfront deposit, flexible service packages such as fragile-only packing, and vehicle-shipping add-ons, which gives it more customization than other full-service competitors.
• Average cost: Pricing typically falls between $5,330 and $13,462 for long-distance moves, based on firsthand moveBuddha pricing data.

Best customized plans

Licensed

Insured

Price

rating 4.8 / 5

Get A Quote

(844) 950-2963

At A Glance

• 1,800 trucks
• Storage available
• Customized moving plans

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(844) 950-2963

Which South Dakota-based movers are best for long-distance moves?

The companies below are headquartered in South Dakota and hold active FMCSA interstate operating authority. They are the right call for interstate moves under 500 miles and customers moving from one-bedroom or two-bedroom households. A headquarters based in South Dakota means direct local contact, faster dispute resolution, and scheduling flexibility that national carrier networks cannot match on shorter routes.

Based on our analysis of 12 interstate movers, these are the best long-distance movers headquartered in South Dakota:

What are the cheapest alternatives to full-service movers in South Dakota?

Full-service movers aren't the only option for a move from the Mount Rushmore State. These alternatives can lower costs and provide a more hands-on long-distance moving experience.

• Moving container companies: With this option, a mover drops off a portable container, gives you time to load it yourself, and then transports it to your destination. Long-distance container pricing from South Dakota starts around $2,071. Our top choice is PODS.
• Rental trucks: Rental truck companies provide the truck and put you in charge of loading, driving, and unloading. Long-distance rental truck pricing from South Dakota ranges from $20 to $99 per day. Our top choice is Budget Truck Rental.
• Labor-only movers: This service model provides professional loading and unloading help without supplying the truck or transportation. Labor-only pricing in South Dakota ranges from $60 to $80 per hour. Our top choice is TWO MEN AND A TRUCK.

South Dakota moving guide

A successful move to or from South Dakota depends on comparing the right details. With 12 movers licensed for interstate service, it's vital to focus on pricing, timing, protection, and delivery. That's even more important for long-distance moves, where the cheapest quote can be the weakest option once everything is accounted for.

Start by getting organized. Our moving checklist helps you line up dates, inventory, and priorities before you request estimates.

Compare quotes

Use the checklist below to break down moving quotes fairly and identify any hidden charges before you move forward.

• Ask what could affect the final bill: You should understand in advance what conditions or changes can increase the price.
• Ask what the quote includes: Every company should clearly explain which charges and services are already accounted for.
• Compare at least three written estimates: Each mover should be quoting the same shipment and the same services for the comparison to be useful.
• Review extra-cost items: Confirm whether bulky furniture, long carries, specialty items, stairs, and storage are included.
• Use cheap-looking quotes as a checkpoint: They often prove to be either genuine value or incomplete pricing once the details are reviewed.

Get binding estimates

Learn below how binding or non-binding estimates affect the price of a long-distance South Dakota move.

• Binding estimates: A binding estimate sets the price for the listed shipment and services in advance, which gives you more control over the cost. Confirm how the mover calculated the shipment and what specific inventory, service, or access changes can create additional charges.
• Non-binding estimates: A non-binding estimate is a price projection, not a fixed total. That means the final cost can rise if the actual shipment, services, or access conditions differ from your original quote.

Verify licensing, valuation, and coverage

A legitimate interstate mover should be easy to verify. Before you book, use the checklist below to confirm you're dealing with a properly authorized company.

• Start with South Dakota's licensing authority. Check that the company is properly registered, confirm the business name matches the quote and paperwork, and make sure the mover is actually authorized to operate where your move begins.
• The South Dakota Trucking Association can be a useful secondary checkpoint when you are screening movers in South Dakota. Use it to research whether a company appears active in the local industry, but don't treat trade-group involvement as a substitute for licensing or operating authority.
• Before you sign, review what level of valuation protection is included and ask what additional moving insurance or upgraded coverage options are available for higher-value items. For interstate moves, it's also smart to review the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA's) Protect Your Move resources so you understand your rights and the records you should verify before booking.

Plan for South Dakota logistics before moving day

There are some important considerations when you're dealing with the weather and climate on a South Dakota move:

• With summer highs above the national average, moving in South Dakota can be tougher on both crews and belongings, especially once heat builds inside a moving trailer. Ask about early-morning loading, heat-sensitive packing strategies, and whether climate-controlled storage is worth considering for vulnerable items.
• When winter lows fall below the national average, freezing conditions can slow loading, create slip hazards, and make delays more likely. Build buffer time into your schedule and confirm how the mover handles cold-weather protection and rescheduling.

Weather should not decide your mover, but it should shape your planning. Before you book, confirm the company's delay policy, delivery-window flexibility, storage backup options, and how it protects items during these challenges. Check out our handy list of questions to ask your movers to help get clear on all of this.

Take red flags seriously

Unusually cheap quotes, unclear documents, rushed sales pressure, and large deposits are warning signs that deserve attention on any move. Competitive pricing is part of the industry, but experienced shoppers know the difference between a company that is straightforward and one that is evasive. For more information, see our guide to common moving scams.

How much does a long-distance move from South Dakota cost?

For most households, a long-distance move from South Dakota costs between $1,495 and $6,024. Use that as a benchmark while you compare movers, not as a fixed quote. Your final cost depends on shipment size, mileage, access, timing, and the level of service you choose.

Biggest impacts to long-distance moving costs

Long-distance quotes reflect more than the number of miles on the route. Moves leaving South Dakota with similar destinations can still vary significantly in price once inventory, access limitations, timing, and added services are fully evaluated.

• Add-on services: Additional services like packing, storage, shuttle moves, or specialty handling can noticeably increase your total. Packing alone often runs $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
• Distance: Route length matters, but pricing does not increase at the same rate on every move.
• Move type: Lower-cost DIY options, such as containers and rental trucks, typically save about 30% compared to full-service moving.
• Shipment size: Larger loads require more handling and space, which raises the cost.
• Timing: Peak booking periods and limited flexibility can lead to higher rates.

Compare moving company pricing

The table below focuses on the estimated cost of using our top recommended long-distance movers in South Dakota and whether a deposit may be required at booking.

*Estimated costs are based on a 3-bedroom move of about 1,500 miles. Final pricing depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and whether a deposit is required for your move.

Key cost facts to know before you book

Here are the most important cost points to know before booking a mover:

• Deposit policies matter. A deposit may be required, but the terms should always be clear before you move forward.
• Fuel surcharges are common. These can increase costs by 8%–15% or about $100–$400 on many long-distance moves.
• The lowest quote might not end up being the lowest final bill. Lower quotes often leave out key services or include hidden fees that show up later.
• Written estimates matter. Review estimate types so you know how pricing works.

Estimated moving costs by home size

Your home size is one of the clearest early indicators of price. Use the table below to turn statewide averages into a more practical budgeting benchmark for your move.

*Estimated costs above are based on varying types of moves that cross state lines in South Dakota. All exceed 150 miles, but might remain below 1,500. Your price depends on inventory, distance, timing, service level, and more.

Common long-distance moving fees

Reputable movers should spell out these charges before you book.

• Access fees: If the truck cannot park directly at your home, expect added charges for stairs, elevators, long carries, or shuttle service—typically ranging from $75 to $500+.
• Bulky-item handling: Items like safes, large sectionals, or heavy appliances often require extra labor or equipment, adding roughly $150–$400 per piece.
• Shuttle service: When a smaller truck is needed, shuttle pricing usually runs $0.08–$0.12 per pound, often with minimum fees around $200.
• Other add-ons: Services such as packing, storage, or specialty-item transport (like pianos or antiques) can significantly increase your final cost.
• Storage-in-transit (SIT): Temporary storage typically costs about $0.50 per cubic foot and is handled through SIT, where items are stored in a warehouse without access.

For a deeper breakdown, review our guide to additional moving costs.

Final verdict: Best long-distance movers in South Dakota

moveBuddha reviewed 12 movers licensed for interstate service in South Dakota and ranked the top companies on quotes, reputation, services, support, and pricing transparency. Here are the top picks:

• Safeway Moving (4.9/5) — Best overall value: Safeway is moveBuddha's top national pick for long-distance moves from South Dakota. It includes barcode inventory tracking, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free climate-controlled storage — features most competitors charge extra for or don't offer at this price point.
• American Van Lines (4.9/5) — Most experienced: American Van Lines uses company-employed crews with specialty training for antiques, pianos, and high-value items. It's the strongest fit for shipments where careful handling is the priority.
• North American Van Lines (4.8/5) — Best customized plans: North American Van Lines rounds out the national picks for South Dakota moves. Its no-deposit booking, fragile-only packing option, and a la carte service structure make it the right call when flexibility and cost control are the priorities.
• TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.58/5) — Best South Dakota-based option: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is moveBuddha's top in-state pick for interstate moves under 500 miles. A South Dakota headquarters means a single local point of contact, faster dispute resolution, and scheduling flexibility national carriers can't match on shorter corridors.
• Estimated cost range: Most full-service long-distance moves from South Dakota cost between $1,495 and $6,024, based on moveBuddha's South Dakota pricing data. Shipment size and mileage are the 2 biggest drivers of where your quote lands in that range. Use the moveBuddha cost calculator to get a route-specific estimate. moveBuddha users pay 30% less on average than someone who books the first mover they contact.

FAQs about long-distance movers in South Dakota