Don't let the overwhelming logistics and hefty expenses dampen your excitement for moving long-distance. Instead, find a trustworthy team of professionals.
May 27, 2026
We've researched and compared the leading long-distance moving companies in the US to help you find the right partner for your move. Our guide breaks down each company's strengths, pricing approach, and real customer feedback — whether you need a full-service carrier or a budget-friendly broker.
Online quotes - Yes (website and mobile app)
With over 50 years of experience and more than 12,000 moves handled annually, Colonial Van Lines has established itself as one of the most reliable long-distance and interstate moving services providers. Its offerings include full-service packing and unpacking, DIY loading with transportation, and secure storage facilities.
Why we chose Colonial Van Lines: The company's moving packers and loaders undergo thorough training at Colonial Van Lines University (CVLU) in safety protocols and techniques to protect your belongings during the move. They use padded wrapping to shield your furniture and fragile items during transit. Colonial's user-friendly mobile app also lets you request virtual moving quotes and manage your inventory from home.
What customers are saying: Jordan (34) from California praises the professionalism of the representative who assisted him, stating that the services and expectations they set were accurate. He adds, "Working with the team was a breeze."
Pros
User-friendly website and mobile app
Flexible moving dates to meet your needs
In-house trained crews with CVLU certification
Binding estimates available
Cons
Safe Ship is a licensed interstate moving broker that tackles projects of any size with its full-service moving solutions. The company provides packing, unpacking, loading, transportation, and storage options to ensure a seamless experience, no matter where you're headed.
Why we chose Safe Ship: Safe Ship goes the extra mile by supplying auto transport as an optional add-on to your long-distance move. This is particularly advantageous when relocating vast distances where flying is the most convenient option. The company also accommodates last-minute and next-day moves, making it a strong choice for time-sensitive relocations.
What customers are saying: Emily (25), an Oklahoma college grad, recently relocated cross-country for her dream job with the help of Safe Ship. She states that the company "provided affordable prices and arranged everything."
Pros
Accommodates last-minute and next-day moves
Can assist with corporate relocations
Only works with bonded, licensed, and insured carriers
Cons
With over 25 years of experience, American Van Lines specializes in moving fragile, high-value items like pianos, antiques, and fine art. Its flat-rate pricing model means all standard services are included up front — so you know exactly what you'll pay before moving day.
Why we chose American Van Lines: American Van Lines offers state-of-the-art private holding facilities for both short-term and long-term use. Your belongings are stored in climate-controlled units and personal vaults with 24/7 security. Its expertly trained crews are known for handling high-value and fragile items with extra care.
What customers are saying: Olivia (34) from California says American Van Lines handled her belongings "with great care and attention to detail. The movers went above and beyond to make the process smooth and stress-free."
Pros
Cons
Online quotes - Yes (virtual tour option)
International Van Lines (IVL) boasts an impressive track record of handling over 20,000 relocations per year. Its customized long-distance moving service has one month of free storage, full packing and supplies, custom crating, and assembly/disassembly.
Why we chose International Van Lines: A key advantage of IVL is its licensed carrier status, granting full control over its fleet and crews for enhanced reliability and accountability. Additionally, it holds broker authority to handle national and international logistics across 150 countries.
What customers are saying: Joseph (39) from Montana was particularly impressed by how friendly and professional International Van Lines' movers were. "[IVL] wrapped everything and even finished packing for [her]! That was awesome!"
Pros
Has helped over one million customers move successfully
Virtual tour option for convenient estimates
One month of free storage included
Cons
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group (IMRG) is a licensed moving broker connecting you with pre-approved US relocation specialists. It offers long-distance, commercial, and military moves, including the discreet transport of military equipment using only trustworthy companies.
Why we chose Interstate Moving & Relocation Group: IMRG's corporate moving services range from economical office relocations to the meticulous transport of high-value equipment. Its fees typically include costs like fuel, taxes, tolls, driving, loading, and unloading — giving you a clearer picture of total costs up front.
What customers are saying: Remus (32) from Utah says that IMRG "made [his] long-distance move as easy and stress-free as possible." The movers took care of his items, and nothing got scratched during a seven-hour trip.
Pros
Cons
Online quotes - No (phone only)
Native Van Lines, based out of Miami, FL, is a moving company specializing in residential and commercial relocations. It provides full packing and unpacking assistance, storage solutions, and car shipping services. Additionally, it boasts two Houzz awards for excellent customer support.
Why we chose Native Van Lines: Native Van Lines boasts an extensive network of over 300 global partners to ensure you get the best service available. Plus, getting the quote and setting the moving date is super simple.
What customers are saying: Nadine (44) from Florida had a wonderful time moving with Native Van Lines. "Native Van Lines was easy to work with and communicated frequently. The movers arrived on time and were very professional. [They] handled a huge 1400+ mile move smoothly."
Pros
Vehicle transport services
24/7 customer service
30 days of free storage
Cons
Online quotes - Yes
Moving APT is a broker with a network of 2,500+ FMCSA-verified partner carriers. It uses fixed quotes — what you're quoted is what you pay, with no surprise charges at delivery.
Why we chose Moving APT: Its fixed-quote model protects against the most common broker frustration: the final bill coming in higher than expected. Pricing is competitive, with one-bedroom interstate moves starting around $850 and three-bedroom cross-country moves available under $7,000. Unlike brokers that hand off after booking, Moving APT maintains a dedicated in-house team as the primary contact throughout the move and handles carrier disputes internally.
What customers are saying: Customers report responsive initial support and competitive pricing. Some negative Trustpilot reviews cite late pickups and delivery delays, so verify your assigned carrier's DOT number independently before signing
Pros
Cons
Allied Van Lines is one of the best interstate moving companies for a seamless transition across states. With 95+ years of experience and a network of 400+ local agents, Allied is consistently rated among the top cross-country movers by multiple industry publications. Whether you're planning a household, office, or global relocation, its team has the equipment to handle any move.
Why we chose Allied: Allied is one of the few long-distance movers that doesn't require a deposit to book your move, which makes it a low-risk option. It also offers customizable Extra Care Protection coverage with a smooth claims process if something gets damaged. Storage facilities are available if you need to hold your belongings during the transition.
What customers are saying: Mary (27) says Allied easily handled her move from Texas to Illinois. "[They] were always on schedule for packing, pick up, and drop off. The movers protected the floors, and no walls were damaged. I am so satisfied."
Participating states - Varies by partner
Insurance - Varies by partner
Online quotes - Yes (virtual visual estimates)
Contact options - Phone, email, mail, online contact form
Packing service - Yes
Country Mile Moving is a long-distance moving company that assists with both commercial and residential relocations. Its virtual visual estimates use video and pictures to create accurate, binding quotes — so there are no hidden fees and what you see is what you pay.
Why we chose Country Mile Moving: You'll be assigned a dedicated team of relocation professionals to support you from the initial quote to pickup and final delivery. Its reps will even assist you for weeks after the relocation if any issues arise, which sets it apart from competitors that end support on delivery day.
What customers are saying: Michael (48) from Virginia enjoyed Country Mile's efficient reservation process. "[They] ask plenty of questions and tell you things you don't even know you should know. They are into details, making it easier on the day of the move. Definitely call them if you need to move."
Pros
Cons
Online quotes - Yes
North American Van Lines is a moving company that provides hassle-free relocation services tailored to your needs and budgets. It has packing and unpacking, temperature-controlled storage, auto shipments, and 24/7 customer support.
Why we chose North American Moving Services: The company prioritizes efficient and safe delivery so you can start settling into your new space. In addition to complimentary stretch wrapping and custom crating for valuables, its movers will set everything up quickly after unpacking.
What customers are saying: Mark (54) from Arizona hired North American Van Lines to move from Pennsylvania to Minnesota and says the company provided "A+ service. Pickup was on time, as was the delivery of [his] furniture. [His] delivery was actually delivered earlier than [he] expected."
Pros
Cons
The following comparison highlights the best long-distance moving companies based on specific relocation needs such as military moves, international relocations, fragile-item transport, personalized customer support, and flexible scheduling. These movers offer different strengths depending on your budget, timeline, and moving requirements.
| Company | Best For | Company Type | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colonial Van Lines | Full-service interstate moves | Carrier | Strong nationwide full-service support |
| Safe Ship | Military families & HOA-regulated moves | Broker | Flexible coordination for regulated communities |
| American Van Lines | Flat-rate pricing & specialty items | Carrier | Strong handling for antiques & pianos |
| International Van Lines | International & corporate relocations | Carrier/Broker Hybrid | Excellent global moving network |
| Interstate Moving & Relocation Group | Comparing multiple moving quotes | Broker | Competitive quote marketplace |
| Native Van Lines | Personalized customer service | Broker | Hands-on relocation coordination |
| Moving APT | Budget shoppers comparing carriers | Broker | Fixed quotes, 2,500+ partner network |
| Cross-country moves with no upfront deposit | Carrier | No-deposit interstate booking | |
| Country Mile Moving | Last-minute moving changes | Broker | Flexible move-date adjustments |
| Fragile & high-value item packing | Carrier | Strong specialty packing services |
This table compares important long-distance moving features including binding estimates, storage availability, packing services, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements. Comparing these features can help you identify which interstate mover best fits your relocation needs and budget expectations.
| Company | Deposit Required | Storage Options | Packing Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colonial Van Lines | Yes | Yes | Full packing & unpacking |
| Safe Ship | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| American Van Lines | Yes | Yes | Fragile-item packing available |
| International Van Lines | Yes | 1 month free storage | Yes |
| Interstate Moving & Relocation Group | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Native Van Lines | Yes | 30 days free storage | Yes |
| Moving APT | Yes | Yes (short & long-term) | Yes |
| No | Yes | Yes | |
| Country Mile Moving | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Varies | Yes | Custom crating available |
Full packing services ensure your belongings are loaded carefully and safely. Professional packers use the right materials and techniques to protect your items. Although this service may cost extra, it can be invaluable for delicate possessions.
If you're on a budget, consider partial packing — you pack some items yourself while the movers handle others. It's also wise to educate yourself about what the moving company will and won't move to help plan your own packing strategies.
This is especially useful if you're relocating to college and want an easy transition.
Another vital consideration is whether the moving company offers auto shipping services. If you need to transport your car to your new location, combining this option with your household move can save you money and help you have a stress-free experience with car shipping providers.
Discuss the insurance coverage with potential moving companies. Reputable providers should offer various options to protect your belongings in case of loss, damage, or theft during the move. Inquire about their insurance offers, such as individual item coverage or total loss insurance, and make sure you understand the terms, limitations, and deductibles involved.
Always verify that a long-distance moving company is properly licensed before booking. For interstate moves, companies must be registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can search a company's DOT number on the FMCSA website to confirm its authority, insurance status, and complaint history. All companies listed in this guide are FMCSA-compliant and licensed for interstate moves.
A binding estimate guarantees that your final price won't change, as long as there are no changes to your inventory or services. A non-binding estimate gives you an approximate cost, but the final bill could be higher. For long-distance moves, we recommend requesting a binding or not-to-exceed estimate after a virtual or in-home survey. This gives you the most accurate pricing and protects you from surprise charges on moving day.
Use trusted review sources like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, and ConsumerAffairs to research movers. Pay attention to how companies respond to negative feedback — it's a good indicator of customer service quality. Watch out for red flags like unusually low quotes, demands for large cash deposits, or refusal to perform an in-home or virtual survey before quoting. Legitimate movers provide written estimates and clearly explain cancellation and refund policies.
When shopping for a long-distance moving company, you'll encounter two types of providers: carriers and brokers.
A moving carrier owns the trucks and employs the crews who physically pack, load, transport, and unload your belongings. When you book with a carrier, you're working directly with the company responsible for your move. Many large national carriers, like Allied Van Lines and United Van Lines, operate through local agent networks.
A moving broker doesn't transport your belongings itself. Instead, it connects you with a licensed carrier from its network. Brokers like Safe Ship and Interstate Moving & Relocation Group can be helpful for finding competitive pricing or availability on popular routes.
Neither option is inherently better. The key is confirming the company's USDOT number, asking whether it's acting as a carrier or broker, and getting your estimate and cancellation terms in writing before you book.
On average, a long-distance move costs around $4,600, but the actual price can range widely based on distance, weight, season, and services. Here's a breakdown by home size:
| Home Size | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1-bedroom | $1,500–$4,800 |
| 2-bedroom | $3,000–$6,500 |
| 3-bedroom | $5,000–$8,500 |
| Cross-country (2,000+ miles) | $6,000+ |
The main factors that affect cost include distance covered, the amount of belongings you're moving, and your service level (full-service packing vs. DIY loading). Always request a binding estimate after a virtual or in-home survey for the most accurate pricing.
You can save money by doing some of the work yourself — pack and load your belongings, then hire movers like these U-Haul Alternatives only for transportation.
After the job, consult our guide to find out how much to tip movers.
Get multiple surveys: Request at least three in-home or virtual walk-throughs for accurate, binding estimates and apples-to-apples comparisons.
Verify credentials: Confirm USDOT/MC numbers, insurance, and complaint history before booking. Choose established carriers with transparent terms.
Book ahead: Reserve your preferred dates four to eight weeks out — longer for summer (May–September) — to avoid peak premiums and limited capacity.
Plan access and permits: Arrange elevator reservations, loading zones, and any required street or building permits at both locations.
Protect high-value items: Take photos showing the condition of your belongings and discuss valuation coverage with your mover before the move.
Use a moving checklist
to stay organized. Label each box with its destination room and keep an inventory of the contents.
Before packing, sort through your belongings and donate, sell, or dispose of items you no longer need. Plus, several charities will pick up your furniture for free.
Use quality packing materials to ensure your belongings are well-protected during long-distance travel.
Wrap delicate items individually in bubble wrap or packing paper and place them in boxes with additional cushioning. Mark these boxes as "Fragile" to ensure careful handling.
Prepare a box or suitcase with items you'll need immediately at your new home. This includes toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, and chargers.
A long-distance move typically involves relocating 100 miles or more, often across state lines. Interstate moves require movers to be licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Costs vary based on distance, weight, home size, and services. On average, expect to pay $1,500–$4,800 for a 1-bedroom move, $5,000–$8,500 for a 3-bedroom, and $6,000+ for cross-country moves over 2,000 miles. Always get multiple binding estimates.
The most affordable options include renting a moving truck, using a moving container service like PODS, or hiring labor-only movers to load and unload while you handle the driving.
Book your movers four to eight weeks before your move date. During peak season (May–September), book even earlier to lock in your preferred dates and avoid premium pricing.
For interstate moves, companies must have a USDOT number and be registered with the FMCSA. You can verify any mover's credentials on the FMCSA website.
All licensed movers must provide basic liability coverage (about $0.60 per pound), which won't fully cover high-value items. Ask about full-value protection or consider purchasing third-party moving insurance for added peace of mind.
A good guideline is 15% of your total bill for large moves and 5% for smaller ones. Alternatively, you can tip each mover around $40. Learn more in our guide on how much to tip movers.
Moving containers like PODS are typically 20–50% cheaper than full-service movers for long-distance moves, but you handle the loading and unloading yourself. Full-service movers cost more but save you time and physical effort.
We meticulously examined various long-distance moving companies to find the top options. Our streamlined methodology focused on essential services and features, ensuring a thorough assessment.
Research is essential when choosing a long-distance moving company. Our top pick is Colonial Van Lines for its trained crews and comprehensive services, but we recommend gathering quotes from at least three providers to compare pricing and options for your specific move.
As a Top10 writer, LiCalsi applies his real estate and relocation expertise to thoroughly explore moving services. He offers practical advice rooted in first-hand experience to help simplify moving complexities. His writing aims to clarify the moving process with straightforward, actionable tips.
