Compare Best Moving Company – Updated on September 16, 2024.
Best Overall Long Distance Mover: American Van Lines
Talk to a Moving Consultant
Get a Free Quote
Why it made our list:
Founded in 1995, American Van Lines (AVL) is widely regarded as one of the best moving companies on the market. The family owned and operated business is home to movers who are well trained to work under pressure and alleviate stress on you during the moving process. With great values and an intense focus on excellent customer service, it comes as no surprise that so many people turn to AVL for long distance moving help.
While many moving companies in the industry are really a combination of moving brokers and actual movers, American Van Lines is unique in the sense that it is simply a nationwide moving company. With services such as nationwide long distance moving, local moving and storage is select areas of Florida, North Carolina and Texas, crating services and even auto shipment, American Van Lines is one of the few full service long distance moving companies that has no weaknesses.
Why it stands out from other long-distance movers:
Flat-Rate Pricing and Binding Estimates
With American Van Lines, you won’t have to worry about having to pay a completely different amount that what you were originally quoted. AVL takes a complete inventory of your belongings, factors in the distance of your move, weight of your shipment and the amount of time it will take to complete your move.
Experienced, Professional Movers
Winner of Newsweek Magazine’s 2019 – 2021 – 2022 – 2023 “America’s Best Customer Service” award, American Van Lines has been regarded as one of the best long distance moving company around by so many due in great part to its hard working moving experts and stellar customer service team. If you were to read reviews from moving companies all over the country, you will find that people just like yourself value movers who pay close attention to the details of their move greatly.
Best for Interstate Moves: International Van Lines
Talk to a Moving Consultant
Get your Free Estimate
Why it made our list:
With over 20 years’ experience in the moving industry, International Van Lines is thought of as one of the industry leaders in the moving business. With over 20,000+ moves annually and service to over 150 countries, no matter the distance of your upcoming move, you can rest assured that IVL has executed a similar job and is ready to meet the needs of your move. Also, with a 98% customer approval rating, not only is IVL equipped to handle your long-distance move, but they also boast of a proven track record of satisfaction.
While well-resourced and equipped to handle any long-distance move, the reason why IVL made our list is their specialty in corporate and international moves. With air freight service all over the globe, IVL has the relationships and the resources to execute your international move in the most cost-effective way possible. If your job is taking you not only cross-country, but into a new country, be sure to take a look at IVL to execute your job at the highest level possible.
Why it stands out from other interstate movers:
Award Winning
International Van Lines is both a high-volume and awarded moving partner. With over 1 million families moved and a move.com #1 International and Domestic Mover award winner since 2019, IVL is a trusted partner that you can count on to handle any job, no matter the distance. If you have a long-distance move in your future, you can rest assured that IVL has executed a similar job and is well-equipped to get you to your new home, no matter the location.
Countries Serviced
With over 150 countries that IVL offers freight service to, they are uniquely positioned to execute international moves. Not only can you take comfort in the fact that they have moved people in a similar situation to you and your move, but there is also power in having relationships with air freight in countries all over the world. If you are moving internationally and the air freight doesn’t fit your budget, having a company with a previous relationship can benefit you and your move.
Best for Same State Moves: Allied Van Lines
Talk to a Moving Consultant
Get your Free Estimate
Why it made our list:
Much like the other long distance moving companies on our list, Allied Van Lines has a lot of good to offer its customers. According to their website, in the last 15 years, the company has completed more than 750,000 moves with an alarming 96% satisfaction rate. As one of the best removal companies in the country, Allied Van Lines has the versatility, experience and well-trained professionals to make any move a success.
From household and long distance moving to corporate and international relocation, Allied is known for providing affordable moving services without sacrificing quality. With one of the largest moving networks in the world, it has the ability to connect you to quality movers no matter where you are or what your moving needs may be.
Why it stands out from other long-distance movers:
24-hour customer service
Anyone who has moved a few times in their life can tell you that there can be a lot of frustration from moving companies. Imagine, giving all of your most prized possessions to complete strangers to move across the country and not being able to reach them. Sure, a lot of things can happen during the moving process that can stress you out. From a mechanical issues with one of the moving trucks to adverse weather conditions in another part of the country, there are countless things that can delay your move. However, with a company like Allied Van Lines, you won’t ever have to guess about the status of your move. A quality 24-hour customer service team will be standing by to answer any questions you may have.
Quality Moving Services
While some distance movers are experts in a certain kind of move, Allied Van Lines features professional movers who can do it all. If you’re looking for a company that is great at corporate relocation, Allied will transport your employees across the country in a timely and efficient manner – so that your business continues to operate as expected. Or maybe you’re looking to explore life in another country and need long distance moving help. At Allied, international moving comes easy with a well-versed network of hardworking professionals who absolutely love their jobs. From shipment tracking tools to claims forms and insurance, Allied makes everything simple.
Best for Moving to Another Country: New World Van Lines
Talk to a Moving Consultant
Get your Free Estimate
Why it made our list:
New World Van Lines markets itself as “the professional mover… with the personal touch”. After researching dozens of long distance moving companies, we quickly found that their slogan is very accurate based on the way they do business. Based in Chicago, Illinois, with locations all over the country, New World operates like a family based company that greatly values its employees and customers.
With over 100 years (yes, 100 years) of experience in the field, New World has made a name for itself as one of the best long haul moving companies in the country. Regardless of whether you’re looking for corporate moving help to relocate an employee to another state or you’re in need of a long term storage option until you find a new place, this is the company that will have all of the right answers for you and your family.
Why it stands out from other long-distance movers:
Exceptional Variety
We teased you a bit by mentioning the different kinds of services offered by New World Van Lines. Let’s dive a bit deeper into their elaborate moving menu. When most people think about long distance moving, they envision relocating to another state or even to the other side of the country. However, for thousands of people each year, moving internationally is a reality that can be overwhelming. With a company like New World Van Lines, facing the challenges of international moving instantly becomes easier. As one of the few long distance moving companies that specializes in international moving, New World stands out effortlessly.
Not Your Average Mover
With their logistics management team, New World offers services to customers looking to move critical freight shipments, specialized equipment, or household goods. Their forward-thinking attitude and unique services make them stand out from the competition. With locations in Georgia, Massachusetts, Illinois, Ohio, Texas, New Jersey, California and The Netherlands, their reach is literally world-wide, making them easily accessible for all of your moving needs.
Best for Commercial Moves: South Hills Movers
Talk to a Moving Consultant
Get your Free Estimate
Why it made our list:
When making a long distance move, it’s not strange to see offers and pitches from moving companies all over the country. In a saturated market, it can be difficult for customers to find the best removal companies from the bunch. Luckily, we are here to do it for you. With South Hills Movers, you will start the process with free long distance moving estimates and end with a satisfied moving experience.
Unlike some of the other long distance movers in the industry, the team at South Hills Movers won’t treat you like just another customer. Their hands-on, personalized service is what makes them a customer favorite.
Why it stands out from other long-distance movers:
Time Is Money
While no moving company wants to experience delays or be late, South Hills Movers is a long distance moving company that places great emphasis on efficiency. For decades, long distance moving companies have been regarded as problematic dur to the high amount of damages and delays that customers can experience. However, with a team of hardworking and well-trained movers, the South Hills moving crew is designed to take all aspects of your move into account and consider all possible pitfalls to avoid mistakes.
All About Storage
Yes, for some people, the moving process simply means getting their belongings from Point A to Point B. However, for others, it’s not always that simple. If you are one of the thousands of people yearly who need of a short or long term storage option before completing your move, look no further than South Hills Movers. With five full-service warehouses with a combined capacity of 100,000 square feet of storage space, to say there’s room for your belongings is an understatement. With state-of-the-art storage facilities around the country, you can rest assured that your most prized possessions will be in great hands. When you work with long distance movers who can also offer storage help, it gives you one less thing to worry about.
Best for Corporate Moves: Joyce Van Lines
Talk to a Moving Consultant
Get your Free Estimate
Why it made our list:
Joyce Van Lines is that moving company that can take care of your moving needs – no matter what they are. As one of the elite long distance moving companies out there, Joyce Van Lines has the ability to take on anything from an interstate move to a military moving request. In addition to its versatility, it is also one of the more affordable distance movers in the country. If you think all full service long distance moving companies will cost you more than you bargained for, Joyce Van Lines is a beautiful exception to the rule.
Why it stands out from other long-distance movers:
Customer Service Always Matters
In addition to affordable rates, Joyce Van Lines is one of the best long distance movers because of its stellar customer service team. It is often said that good customer service is hard to find. Well, when it comes to moving, which can be one of the most stressful things ever, hiring a company with excellent customer service can make all the difference in the world. With the knowledgeable team at Joyce, you will get all of the answers you want and timely updates on your move without having to ask. So, if you’re looking to move long distance with a company that will work tirelessly to minimize your stress, Joyce Van Lines is certainly the way to go.
Attention to Detail
Having long distance movers who pay attention to the details that matter can mean the difference between a timely, excellent move and one that’s delayed and forgettable. From making sure your floors are covered in plastic and your door jams are protected to carefully scanning your inventory list to make sure everything is accounted for; Joyce Van Lines will do it all. With years of quality moves under their belt, they have the experience needed to complete your moving process without any major hiccups.
Helpful information about moving
The primary responsibility for protecting your move lies with you in selecting a reputable household goods mover, and making sure you understand the terms and conditions of your contract and the remedies that are available to you in case problems arise
These Federal rules apply only to interstate moving companies. Local or intrastate movers are governed by the rules in their respective states. Each potential moving customer must receive these six items from any moving company that provides a quote:
- A written estimate.
- The “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet.
- The “Ready to Move” brochure.
- Information about the mover’s arbitration program.
- Written notice about access to the mover’s tariff sheet.
- Details about company’s process for handling claims.
If you need help finding the right interstate mover, please visit our list of the five best interstate moving companies of 2024, we analyzed dozens of movers and then pared them down to the top five in the country based on customer service, pricing, flexibility and coverage.
Four Areas of Focus: Estimates, Liability, Paperwork & Transportation
- Estimates. Two types of estimates are covered in the “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” booklet, binding and non-binding. A binding estimate (for which moving companies can charge) “guarantees that you cannot be required to pay more than the amount on the estimate.” A free non-binding estimate “is intended to provide you with an estimate of the cost of your move.”
- Liability. The cheaper option for you is “partial replacement value,” where the carrier pays just 60 cents per pound for damaged items. You also can purchase separate third-party full value insurance for your cargo.
- Paperwork. Five pieces of your paperwork package are particularly important. Your order for service describes the options you have selected, while your inventory lays out which items are included in the bill. The bill of lading represents the actual contract between you and your movers. The freight bill describes the charges for each service. Finally, make sure you have copies of all the weight tickets.
- Shipment transportation. Agree to definite periods for your pick-up and delivery dates. If your mover arrives at your new home early, it’s his responsibility to store your shipment until the agreed-upon delivery time. However, a customer’s request to store goods before delivery will usually result in extra fees. Your mover can weigh your shipment either before delivery or after, and you have a right to be present during weighing.
Choosing the Correct Type of Estimate
One of your first decisions will be which type of estimate to accept. There are two major types of quotes offered by brokers and carriers: Binding and Non-binding.
The type of estimate you select determines how the charges for your shipment will be calculated. A written binding estimate, signed by both shipper and carrier, is an exact price quote. On the other hand, a written non-binding estimate provides the moving company with some leeway in the final price charged.
“Never sign a blank or incomplete estimate. Movers may not require you to sign blank or incomplete estimates. Unscrupulous movers could use the blank or incomplete estimate to change the terms of your move, including the cost, without your knowledge or consent,” according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
What is a Binding Estimate?
A binding estimate guarantees you won’t be required at delivery to pay more than the amount on the estimate. Moving companies can charge you a fee for producing a binding estimate.
Upon agreement with your mover, a binding agreement can be changed before your goods are loaded. For instance, if you add additional items to your order your mover can agree to:
- Abide by the original binding estimate, or;
- Negotiate a new binding estimate, or;
- Convert the binding estimate into a non-binding estimate.
Your mover still can bill you for unforeseen circumstances, such as elevators or long carry, but they must deliver your goods as agreed upon. However, “if you are unable to pay 100 percent of the charges on a binding estimate, your mover may place your shipment in storage at your expense until the required charges (including the cost of the storage) are paid,” the FMCSA says.
What is a Non-binding Estimate?
A non-binding estimate is intended to provide you with an estimate of the cost of your move. It’s not a guarantee of your final costs, but it should be reasonably accurate.
“The estimate must indicate that your final charges will be based upon the actual weight of your shipment, the services provided, and the mover’s published tariff,” FMCSA says. Therefore, the amount of your non-binding estimate may be different than the amount you ultimately must pay.
Under a non-binding estimate, the most you can be required to pay upon delivery is 110% of the original estimate. Any extra charges incurred, such as appliance hook-up or hoisting, can be billed to you 30 days after delivery. “If your mover does not relinquish possession, the mover is holding your shipment hostage in violation of Federal law,” the FMCSA says.
These are only the most popular types of estimates. Moving companies also can provide specialized estimates, such as those based upon a flat rate or containing a not-to-exceed clause. Make sure you ask the carriers you examine to explain their estimates in full.
How Does Your Mover Calculate Your Charges?
Your mover can calculate shipping charges in any fashion, as long as the method is fully described in the mover’s tariff. Tariff sheets, which represent the mover’s price menu, are available from each carrier in our network. Ask to see the tariffs of each company from which you receive a quote.
Four methods of calculation are widely employed: Weight, Cubic feet, distance and hourly. Moving companies that respond to your request for quotes also may offer a combination of methods for calculating your charges, so pay close attention to their individual explanations.
Most long-distance carriers offer you the opportunity to pay by weight. There are two methods for calculating the weight of your shipment, Origin Weight and Back Weight:
Origin weight. Carriers who use origin weight will weigh the vehicle before loading your shipment, then again after loading. The after-loading weight minus the before-loading weight represents the charging amount. Tip: Make sure vehicle gas tanks are full during initial weighing.
Back weight. Carriers who use back weight will weigh the vehicle while it contains only your shipment, then again after unloading. The loaded weight minus the unloaded weight represents the charging amount. Tip: Make sure vehicle gas tanks are empty during unloaded weighing.
It’s the carriers choice of whether to charge by Origin Weight or Back Weight, but the weighing method must be spelled out in your bill of lading.
Avoid Extra Services Charges on Your Move
Make sure you ask your movers for their list of extra service charges. Assessing extra fees is one way movers can rip you off. It’s up to you, however, to explain your moving job completely at the outset so that there are no hidden costs. You might be able to re-work your plan to reduce the need for extra services.
There might be an extra fee associated with your move if your job includes:
- Exclusive use of the vehicle. When only your cargo travels in the vehicle, you’re usually assessed an extra fee.
- Stairs. Unless stipulated, asking your movers to carry cargo up stairs costs extra.
- Long carry. Most carriers define long carry as anything beyond 50-75 feet, and they charge extra for it.
- Appliance servicing. If the movers must disconnect or reconnect your large appliances (such as washer, dryer, dishwasher or refrigerator), there could be an extra fee.
- Elevators. There’s usually a fee for each elevator your movers must negotiate.
- Waiting time. If the movers have to wait for you to arrive before they begin unloading, there could be an extra fee.
- Storage. If your movers must store your belongings before delivery, there could be an extra charge.
- Re-delivery. If you can’t meet the movers when they arrive, re-delivery from a storage center usually costs extra.
- Crating. Form-fitting crates can be fashioned around important items, usually for an extra fee.
- 3rd party servicing. Many larger items (such as grandfather clocks, safes and qym equipment) can require special handling from non-moving professionals, usually for an extra charge.
- Bulky items. Special packing and handling charges also can apply to large items that must be moved, such as kayaks, pool tables and hot tubs.
- Unpacking or disposal. Moving companies usually will charge you and extra fee to unpack your belongings and/or to dispose of used packing materials.
- Split pickup or delivery. Consumers who require pick-up from or delivery to multiple locations usually will face extra fees.
- Rigging, hoisting or lowering. When movers must employ a rope-and-pulley system to move large objects, an extra fee usually is assessed.
Each moving company handles special fees differently. Pay close attention to the fee schedule, and you can save big money — and prevent heartache.