Midland Van Lines
- Best Overall
- Family Owned & Operated
American Van Lines
- Best for Transparent Pricing
- Certified Moving Services
Gentle Giant Moving Company
- Best for Large Moves
- Unique Specialty Services
North American Moving Services
- Best for Long-Distance Moves
- Range of Services
All My Sons Moving
- Best for Full-Service
- Complimentary Furniture Setup
Interstate moves are that much more troublesome because of the long distances to be traversed, the additional responsibility of address changes and updates, and the constant worry of getting scammed of your money. In a scenario like this, it is important to find the best interstate movers who you can depend and rely on. With the market as inundated as it is, we’ve conducted some research and come up with the list of best interstate movers. From accreditation to price transparency, read on to start picking your moving company.
Moving Astute compared more than 20 moving companies and analyzed over 50 estimates to find the best professional interstate moving companies in the United States.
Top 4 Professional Interstate Movers in the U.S.
| Moving Company | American Van Lines | Gentle Giant Moving Company | North American Van Lines | All My Sons Moving |
| Logo | | | | |
| Ratings | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 | 4.6/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Best For | Best for transparent pricing | Best for large moves | Best for long-distance moves | Best for full-service relocation |
| DoT Number | 614506 | 373544 | 070851 | Varies by Location |
| MC Number | 294798 | 218762 | 107012 | Varies by Location |
| Company Type | Carrier | Carrier and Brokerage | Carrier | Carrier |
| Offers Auto Shipping | Yes | Motorcycle Shipping Only | Yes | Yes |
| States Covered | All states covered except AK and HI | NH, RI, NY, DC, NC, WA, CA, PA, FL | All states covered | All states covered except AK and HI |
| Nationwide Availability | Excellent | Great | Great | Great |
| Storage Available | Yes | Yes | Available Locally | Yes |
| Customer Experience and Happiness | Excellent | Excellent | Great | Good |
| Pros | Certified Moving Services Last-minute moves serviced at no extra cost | Good Customer Reviews Unique Specialty Services | WorldTrac® satellite shipment-tracing system Range of Services | Good Reviews Complimentary Furniture Setup |
| Cons | No Instant Online Quote | No Moves on Sundays Limited Availability | Varied Customer Reviews | Limited Availability Uninformative Website |
| Phone | 888-296-5458 | 800-442-6863 | 800-228-3092 | 866-726-1579 |
4 Top-Rated Interstate Moving Companies
1. American Van Lines
Family-owned and operated since 1995, American Van Lines has gone on to become one of the best local, international and interstate movers in America. Their journey began with only two trucks, but they are now in possession of a large fleet that covers the entire length of the United States. AVL offers services for local, interstate, international, corporate and military moves. They also have custom or full service packing services, transportation of specialty items and storage services.
Reasons To Choose American Van Lines:
Pricing Convenience: There’s a lot of things about AVL that make it easy for customers to understand the cost-related aspect of their interstate move. And undeniably, since the money we spend on a move is important to us, this makes AVL reassuring in our eyes. For one, they have approximate rates for three different interstate moves up on their website, covering different distances. This helps you get an understanding of the bracket around which your move could be if you went with AVL.
| Apt./House | 1 Bedroom Apartment (4,000 lbs) | 2 Bedroom Apartment (6,000 lbs) | 3 Bedroom Apartment (10,000 lbs) | 4 Bedroom Apartment (14,000 lbs) |
| Houston – L.A. (1,546 miles) | $3,485 | $4,850 | $7,050 | $9,365 |
| New York – Miami (1,089 miles) | $3,300 | $4,500 | $6,485 | $8,600 |
| San Francisco – Denver (1,266 miles) | $3,850 | $5,300 | $7,600 | $11,000 |
The rates mentioned are averages of the several moves that AVL makes each year, which is why you can just as easily obtain a quote from them. It may not have the convenience of an instant ballpark estimate, but it’ll have the accuracy that online quotes can’t often supply. Due to their wide reach and large fleet of trucks, they claim to provide competitive rates; better than most other moving companies.
And finally, what every interstate move needs: binding estimates. Irrespective of add-ons and all-inclusive services, you pay one flat rate that is maintained. Flat rates trump hourly pricing for long distance moves. It saves you the hassle of paying more if your shipment gets delayed and being sprung with costly add-ons at the end of the trip that increase your final price.
Direct Communication: Imagine this: you’re halfway to your new home, hoping that all your furniture and household items are surviving the long transit time. All of a sudden, there’s an emergency, and you attempt to contact the company… to no avail. Seems like a stretch? It isn’t. A common consumer complaint across moving companies is that they can never seem to reach the company in an emergency. But AVL promises direct communication: no telephone operator, no automated answering machine, and no call center operative. When you call their numbers, you speak directly with AVL. Pair this with their other services that are lifeboats in an interstate move storm: storage services even mid-way through your move, well-maintained trucks to smoothly cover the long journey and a route designed to minimize unnecessary miles, and you have a perfect interstate mover.
Pros:
- Certified Moving Services
- Last-minute Moves Served at No Extra Cost
Cons:
- No Instant Online Quote
American Van Lines Cost
American Van Lines estimates that moving from San Francisco to Portland, Oregon would cost around $4,116 for a two-bedroom apartment.
Fun Fact: Newsweek Magazine commissioned a survey in 2019, in which AVL was ranked as one of “America’s Best Customer Service 2019” in the category of Moving Services.
Must read: Detailed Review of American Van Lines
2. Gentle Giants Movers
Perhaps the reason that Gentle Giants has excellent customer reviews praising their crews is because the company started with the motive of making people happy. It was 1980 when Larry O’Toole decided he didn’t just want to add another competitor to the moving industry, but he wanted to promise stress-free moves to customers at competitive prices. Fast forward to today, and Gentle Giants is known for just that, plus providing services in 48 states of continental America.
Reasons To Choose Gentle Giants Movers:
Reliability: There’s loads to say about Gentle Giants that makes them reliable. A quick Google search (a must when researching movers) reveals that they are certified ProMovers by the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA). Looking at their profile on the Better Business Bureau website reveals an A+ ranking and accreditation, 5 stars for customer reviews and a mere 3 complaints in the past 3 years. Every move has a Gentle Giants crew showing up to do everything, from packing to loading and transporting to unloading. Even for their long distance moves, Gentle Giants sends their own employees. With no sign of agents or third-party involvement, you can rest assured your move is in safe hands.
Proof of their exceptional service across 48 out of 50 states of America lies in their familiarity with ‘Popular Routes’: routes across the country and from city to city, used as transit routes for interstate moves. Their employees are all full-time, seasoned and well-trained to deliver the best irrespective of what type of move it is. In our eyes, this makes for a very reliable company.
Fair Pricing Promise: Gentle Giants has a fair price policy that is applied across the board, irrespective of whether you’re moving local or interstate. If you choose to, you can take your ballpark estimate and refine it to get a much more accurate estimate. This estimate, all on their website itself, is almost always accurate. According to their website, 92% of their moves are either the same as, or lower than the estimate. Budgeting has never been easier.
They have transparent charges (a green flag when researching movers) and assure that you will be billed for the services you render. Labor is billed to the nearest ¼ hour when hourly pricing is used, and you are charged for the drive time, packing materials used, and the insurance you opt for. Plus, if you find that the crew has delivered less-than-stellar or a bad service, you can contact them for a money back guarantee on every single crew member. But considering all the positive reviews from customers about the crew and services, we reckon you won’t be considering this at all.
Pros:
- Good Customer Reviews
- Unique Specialty Services
Cons:
- No Moves on Sundays
- Limited Availability
Gentle Giant Movers Cost
Gentle Giant Movers quoted us to move a two-bedroom home from Houston to Orlando with an average number of belongings for $5,166–$6,716.
Good To Know: Gentle Giants recommends scheduling your move with them at least a month in advance, and up to 6 weeks prior in the summer months (peak season).
3. North American Van Lines
North American Van Lines has been in the business for nearly a century, having been founded in 1933. Today, they are one of the biggest Van Lines in the nation, and with Allied Van Lines as its sister company, it provides services to every corner of the United States. North American has 500 agents in the United States, providing services for local, interstate, national, international, and military moves. They also provide a range of packing and storage services, along with debris and room cleaning, loading and unloading, and storage options.
Reasons To Choose North American Van Lines:
Quality Assurance: North American Van Lines offers services across the United States, and in order to have their incomparable reach, they make use of agents. This shouldn’t come as a shock, since most major van lines use local agents. However, North American ensures that there’s a standard of quality maintained across the board irrespective of which agent you approach. Web-based performance tracking tool, tools to monitor and improve agent performance and regular customer surveys are just a few of the ways by which the agents are encouraged to uphold that standard.
Agents that have outstanding service are given the Quality Mover Award by North American. In order to be deserving, the agents must have a track record of customer satisfaction and adherence to excellence in long distance moving. And lastly, just so customers aren’t confused by the local agent they’ll be put in touch with, North American has a list of all their agents up on their website. If you’re worried about the agent that has gotten in touch with you, simply check the list or contact North American.
Pricing options: While every company gives price estimates based on different factors of your move, not many pay them much importance. That is the main reason why consumers often get ‘sticker shock’ when their final price is told to them. However, North American dedicates a Relocation Specialist to every move, who can constantly keep you updated and informed about your estimate, quotes, move and anything else you need to know. North American offers three types of pricing models:
● Bottom Line Pricing: With bottom line pricing, the total charge on your moving quote is your final, guaranteed price. No surprise add-ons or fees at the end.
● Not-To-Exceed Pricing: Your cost will not go above your estimate, but it may just end up being lower, in which case it’s a much more welcome surprise than an increased or standard rate.
● Customized Pricing: Want a little bit of both, guaranteed and separate service costs? Ask your Relocation Specialist about customized pricing options.
With the option to pick between the three depending on which one will benefit you the most, and the assurance of knowing just what you’re paying for, North American makes sure all interstate moves can go as smoothly as possible.
Pros:
- WorldTrac® Satellite Shipment-tracing System
- Range of Services
Cons:
- Varied Customer Reviews
North American Van Lines Cost
North American Van Lines provided us with a quote for a two-bedroom home going from Miami to Houston for a total of $3,815–$5,850. This quote includes loading, transporting, and unloading.
Good to Know: The Department of Transportation license (DOT) is a basic license that moving companies must have. Apart from that, all interstate movers must be federally authorized by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to transport goods across state borders.
Must Read: North American Van Lines Review
4. All My Sons Moving
Family-owned and operated All My Sons has been in the business for four generations, and is still very much in the family. Familial value trumps the trade at AMS, as they treat every move with attention and care, and good old ‘courtesy and respect’. They provide services for local, long-distance, auto, residential, commercial, and corporate moves. They also offer additional services like full service packing, packing supplies and storage services. Being a certified AMSA ProMover with a BBB accreditation, they make it to our list of the best interstate movers.
Reasons To Choose All My Sons Moving:
Range Of Services: All My Sons has interstate moves to anywhere within the United States, and yet, every move comes with the kind of care and convenience only family can provide. Apart from the usual loading and unloading, they also quilt wrap all your furniture to give it that extra bit of protection. Stuck in a tight corner and unsure of your moving scenario? Opt for their storage options, either short or long term.
When unloading, you can also opt for them to do other household things, not limited to rug placement, drape hanging, and furniture placement. This saves you valuable time and takes away the stress of having to do it all yourself. Your home will already begin to feel more homely, and All My Sons being a family-operated business, we’re not surprised they’re helping customers with these kinds of services.
Interstate Convenience: All My Sons understands the hassle that long distance, interstate moves can be. Which is why their complimentary services caught our eye. For one, you don’t have to bother packing all the drawer contents, taking out every small thing to painstakingly individually wrap them up. All My Sons has full dresser hauling, making your world a much simpler one when it comes to packing and unpacking. And if you’re dealing with the added stress of a last minute move, even if you’re moving interstate, you can reach out to All My Sons for help. They have same day and next day services for moves that are under 500 miles.
You won’t need to contact someone else to help transport your antiques, artworks or pianos, since All My Sons does all of it for you, alongside the proper packaging so everything remains safe and intact.
Pros:
- Good Reviews
- Complimentary Furniture Setup
Cons:
- Limited Availability
- Uninformative Website
All My Sons Moving Cost
We were quoted $2,595 – $6,900 for a move from Indianapolis to Detroit. The cost included a 26-foot truck, three men, 24 packing boxes, and insurance.
Do I need a new license when I’m moving interstate? One of the most important tasks to tick off when you move in is to visit the local DMV and get your address updated. You can ask for an updated copy of your license with your current address or not. But you must get the address changed within the timespan that your DMV has. It can range between 10 days to a month.
See also: All My Sons Moving Review
5. Allied Van Lines
Allied is one of the oldest van line in the United States, with more than 85 years of expertise in household goods moving and specialized transportation services. Allied is a Chicago, Illinois-based business that was founded in 1928. SIRVA, Inc., the world’s largest worldwide relocation and moving firm, is Allied’s parent company. Allied has more than 400 agents throughout North America, a global network of agents, franchises, and owned operations in 45 different nations. Every year, they relocate nearly 100,000 families!
Reasons to Choose Allied Van Lines:
Reliability and quality assurance: Allied has an extensive network of agents, which means that you can expect top-notch quality at every step of your move. From packing to loading, shipping, and unloading, they have a team of professionals trained to handle every aspect of your move with precision and care. Allied also has a quality control program in place that keeps track of customer feedback and complaints. This helps them identify areas where they need to improve so that their customers have the best possible experience.
Experience: As the oldest van line in the United States, Allied has more than 85 years of experience in moving household goods and specialized transportation services. With such a wealth of experience, they can handle any move, no matter how big or small.
High Approval Rating: Allied has a 97% customer satisfaction rating, which is one of the highest in the industry. Allied Van Lines estimates that it has completed 750,000 moves throughout the United States over the past 15 years. Given that number, it’s a remarkable accomplishment that they’ve maintained such a high approval rating.
Award-Winning Moving Company: Allied Van Lines has won numerous awards, including the Women’s Choice Award for America’s Most Recommended Moving Company from 2015 to 2017.
Allied Van Lines is a company that you can trust. With their experience, reliability, and high approval rating, you can be sure that your move will be in good hands.
Pros:
- Nationwide Availability
- Provides Storage Container for Local Moves
- Upto $100,000 Vehicle Shipping Coverage
Cons:
- Poor Claim Support
- No Online Quotes Available for Local Moves
Allied Van Lines Cost
We received a quote of $3,499 to $4,316 for a two-bedroom apartment moving from NYC to Tampa, FL.
Must Read: Allied Van Lines Pricing and Review
6. JK Moving Services
JK Moving Services is a Sterling, Virginia-based company that has been in business for over 30 years. JK is one of the largest privately-owned moving companies in the United States and the only one with this distinction based in the Washington, D.C. area.
The company was founded in 1982 by Charles Kuhn. Since then, JK Moving Services has grown exponentially and now employs over 400 people.
However, you should know that they have their physical locations and employees only in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. They primarily connect you with other movers who will execute the task for you.
JK Moving Services has been named one of the top 100 moving companies in the United States and has received an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Reasons to Choose JK Moving Services:
Professional Approach: All of the company’s personnel are trustworthy and capable of protecting your valuables since it does thorough background checks and drug tests on all of its employees. They are also given onsite training that teaches them how to properly handle various items.
Reliability: JK has a stellar reputation and is known for completing over 500,000 since its inception. You know they’re a reputable firm when big businesses like Fortune 500 and prominent figures such as the country’s presidents utilize their services. If this wasn’t enough, the American Moving and Storage Association has awarded JK Moving Services with the Safety Fleet Award numerous times. This indicates that this firm has had fewer incidents than its competitors. Hence, you can rest assured that your things will be safe in safe hands.
Numerous Awards: JK Moving Services has been felicitated with numerous awards over the years for its exceptional services. Some of them are listed below:
- 2020 Washington Business Journal #1 Commercial Mover
- 2018 Fleet Solutions Safety Awards Safety Achievement Award
- 2020 Best of Loudoun Best Moving Company and Best Storage Company
Pros:
- 24/7 Online Support
- Highly Trained Staff
- In-house Financing Available
Cons:
- Local Moves are Available only in Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C.
- Mixed Customer Reviews
JK Moving Services Cost
The company’s rates are not fixed and vary depending on the services you require and your location. The average cost of a long-distance move with JK Moving Services is about $4,400 – $6,200 for a two-bedroom apartment from Orlando, FL to San Diego, CA.
See also: JK Moving Services Review
7. United Van Lines
United Van Lines is a moving company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. It is the largest household goods carrier in North America and has a network of more than 400 affiliated agencies.
The company was founded in 1928 and has been owned by UniGroup, Inc. since 1969. United Van Lines handles about 80,000 shipments per year and has a fleet of 2,000 vehicles.
United Van Lines has earned a solid reputation for offering high-quality services at fair prices. Because United Van Lines only employs background-checked employees, you can rest assured that your possessions will be handled with care.
When you choose UVL, you’ll have several options for local and long-distance services for residential and corporate moves along with military relocation. Apart from these services, UVL also offers cleaning, storage, packing, and auto transportation service.
Reasons to Choose United Van Lines:
Transparent Pricing: United Van Lines is committed to providing its customers with transparent pricing. This means that you will know the exact cost of your move before work begins. There are no hidden fees or surcharges, and you can be confident that the price you are quoted is the price you will pay. United Van Lines also offers a range of discounts and specials that can help to make your move more affordable. United Van Lines is upfront about its pricing, so there are no surprises later on. You’ll know exactly how much your move will cost before any work is even done.
Full-Value Coverage: United Van Lines offers Full-Value Coverage to all customers. This coverage protects your belongings against damage or loss while in transit, and it is included in every United move at no additional cost. With Full-Value Coverage, you can rest assured that your belongings will be taken care of, no matter what happens. Moving is a stressful time, and UVL strives to do everything it can to make it as smooth and worry-free as possible.
Tailored Packages: United Van Lines offers customized packages to help individuals and families with their specific moving needs. The company has a wide range of services, from packing and unpacking to storage and transportation. United Van Lines also offers various add-on services, such as furniture assembly and disassembly, pet transport, and junk removal.
Pros:
- Available Across the United States
- Accurate Online Moving Quotes
- GPS Tracking Available
Cons:
- Services Offered by Third-party
- Premium Pricing
United Van Lines Cost
United Van Lines provided us a quote of $4,120 to $6,460 for a full-service interstate move from Miami, FL to New York City.
8. International Van Lines
International Van Lines is a moving company that was founded in 2000. The company is headquartered in Coral Springs, Florida, and has agents located worldwide. International Van Lines has a fleet of over 200 trucks and offers service to both residential and commercial customers.
International Van Lines is one of the leading international moving companies. The company has been featured in many publications, such as The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and The New York Times.
International Van Lines is a full-service moving company that can help you with everything from packing and unpacking to storage and transportation. The company also offers various add-on services, such as furniture assembly and disassembly, pet transport, and junk removal.
Currently, IVL operates in Florida, California, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Illinois. For relocation outside these states, IVL partners with other moving companies to complete the job.
Reasons to Choose International Van Lines:
Worldwide Availability: International Van Lines (IVL) is a leading provider of international moving services, offering a wide range of solutions to meet customers’ needs around the world. With a global network of partners, IVL also provides door-to-door service to more than 200 countries and territories. In addition, IVL offers a range of value-added services such as storage, packing, and vehicle shipping. As a result, customers can be confident that their move will be handled efficiently and professionally, no matter where in the world they are going.
Specialty Moving Services: International Van Lines offers a full range of specialty moving services to meet the unique needs of our clients. Whether you are moving an antique piano or a collection of rare art, they possess the expertise and experience to get the job done right. IVL also offers climate-controlled storage for those items that need to be kept safe from extreme temperatures. A team of certified professionals will work closely with you to ensure that your belongings are properly packed and protected during transit. IVL understands that each client has different needs, and it will work with you to create a custom plan that fits your specific requirements. Whether you’re moving across the country or around the world, International Van Lines is here to help. With International Van Lines, you can rest assured that your specialty items will arrive at their destination safely and on time.
Pros:
- Global Presence
- Moving Discounts
- Customer Service
Cons:
- Services Provided by Third-party
- 25% Deposit Required During Booking
International Van Lines Cost
We were quoted a price of $2,105–$3,346 to move a two-bedroom house from Portland, Oregon, to San Francisco, California. This entails hiring the company’s personnel to load and drive the truck for you.
Must Read: International Van Lines Review and Pricing
Methodology
To evaluate and identify the best interstate moving companies, Moving Astute’s editorial and research team analyzed more than 20 movers operating in the United States. Here are a few factors that we look for in a professional interstate mover:
- Nationwide Availability
- Customer Satisfaction
- Pricing
- Storage Availability
- Insurance Coverage
- Packing Services
- Tracking Facility
In order to ensure accurate and reliable information for our users, we research several moving companies using the following research method:
Transparent Pricing: To ensure that each moving company’s pricing is reliable, we collect moving quotes, verify binding estimates, and read users’ reviews on price.
Authentication: We verify the registrations of each moving company in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s database to ensure that they are validly licensed to carry and relocate household items.
Review and Feedback: We analyze every moving company’s website, impersonate customers during conversations with them, and read client reviews to evaluate each moving services provider, transit protection, and customer service. We also talk to actual customers about how their moves went from beginning to end.
Periodic Reviews and Updates: Every year, we repeat this procedure to keep our recommendations up-to-date with current information. We also make modifications throughout the year to our periodic reviews.
Who Is The Best Interstate Moving Company?
The best way to narrow down on the best interstate moving company is to check the FMCSA website to ensure they’re authorized and registered. Apart from that, always Google them to gauge their performance and services from customer reviews. Check their websites, and ideally avoid a company that is vague about their quotes and how it is calculated.
What Is The Average Cost Of Moving To Another State?
According to the American Moving & Storage Association, the average cost of an interstate move is about $5,630. This is calculated by taking an average weight of 7,100 pounds and distance of 1,200 miles. A broader average for interstate moves is anywhere between $1,000 and $5,000. Remember that your final cost can differ, since costs are based on a lot of different factors about the distance of the move and weight of the items.
See also: How Much Does it Cost to Move?
What Is The Cheapest Way To Move State To State?
One of the cheapest ways to move state to state is with a DIY your move, only hiring a truck to move your furniture. However, DIY moves have to be planned and organized to the last detail. They are time-consuming and demanding, especially the logistics of packing and moving. You could also have a semi-DIY move where you rent a portable storage container so the driving is taken care of. A step ahead would be a regular move with no packing services, so the loading, transporting and unloading is taken care of. These get more and more expensive, with the DIY being the cheapest and a full-service move being the most expensive.
See also: List of Most Affordable Moving Companies
Conclusion
Remember to always get three to four moving quotes so you can compare moving companies, their costs and their services. This is one of the best ways to finalize the best interstate mover for you. Make sure you use our services to help broaden your pool of options, so you truly do your research and get the best support for your move.
Recommended Useful Resources
- Best-rated Out of State Moving Companies
- Trusted Long Distance Movers in the U.S.
- 10 Best Cross Country Moving Companies
- Moving Cost Calculator Tool
- Moving Checklist [Printable]
