FAQ
Interstate moving questions, answered
Who is the best interstate moving company?
A Plus Moving and Storage is the top rated interstate mover in our 2026 ranking, with a CMR Score of 10.0 out of 10. It is a carrier with binding prices and published storage terms, but it serves only the lower 48 and its BBB complaints rose in the last year. MC Movers (9.6), Jacob and Sons (9.4) and Safeway (9.2) follow, and Atlas Van Lines (8.4) leads the national van lines. The right pick depends on your route, home size and whether you need Alaska, Hawaii or storage.
What are the best state to state moving companies?
The best state to state moving companies are the same as the best interstate movers, because state to state and interstate mean the same thing: a move that crosses a state line. Our top five are A Plus Moving and Storage, MC Movers, Jacob and Sons, Safeway Moving and Atlas Van Lines. Every mover in this index held active FMCSA household goods authority on Oct 23, 2026.
What is the difference between interstate and intrastate moves?
An interstate move crosses a state line and falls under federal FMCSA rules, while an intrastate move stays inside one state and is regulated by that state. Only interstate movers need FMCSA household goods authority and must follow the federal estimate, delivery and claims rules in 49 CFR Part 375. A long move inside one big state, such as across Texas, is intrastate.
How much do interstate movers cost?
An interstate move with a full service mover typically costs $2,700 to $3,990 for about 2 bedrooms, based on moves booked through the CMR network from completed 2026 moves. A studio or 1 bedroom typically ran $1,950 to $2,580, about 3 bedrooms $4,630 to $6,130, and 4 or more bedrooms $7,150 to $10,890. Use the price checker above for your distance.
How long does an interstate move take?
An interstate move usually takes 2 to 3 days up to 500 miles, 3 to 7 days up to 1,000 miles, and about 5 to 10 days for 2,000 to 3,000 miles on a dedicated truck, according to published Allied Van Lines timelines. A shared truck can stretch to about 14 days. Your contract must list a delivery date or spread, and that is the number to compare.
What is the difference between a dedicated and a consolidated truck?
A dedicated truck carries only your belongings straight to your new home, while a consolidated truck shares space with other households to cut the cost. Dedicated is faster and more predictable but costs more. Consolidated is cheaper but brings a wider delivery window, so ask which one your quote assumes.
How far in advance should I book an interstate mover?
Book 4 to 6 weeks ahead off peak and 5 to 7 weeks ahead from May to September (ConsumerAffairs). Short notice moves are sometimes possible, but you will have fewer dates and wider delivery windows.
Is a carrier or a broker better for an interstate move?
A carrier is usually the simpler choice, because one company is responsible from pickup to delivery. A broker sells the move and hires a carrier, which can widen your options but splits responsibility. Brokers are legal; get the carrier's name and USDOT number in writing before paying. Big van lines are carriers that work through local agents.
How do I check if an interstate mover is licensed?
Look up the mover's USDOT number on FMCSA SAFER Company Snapshot and confirm the status is active and the authority includes household goods. MC numbers were retired in October 2025, so the USDOT number is the identifier to check. Then search the same number in the FMCSA household goods complaint database.
Should I pay a deposit to an interstate mover?
A modest deposit by card is normal, but a large upfront deposit by wire or cash is a red flag. Several van lines in this ranking take no deposit, including Atlas, Allied, United and Mayflower, while others range from $250 at JK to 10% to 50% at American Van Lines. Get the amount and refund terms in writing.
Is a binding estimate better?
A binding estimate is usually better because the price is fixed for the items and services listed. With a non binding estimate the mover can collect no more than 110% of the estimate at delivery and bill the rest later. A binding not to exceed estimate can go down if your shipment weighs less, but not up.
Are online moving quotes accurate?
Online quotes are only as accurate as the inventory behind them, so treat a quote without a survey as a rough guide. A binding estimate after a video or in home survey is the one you can hold a mover to. Make sure every quote prices the same cubic feet or weight.
What is the cheapest way to move to another state?
The cheapest way is usually a rental truck or a moving container that you load yourself. CMR's guides show $1,044 to $1,957 for a 1,400 mile truck rental and $2,000 to $4,500 for one container over about 1,000 to 1,200 miles before labor. For a small apartment, small load shipping is another option.
How much should I tip interstate movers?
Tipping is optional. FreightWaves suggests 5% to 15% of the bill for a long distance move ($50 to $100 per mover is common), and This Old House suggests $25 to $40 per mover on a $2,000 move. On an interstate move the loading and delivery crews are often different, so consider tipping each crew.
What items will interstate movers not move?
Interstate movers will not carry hazardous materials such as flammables, and many refuse perishables. Keep irreplaceable valuables with you. Carry cash, jewelry and documents yourself. See our list of
what long distance movers won't move.
Do I need moving insurance for an interstate move?
You do not have to buy extra coverage, but basic released value coverage pays only 60 cents per pound per item. Full value protection costs more and makes the mover repair, replace or pay current value. Read our guide to
moving insurance and valuation coverage.
Where do I complain about an interstate mover?
File a complaint with the FMCSA National Consumer Complaint Database at nccdb.fmcsa.dot.gov. You can also file with the BBB and your state attorney general. For damage, file a written claim with the mover within 9 months of delivery first.
How do I cancel an interstate move?
Cancel in writing as early as possible and follow the refund terms in your contract. Terms vary: A Plus refunds the deposit on a written request within 72 hours, International Van Lines with 48 or more hours notice before pickup, and Mayzlin with 7 business days notice, while Moving APT charges a 10% fee after 24 hours.
What should I look for in a moving contract?
Check three documents before your goods leave: the order for service, the bill of lading and the inventory. The order for service should show the estimate type and price, the services ordered and the agreed pickup and delivery dates. The bill of lading is your contract and receipt, so confirm it matches the order for service, shows your valuation choice and has no blank spaces. The inventory lists every item and its condition; check it at loading and again at delivery, and note any damage before you sign.
