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5 Best Interstate Moving Companies of 2023
By Joan Pabón MONEY RESEARCH COLLECTIVE
Residential, commercial, auto, interstate
Storage, packing, unpacking
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Residential, commercial, auto, interstate
Storage, re-delivery, packing, unpacking, online tracking
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Long distance, interstate, residential, commercial
Boxes, storage, packing, and special services such as piano, fine art, and pool table moving, among others
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Local, long-distance, commercial
Packing, storage, piano moving
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Residential, corporate, government/military
Full-service packing and unpacking, disassembly and reassembly, auto transportation, and storage in route
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There are a lot of factors to consider when it comes to choosing the best interstate movers, from picking the right type of moving company to deciding between a full-service or DIY move. Depending on your needs, you may also want to verify if the moving specialist offers shipment tracking, different coverage options for your belongings and additional services such as storage, unpacking and debris removal.
Whether you’re planning an interstate or cross-country move, one of the most important things you should do is research your mover and understand the kinds of services it’s licensed to offer. With this in mind, we review some of the interstate movers we think are a step above the rest, and answer some frequently asked questions about moving.
Our top picks for the best interstate moving companies
- Best for Customer Satisfaction: Atlas Van Lines
- Best Protection Plan Options: Mayflower
- Best for Cross-Country and International Moves: United Van Lines
- Best for Customizable Full-Service Moves: North American Moving Services
- Best for DIY Moves: PODS
Best Interstate Moving Companies Reviews
Best for Customer Satisfaction: Atlas Van Lines
Why we chose it: Atlas Van Lines has one of the largest moving fleets among the companies we have surveyed, yet has fewer complaints than most carriers and brokers. The company specializes in interstate and local moving but also provides international moving services through its network of over 300 global partners. As a full-service mover, it offers packing, unpacking, auto transport, storage, tracking and full-value protection plans.
- Large fleet and a low number of complaints compared to other carriers
- Full-service carrier equipped for all types of moves
- Offers storage, auto transport, tracking and full-value protection
- Discounts for AAA members
- Customer service ratings and number of agents vary by location
| Moving services | Local, long-distance, international, residential, corporate relocation, military, government, auto transport |
| Shipment tracking | Yes |
| U.S. DOT # | 125550 |
| Fleet Size | 1590 trucks |
| FMCSA Complaints in 2022 | 13, mostly pickup/delivery-related |
Prospective customers planning a long-distance or interstate move can obtain a quote from Atlas either online or over the phone. The quote will be based on the approximate weight of the items being moved and the distance they will travel. A precise estimate will require a home survey, which can be carried out virtually or in person.
Atlas offers only the required minimum of damage protection: 60 cents per pound for all items. Customers who want additional coverage may purchase a full-value protection plan. While it isn’t insurance coverage per se, full-value plans guarantee the repair or replacement of lost, stolen or damaged belongings. Clients also can track their shipment, see the status of their order, file claims and meet their professional van operator through the Atlas Customer Portal.
Pricing & Discounts
Again, pricing will depend on the size and distance of the move as well as the additional services and protection plans purchased, if any. Those moving on a budget will be glad to know that Atlas offers discounted moving packages and allows customers to choose between binding and non-binding estimates. With a binding estimate, the cost of the move is guaranteed not to increase. As for discounts, AAA members get full-value protection on interstate moves at no extra cost. Atlas doesn’t require a deposit and allows customers to pay at origin or at destination.
Reputation
Atlas Van Lines is licensed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and is a member of the American Trucking Associations (ATA). Its latest safety rating with the FMCSA is satisfactory, and the company received just 13 complaints the previous year, mostly due to issues with pickup and delivery and shipment documents. Nevertheless, Atlas has very few complaints compared to other moving brokers, especially considering the size of its moving fleet (3,271 trucks, tractors and trailers). The company also has an A+ rating from Better Business Bureau (BBB) and frequently responds to customer complaints.
Best Protection Plan Options: Mayflower
Why we chose it: Mayflower is another moving carrier and broker with a large fleet and a very low number of FMCSA complaints over the past year. It offers full-service moving packages for local, long-distance and international moves, car transportation, storage services, removal of packing debris, shipment tracking and several full-value protection plans to choose from.
- Customizable full-value protection plans
- Low number of complaints and a large fleet
- Offers full-service packages and added services
- Number of local agents and service ratings vary by region
| Moving services | Local, long-distance, international, residential, military, corporate relocation, auto transport |
| Shipment tracking | Yes |
| U.S. DOT # | 125563 |
| Fleet Size | 878 trucks |
| FMCSA Complaints in 2022 | 13, mostly loss/damage-related |
While most moving companies offer only the legally-required minimum of liability protection (60 cents per pound), Mayflower’s standard coverage affords protection at $6 per pound. This basic full-value protection plan is included in every initial quote but may be waived at the customer’s request. On the flip side, those with belongings exceeding the $6 per pound coverage limit may complete a High-Value Inventory form to receive up to the item’s replacement value in the event of loss or damage. The more coverage you request, the more protection will cost.
Mayflower customers can declare a higher value than the basic amount of the full-value protection plan, for an additional charge, at any time before the shipment is loaded. Additionally, those who opt for a moving package may also select one or several waiver options, including repair or replacement of pairs or sets of items, mechanical equipment malfunctioning due to mishandling and items damaged by a natural disaster. Other options include up to $250 in compensation for every day the pickup or delivery is delayed, and up to four additional hours of wait time if you’re not ready to receive your items upon delivery.
Pricing & Discounts
Mayflower does a thorough job of explaining the factors that affect your moving quote — including the weight of the shipment, the distance, the size of the home and the season during which you are moving. While you can request a quote online and get an idea of the price you could pay based on the distance of your move and the size of your home, the actual cost will depend on a survey of your belongings. Surveys can be carried out in person or virtually via Mayflower’s dedicated app. The company doesn’t require a deposit to book a move but will charge for its services before the shipment is unloaded at its destination, as per federal regulations.
Reputation
Despite having 878 moving trucks, Mayflower received a total of just 13 complaints in 2022, mostly regarding pickup and delivery issues. The company is registered as Aero Mayflower Transit Co. with the FMCSA and has a satisfactory safety rating. Mayflower doesn’t have a profile with the Better Business Bureau or on other online review platforms, but its parent company UniGroup is a BBB-accredited business with an A+ rating and it regularly responds to customer complaints on that platform.
Best for Cross-Country & International Moves: United Van Lines
Why we chose it: United Van Lines is another agent-owned full-service mover specializing in local, long-distance and international moves. It has the largest fleet of moving vehicles out of any of its competitors and offers additional services that some other companies do not, including furniture placement, custom crating for fragile items and convenience services — cleaning, home theater and PC setup, and disassembly/reassembly of standard bed frames — for smaller moves.
- Largest moving fleet out of all of its competitors
- Relatively low number of complaints over the past year
- Offers moving packages and convenience services for small moves
- Your shipment may be loaded on the same truck as someone else's
| Moving services | Long-distance, local, international, military, car shipping |
| Shipment tracking | Yes |
| U.S. DOT # | 77949 |
| Fleet Size | 2157 trucks |
| FMCSA Complaints in 2022 | 30, mostly related to loss/damage and pickup/delivery issues |
Depending on where you live and your destination, an interstate move may not exceed 100 miles. But when you’re moving thousands of miles away, across the country or even across the Canadian border, you may want to opt for a moving carrier with a large enough fleet to provide the service you need without outsourcing your move to a company you haven’t vetted. United Van Lines operates as a freight forwarder, coordinating moves through a network of over 500 movers across North America, Europe and Asia, and its moving fleet is the largest out of any company we have reviewed. Shipment tracking is available on the company’s website and through its mobile app.
United Van Lines and Mayflower are owned by the same parent company, offering the same services across the board. United sells several full-service moving packages that you can customize by adding packing and unpacking, storage, debris removal, convenience services for small apartments or condos and even assembly of standard items like bed frames. The company includes its full-value protection plan with every initial quote, but customers may waive this option and keep the minimum valuation option required by law (60 cents per pound) or increase coverage for a higher price.
Pricing & Discounts
United provides binding and non-binding estimates. If you receive a non-binding estimate, the cost of your move will partly depend on the weight of the shipment after it is loaded. Like other companies on this list, United doesn’t require a deposit or upfront payment — if you put a credit card on record, the company will place a hold on the funds after your shipment has been loaded. Storage, delivery, full-service moving packages, full-value protection plans and added waivers all increase the cost of the move.
Reputation
Despite having one of the largest fleets in the industry, United Van Lines has received a moderate number of FMCSA complaints over the past year, mostly due to loss/damage and pickup/delivery issues. The company has a 2.9 out of 5 rating on Trustpilot.com, but that average rating is based on only 2 reviews. United Van Lines is not BBB-accredited but has an A+ rating with the organization. UniGroup, United’s parent company, is accredited with the BBB, holds an A+ rating and regularly responds to customer complaints on the platform.
Best for Customizable Full-Service Moves: North American Moving Services
Why we chose it: North American Moving Services, also known as North American Van Lines, offers some of the more affordable interstate moving services out of the companies we reviewed. It’s also the rare company that allows customers to choose the type of packing service they would like to purchase, allowing for greater flexibility and potential savings.
- Offers 24/7 customer service
- Features moving resources, including a packing calculator
- Allows customers to choose between full-service, fragile-only and self-packing
- Offers installation and assembly of furniture and appliances
- Doesn't offer ballpark quotes online
- Website doesn't provide much information
| Moving services | Long-distance, corporate, international, auto transport |
| Shipment tracking | Yes |
| U.S. DOT # | 70851 |
| Fleet Size | 391 trucks |
| FMCSA Complaints in 2022 | 16, mostly related to loss/damage and pickup/delivery issues |
North American Moving Services is the only full-service mover on our list that offers installation and assembly of furniture and appliances, and also allows customers to select between full-service, fragile-only and self-service packing. And customers who choose to do their own packing can still get advice on the type and quantity of boxes and packing supplies needed.
While North American’s website doesn’t provide much detail regarding its services, it prominently features moving resources that could be helpful in planning and organizing a move. It advertises 24/7 customer support and provides shipment tracking and vehicle transportation services. North American does not offer full-value protection plans. Still, it extends a transit protection plan for international moves that covers household goods and motor vehicles for 90 days at origin and destination.
Pricing & Discounts
North American has few details on its site regarding shipment pricing. However, it states that customers may inquire about bottom-line pricing (a guaranteed price), not-to-exceed pricing (where your cost could be lower than the estimate but never higher) and a combination of guaranteed pricing and separate service costs. Prospective customers cannot get a ballpark quote through North American’s website, they must speak with an agent to get an idea of what they’ll pay.
Reputation
North American is registered with the FMCSA as North American Van Lines. It has a satisfactory safety rating and its complaint history is on par with the other top companies we’ve reviewed. Most FMCSA complaints are about pickup and delivery issues and item loss or damage. On Trustpilot.com, North American Van Lines has a poor 2.4 out of 5 rating, but that raiting is based on only six reviews. North American is accredited by the BBB and has an A+ rating. It has a 1.5/5 customer service score based on 27 reviews. The company responds to customer complaints on this platform.
Best for DIY Moves: PODS
Why we chose it: PODS is a well-known name in the moving container industry. While it doesn’t offer full-service moving, it allows customers to pack and unpack at their leisure and easily keep their belongings in storage at either a facility or at home. PODS also advertises a pay-as-you-go model, breaking payments into three comfortable installments.
- Offers month-to-month container rental
- Containers may be transported locally or long-distance
- No deposit or advance payment required
- Protection plans available
- Doesn't offer full-service moving
- Doesn't transport cars or motor vehicles
- Website doesn't provide a lot of information
| Moving services | Moving container rental and transportation |
| Shipment tracking | No |
| U.S. DOT # | 1397252 |
| Fleet Size | N/A |
| FMCSA Complaints in 2022 | N/A |
PODS, which stands for Portable On Demand Storage, is not a full-service moving company but does offer local and cross-country moving services. The company rents portable storage containers of different sizes — 8, 12 or 16 feet — that can be filled up by the customer at their own pace and then picked up and delivered to a storage facility or the customer’s selected location. Since containers can be rented by the month, you can take as much time as you need to pack your belongings; just make sure to account for moving time if you only want to pay for the month of the service.
PODS moving containers are weather- and impact-resistant, have rolling doors and provide ground-level access. This last feature can be especially attractive for those with injuries or mobility issues. If you need help packing or loading your belongings, PODS can recommend full-service local movers.
If you load the container yourself, make sure to pick one with the right dimensions for the size of your move, don’t skimp on packing materials and distribute the weight of your items evenly to avoid accidents. While PODS offers a protection plan that covers the container and its contents, it will not cover prohibited items such as money, jewelry, furs, firearms, computer software and other invaluable or irreplaceable items.
Pricing & Discounts
PODS advertises a pay-as-you-go model. This means you won’t be charged upfront for the service but in installments at each stage of the move. Unlike full-service movers, PODS doesn’t charge by weight but by the size of the container and the length of time you’re renting it. The company charges a transportation fee, but delivery and pickup charges may be waived depending on the length of your rental. If you don’t have a new address yet, you can opt to house all or part of your belongings in a secured storage facility (storage prices start at $149/month). Delivering the shipment to a different address than the one you originally provided will entail an additional charge.
Reputation
PODS is registered as a moving carrier and broker with the FMCSA, but only one of its locations has a safety rating. No complaint data is available for PODS or Portable On Demand Storage. The company is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau but has an A+ rating and no customer reviews. On Trustpilot.com, it has a 3.8/5 rating, with over 63% of reviewers claiming excellent service. It’s also worth noting that most reviewers recommend booking PODS’ services well before the move date, to avoid having to search for other last-minute options. That could be because the company has a relatively modest number of moving trucks, and in select locations.
Other companies we considered
U-Pack
U-Pack is another moving container alternative, but one that’s more limited in the scope of its services. It will only accept service requests for moves of over 100 miles, so those traveling interstate but over a shorter distance — say, from Boston to New Hampshire — may have to look for a long-distance moving company that also does local or short-distance moves. Since it’s registered as a freight forwarding company with no fleet of its own, it doesn’t have an FMCSA safety rating.
- Offers long-distance moving services at affordable rates
- Services all types of customers
- Requires a minimum mileage for moves (100+ miles)
- Doesn't offer full-service moving
Allied Van Lines
Allied Van Lines is a well-known full-service carrier and broker with a fleet of over a thousand vehicles. It offers many of the same services as other companies on this list but has slightly more complaints than those competitors with the FMCSA (32). Most of these complaints deal with loss and damage or issues with the company’s claim settlement. Ten complaints filed against the company in 2022 were due to deceptive business practices.
- Full-service interstate mover with a large fleet
- Offers GPS shipment tracking
- Over 88 years of experience
- Higher number of FMCSA complaints
- Few service details on their website (45)
International Van Lines
International Van Lines (IVL) is yet another long-distance full-service mover. Its main location in Coral Springs Florida is registered with the FMCSA as a carrier with only 20 vehicles. It does not have a safety rating, but in 2022 it was the subject of just two complaints — the lowest number out of any company on this list.
- Offers long-distance moving services at affordable rates
- Services all types of customers
- Highest number of complaints than any company (57)
- FMCSA-registered locations have small fleets (8-20 trucks)
Interstate moving companies FAQ
What is the most reputable moving company?
While there are dishonest companies in the moving industry, plenty of other reputable carriers and brokers offer legitimate services. Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a consumer can help you spot red flags in the moving process.
Reputable movers and brokers have the following in common:
- Are registered with the FMCSA
- Show their USDOT number on their website or advertisements
- Explain whether they are brokers who arrange transportation or actual movers
- Provide signed and dated written estimates detailing moving charges
- Provide an order of service that includes pickup, delivery and carrier details
- Prepare a bill of landing for the shipment that matches the order of service
- Carry out an inventory of your items, and you both sign each page
- Include a statement notifying you of your liability coverage options
- List their local address and information on their website
Be aware that interstate movers typically offer free quotes, but these are generally ballpark quotes based on distance and the size of your home. Actual estimates require a survey of your property, whether virtually or in person. Estimates may be binding or non-binding, but the carrier or broker must tell you which kind it is.
According to the FMCSA, binding estimates guarantee that you cannot be required to pay more than what was quoted in your estimate. Under non-binding estimates, you cannot be required to pay more than 110% of the original estimate upon delivery, and the mover must weigh your shipment — sometimes more than once — and provide you with weight tickets each time.
Do not sign blank or incomplete estimates and make sure the moving company signs and dates the estimate accordingly.
What is the cheapest way to move across state lines?
The absolute cheapest way to move across state lines is to carry out the move yourself without professional assistance. That means doing all the packing, unpacking and driving. You may be able to do this by decluttering as much as possible to fit all of your belongings in your vehicle and avoid additional trips, recruiting the help of family and friends or renting a moving truck or portable storage container.
How can I save money on an interstate move?
There are several things you can do to keep your costs as low as possible when moving across state lines:
- Declutter and donate some of your belongings to reduce costs
- Clean out your fridge and pantry to leave out perishables and heavy items
- Recruit friends and family to help you pack, unpack or transport items
- Avoid peak moving season (May to late September)
- Move in the middle of the month and on a weekday to avoid high demand
- Opt for a DIY move by renting a moving truck or moving container
- Only purchase added services and protection plans if you need them
- Compare quotes from different moving companies to get the lowest price
What are the benefits of hiring a professional interstate moving company?
The main benefit of hiring professional movers is convenience. Having an experienced professional coordinate and carry out the move can save you time and energy and help you avoid unnecessary stress and potential injuries. Many interstate movers also offer additional services — like packing services and debris/garbage removal — that could lend to a more convenient moving experience.
What are the best moving companies that offer international shipping?
Several of our top picks for the best interstate movers also offer international shipping services, including Atlas Van Lines, Mayflower, United Van Lines, North American Moving Services and JK Moving Services.
Bear in mind that, for international moves, the moving company will likely act as a broker. This means it will coordinate with other shipping and moving companies abroad to get your belongings to their final destination. Moving brokers must also be registered with the FMCSA, so perform a background check before contracting for their services.
What is not allowed in an interstate moving container?
Interstate moving companies typically provide lists of prohibited and restricted items. Most companies will not transport hazardous, flammable or corrosive materials such as gas and oil products, explosives, gunpowder and ammunition, cleaners, poison, car batteries, etc. They also do not transport illegal substances or items, plants or live animals.
Other items like unloaded firearms, alcoholic beverages, power tools and certain types of batteries may be transported if you have provided the company with written notice in advance. Nevertheless, any claims related to restricted items may be denied.
How do moving companies calculate the cost?
Most interstate movers estimate the cost of your move based on the distance of the move, the size of your home and the weight and/or volume of your belongings. This means that in order to provide you with an accurate quote, your mover must carry out an assessment of your items. Some companies allow virtual assessments, while others will require an in-home visit. If the company offers non-binding estimates, your items must be weighed on moving day and you won't know the final cost until that time.
Other factors that affect the cost of a move include:
- The date of your move (peak moving season is from May to September)
- Add-on services and protection plans you purchase
- Short or long-term storage costs, if applicable
What increases your interstate move's cost?
Besides the distance of the move and the amount and weight of your belongings, moving costs may also increase depending on any additional services you purchase, such as packing and unpacking, storage, debris removal, item assembly and installation and vehicle transportation services. Opting for an additional protection plan like full-value item coverage will also increase the total cost of your move.
How we found the best interstate moving companies
To find the best interstate moving companies, we looked at the following criteria:
- FMCSA registration, safety ratings and complaints: Interstate movers must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Administration, which regulates and oversees the safety of commercial motor vehicles. The best interstate movers are registered with the FMCSA, have satisfactory safety ratings and have few complaints compared to other carriers and relative to the size of their fleet.
- Online customer reviews: While it can be difficult to ascertain the reputability of a company based on online customer reviews alone, this feedback can still be useful for prospective clients. Companies that engage with customers and respond to their complaints demonstrate a higher level of customer care and may be more responsive in the event of a claim.
- Type and scope of services: We prioritized well-established interstate movers offering various services, from packing and unpacking to storage and shipment tracking. We also looked for movers that offer full-value item protection plans for those who want to ensure the safe arrival of valuable belongings.
- Transparent pricing: We picked companies that offer binding estimates, flat fees, customizable moving packages and discounts. This is especially important for those moving on a budget or simply wanting to avoid surprises down the road.
Summary of the best interstate moving companies of 2023
- Best for Customer Satisfaction: Atlas Van Lines
- Best Protection Plan Options: Mayflower
- Best for Cross-Country and International Moves: United Van Lines
- Best for Customizable Full-Service Moves: North American Moving Services
- Best for DIY Moves: PODS
Joan is a professional translator, writer and editor with a special interest in personal finance and insurance topics. She has been a contributing author and independent researcher at ConsumersAdvocate.org since 2017 and an editor at Money since 2019. Her work has been featured in MSN Money and Apple News.