Allied Van Lines is our pick for the best long-distance moving company thanks to its no-deposit policy, guaranteed pricing options, and nationwide network of movers. Long-distance moves come with unique challenges, from coordinating logistics to budgeting for a multi-day relocation.
For our review, we looked into leading moving companies based on factors important to long-distance moves, service offerings, nationwide availability, and customer experience. Our research also included a nationwide survey of 1,000 homeowners about their recent moves, with an analysis of responses from those who completed a long-distance relocation.
Key Takeaways
- Allied Van Lines is our top choice for long-distance moves thanks to its transparent pricing, nationwide network, and comprehensive moving services.
- Based on our national moving cost data, the average price of a long-distance move ranges from $2,074 for moves of 50–200 miles to $3,945 for moves of more than 1,700 miles.
- Our nationwide survey of 1,000 recent moving customers found that 85% of those who completed a long-distance move said their final cost matched their original quote.
Top Long-Distance Moving Companies
Here’s our list of the best long-distance moving companies:
- Allied Van Lines: Best for Transparent Pricing
- International Van Lines: Best for International Moves
- JK Moving Services: Best Comprehensive Moving Services
- North American Van Lines: Best for Large Moves
- Safeway Moving Inc.: Best Specialized Labor
Comparing Top Movers for Long Distances
To narrow down the best long-distance moving companies in the industry, we reviewed and ranked each provider based on what’s most important to customers like you. See how our top-rated moving companies compare below.
| Provider | Our Score | Average Price | Deposit | FMCSA Licensing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$3,112 | Up to 25% | Carrier/Broker | ||
$2,944 | 20%–30% | Carrier | ||
$3,520 | None | Carrier/Broker | ||
$3,601 | None | Carrier/Broker | ||
$2,273 | $250 | Carrier |
Our Reviews of Top Long-Distance Movers
Learn more about each long-distance moving company on our list to find the best option for your next move.
Allied Van Lines
Company Overview
- Doesn’t require a deposit to book, unlike some competitors
- Offers multiple ways to reach customer service, including a 24/7 support line
- Provides binding moving estimates
Keep in Mind
- Not as affordable as some competitors we’ve reviewed
- Receives mixed reviews from customers on some platforms
Our Review
Allied Van Lines is our top pick for long-distance moves because it’s one of the largest and most experienced moving companies in the U.S., with more than 95 years in business. The company stands out for its transparent pricing and doesn’t require a deposit to reserve your move, unlike some competitors that ask for 20%–30% upfront. While Allied’s estimates may seem higher initially, they’re less likely to be artificially low and increase after your move.
Allied also offers convenient features such as virtual in-home estimates, GPS shipment tracking, and both open and enclosed vehicle shipping. Combined with its nationwide network and long-standing reputation, these services make Allied a dependable choice for interstate moves.
Customer Experiences
We read through positive and negative Allied Van Lines reviews on the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Trustpilot, and Google Reviews to learn more about experiences with the company. Customers praised Allied Van Lines for its reliable crews, quick loading and unloading times, and fair prices. On the other hand, most complaints centered on damage, customer service issues, lost items, and shipment delays.
Here are samples of customer reviews for Allied Van Lines:
“My wife and I could not have had a better experience with Allied. We have a lot of stuff, [and we’re] in our 70s and put a big load on these movers. Everyone in the company that we dealt with were not only competent but pleasant and enjoyable to be around.” —Mark L. via Google Reviews, January 2026
“The movers themselves were fine, [but] everything else was terrible. We paid to have them pack and move our house. The packing was a complete joke. Clothes just thrown into boxes, heavy things placed on top of fragile things, boxes mislabeled, [and] clothing used as packing material. To be determined how they handle our damage claims.” —Jeremy B. via Trustpilot, July 2026
International Van Lines
Company Overview
- Offers one free month of storage with every move
- Moves customers to and from all 50 U.S. states and to 180 countries
- Frequently offers discounts on its website
Keep in Mind
- Operates as a carrier and broker, which can result in non-International Van Line crews and trucks handling your move
- Charges fees for having stairs outside your home and buildings with elevators
Our Review
International Van Lines (IVL) is a solid choice for long-distance and international moves, serving all 50 states and more than 140 countries. The company operates as both a carrier and a broker, meaning some moves may be handled by third-party partners through its broker authority, Ocean Star International (USDOT #2247789). While this gives International Van Lines a wider service area, it may result in a less consistent moving experience.
The company stands out for offering one month of free storage in the pickup area, along with specialty services such as custom crating and debris removal. During our secret shopping, we also found that the company frequently offers 5%–10% discounts through online promotions or by calling a representative before booking.
Customer Experiences
We read through reviews for International Van Lines and found that most customers appreciate the company’s professionalism, secure packing, and wide range of moving services. On the other hand, complaints centered around poor communication and issues with billing, including differences between the quoted price and the actual price.
Here are two examples of customer reviews for International Van Lines:
“International Van Lines did an excellent job coordinating all aspects of my relocation. The logistics were handled efficiently and their team kept me informed with timely updates. Everything arrived safely and the experience exceeded my expectations.“—Hiran M. via the BBB, January 2026
“We signed a moving contract to move from Arizona to Maine. They have had our items for 22 days, and during that time it’s been incredibly hard to get ahold of them. They were unable to give us an estimation of time when we could expect our items, we got less than 24 hours notice when the driver would be arriving, and upon arrival the driver said that we would need to help unload our items since he wasn’t able to get help. My partner and I both have physical limitations, which is the reason why we spent $6,000 to be moved by them. Don’t recommend” —Hannah GB. via Trustpilot, April 2026
JK Moving Services
Company Overview
- Charges a $250 deposit, which is more affordable than some other companies
- Offers affordable financing options via Enhancify
- Trains staff using a fully-furnished model home at its headquarters
Keep in Mind
- Only offers long-distance moves for customers moving from Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia
- Charges higher prices than other companies we’ve reviewed
Our Review
JK Moving Services earns a spot on our list thanks to its attention to detail and specialized packing services. The company trains its crews in a model home at its headquarters, equips every truck with dash cams, and provides GPS shipment tracking. Its in-house training also prepares movers to safely pack and transport fragile or high-value items, including antiques, wine collections, sculptures, and pianos.
Unlike some competitors, JK Moving operates solely as a carrier rather than a broker, so your move won’t be outsourced to a third-party company. While its prices tend to be higher and online quotes aren’t available, JK Moving is an excellent choice for long-distance moves originating in Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Virginia.
Customer Experiences
Customers of JK Moving Services liked the company’s professional employees and smooth pickup and delivery process. Most complaints, however, involved billing disputes, such as unexpected price increases, or damaged belongings.
Here are two samples of customer reviews for JK Moving:
“JK Moving moved me from Virginia to Boston [during] the last week of December. They did an excellent job in packing, unloading, and setting up at my new place. Very professional workers and services. I highly recommend!” —Pamela F. via Google Reviews, January 2026
“I’ve used JK Moving twice. My first experience in 2001 was excellent, but the move in 2025 was extremely disappointing. The company sent an understaffed team, and when they saw we were still packing a few boxes, they left—leaving only two movers to handle the entire job until a new crew was found the next day. Delivery was equally frustrating. Over time, I’ve discovered numerous items that never made it to our new home. With the short timeframe the company gave us to report missing items, it was impossible to catch everything. Overall, it was a stressful and costly experience that fell far short of expectations.” —Gloria A. via Google Reviews, October 2025
North American Van Lines
Company Overview
- Doesn’t charge a deposit for your long-distance move
- Offers bottom-line pricing, not-to-exceed pricing, and customized pricing options
- Provides useful moving resources, like a relocation cost calculator and a mover checklist
Keep in Mind
- Charges more for binding estimates
- Offers fewer storage options based on service location
Our Review
North American Van Lines stands out for its nationwide network of more than 1,400 trucks and 500 agents, enabling it to handle long-distance moves across the country. Although it operates as both a carrier and a broker, its extensive in-house fleet reduces the likelihood that your move will be outsourced to a third-party company. North American also offers helpful planning tools, including a moving cost calculator to help estimate your relocation expenses.
The company offers some of the most flexible pricing options in the industry, including binding estimates and guaranteed not-to-exceed pricing to help protect against unexpected costs. If your belongings are lost or damaged during transit, North American also provides a straightforward claims process.
Customer Experiences
Based on our review of third-party sites, most customers were satisfied with North American Van Lines for its on-time deliveries, sometimes even ahead of schedule, careful moving crews, and fixed rates with no billing surprises. However, most complaints involved damaged belongings, understaffed crews, and poor communication.
Here are two samples of customer reviews for North American Van Lines:
“We recently used North American [Van Lines] for a coast-to-coast move and were very impressed by their professionalism. They were very prompt in their responses, and the whole process, from obtaining the quote to the actual move, went through very smoothly. The pick-up and drop-off of our items was as promised and on time. Would highly recommend them.” —Satish R. via Google Reviews, December 2025
“Would not recommend [North American Van Lines] for international moves. The packers took everything apart and lost every screw, remote, and power cord to everything that plugs in.” —M. Loggins via Google Reviews, January 2026
Safeway Moving Inc.
Company Overview
- Includes 30 days of storage free with all long-distance and interstate moves
- Offers binding moving estimates with no hidden fees
- Provides price-matching if you find a lower rate with another company
Keep in Mind
- Doesn’t offer any pricing info online
- Lacks the industry experience that other providers on our list have
Our Review
Safeway Moving Inc. earns a spot on our list thanks to its reliable pricing and specialized moving services. The company offers custom crating for fragile or high-value items, specialized packing teams, and price matching if you receive a lower quote from another licensed mover. Safeway also displays its U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), Florida registration, and motor carrier numbers on its website, making it easier to verify the company’s credentials.
One important note is that several moving companies use the name “Safeway.” Before requesting a quote, confirm you’re visiting the correct Safeway Moving Inc. website and verify the company’s USDOT number to ensure you’re working with the correct provider.
Customer Experiences
Customers often praised Safeway Moving Inc. for its courteous employees and careful packing of furniture and fragile items. Most complaints centered on communication problems and unexpected changes to estimates or final charges.
Here are two samples of customer reviews for Safeway Moving Inc.:
“A smooth and well-organized move [by Safeway Moving Inc.] was the result of proper preparation and attention to detail. The crew began working immediately upon arrival. A fantastic service, [and] I am pleased I chose them.” —Cooper A. Via Trustpilot, January 2026
“[Safeway Moving Inc.] doesn’t communicate at all and is just dishonest. They will cost the client their money, their time, and their sanity. We needed to pay an additional $2,200 for all the extra boxes. They will upcharge for everything.” —Dana M. via Trustpilot, January 2026
Key Moving Terms Explained
If you’re planning a long-distance move, these key moving terms can help you better understand different quotes and services.
- Binding estimate: A guaranteed price based on your inventory and requested services. Your final cost won’t increase unless you add items or change your move.
- Broker: A company that arranges your move by hiring third-party movers rather than handling it itself. Service quality can vary depending on the carrier assigned to your move.
- Carrier: A moving company that uses its own trucks and employees to complete your move. Carriers are directly responsible for your belongings and any claims.
- Delivery spread: The estimated time window when your belongings will arrive. Long-distance moves are typically delivered within a range of dates rather than on a specific day.
- Interstate move: This is a move that crosses state lines. Interstate movers must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and follow federal moving regulations.
- Nonbinding estimate: An estimate that can change based on your shipment’s actual weight, the services provided, or other moving costs.
- Not-to-exceed estimate: A quote with a maximum price. If your move costs less than estimated, you’ll pay the lower amount.
- Van line: A nationwide network of affiliated movers that works together to complete long-distance relocations.
Pro Tip
- Planning out your move ahead of time can help reduce stress and keep your long-distance relocation on schedule. Check out our planning tips stay organized from the moment you start researching movers through moving day.
What Services Do You Need for a Long-Distance Move?
While the exact services you choose will largely depend on your move specifics and preferences, it’s important to choose a company that offers what you need. For example, if you have a lot of items you may choose to pay for services like packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, and vehicle shipping.
The providers on our list offer loading, unloading, packing, and unpacking services. Specialty services like storage options and antique services vary by company. See and compare which services our top long-distance moving companies offer below.
| Specialty Service | Allied Van Lines | North American Van Lines | JK Moving Services | International Van Lines | Safeway Moving Inc. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle shipping | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fragile-only packing | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Furniture disassembly and reassembly | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Junk removal | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✘ |
| Appliance and electronics disconnection | ✔ | ✔ | ✘ | ✘ | ✘ |
| Antique and specialty services | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Piano moving | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Storage | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Office moves | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
To ensure peace of mind during your long-distance move, we recommend careful planning, using security features like shipment tracking, and investing in movers with the experience to transport your belongings safely over long distances.
How Much Do Long-Distance Moves Cost?
The average cost of a long-distance move is $3,124, based on our national moving cost data. Pricing can range from an average of $2,074 for moves of 50–200 miles to $3,945 for moves of more than 1,700 miles. The table below shows average costs by home size for moves between 201 and 800 miles, a common range for interstate relocations.
| Home Size | 201–500 Miles | 501–800 Miles |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,239 | $1,999 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,946 | $2,087 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,766 | $3,249 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $6,566 | $7,016 |
Your final cost may vary depending on the services you choose, your moving date, and whether you’re transporting specialty items or purchasing add-on services.
How Do Long-Distance Movers Calculate Costs?
Unlike local movers, who typically charge by the hour, long-distance movers usually base pricing on the distance of your move and the weight of your shipment. Additional factors, such as the time of year, delivery timeline, and whether you’re transporting specialty items like pianos, antiques, or fine art, can also affect your total cost. During the estimate process, ask your mover how these factors may impact your final price.
How To Budget for Additional Moving Expenses
Your moving quote may not include every expense associated with a long-distance move. We surveyed 1,000 homeowners nationwide about their experiences with their most recent move. Among homeowners who completed a long-distance move, 50% purchased professional packing services, making it the most common add-on. Packing supplies (41%) and storage (28%) were the next-most-popular add-ons.
Depending on your move, you may also need to budget for the following expenses:
- Valuation coverage: Extra protection for your belongings beyond the mover’s basic liability coverage.
- Packing and unpacking: Professional packing can save time but adds to your overall moving cost.
- Storage: Temporary storage fees if your new home isn’t ready when your belongings arrive.
- Vehicle shipping: Transporting a car separately can significantly increase your moving budget.
- Specialty moving services: Items such as pianos, antiques, fine art, or large safes may require custom crating or specialized handling.
- Tips and travel expenses: Factor in gratuities for your moving crew, along with hotel stays, fuel, and meals if you’re driving to your new home separately.
Homeowner Insights
More than half of the homeowners (52%) who completed a long-distance move in our survey purchased additional valuation coverage, also known as full-value protection, to better protect their belongings during transit.
How To Save Money on a Long-Distance Move
Long-distance moving is often expensive, but if you’re working with a tight budget, there are a few ways to cut down on costs. We put together some moving tips to get the best rates.
Request estimates from at least three moving companies before booking your move. Comparing quotes helps you evaluate pricing, included services, and valuation coverage to find the best overall value. Some movers, such as Safeway Moving Inc. and American Van Lines, also offer price matching, allowing you to use competing estimates to secure a better deal.
Long-distance moving costs are often based on your shipment’s weight, so reducing the number of items you move can lower your total cost. Consider donating, selling, or recycling belongings you no longer need before requesting estimates.
If your schedule allows, consider moving in the fall or winter, or scheduling your move on a weekday or mid-month date. These times typically have lower demand than weekends, summer, or the end of the month, which may help you secure a lower rate.
Many moving companies offer discounts for seniors, military members, students, first responders, and other groups, though they aren’t always advertised. Ask about available promotions when requesting quotes to ensure you’re receiving every discount you qualify for.
If you need services such as vehicle shipping or storage, ask whether the mover offers discounted pricing when you bundle them with your household move. Bundling services can sometimes cost less than arranging them separately.
How To Save With Other Long-Distance Moving Options
While full-service movers offer the most convenient way to complete a long-distance move, this route isn’t your only option. If you’re looking to reduce costs or take a more hands-on approach, consider these alternatives.
Truck Rentals
Renting a moving truck is typically the most affordable option for long-distance moves because you’ll only pay for the truck rental and mileage. However, you’ll be responsible for packing, loading, driving, unloading, and returning the truck, making this option best suited for those with help from friends or family.
Portable Storage Containers
Portable moving containers offer a balance between convenience and cost. The company delivers a container to your home, allowing you to pack at your own pace before it is transported to your new location. Some providers, including Allied Van Lines, North American Van Lines, JK Moving Services, and International Van Lines, also offer optional packing assistance for a more flexible moving experience.
Hybrid Moving Services
If you don’t mind renting your own truck or moving container, labor-only movers can handle the heavy lifting while you handle transportation. This option can help reduce costs while eliminating the most physically demanding parts of a long-distance move.
What To Know About Regulations for Long-Distance Movers
Interstate movers must follow regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Knowing your rights before booking a mover can help you avoid scams, compare companies with confidence, and protect your belongings throughout the moving process.
- USDOT licensing: All interstate moving companies must have an active U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) number issued by the FMCSA. Before hiring a mover, verify its credentials using the FMCSA’s Company Snapshot tool and confirm the USDOT number matches the company you’re considering.
- Weight tickets: If you receive a nonbinding estimate, your mover must provide a certified weight ticket with your bill of lading so you can verify how your final charges were calculated.
- Your Rights and Responsibilities booklet: Federal law requires interstate movers to provide the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet before your move. This guide explains estimates, liability coverage, dispute resolution, and other important consumer protections.
- The 110% rule: If you receive a nonbinding estimate, your mover cannot require you to pay more than 110% of the estimated cost at the time of delivery. Any remaining balance must be billed later.
Homeowner Insights
While 55% of surveyed homeowners received a binding estimate, 45% either received a nonbinding estimate or didn’t know which type of estimate they had. Before signing your contract, confirm the type of estimate so you know how your final cost will get calculated.
What Our Survey Shows About Long-Distance Moves
We surveyed 1,000 homeowners nationwide about their most recent move and analyzed responses from those who completed a long-distance relocation. Here are some of the biggest takeaways that can help set expectations for your own move.
What Does the Average Long-Distance Move Look Like?
Most long-distance homeowners (70%) moved from a three- or four-bedroom home. Nearly 69% completed their move with a single moving truck, while 27% required two trucks. The most common moving crew consisted of three movers, though nearly 60% of respondents had a crew of two to four movers.
Quotes and Pricing
More than half of homeowners (55%) received a binding estimate before moving day, helping them lock in pricing in advance. We also found that 85% of respondents said their final moving cost matched their original quote, suggesting that accurate estimates are common when movers have a complete inventory of your belongings.
Customer Satisfaction
Overall, homeowners reported positive experiences with their long-distance movers. Four out of five homeowners reported being satisfied with their long-distance move, and 84% said they would hire a professional mover again. Among homeowners who wouldn’t hire their mover again, the most common complaints were damaged belongings (73%), poor communication (61%), overcharging (46%), and missed delivery windows (34%).
FAQs About the Best Long-Distance Moving Companies
Is it cheaper to hire movers or do it yourself?
It’s almost always cheaper to do it yourself when it comes to moving. While many long-distance moving companies offer affordable rates, you pay for labor, travel time, fuel costs, and sometimes additional fees for extra services. If you choose to rent a truck and do it yourself, you can cut out labor and service fee costs, making for a much more affordable bill. However, long-distance moves can include many moving parts that might make hiring professional movers worth the cost.
How much do long-distance movers cost?
According to our research, the average price for a long-distance move is $3,124. Your individual costs may vary based on your location, company choice, home size, extra services, moving date, and item weight.
How much should I tip movers?
As a general rule, aim to tip movers roughly $5–$10 per hour per mover or 15%–20% of the final bill for the whole crew, depending on the quality of service. Alternatively, you can budget $20–$50 per mover per day, as long as the move doesn’t go beyond eight hours.
What is moving insurance?
Moving insurance protects your belongings in the event items get damaged during your move. Federal law requires interstate and long-distance moving companies to provide two different types of liability coverage: released-value protection and full-value protection, according to the FMCSA. Or, you can opt for third-party insurance. Third-party insurance may offer more in terms of coverage, but it’s often more expensive and less convenient than in-house options, which you can more easily lump in with your moving service.
How We Ranked the Best Long-Distance Moving Companies
We rated each long-distance mover in this guide according to our moving review methodology. To find the best long-distance moving companies in the industry, we researched company services, collected more than 1,000 moving quotes, read online customer reviews, and spoke with company representatives. We also paid close attention to special features like GPS tracking, mobile app accessibility, and 24/7 customer service that offer customers more peace of mind during long-distance moves.
Our Rating Methodology
We used a custom 100-point scale to rank long-distance moving companies based on the six factors below, which we then converted into 5-star ratings for each company. Here’s a closer look at the categories we used to review moving companies:
- Customer service: We read hundreds of customer reviews on third-party review sites such as the BBB, Trustpilot, and Google Reviews to identify patterns of satisfactory service and complaints. Companies that responded to more than 90% of complaints and have star ratings of 2.5 and above on these platforms received the most points.
- Reputation: We made sure each moving company is reliable by checking its FMCSA status as a carrier or broker, seeing how many inspections it has failed in the past two years for drivers and moving trucks, and verifying that it background-checks its movers. Companies operating as carriers only with a failure rate lower than the national average of 22.26% received the most points.
- Value: We requested over 1,000 quotes from leading moving companies and assessed each company based on its average price for a two-bedroom move ranging from 500–800 miles. We awarded the most points to companies that offered us quotes of less than $2,000–$4,000, while providers with quotes between $4,000–$10,000 received fewer points.
- Service offerings: Most long-distance movers offer loading and unloading services, but the best companies go above and beyond. We awarded the most points to companies that also offer packing and unpacking, vehicle shipping, fragile-only packing, furniture disassembly and reassembly, appliance and electronics handling, office moves, piano moving, and junk removal. We also awarded points to companies that offer packing supplies and DIY moving options like portable storage containers.
- Item protection: Moving companies must provide released-value and full-value protection to customers by law, but some providers go even further. We gave the most points to companies that offer additional coverage through customizable full-value insurance plans or third-party insurance. We also awarded points to companies with additional protections like custom crating , GPS-tracking, and antique services.
- Scheduling: We awarded points to providers that offer convenient ways for customers to book moves and contact representatives. The best companies have multiple communication channels, including mobile apps, email, consumer portals, telephone, and 24/7 chat. We also gave points to companies that allow customers to book moves and get estimates online instead of requiring an in-person inspection.
