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Best Interstate Movers

Best Interstate Moving Companies

★ 2026 Edition · 10 movers ranked

By Dr. Steven R. Grossman, Founder & President · Reviewed by Sarah E. Whitaker, Senior Editor

Interstate moving involves far greater complexity than a local relocation. When your belongings travel hundreds or thousands of miles across state lines, even minor issues can become costly and stressful. We ranked the top long-distance movers — and built a full guide to choosing one, what it costs, and how to prepare.

USDOT & MC verified BBB ratings checked CMR Certified vetting Independent & reader-funded

Reviewed by the Consumer Moving Reviews editorial team · Last updated August 2026

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Our Top-Rated Movers

The best interstate moving companies, ranked

Every company below is scored on licensing, protection, communication, and service mix. The CMR Certified badge marks the movers we've vetted most closely.

1Best Overall
Best Overall

A Plus Moving and Storage CMR Certified

★★★★★10/10
  • Direct carrier with its own trucks and in-house crews — not a broker
  • A+ BBB rating, binding estimates, real-time tracking, white-glove handling
  • Up to 40% off published tariffs on select routes

Direct carrier · USDOT 3006268 · MC 26730 · 11 yrs (since 2015)

10/10
Editorial Score
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2Protection
Best Private Carrier · Extra Protection

MC Movers CMR Certified

★★★★★9.6/10
  • Licensed nationwide mover with protection-first handling
  • Clear valuation options for fragile, high-value items
  • Full-service long-distance support

Nationwide carrier · USDOT 2538365 · MC 882866 · A+ BBB · 7 yrs (since 2019)

9.6/10
Editorial Score
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3International
Best International Company

International Van Lines

★★★★★9.4/10
  • Strong domestic long-distance and international coverage
  • Flexible storage windows for in-between timing
  • Seamless cross-border relocation support

Carrier & broker · USDOT 2293832 · MC 796971 · A+ BBB · 26 yrs (since 2000)

9.4/10
Editorial Score
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4Private Brand
Best Private Brand · Value

Safeway Moving CMR Certified

★★★★★9.2/10
  • Best overall value with premium support features
  • Veteran owned
  • Donates a portion of proceeds to charity

Veteran-owned carrier · USDOT 3756000 · MC 1335229 · A+ BBB

9.2/10
Editorial Score
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5Network
Best Agent Network

Bekins Van Lines

★★★★★9.2/10
  • One of the oldest U.S. movers — in business since 1891
  • Local, long-distance, and cross-country coverage
  • Dedicated moving manager as your single point of contact

Established van line & agent network · since 1891

9.2/10
Editorial Score
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6Family-Owned
Best Family-Owned Van Line

Colonial Van Lines

★★★★★8.6/10
  • Family-owned interstate carrier handling 12,000+ moves a year
  • Crews trained at its in-house Colonial Van Lines University academy
  • Virtual estimates through the company’s own mobile app

Carrier · USDOT 1434373 · MC 681534 · A+ BBB · 23 yrs (since 2003)

8.6/10
Editorial Score
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7West Coast
Best for West Coast Moves

BLVD Moving

★★★★★8.0/10
  • California-based carrier for residential and long-distance moves
  • Serves the greater Los Angeles area plus interstate routes
  • FMCSA-licensed household goods carrier

Carrier · USDOT 2892909 · MC 971895 · B+ BBB

8.0/10
Editorial Score
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8Best Broker
Best Moving Broker

Safe Ship Moving Services

★★★★★7.8/10
  • Dedicated move coordinator for end-to-end support
  • Discounted pricing through a vetted carrier network
  • Nationwide network coverage

Licensed broker · USDOT 3475743 · MC 1139083-B

7.8/10
Editorial Score
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9Broker Network
Best Broker Network

Moving APT

★★★★★7.5/10
  • Matches your move with carriers from a vetted network
  • One quote request to compare multiple carrier options
  • Nationwide coverage through partner carriers

Licensed broker · USDOT 2247863 · MC 731090 · B BBB

7.5/10
Editorial Score
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10White Glove
Best White-Glove Handling

JK Moving Services

★★★★★7.0/10
  • Largest independent moving company in North America
  • Full-time crews that are background checked and drug tested
  • Residential, corporate, government and international moves

Carrier · USDOT 1065394 · MC 196957 · 45 yrs (since 1981)

7.0/10
Editorial Score
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Buyer's Guide

How to choose an interstate moving company

Selecting a reliable mover requires careful evaluation. Focus on these three key factors before you sign anything.

Budget & pricing transparency

Costs vary widely. Get detailed written estimates from multiple companies, and be cautious of quotes that seem unusually low — they often hide fees or signal substandard service.

Licensing & insurance

Verify proper federal licensing (USDOT authority) and adequate insurance. Understand the claims process, liability limits, and what protection your belongings carry if damaged or lost.

Reputation & track record

Research recent reviews, ratings, and complaint history. Look for consistent feedback on professionalism, punctuality, communication, and care for belongings.

What It Costs

Average cost of an interstate move

Long-distance costs depend on distance, total shipment weight, time of year, and added services. Most reputable interstate movers charge between $0.50 and $0.80 per pound.

$2,700 – $10,000+
Typical total for an interstate move
$0.50 – $0.80
Per pound, most reputable movers
+$280 – $2,200
Full packing services & materials
Home sizeEstimated weightEstimated cost range
1 bedroom1,500 – 3,000 lbs$700 – $3,500
2 bedrooms4,000 – 6,000 lbs$1,000 – $6,500
3 bedrooms7,000 – 10,000 lbs$1,400 – $8,500
4 bedrooms11,000 – 14,000 lbs$1,800 – $11,000
5 bedrooms15,000 – 17,000 lbs$3,500 – $13,000
6+ bedrooms18,000+ lbs$4,500 – $16,000+

These are general estimates. Actual costs depend on your specific route, services, and current market rates. Movers determine final charges by weighing the loaded truck (or using cubic footage with weight) — always request an in-home or virtual survey for an accurate quote.

Expert Advice

Top tips for a successful long-distance move

Proper planning is essential for interstate relocations. These proven strategies keep your move on track.

1Create a detailed timeline

Begin planning 6–8 weeks ahead. Build a weekly checklist covering mover booking, packing, utility transfers, and address changes to stay organized and avoid last-minute issues.

2Declutter before moving

Cut costs by eliminating what you don't need. Sell, donate, or discard unwanted items — every pound removed lowers your final moving bill.

3Pack strategically

Start with non-essentials (seasonal clothing, books, décor) weeks ahead; save daily-use items for last. Label every box with contents and destination room, and consider professional packing.

4Plan logistics carefully

Confirm the movers' arrival window, secure truck parking, and reserve elevators if needed. Keep an essentials bag with clothing, toiletries, medications, documents, and chargers for travel.

5Document everything

Build a detailed inventory before the truck departs and photograph valuable or fragile pieces. This is critical evidence for any insurance claim if items arrive damaged.

Why hire professional interstate movers?

Attempting a long-distance move yourself means renting a truck and handling all the packing, loading, unloading, and long-haul driving — significantly raising the risk of damage, injury, and unexpected expenses.

Professional movers bring specialized training, proper equipment, and experience with fragile items, heavy furniture, and tricky access. They're fully insured and understand the complexities of interstate regulations.

At A Plus Moving and Storage, our experienced crew handles every aspect of your move with care and efficiency — so you can focus on the many other details of relocating your life. Ready to move with confidence?
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Moving 1,000+ miles coast to coast? See our best cross-country movers ranking, or the complete cross-country relocation guide for costs, timelines, and vetting tips specific to long coast-to-coast lanes.
Questions

Interstate moving FAQs

How far in advance should I book an interstate mover?
Start planning 6–8 weeks ahead and book your mover as early as you can lock in dates — especially for summer moves, which are the busiest and priciest part of the year. Early booking gives you more carrier choice and better pricing.
How much does an interstate move cost?
Most interstate moves run between $2,700 and over $10,000, driven mainly by shipment weight and distance, with reputable movers charging roughly $0.50–$0.80 per pound. Full packing services typically add $280–$2,200. See the cost table above for estimates by home size.
How do I verify a mover is properly licensed?
Interstate movers must hold federal USDOT authority. You can confirm a company's registration and safety record on the FMCSA's public SAFER and Mover Search tools using the USDOT or MC number — both of which we list on each company card.
What's the difference between a carrier and a broker?
A carrier owns the trucks and crews that physically move you. A broker matches you with a vetted carrier from its network and coordinates the job. Both can work well — direct carriers give you one company end-to-end, while brokers can surface competitive pricing across several carriers.
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