Find the Right Long Distance Moving Company For You

Relocating your home or business over an extended distance presents unique challenges not typically encountered in local moves. Long distance relocations require more time, and numerous factors must be considered before, during, and after the journey. Ensuring a smooth move involves hiring the right moving company, which can make all the difference.

While the top local moving companies may excel in their area, they might lack the capacity or fail to meet legal requirements for long distance relocations. Therefore, identifying the ideal company for your long distance move is vital. We have assessed the leading companies in the industry and ranked them based on several factors significant to consumers. Here are the top long distance moving companies for the current year.

1. Trinity: Best Overall 

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Trinity Relocation Moving Group boasts a network of over 50 carriers and claims a 94% customer satisfaction rating on its website. As a brokerage firm, Trinity specializes in assisting clients with their relocation needs by connecting them with the most suitable moving partners (potentially offering the best prices) for their specific requirements. In addition to identifying the ideal moving company, Trinity can also vet service providers, negotiate discounts, secure bookings by collecting deposits, and offer certain customer support functions during the relocation process. Trinity Relocation Group offers a range of services such as local, interstate, and international relocations for furniture and other possessions, as well as vehicle transportation. The company's main area of expertise lies in long-distance moving, catering to both residential and commercial clients for state-to-state or cross-country moves.

2. Allegiance: Best Customer Service

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Allegiance Moving and Storage is a moving broker based in Lake Worth, Florida. Similar to other brokers in the industry, Allegiance collaborates with a network of partners to provide moving services. The company connects clients with local movers offering services such as local, interstate, international, and commercial relocations. Additionally, some of its partner companies provide auto transportation and storage unit options. Allegiance collaborates with an extensive network of movers across the country. However, the services offered may differ based on the subcontracted company involved.  And, Allegiance assesses your moving requirements and links you with companies that have the capabilities to handle your relocation. The movers in its network offer various services, including local, long-distance, interstate, international, or commercial moves. Some partners may also provide vehicle transportation.

3. Safe Ship: Excellent Discounts

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Safe Ship Moving Services takes pride in being a relocation provider for the nation's military personnel. They assist service members and their families with domestic moves across the country. Catering to their unique allocation and scheduling requirements, they adapt their services to meet their needs. While most families tend to move during the summer months, from May to September, military families relocate throughout the year. No matter where or when they are called to serve, military clients can trust Safe Ship Moving Services and the licensed interstate movers in our carrier network. 

4. Odyssey: Top-Notch Services Offered

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Established in 2022, Odyssey Moving Group is a licensed, bonded, and insured moving broker regulated by the US Department of Transportation. The company connects customers with an extensive selection of affiliated moving companies to facilitate relocations throughout the United States. Odyssey Moving Group's headquarters are located in Boca Raton, Florida. Odyssey Moving Group was recently registered with the US Department of Transportation in February 2022. And, instead of being a direct moving service with its own fleet of trucks, the company functions as a moving broker. It connects customers with a diverse array of moving companies that can help with local, long-distance, and international relocations.

Additional Companies That We Reviewed

5. Interstate Moving & Relocation Group

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Interstate Moving & Relocation Group is known for its cost-effective services. As a broker, the company does not maintain its own fleet of vehicles or hire in-house movers, which helps to reduce overhead expenses (though it may lead to variable service quality). In addition to its already competitive rates, Interstate provides military discounts and a hassle-free $500 discount for customers who request a quote by phone.

The company is capable of organizing specialized relocations, such as military moves and vehicle transportations. However, Interstate does not cater to local moves. Given its reliance on multiple external vendors, it cannot assure GPS tracking availability. A few other potential disadvantages of partnering with Interstate include charging a cancellation fee for credit card refunds, which is not a common industry practice, and the lack of customer support during weekends.

6. International Van Lines

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International Van Lines (IVL) is known for its strong customer service. Although it holds an average rating of 3.43 out of 5 stars on the BBB, its Google Reviews rating is more favorable at 3.9 out of 5 stars. Furthermore, IVL maintains a 100% response rate on both platforms, indicating that customers are likely to receive assistance in case of any issues during their move.

With over 15 years of experience, IVL is a prominent long-distance moving company. While it does not provide instant online quotes or standard pricing guides on its website, its pricing is said to be on par with other moving companies. However, IVL does require higher-than-average deposits to secure moving dates, which may result in a larger upfront expenditure compared to similar competitors.

7. Mayflower

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Mayflower Transit provides moving services across all 50 states and in over 150 countries. With a large network of over 200 local agents and its alliance with sister company United Van Lines, Mayflower boasts one of the industry's most extensive fleets, comprising more than 1,900 moving trucks.

The company's broad availability increases the likelihood of customers securing a move, even during high-demand seasons. Moreover, if customers need to adjust their plans, they can conveniently access the company's web portal to reschedule their move.

More Information

What Is Considered Long Distance Moving?

For the majority of moving companies, a move exceeding 400 miles is typically classified as long-distance. Such a move can also be referred to as long-haul moving or interstate moving when it involves crossing from one state to another.

How Does A Long Distance Move Differ?

Initiating the process of a long-distance relocation several months in advance is essential for adequate preparation. It's not just about packing your belongings securely and meticulously; the journey itself requires attention. Thorough planning for the long-distance move is crucial, including mapping out navigation routes, identifying hotel options, and scheduling extra stops.

Furthermore, interstate movers must fulfill specific legal requirements. They need a license from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and appropriate insurance coverage. Verify that your chosen long-distance moving company has a USDOT number, is registered with the FMCSA, and possesses the necessary insurance. Always ensure you have a written estimate in hand, complete with a long-distance moving quote, before signing any contract.

How Much Does Long Distance Moving Cost?

The cost of a long-distance move is typically determined by three factors: the volume of items being transported, the distance between the starting point and the destination, and the total weight of the possessions. Be aware that moves across state lines may also involve payment under two distinct labor laws. Wages can differ between states, so anticipate a possible increase or decrease in cost depending on your destination.

How Does Long Distance Moving Work?

In addition to movers loading a van and transporting belongings, the various stages of a long-distance move might be unexpected for numerous clients. Regardless of your previous experiences or assumptions, the process entails more than just a straightforward journey from Point A to Point B.

Here's a brief overview of how a standard move unfolds, as well as some suggestions and strategies to ensure the experience is as smooth and devoid of surprises as possible.

Not all clients reside in large urban areas or close to highways. Consequently, long-distance movers are classified as "irregular route carriers." They strive for maximum efficiency since we cater to clients moving to and from various locations. Routes are meticulously planned and organized to manage multiple loads, optimizing our scheduling and shipments to serve as many customers as possible.

Clients may want to monitor their belongings while in transit similar to tracking a package sent via Amazon or UPS, it all boils down to logistics and efficiency. Most long distance moving companies encourage you to contact the company's customer service department if you have any inquiries or require a status update.

What To Look For In A Long Distance Moving Company?

Selecting a long-distance moving company is not inherently complex, but it does necessitate thorough research before booking the services of the most suitable cross-country mover for your needs.

Here's a concise summary of the steps to follow when choosing a reliable long-distance mover:

1. Use a cost estimator to connect with long-distance moving companies in your area.
2. Request in-house surveys for accurate moving cost estimates.
3. Compare the quotes received, paying close attention to additional moving services and their prices.
4. Avoid estimates that seem too good to be true, as dishonest moving companies often use lowball quotes to attract new customers.
5. Review customer feedback and compare overall ratings to gauge the movers' reputations.
6. Verify the movers' USDOT numbers as proof of proper licensing by the U.S. Government and adequate insurance coverage for legal operations within the country.
7. Consult the American Trucking Association (ATA) to determine if the moving companies under review are ProMovers.
8. Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) whether the movers being considered are BBB-accredited, which indicates a level of trust between the moving companies and consumers.