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The Best Long-Distance Moving Companies

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Written by Stephanie Minasian-Koncewicz Updated 12/16/2024

Moving a long distance can feel like a never-ending journey. Once you’ve done the hard work of finding a new home, you still have to pack all of your things, figure out how to move them hundreds of miles, and unbox your new life. A full-service moving company can take a lot of the stress out of the situation, helping with everything from packing each room to safely transporting your belongings.

The best long-distance movers offer more than transportation—they bring expertise in planning, organizing, and managing complex moves with care. We reviewed 15 moving companies before choosing our favorite five for long-distance moves. Our top three picks—Allied Van Lines, North American Van Lines, and JK Moving Services—each have comprehensive service offerings, extensive insurance options, and strong reputations. Below, compare our full list of recommended movers side-by-side to find the right one for you.


Top Long-Distance Moving Companies

After reviewing 15 moving companies, surveying 1,000 moving customers about their experiences, and reading hundreds of reviews, we chose these five companies as our top long-distance movers: 


Comparing the Best Long-Distance Movers

The table below compares our top five movers on key factors such as average cost and license type. To get an accurate idea of pricing, we requested quotes from each provider for a two-bedroom move ranging between 500 and 800 miles.

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Company Star Rating BBB Rating Deposit Required Link
Allied Van LinesAllied Van Lines LogoGet Quote
5/5
A+None
North American Van LinesNorth American Van Lines LogoGet Quote
4.8/5
A+None
International Van LinesInternational Van Lines LogoGet Quote
4.5/5
A+Up to 25%
Safeway Moving Inc.Safeway Moving Inc. LogoGet Quote
4.5/5
B-Up to 40%
JK Moving ServicesJK Moving Services LogoRead Our Review
4.7/5
A+$250

*The Better Business Bureau is an independent organization that evaluates companies’ reputations and responsiveness to customers. Ratings are accurate as of November 2024.

Each of these moving companies offers packing/unpacking and loading/unloading services, but additional offerings vary. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which moving company is the right pick for your relocation needs.

Specialty Services OfferedAllied Van LinesNorth American Van LinesJK Moving ServicesInternational Van LinesSafeway Moving Inc.
Vehicle shipping
Fragile-only packing
Furniture disassembly/reassembly
Crating
Appliance and electronics handlingXX
Antique/specialty services
Piano moving
Storage
Office moves

Key Moving Terms Explained

Moving jargon can be confusing. Here are a few terms you might come across when looking for a mover:

  • Carrier: This is a moving company that uses an in-house team for every step of the move. We like carriers because you deal directly with the company moving your stuff, and they’re responsible for any damages, reducing the chance of miscommunication.
  • Broker: These movers outsource their services to a network of third-party companies, leading to more variations in service quality. While brokers can sometimes offer lower rates, they don’t handle moves directly and aren’t liable for any damages. If your items are damaged or lost in transit, you’ll need to deal with the carrier that physically completed your move.
  • Van line: Several movers on our list are van lines, which are companies that have large networks of movers across the country that work together to handle long-distance relocations. Van lines can be carriers, brokers, or both.
  • Binding estimate: This estimate type gives you a guaranteed price for your move based on your inventory and chosen services. Binding estimates are great because they lock in your price, so there are no surprise charges.
  • Nonbinding estimate: This will give you a rough idea of your total cost, but your final price could change based on the actual weight of your items and your chosen services. 
  • Not-to-exceed estimate: This quote type sets a maximum price for your move, but you could end up paying less if your belongings are lighter than expected. These estimates are rare, but we love them because they protect you from overpaying.
  • Delivery spread: This is a time window when your moving company estimates your things will arrive at your new location. Instead of promising a specific day, they give a range—say, five to seven days—since things like traffic or weather can cause delays.

Our Reviews of the Best Long-Distance Moving Companies

All of our recommended movers have a full suite of long-distance moving services, as shown in the chart above. However, there are some differences between them that we dive into below.

Allied Van Lines

5 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.
Star Rating : 5 Deposit Required : None FMCSA Licensing : Carrier

Our Review

Allied Van Lines is one of only two companies on our list that offers packing services alongside portable moving containers in addition to full-service moves. These containers come in different sizes and are great for long-distance moves since they’re less expensive than traditional full-service options. Allied will drop the container off at your home and pick it up once it’s packed. The company also guarantees its portable container delivery date and will pay you $75 per day if your container shipment is delayed. This adds a level of accountability that many movers don’t provide.

Allied’s guarantee is especially notable because it has a slightly higher-than-average rate of truck breakdowns, which can lead to potential delays. As of November 2024, the company’s truck out-of-service percentage is 30.1%—about 8% more than the national average. Booking your move six to eight weeks in advance can improve your chances that Allied will be able to arrange a backup vehicle or crew for your move if needed. During peak seasons, like the summer months, we recommend booking as far out as eight to 12 weeks.

According to the customer reviews we read, Allied Van Lines’ claims process can be slow, which may cause frustration if any of your items are damaged during your move. Some customers claim it took several months to receive compensation, while others never heard back at all. To work around this, we recommend documenting all of your belongings before the move. Following up promptly during or after delivery can also help you get compensation in a timely manner. Extra third-party insurance can help protect valuable items if there are any delays with your claims. We talk a bit more about insurance options later on.

Coverage Overview

  • Offers lower-cost portable storage containers that come with the option of professional packing
  • Will pay you $75 for each day your container shipment is delayed
  • Has the largest network of international moving agents on this list

Keep in Mind

  • Has broken-down or undriveable trucks more often than other movers on our list
  • Has a slower-than-average claims process, according to customer reviews

Customer Experiences

Allied Van Lines has the lowest BBB rating of the movers on our list, with 1.07 out of 5 stars based on 56 customer reviews. It has a higher rating and larger sample size on ConsumerAffairs, with 3.4 out of 5 stars based on 804 reviews. Many customers are happy with Allied’s communication and timeliness, but other reviewers mentioned a tedious claims and refund process.

“They were extremely nice, punctual, and efficient. They communicated very well and showed up on time. During the unloading stage, they were very careful and ensured everything was in its appropriate place prior to leaving.” —James via ConsumerAffairs, November 2023

“I paid based on an estimate of 13,000 pounds. My contract stated that it would be adjusted down if I did not have that much weight. The final weigh-in came in at 10,000 pounds. They have yet to send me a refund for the additional monies I have spent. They said it was being audited, but that was over three months now.” —Tess via ConsumerAffairs,  September 2024

North American Van Lines

4.8 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.
Star Rating : 4.8 Deposit Required : None FMCSA Licensing : Carrier/Broker

Our Review

If you’re planning a long-distance move and need to store your belongings, North American Van Lines (NAVL) may be the best fit. It offers both short- and long-term storage and uses climate-controlled storage facilities. These facilities help protect sensitive items from temperature and humidity fluctuations, making NAVL ideal for long-term storage— especially in regions with extreme weather. While other movers on our list also offer storage options, NAVL and Allied Van Lines are the only companies that offer both storage facilities and portable containers.

North American Van Lines also uses a satellite tracking system called WorldTrac to allow you to track your shipment—even in remote areas. While other movers offer tracking, NAVL is the only company that uses satellite technology over GPS, which can be unreliable at times.

The main drawback of North American Van Lines is its carrier/broker license. It offers many of the same services as Allied Van Lines, but it sometimes outsources its moves to third parties, which can occasionally lead to poor service. When you’re getting your estimate, request that NAVL handles your relocation directly if possible.

Another con is that NAVL often uses the same truck for multiple clients at a time, which could lead to confusion and incorrectly unloaded or lost items. Label your boxes clearly and make an inventory list before your movers arrive, so you can be protected if you need to file a claim.

Coverage Overview

  • Doesn’t require a deposit to book your move
  • Offers climate-controlled storage facilities and portable storage options
  • Allows you to track your shipment through WorldTrac, which is better than the usual GPS

Keep in Mind

  • Is the only mover on our list with a broker license, so service quality can vary
  • Places items from multiple customers in the same truck, which can sometimes lead to unloading mistakes

Customer Experiences

North American Van Lines has a lower-than-average BBB rating of 1.28 out of 5 stars, according to 29 reviewers, while its ConsumerAffairs rating is 3 out of 5 stars based on 484 reviews. Since the company has a much larger ConsumerAffairs reviewer pool, we think that’s a more accurate representation of customers’ experiences.

Reviewers had positive things to say about NAVL’s punctuality and professionalism, while others complained about lost items and a difficult claims process.

“I recently used North American [Van Line], and I couldn’t be more pleased with the experience. From start to finish, the driver, customer service, and movers were absolutely awesome. The driver was punctual and professional, ensuring our belongings arrived on time and in perfect condition. Customer service was incredibly responsive and helpful, answering all our questions promptly and making the process smooth and stress-free. The movers were efficient, careful, and friendly, handling our items with the utmost care.” —Smith via ConsumerAffairs, June 2024

“The initial steps of the moving process were very [pleasant], and the movers were helpful and professional. Unfortunately, one of my boxes was unaccounted for, and of course, it was the box with my most expensive computer equipment. I submitted a claim, and they told me there was nothing they could do. I don’t know if the box was simply and honestly lost, or stolen, but it has certainly left me disappointed, and if I need to move again in the future, I do plan on using someone else.” —David via ConsumerAffairs, April 2024

JK Moving Services

4.7 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.
Star Rating : 4.7 Deposit Required : $250 FMCSA Licensing : Carrier

Our Review

JK Moving Services is one of only two companies on our list that offers 0% financing for qualified customers, making it a good option for those who need to finance their moves. We also like that it has a strong record for vehicle reliability, with fewer breakdowns than most movers. Plus, it provides multiple options to get a quote, including video and artificial intelligence (AI) assessments of your moving inventory. Some companies require in-person visits, which can be inconvenient.

While our No. 4 pick, International Van Lines, also provides 0% financing and AI surveys, we ranked JK higher because it has fewer trucks out of service and has a user-friendly mobile app. This adds convenience and decreases the chance that your shipment will be delayed.

On the downside, JK Moving tends to cost more than other movers, so we recommend IVL if you’re looking for a more affordable 0% financing option. Like NAVL, JK Moving also uses the same truck for multiple customers, which can lead to occasional confusion or misplaced items. We recommend labeling your boxes clearly and creating a personal inventory of your stuff to help minimize any mix-ups.

Coverage Overview

  • Offers 0% financing to those who qualify
  • Has several home survey options, which is convenient for customers in rural or hard-to-reach areas
  • Has fewer breakdowns and out-of-service trucks than most of the other movers on our list

Keep in Mind

  • Costs more on average than any other mover on our list 
  • Has customer reviews claiming moving trucks are shared between customers, leading to confusion and space constraints

Customer Experiences

JK Moving Services has a high BBB rating of 4.01 out of 5 stars, according to 72 customer reviews. Its ConsumerAffairs rating is a bit lower at 3 out of 5 stars, but that’s only based on 39 reviews. Several customers gave JK Moving 4 or 5 stars for its courteous and timely movers. Other reviewers had negative moving experiences due to having multiple clients’ belongings in the same moving truck, resulting in a lack of space.

“Efficient, well organized, respectful, friendly. Proactive, easy to reach, quick to respond. Accurate, fair quote, easy payment. They helped me move two households from Texas to North Carolina. I called on Friday. They came early Monday morning as promised, wrapped and loaded within just a few hours, and safely delivered and carefully unloaded Thursday morning.” —Maxine S. via BBB, December 2023

“I have used many professional moving companies over the years from across town moves to multi-state moves. I would say this was the worst moving company thus far. First, the estimation process was inadequate. The day the moving truck arrived, it was already half full with someone else’s items. The movers tried their best, but they had to end up strapping several items to the back of the truck, exposed to the elements. Then the movers had to travel to another client with our stuff on board to deliver half of the truck. This was not explained to us in the quoting process. We contacted the company to explain our frustration, and they shrugged it off, stating this was common policy.” —Matthew P. via BBB, August 2023

International Van Lines

4.5 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.
Star Rating : 4.5 Deposit Required : Up to 25% FMCSA Licensing : Carrier/Broker

Our Review

International Van Lines stands out as the most affordable mover on our list. It’s also the only company that has an online quote calculator. This allows you to get a rough idea of how much you’ll pay without needing to call IVL, which is convenient if you’re in the early planning stages of your move and just want to compare quotes. Another perk is that IVL allows you to share a moving container with other customers. While this is a con for some of our other recommended movers, IVL is the only company that offers a discount for this transportation method, so we think it’s a great way to save money—especially since this may happen anyway with other movers.

However, IVL has some limitations. It doesn’t do intrastate moves, meaning any moves within a state, regardless of the distance. It also doesn’t have a mobile app, while other movers on our list do. To stay informed during your move, you can still communicate directly with IVL agents, but you may miss the convenience of tracking updates and notifications.

Coverage Overview

  • Has an online estimate calculator, so you can get a ballpark quote without calling
  • Is the least expensive mover on our list
  • Offers a discounted consolidation service for small shipments, so you can share a moving container with another moving customer to save money

Keep in Mind

  • Doesn’t do intrastate moves
  • Doesn’t have a mobile app for communication and tracking

Customer Experiences

International Van Lines is the highest-rated mover on our list. It has a BBB rating of 2.97 out of 5 stars based on 120 customer reviews and a ConsumerAffairs rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, according to 1,004 reviews.

Happy customers pointed out that IVL was quick to resolve scheduling errors and even credited back some money for inconveniences, while unhappy reviewers mentioned frustrations with additional fees for stairs, extra boxes, and long carries. We go over potential fees like this later in the article so you can be aware of them when hiring a mover and signing your moving contract.

“Used IVL for the first time for a move across Texas. We had a scheduling issue in the very beginning that they quickly resolved and even gave me a credit for the trouble that I didn’t even ask for. From that point everything went smoothly. The crew showed great care in packing and unpacking my home. I was very impressed with the service from beginning to end.” —Phil W. via BBB, May 2023

“First off, whatever they quote you… add at least $2,000 to it. They nickle and dime you to death… Have stairs? Extra charge. Have an elevator?? Extra charge. Have to walk their dollies more than X feet??? Extra charge. Have more boxes (i.e. used space) than you ESTIMATED… Extra charge… THEN on top of that, their default LOSS ‘compensation’ package (the one you don’t have to PAY EXTRA for) is based not on VALUE of what’s lost, but WEIGHT… so… a jewelry box full of jewelry that weighs 2lbs, but has contents worth $3,000… yeah, you’ll be ‘compensated’ a whopping $1.20 (i.e. $0.60 per POUND).” —James H. via BBB, April 2024

Safeway Moving Inc.

4.5 We grade all home warranty companies on the most important factors to homeowners such as coverage, value, trust, transparency, availability, and service. We account for 15 specific data points such as coverage caps, systems and appliances covered, monthly costs, service fees, sample contract availability, response time, claims process, and workmanship guarantee length to then calculate a score, created fully by our Editorial team.
Star Rating : 4.5 Deposit Required : Up to 40% FMCSA Licensing : Carrier

Our Review

Although it’s the last mover on our list, Safeway Moving Inc. has some great perks for long-distance moves. It uses flat-rate pricing, so your price won’t increase even if your inventory fluctuates in weight. However, keep in mind that you may still be charged for things like long carries or last-minute storage. Safeway will also match the price if you find a lower quote from another big mover. Allied Van Lines is the only other company on our list that does this.

On the downside, Safeway charges $200 for bulky items like exercise bikes or canoes. Though this doesn’t seem like a huge charge, it can add up if you have multiple items that fall into this category. If cost is a concern, we recommend handling some of these items yourself or checking if another company’s fees are more manageable.

Safeway also has a B- score from the BBB, which is the lowest BBB rating on our list. However, the letter grade is completely separate from customer feedback. The BBB determines this themselves based on things like the company’s complaint history, responsiveness, and business practices, and sometimes its criteria are kind of arbitrary. Safeway’s customer reviews on the BBB are actually overwhelmingly positive, so we still think it’s a great choice.

Coverage Overview

  • Offers flat-rate pricing, so you won’t be charged more if your inventory fluctuates
  • Will price-match if you get a cheaper quote from another large moving company 
  • Allows you to get a quote online

Keep in Mind

  • Charges a fee of $200 for bulky items, such as exercise bikes and canoes
  • Has the lowest BBB score on our list at a B-

Customer Experiences

Safeway Moving Inc. has a higher-than-average BBB rating of 4.45 out of 5 based on 344 reviews, but its Yelp score is 1.5 out of 5 stars according to 94 reviews. This is a pretty big jump, but we believe the company’s BBB score is more accurate due to the larger sample size.

Several happy customers said they were impressed by Safeway’s movers and the fast service. Unhappy customers mentioned damaged furniture and delayed deliveries.

“Moving is usually not so fun, but these movers made it a great party! They came to my TX home with their lively personalities and amazing skills … They packed up my unique collection of old goods and chic furniture. Everything delivered to my new NY home without a single problem.” —Jonathan J. via BBB, August 2024

“My elderly parents hired Safeway to move them from Texas to North Carolina. They offered a lower rate than some of the big national companies and seemed to have decent reviews so they decided to go with them. However, the ‘estimate’ was more like a bait and switch scam and they raised the price considerably come moving day. They were late to pick up the items and so my mother had to pay for some of the packing materials they were supposed to provide. The only good thing was that they were quick to get from Texas to North Carolina.” —Bret H. via Yelp, October 2024


Other Moving Options

While we recommend full-service moving companies for most long-distance moves, other options like truck rentals and portable storage containers can be great alternatives for certain customers.

Truck rentals, such as those offered by U-Haul and Penske, allow you to save money by doing most of the move yourself. You only pay for the rental and mileage, which is significantly cheaper than hiring a professional mover. However, packing and loading on your own and driving a larger vehicle can be challenging. We recommend test-driving your truck before moving day to make sure you’re comfortable behind the wheel. You may also want to have a friend or family member help you with loading and unloading.

Portable storage containers are another great option for many moving customers. With this option, a mover will drop off a storage container that you can pack at your own pace, and containers can be stored on-site or at a secure facility until you’re ready to move. This flexibility is especially helpful if you need extra time to organize or require storage for an extended period. Two companies on our list—Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines—offer moving containers as well as professional packing services, so you can get the best of both worlds.


How Much Does a Long-Distance Move Cost?

A long-distance move can cost anywhere from $3,540 to upwards of $10,000, depending on distance and home size. These moves are defined as a move over 150 miles, and they’re typically more expensive than local moves due to the distance traveled.

In the table below, we show the average cost of long-distance moves across different home sizes and distances. We gathered price information by requesting 84 binding estimates from 11 different moving companies. 

Number of bedrooms1 Bedroom (2,000–4,000 lbs)2 Bedrooms (4,000–7,000 lbs)3 Bedrooms (7,000–10,000 lbs)4 Bedrooms (10,000+ lbs)
DistanceAverage CostAverage CostAverage CostAverage Cost
< 1,000 miles$3,540$5,605$7,970$12,900
1,000–1,500 miles$4,190$7,125$10,125$14,800
> 1,500 miles$4,340$7,375$10,325$16,600

Single-Day vs. Multiday Moves

Long-distance moves generally take longer than local moves to deliver, but you might get lucky with a single-day move. Here are the differences between single-day and multiday moves: 

  • Single-day moves: These moves are completed in one day, with the moving team arriving, loading your items, and delivering them to your new home within 24 hours. Since the process is quick and efficient, single-day moves tend to be more affordable than longer ones.
  • Multiday moves: These are often required for long-distance, interstate, or international moves and span multiple days. As they involve more time, labor, and planning, they’re generally more expensive than single-day moves. Additional costs may include overnight fees for the crew or extra logistical coordination.

Full-Service vs. Partial-Service Moves

Long-distance moves are stressful as is, so we recommend choosing a full-service mover over a partial-service one if your budget allows. Full-service movers handle everything from packing and loading to transportation and unpacking, so there are fewer steps you have to worry about.

Partial-service movers are cheaper, but they leave certain tasks like packing and unpacking to you. These moves focus on transportation rather than comprehensive service. All of the movers on our list do full-service moves, but many also offer partial-service options, such as portable moving containers.

Tipping Your Movers

Tipping your movers is customary for a job well done. Here are some ways you can tip your movers:

  • Per mover: $20–$50 for a full day of work
  • Hourly: $4–$5 per hour
  • Percentage: 15%–20% of the total move cost, split among the team

It’s best to have cash ready for tips, though some movers accept tips via apps, like Venmo or Zelle. It is best to check ahead with the moving company to confirm.

How To Get a Good Price

Moving doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some tips to get the best rates:

  • Compare quotes: Get estimates from at least three moving companies. Some companies, like Safeway Moving Inc. and Allied Van Lines, offer price matching. Make sure to check if estimates are binding or nonbinding.
  • Be flexible with your moving date: If you can be flexible, ask if there are cheaper dates to move. Sometimes weekday or mid-month moves cost less than weekends or peak-end-of-month dates.
  • Ask about discounts: Movers often offer discounts for seniors, students, and military personnel. Ask the company about any available discounts for your move.
  • Know about extra fees: Some movers charge extra for packing, navigating stairs, or moving items from a long distance to the truck. Clarify these details in your contract to avoid surprises.
  • Ask about vehicle shipping: If you’re transporting a car or other vehicle, some movers, like International Van Lines, offer discounts for bundling vehicle shipping with your household move.

What Is Moving Insurance?

Moving insurance protects your belongings in transit and is required of all full-service movers. These are the two options all full-service moving companies are legally obligated to provide:

  • Released value protection: This insurance is included at no extra charge. It offers limited reimbursement for loss or damage depending on your item’s weight. Keep in mind that this means you will not be reimbursed for the full cost of your item and potentially only a fraction of the cost for more expensive items.
  • Full-value protection: This insurance covers the full cost to repair or replace damaged or lost items, but you need to pay an additional fee to get this extra coverage.

Some movers also offer specialized coverage, like high-value item protection or catastrophic coverage for events like floods, fires, and natural disasters. Third-party insurance is another option, but it’s often more expensive and less convenient than in-house options, which are easy to set up as part of your moving service.


State Moving Regulations

Be aware of legal considerations or regulations that may impact your move, depending on the state or area you’re moving to. Different states have their own rules for moving companies, including licensing, insurance, and complaint processes. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website has more information on this topic.


Nailing Down Your Moving Timeline

Proper planning will help you manage your move efficiently. Here’s a general timeline you can follow:

  • Eight weeks out: Inventory and categorize your belongings into three different lists: “keep,” “donate,” and “discard.” Use the “keep” list to get quotes; most moving companies charge based on your shipment’s weight, so otherwise, you’ll overpay for items you’re getting rid of anyway.
  • Six weeks out: Book your mover and start packing nonessential items, like decor and artwork.
  • Four weeks out: Continue packing items you won’t need for the next month and arrange utility transfers.
  • Two weeks out: Pack semi-essential items and submit a change of address form with USPS. You should also confirm that everything is good to go with your movers.
  • Moving week: Finish packing. Keep essentials like medications and important documents with you during your move to avoid losing them. Do a final walkthrough of your current home and grab any last-minute items you may have forgotten.

Advice From Real Moving Customers

While we prefer full-service moving companies for long-distance moves, some customers find that container companies better suit their needs. Katie D. moved from Denver, Colorado, to Orlando, Florida, in August 2024 using U-Haul’s U-Box container and said she had a good experience.

“I just secured [the U-Box] online and then didn’t have to pay for it until right before I got it. I felt it was secure. The worries people had [on review sites] was that it wouldn’t be weather-proof, but I didn’t have any problems with that.”

Although Katie said the U-Box was a good value, she admitted that she likely would’ve hired a full-service mover if she’d found one within her budget. Since she went with U-Box, she hired separate movers to load and unload her belongings. “I think it would’ve made [the moving process] more streamlined, where I could have the same people load and unload and then actually do the moving.”

Katie also said her U-Box took around 14 days to reach Orlando due to high demand over Labor Day weekend. “It was the longest shipping time out of everyone [I got quotes from], so I had to weigh what was worth it: the price or the shipping time?” she said. For Katie, the cost savings outweighed the delay to get her stuff.

For customers like Katie who need budget-friendly moving solutions, container companies and truck rentals can be great. But if you want peace of mind and a shorter delivery spread, we recommend choosing one of the long-distance movers on our list.


Expert Insights

Professor of Supply Chain Management
College of Michigan State University
Read bio
Jason Miller is the Eli Broad Endowed Professor of Supply Chain Management and is serving the second year of a two-year term as interim chairperson for the Department of Supply Chain Management at Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business. His primary research stream examines issues in the for-hire truck transportation industry, including safety, productivity, pricing dynamics, driver turnover, and employment. He also conducts macroeconomic research in the manufacturing and retail sectors, with a special emphasis on the disruptive role of imports, tariffs, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Associate Professor of Practice
University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Haslam College of Business
Don Maier is an associate professor of practice at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Haslam College of Business. His professional career included roles in the logistics and supply chain management teams at FedEx, Office Depot, Penske Logistics, Monsanto, and Merisant (a division of Monsanto). He was instrumental in the strategic design and leadership of the international logistics operation for North and Central America, and he managed the design and development of the total productive manufacturing quality culture at Merisant, focusing on 5S and lean principles. During this time, Maier earned a doctorate in organization development and a master’s in organizational behavior from Benedictine University in Lisle, Illinois, and taught various management-related courses.

How We Evaluated Long-Distance Movers

We ranked long-distance movers based on their reputation, services, and pricing. All of the companies on our list have extensive experience with interstate and cross-country moves and offer comprehensive services to cater to your needs.

Our Rating System

To determine the best long-distance movers, we analyzed customer feedback, BBB ratings, and dozens of moving quotes. We also assessed each company’s performance in several key areas. 

Here’s a breakdown of our moving methodology:

  • Customer service: We looked at BBB ratings, customer complaints, and the availability of online tools, such as moving calculators and moving checklists. Movers with A or A+ ratings and helpful online features scored the highest.
  • Reputation: We checked each company’s licensing, truck reliability, and how they vet their movers. Movers with carrier licenses, fewer truck breakdowns, and background-checked workers scored well.
  • Value: We considered pricing, quote types, and whether movers offer additional services like portable storage. Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines tied for first in this category because they both offer affordable pricing, binding estimates, and portable storage units.
  • Service offerings: We ranked companies based on the range of services they offer. Movers with diverse services, such as piano moving and vehicle shipping, earned higher scores.
  • Item protection: We reviewed insurance options and extra protection services, like GPS tracking and storage. Movers offering more than the two standard insurance options and several protection services earned higher marks.
  • Scheduling: Movers with multiple avenues of communication, such as email and phone, mobile apps, and multiple contact options scored the highest in this category.

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