Best Long Distance Moving Companies 2026

Based on 250 verified customer reviews, AmeriSafe Van Lines is the highest-rated long distance moving company on ConsumersVerified with a 4.8-star rating. 85% of customers who compare moving companies on our platform choose AmeriSafe after reading the rankings. Mayzlin Van Lines is a strong runner-up at 4.7 stars and is BBB-accredited, making it an excellent choice for customers who want that added credibility.

A carrier owns its own trucks and employs its own crews — they perform your move directly from start to finish. A broker acts as a middleman, connecting you with a third-party carrier from their network. Brokers can offer competitive pricing, but you may not know who will actually move your belongings until close to moving day, and the final price can change from the initial estimate because the broker's quote is non-binding. AmeriSafe Van Lines and Mayzlin Van Lines are direct carriers. MoveSafe Relocation, New Start Relocation, and Safe Ship Moving are brokers.

Long distance moving costs vary based on distance, the size of your home, and the services you need. Generally expect to pay $1,500–$3,000 for a one-bedroom apartment move, $3,000–$6,000 for a two-bedroom, and $5,000–$12,000+ for a three-bedroom or larger home. Safe Ship Moving lists long-distance starting at $1,500. The best approach is to get quotes from at least three companies, compare carefully, and always get your final price in writing before paying a deposit.

The most common issues reported in our reviews include pricing that increases significantly between the estimate and moving day, carriers not being disclosed until close to the move date, and in some cases belongings being held by the carrier until additional payment is made. To protect yourself: always get everything in writing, verify the carrier's USDOT number on the FMCSA website before moving day, pay by credit card rather than cash or wire transfer, understand your cancellation window, and document your inventory with photos before the move begins.

Safe Ship Moving and AmeriSafe Van Lines both offer dedicated military moving services. Safe Ship Moving has specific experience with military relocations and has a team available year-round for service members and their families. AmeriSafe Van Lines also accommodates military moves with its full-service carrier operation and flexible scheduling. Both companies have received positive reviews from military families who specifically mentioned smooth coordination with tight PCS timelines.

Get at least three quotes and compare them carefully. Be completely accurate about your inventory — underreporting items to get a lower initial estimate is the most common cause of dramatic price increases on moving day. Book early, especially during peak moving months (May through September). Ask each company whether their estimate is binding or non-binding. A binding estimate locks in your price regardless of actual weight; a non-binding estimate can increase. Moving mid-week or mid-month is often cheaper than weekends or end-of-month dates.

A binding estimate is a guaranteed price — you pay exactly what was quoted regardless of the actual weight of your shipment. A non-binding estimate is an approximation based on your inventory, and the final price can be higher or lower depending on actual weight and any additional services used. A binding not-to-exceed estimate is the best option for most customers — your price cannot go above the estimate but can go lower if the actual weight is less. Always ask specifically which type of estimate you are being given and get it in writing.

For moves during peak season (May through September), book at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance. For off-peak moves (October through April), 3 to 4 weeks is usually sufficient. Last-minute moves are possible — Safe Ship Moving specifically accommodates short-notice relocations — but your options will be more limited and pricing may be higher. If you have a firm move-out date, booking early gives you the most options and the best pricing.

For a full cross-country move, AmeriSafe Van Lines is our top recommendation based on its 4.8-star rating and consistent reviews praising professional crews, careful packing, and transparent pricing on long routes. Mayzlin Van Lines at 4.7 stars is also an excellent choice and has received strong reviews for interstate moves. Both are direct carriers, which means they control the entire process from pickup to delivery — an important advantage on long-haul routes where broker hand-offs can cause communication gaps.

Yes. All five companies reviewed on this page offer full or partial packing services through their own crews or carrier partners. Full-service packing means the movers pack every item in your home. Partial packing means you pack most items yourself and the movers handle fragile or specialty items. Full packing adds cost but provides greater protection for your belongings and is typically covered by the company's valuation protection. If you have valuable or breakable items, professional packing is strongly recommended.

Moving valuation protection is not insurance — it is the level of liability your mover accepts for your belongings. Released value protection is the basic coverage included at no cost, but it only covers 60 cents per pound per item, which is far below the actual value of most belongings. Full value protection covers repair, replacement, or cash settlement at current market value and is highly recommended for any long-distance move. You can also purchase additional third-party moving insurance for complete peace of mind. Always ask the company what coverage is included in your quote.

Tracking availability varies by company. Direct carriers like AmeriSafe Van Lines and Mayzlin Van Lines typically have more visibility into shipment location because they control the entire operation. With brokers, your tracking ability depends on the carrier assigned to your move. When booking, ask specifically whether you will receive real-time tracking, estimated delivery windows, or regular check-in calls during transit. Many of our positive reviews mention coordinators who proactively sent updates throughout the move without needing to be asked.

If items are damaged, document everything immediately with photos and notify the moving company in writing as soon as possible. File a claim according to the timeline in your contract — most companies require claims within 9 months of delivery. If you used a broker and the damage was caused by the carrier, you may need to deal with both companies. Several reviews on this site mention Safe Ship Moving's escalation team as helpful in advocating for customers with damage claims. Choosing a company with full valuation protection and a responsive customer service team is the best way to ensure a fair outcome.

Renting a truck is almost always cheaper upfront, but the total cost is closer than it appears once you factor in fuel, mileage, truck rental fees, lodging during a multi-day drive, and the physical labor and risk. For a cross-country move, a truck rental for a large home can cost $2,000–$5,000 or more in direct costs, not counting your time. For many people — especially those moving long distances with large households — a professional moving company delivers comparable or better value when the full picture is considered. Several customers in our reviews specifically mention choosing Safe Ship or AmeriSafe after pricing a DIY move and finding the gap smaller than expected.

Confirm your move date, time window, and coordinator contact at least 48 hours before moving day. Create a detailed inventory of everything being moved and photograph valuables before packing. Disassemble large furniture in advance if possible. Keep essential items — medications, documents, phone chargers, a change of clothes — in a separate bag you carry yourself. Make sure parking is cleared for the moving truck at both locations. Have payment ready in the method required by your contract. Do a final walkthrough of every room, closet, and cabinet before the truck leaves.

Yes, most full-service moving companies can move specialty items, but these typically require additional charges and advance notice. Pianos, safes, pool tables, antiques, and fine art all require specialized handling and may need custom crating. When getting your quote, specifically list any specialty items so the company can price accordingly and ensure the right equipment and crew are assigned. Failing to disclose specialty items is a common reason for unexpected charges on moving day.

Yes. All five companies on this page offer storage solutions for customers who need their belongings held between move-out and move-in dates. Storage-in-transit means your items stay on the truck or in a company warehouse until your new home is ready. Permanent storage is available for longer-term needs. Most companies offer 30 days free or low-cost storage-in-transit, with monthly fees after that. Confirm the storage facility's security and climate control conditions — important for electronics, wood furniture, and artwork.

Every legitimate interstate moving company or broker must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can verify any company's USDOT number and check their safety rating and complaint history at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. Legitimate movers will always provide a written estimate, a copy of the FMCSA's "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move" booklet, and a bill of lading before loading your belongings. Red flags include companies that demand large cash deposits upfront, refuse to do an in-person or video inventory, or cannot provide a USDOT number.

Peak moving season runs from late May through early September, with the absolute busiest weeks around Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day. During peak season expect prices to be 20–40% higher than off-peak months, and availability fills up fast. If you have flexibility in your timing, moving between October and April — especially mid-week and mid-month — will typically get you the best pricing and more attentive service since crews are less stretched. End-of-month dates are always the busiest since most leases expire then.

Cancellation policies vary by company. Most moving brokers offer a full refund if you cancel within 72 hours of signing the contract. After that window closes, deposits are typically non-refundable or subject to a cancellation fee. Direct carriers often have more flexible cancellation policies. Always read the cancellation clause in your contract before signing. If you think your plans might change, ask specifically about the cancellation window and what fees apply before paying any deposit.

Tipping is not required but is widely considered good practice for a job well done. For a local move, $20–$30 per mover is a common tip for a full day of work. For a long-distance move, $50–$100 per mover is a reasonable guideline depending on the size and difficulty of the job. Tip the crew at destination rather than origin if they are different crews, since the delivery crew often works just as hard. If the crew went above and beyond — carrying heavy items up multiple flights, working in extreme heat, or finishing significantly ahead of schedule — a larger tip is always appreciated.

Based on our review analysis, AmeriSafe Van Lines receives the most consistent praise for pricing transparency — customers frequently mention that the final charge matched or was very close to the initial quote. Mayzlin Van Lines also scores well for transparent pricing. Among the brokers, MoveSafe Relocation receives positive mentions for coordinator transparency during booking, though some customers report price adjustments. New Start Relocation and Safe Ship Moving have more mixed feedback on pricing, with some customers reporting significant gaps between the initial estimate and final delivery charge.