Best Interstate Moving Companies (2022 Review)

Whether you’re moving from San Francisco to New York City or are planning a 20-mile relocation that barely crosses the state line, you’ll be in the market for a licensed interstate mover. Such movers are unique in that they must comply with federal licensing and accompanying regulations. These movers are also equipped to handle an array of moving needs and are the best options for getting you from point “A” to point “B.” We’ve done all the needed research to make your selection process easy. Here, you’ll learn:

• Who the best interstate moving companies are for a range of moving needs
• What to expect when planning your move
• How much your interstate move should reasonably cost

The 7 Best Interstate Movers

Our top picks for the best interstate movers in 2022:

• Best Full-Service Mover: International Van Lines
• Most Transparent Pricing: American Van Lines
• Most Moving Partners: Moving APT
• Most Vehicle Shipping Options: Allied Van Lines
• Most Customizable Moving Experience: JK Moving Services
• Best Overall Container Service: U-Pack
• Best Pricing Options: North American Van Lines

Compare The Best Interstate Movers

The following side-by-side comparison of the best movers in this category should give you a slight idea of what you can expect. For more detailed breakdowns of each mover, read our provider summaries below. 

International Van Lines: Best Full-Service Mover

International Van Lines is one of the preeminent brands in the moving industry. With nearly 20 years of experience, IVL has built itself into a nationwide provider that services moves as both a broker and a carrier. This allows for an almost unmatched diversity of service throughout all 50 states.

Why We Recommend IVL

International Van Lines’ calling card is its customer service. Clients consistently report excellent communication and care throughout the moving process, regardless of destination or actual move requirements. With IVL, you can rest assured that you’ll be well-cared for.

Pros and Cons of International Van Lines

Pros:

• Available across the U.S. and in 180 other countries
• Their customer service features heavily in positive reviews
• One month of free storage included in moves

Cons:

• Limited locations in the U.S.
• Brokers out many of its American moves

Services Offered

International can offer clients in all US locations the following services:

• Local, long-distance, and international moving
• Packing services
• Unpacking
• Storage services (short-term and long-term)
• Custom crating for fragile items
• Debris removal
• Auto transport
• Piano moving
• Air and ocean freight
• And more

How Much Does International Van Lines Cost

International’s rates are typically a little under industry averages. We’ve analyzed data points from numerous recent moves of varying sizes with them and gotten the following average ranges.

State Availability: All 50 states

Get a quote from IVL here.

American Van Lines: Most Transparent Pricing

American Van Lines is one of the most-trusted pure moving carriers in the industry today. With over 25 years of experience, its highly-trained moving crews are primed and ready to render quality assistance to clients throughout the lower 48 states. Through a service package, they call the “AVL Advantage,” this quality mover provides flat rates, friendly moving crews, associated staff, and customized moving packages for all who book with them.

Why We Recommend AVL

American Van Lines’ flat rate pricing sets them apart from many larger movers and shippers. While others offer flat rate pricing, AVL is one of the few to offer it exclusively for all moving packages. This eliminates hidden fees and upcharges and allows for more peace of mind throughout your move.

Pros and Cons of American Van Lines

Pros:

• Flat rate pricing
• Price matching available
• Frequent moving shuttles between major cities 

Cons:

• Large deposits (up to 50%) often required at booking
• Reviews mention spotty customer service at times

Services Offered

American’s status as a carrier means that it directly handles all moves and associated services. These include the following:

• Local, long-distance, and international moving
• Residential and commercial moving
• Full-service or partial packing
• Car shipping
• Storage
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Antique moving
• And more

How Much Does American Van Lines Cost

American’s flat-rate pricing structure leads to slightly elevated rates. However, they are still well within reason for the service you receive with this mover. The following average ranges reflect typical prices with this mover.

State Availability: 48 States

Get a quote from American Van Lines here.

Moving APT: Most Moving Partners

Moving APT is one of the most prominent move brokers in the country. It began as a small two-truck operation in 1999 and has since expanded to a network of more than 500 individual carriers and local agents, spread through all 50 states. This company provides comprehensive provider summaries, making an informed decision far more straightforward for customers. Also, an advantage of Moving APT is the price-matching capability it provides. If you can get a competing offer, this mover will match it.

Why We Recommend Moving APT

Moving APT’s numerous partners lend them a nearly unmatched diversity of service. These special offerings will vary between locations, but basic services, such as packing, provision of moving supplies, crating, and furniture protection, will remain similar across locations.

Pros and Cons of Moving APT

Pros:

• Their website includes complete profiles of many of their most-used partners
• Price matching and discounts offered
• The number of affiliates equals excellent diversity of service

Cons:

• Service quality varies depending on the local partner used for your move
• Some negative reviews and FMCSA complaints report price changing by local agents

Services Offered

Moving APT and its partners are primed and ready to provide the following services to clients everywhere:

• Local and interstate moving
• Residential and corporate relocation
• Commercial and residential moving
• Storage (one free month included with all moves)
• Piano moving
• Car shipping
• Packing services
• Packing supplies (included for some moves)
• Appliance connection services
• Some furniture disassembly and reassembly
• And more

How Much Does Moving APT Cost

Moving APT’s price points help to ensure that you’ll never overpay for service. You should peruse its pricing breakdowns for preliminary estimates before getting quotes. A range of $3,500 to $4,200 for a 1,000-mile, two-bedroom move is to be expected when you book with this broker.

State Availability: All 50 States

Get a quote from Moving APT here.

JK Moving Services: Most Customizable Moving Experience

JK Moving Services has more than 40 years of experience providing service as both a carrier and broker. Though it only offers direct local moving service to the greater Washington D.C. area, it can provide quality long-distance moving assistance to clients across all lower 48 states.

Why We Recommend JK

JK’s 24-hour customer service, coupled with unmatched customization ability for moves, is where it shines as a national relocation expert. With a la carte service offerings, moving clients can entirely craft their own experience, eliminating any ambiguity as far as costs are concerned.

Pros and Cons of JK Moving Services

Pros:

• 24/7 customer support
• Financing options through Enhancify
• Excellent value protection and coverage options

Cons:

• Reviews vary across different regions
• Their limited range for local moves 

Services Offered

JK’s status as both a broker and carrier lends it some flexibility as far as service profile goes. These services include the following:

• Local moving in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C.
• Long-distance and international moving
• Residential and commercial services
• Packing (full-service or fragile-only)
• Climate-controlled storage options
• Furniture wrapping
• GPS shipment tracking
• Financing assistance
• And more

How Much Does JK Moving Services Cost

JK Moving Services doesn’t provide much in the way of pricing data on its website. The quote process is relatively streamlined for both local and remote clients. An AI-assisted virtual estimate tool leads to accurate pricing data, no matter where you are. For example, a $4,300 – $4,500 price tag for a 500-mile, two-bedroom relocation is typical.

State Availability: All lower-48 states.

Get a quote from JK Moving Services here.

Allied Van Lines: Most Vehicle Shipping Options

Allied Van Lines has been an industry power player since the early 1930s. With this wealth of experience, it can provide consistently excellent assistance for moves of all sizes. Allied serves all 50 states; odds are, you’ve likely seen one of its trademark orange and black moving vans on the road at some point in your travels or day-to-day life. As a trusted moving brand, Allied provides breadth and quality of service that any client can trust.

Why We Recommend Allied

Allied provides large moving vans for most of its relocations. It can directly carry out plenty of special and oversized shipping needs. This includes everything from large antiques to family vehicles and boats. Regardless of your exact moving needs, you’ll likely never have to deal with a broker or a third party to get your goods to where they need to go.

Pros and Cons of Allied Van Lines

Pros:

• Transparent pricing
• Doesn’t outsource vehicle shipping
• GPS tracking offered for all moves

Cons:

• Reviews report negative experiences during the claims process
• Elevated costs for longer moves

Services Offered

Allied can provide the following to clients across the US:

• Local and long-distance moving
• International moving
• Packing (full-service or partial)
• Unpacking
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Car shipping
• Boat and specialty vehicle shipping
• Storage
• Debris removal
• GPS shipment tracking
• Packing supplies
• And more

How Much Does Allied Cost

Allied Van Lines’ price points are a little above typical rates but are still well within reason for a full-service moving company. Here, we’ve assembled some average price points for moves of varying sizes:

State Availability: All 50 states

Get a quote from Allied Van Lines here.

U-Pack: Best Overall Container Mover

U-Pack is our pick for the best overall container service in the U.S. today. With 240 locations spread throughout all 50 states, you’ll have ready access to DIY or semi-DIY moving assistance wherever you’re located. One aspect of this container provider that makes it unique is the equally cost-effective help it can offer for larger moves. Whether yours is a studio apartment or a four-bedroom home, you’ll be able to come by a reasonably-priced solution from U-Pack.

Why We Recommend U-Pack

U-Pack provides a “pay for what you use” pricing structure which is unique among container providers. This applies mainly to its moving trailer offering. When you request a trailer from them, you’ll only have to pay for the space you use. This is quite different from other similar companies, which will charge flat rates for each vessel you order.

Pros and Cons of U-Pack

Pros:

• 240 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada
• Only pay for what you use
• Three-day windows for loading and unloading

Cons:

• Finding parking accommodations for units and trailers can be difficult
• No local moving services (under 150 miles)

Services Offered

U-Pack’s service offerings are somewhat limited but reliable as a DIY moving solution. They include:

• Your choice of an 8-foot ReloCube or 27-foot trailer
• Short-term and long-term storage solutions at U-Pack shipping hubs
• Moving help can be hired if needed through the U-Pack site

How Much Does U-Pack Cost

U-Pack’s costs are low, even when compared to other container companies. We’ve listed some average rates for service here for you to consider.

State Availability: All 50 States

Get a quote from U-Pack here.

North American Van Lines: Best Pricing Options

North American Van Lines (NAVL) has been in business since 1933. Over the intervening nine decades, it has evolved into one of the most expansive and reliable moving networks. It now has more than 500 local agents and affiliated carriers throughout the U.S. and can provide nearly unmatched service. Whether your move entails some simple packing or a cross-country car shipment, this mover can help you.

Why We Recommend NAVL

North American Van Lines offers a couple of different pricing options and structures, making it an affordable option for most customers. Its “bottom-line” and “not-to-exceed” budgeting options mean that you’ll receive a price point that won’t move unless your service needs or inventory change and are a massive incentive for many to book with NAVL.

Pros and Cons of North American Van Lines

Pros:

• GPS tracking available for all moves and shipments
• Dedicated customer service via a personal move coordinator for all relocations
• Variable pricing structure helps clients stay within their budget

Cons:

• Many reviews report complicated claims processes for damage
• Specialty services can be based on local agent ability

Services Offered

North American’s basic and specialty services include the following:

• Local and long-distance moving
• International moving
• Packing and unpacking (full-service or partial)
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Debris removal
• 24/7 shipment tracking
• Appliance installation
• Storage
• Excellent insurance options
• And more

How Much Does NAVL Cost

We’ve analyzed move data from numerous recent NAVL clients and gathered the averages you see below. You should expect to pay between $2,400 and $5,400 for a two-bedroom, 500-mile move, which is pretty reasonable for current industry averages.

State Availability: All 50 States

Get a quote from North American Van Lines here.

What To Look For In Interstate Movers?

Getting free quotes is necessary to plan a move of any size. Whether you’re moving a studio apartment just over state lines or planning a large house move across the country, getting estimates should be at the top of your priority list. Doing so will help you handle your exact moving costs while ensuring that you won’t have to pay any hidden fees. Here are a few key points to look for when getting quotes from any mover.

Full Registration

All professional movers have to carry a few different forms of registration, which you should ask for proof of during the estimate process. These include the following:

• FMCSA Registration: Interstate and long-distance moving companies fall under federal jurisdiction and are regulated accordingly. Registration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ensures safe conduct and insurance standards for any mover. Such movers have to carry active USDOT and MC numbers as well. These can be used to look up any professional mover’s registration status and complaint history through this link.
• State Registration: Most states have their own regulating body for moving companies. Some will have no requirements other than basic business licensing and a USDOT number. Look into this when booking, and request proof of registration when you get a quote.

Insurance Coverage

All professional moving companies have minimum insurance requirements to meet. Aside from business licensing and vehicle coverage, this includes the following:

• Workers Compensation: This protects your interests if a worker suffers an injury during your move. You could be held liable for damages or medical expenses without such coverage.
• Released Liability Coverage: This provides reimbursement for lost and damaged goods. The industry minimum rate provided is $0.60 per pound per item and can be supplemented with full-value coverage from most moving companies. You should note that most movers also have defined windows in which claims are considered valid. You’ll need to report any damage as soon as possible after your move.

Comprehensive Service Profile

When you draw up your moving checklist during the research process, you’ll want to include a list of all add-ons and basic service requirements your move could entail. When you get quotes, ensure that they have a visual component — a thorough FaceTime or video call is fine — and go over each item on your list with your customer service representative. Packing, crating, vehicle shipping, debris removal, and more should be discussed ahead of time.

Positive Reviews

All moving companies depend on customer reviews to establish reliability and to land future customers. You should look into reviews from the following sources to verify whether your mover is a credible and honest operator. Social media is becoming an increasingly popular avenue for companies to spread the word via customer testimonials and video reviews.

• Google
• Yelp
• BBB
• Social media

What Costs Are Involved With Interstate Moving?

A primary concern when planning a move of any scope is budgeting. Aside from avoiding scams and fly-by-night movers, this is the primary motivator for getting quotes from the best movers in your area. Here are some factors to consider when budgeting ahead of your move.

Shipping weight and move distance

These combined factors are used to determine any interstate or long-distance moving price. These “line haul” fees will require a moving truck weigh-in of some form immediately after your goods are loaded. Most movers will have defined processes for this, which you should inquire about during any quote you receive.

Service requirements

Add-ons, such as full-service packing or crating, will hugely impact your total cost. A full pack could potentially double your expenses for any shorter multi-bedroom home. You should have a list of service requirements drawn up before any in-person or online quote.

Type of move

The three main kinds of moves — full-service, container, and DIY — all come with varied price points. Full-service moves will always be the most expensive option. Such movers will expedite your moving process by handling all service needs you could have.

Container (or PODS) and DIY relocations will have far more limited service options. You’ll need to handle all labor on your own for these moves. Hiring local movers to help is always an option. However, you should bear in mind that they will charge a two to four-hour minimum for such service. If you’re hiring movers to move one or two items from your home to a trailer or container, or vice versa, you should budget accordingly.

Season

May through September is the peak of the moving season for any relocation company. If you’re booking movers at this time, you should know that you may run into issues pertaining to the availability of movers or elevated rates in response to demand.

Advance booking

Booking your move well in advance is always a good idea if you want to avoid some of the hassle associated with moving day and moving week in general. Booking your move at least a month ahead of time will almost always give you the requisite buffer to plan your move in as stress-free a manner as possible. Aside from that, you’ll avoid elevated rates or added convenience fees that can come with last-minute booking.

Ease of access

Many movers charge fees for excessive flights of stairs (more than one) or a longer-than-usual distance between their truck and your old or new home. Many large moving companies can accommodate challenging circumstances in this regard via shuttle services, but this will come with a hefty added fee.

Average Full-Service Costs

These average ranges should help you to establish pricing expectations before you get quotes:

Final Thoughts

First and foremost, planning and early booking are the keys to any successful move. This should begin around eight weeks before your state-to-state move. At this point, research movers in your area while compiling your home’s thorough inventory and service lists. Schedule quotes with the best movers in your area, and aim to have several pricing offers in hand five or six weeks ahead of your move date.

Once you have these offers, you should have an idea of which movers can adequately service your exact needs. Book your move a month in advance, and procure copies of your ballpark or binding estimate and moving contract when you do. Having these documents will help you ensure that your exact service needs are met at an agreeable price.

House Method Rating Methodology

At House Method, our primary goals are to be a reliable source of information and to be totally transparent to our readers. With that in mind, we’ve developed the following formula to render objective ratings – on a scale of 10 points – for the moving companies we review.

• Transparency (3.0): Communication and being fully straightforward regarding company policies and licensing are incredibly important. A given mover’s willingness to display these, to supply quick quotes, and to provide clearly-worded moving contracts all factor into the three points within this single rating criteria.
• Cost (2.5): A mover’s cost relative to industry averages, as well as accessibility to cost data play a role in the customer experience as much as anything else. We know that being sure of what you’re paying – and being confident that you’re not overpaying – will ultimately make for a positive move. We’ve weighted cost factors accordingly in our ratings.
• Customer Service (2.0): Establishing an easy line of contact with your movers during the booking process or during the move itself is a huge asset for any moving client. The stress of moving, in general, can be greatly eased by knowing you can talk to a licensed professional whenever you need to, which is why we’ve listed this as a key rating category. This is where customer reviews come into play; since the majority of complaints stem from poor customer service, feedback from BBB, Yelp, Google, and other review platforms factor into this criteria.
• Services Offered (1.5): This rates lower on our priority list than many would think, simply due to the fact that many movers provide a similar line of services. However, breadth of service offerings does still vary to a degree.
• Customization Options (1.0): Having the autonomy to fully customize your move should rate highly on any moving checklist. Here, we’ve taken moving package customization ability, as well as pricing for more involved add-ons. Steep pricing for such services can provide something of a soft barrier for clients looking to add to their move, and we’ve taken this into consideration.

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