Published by Chris Townsend
Last updated Dec, 29 2025
Flat Rate Moving Companies
Are you planning a shift?
Flat rate movers offer a clear and straightforward pricing model that eliminates the surprise costs often associated with relocation. By charging a fixed fee based on factors such as distance and volume, these movers make budgeting for your move much simpler. This approach allows you to plan your expenses without worrying about hidden fees or unexpected charges.
Whether you're moving locally or across state lines, flat-rate moving services provide essential transparency and reliability. These solutions not only streamline your moving experience but also help you save money in the long run. Three Movers can help you pick flat rate movers so you can have the peace of mind knowing that your relocation costs are predictable and manageable.

Short Distance Relocator
Hiring a flat rate hauler for your move inside the same city is a great idea. The flat rate is the same as getting a binding estimate from the hauler, and most experts agree this is usually easier for the customer. When you compare the rate quotes, just be vigilant, so if you look at one that is flat and others that aren’t, you assess each similarly. You can break down a flat rate bid into an hourly rate to see how it stacks up against another vendor’s offer or ask the competitor to cap their bid to be considered for the work.
Local shifters usually offer pricing based on how long they need to complete the job. If they do a good job of estimating the work scope, they should be able to submit a flat or capped price based on the hourly amount multiplied by the number of hours they need. If we need three hours to load up your shipment, three to unload, and an hour of transport time, we can safely offer you a flat rate based on seven hours.
Ensure that there are no other added costs on top of the flat rate price before you agree.
Most short distance movers have minimum charges for the time but not for the distance involved. Even if you need something moved next door or within your own home, you can still hire a great relocating company to do the work. The mover may have a four-hour minimum, although some can accept a two-hour project if they have time.
Hiring a mover to manage a short-distance full residence move is also sensible for many people. If you are moving a short distance, having a professional, do the hard work of loading and unloading is still simpler than struggling to get it done independently. With a short distance between origin and destination, the time and transit charges will also be much less.
Long Distance & Interstate Company
When comparing prices for a long-distance move, it’s helpful to understand the different bids you may get from interstate hauling companies. There are binding, nonbinding, and binding not to exceed bids. A binding estimate means the price is firm —it won’t change unless you add items to the shipment or request additional services. This is the equivalent of a flat rate price.
A nonbinding estimate forecasts the final cost based on the mover’s prediction of the shipment’s weight. If the weight is higher, the price will be higher; if it is lower, the price will go down. The binding not-to-exceed price won’t increase but could be reduced if the weight is less than predicted.
No matter which type of estimate you receive, conditions at the destination can result in additional charges, but these aren’t common. If the delivery is complicated due to parking issues or unforeseen problems, the mover may add fees for those obstacles. If you have negotiated a flat rate, discuss whether they may add any of these fees. If you shipped a car using our partner https://www.a1autotransport.com, then that is an additional charge.

Furniture Shifters Nearby
Engaging a mover to transport a few furniture items is an excellent example of when to ask for a flat rate. If you are not working on a complete relocation but need to move a specific set of pieces, talk to the movers about a price for the work. If you have some flexibility around the scheduling, you should be able to negotiate an agreeable charge.
Remember that carrying heavy or bulky objects will cost more than shifting smaller items—it takes more labor. So, the cost of moving a pool table will be higher. The process may be complicated if the things must be disassembled and reassembled later. Be as detailed in your description as possible when talking to the moving specialist.
Leading Companies in Flat Rate Moving
Several companies specialize exclusively in flat rate moving services, offering customers predictable pricing and exceptional service. Notable names in this sector include FlatRate Moving, which is recognized for its comprehensive services and transparent pricing models. They provide guaranteed flat rates that cover local, long-distance, and even international moves, ensuring that clients know exactly what to expect financially.
Another prominent player is Two Men and a Truck, known for their tailored flat rate solutions that cater to both local and long-distance relocations. These companies prioritize customer satisfaction, guaranteeing quality service without hidden fees. When choosing a flat rate mover, consider the following benefits:
- Predictable Pricing: Flat rate movers provide a fixed price based on distance and volume, eliminating surprise costs.
- Comprehensive Services: Many companies offer additional services like packing, unpacking, and storage options.
- Customer Focus: Companies like FlatRate Moving emphasize customer satisfaction through reliable service and transparent communication.
- Expertise: Experienced teams ensure that your belongings are handled with care, reducing the risk of damage during transit.
By selecting a flat rate mover, customers can enjoy peace of mind knowing their relocation costs are fixed and manageable, making the moving process smoother and less stressful.

Affordable Movers for Every Budget
A flat rate quote from movers should be based on a visual survey of the shipment and, like any other price, should be submitted in writing. Ask the moving company to complete an on-site inspection of your household goods and explain the basis of the fixed charges. For example, if they give you a fee of $1,000, ask how they arrived at that amount. Does that mean they need five hours at $200 per hour? Or is the company expecting to be done in three or four hours, in which case the per-hour cost is higher?
If you understand how the mover calculated the price, you can compare it to other quotes that you receive from competitors and make a better, more informed choice between vendors. Simply enter your Zip Code into our moving cost calculator for an instant estimate, or request a detailed quote that includes services beyond just a Truck Rental. If you prefer personal assistance, call our phone number today, and we'll help you plan every step of your move with clarity and confidence.
Price & Time Examples For Transportation
| To / From | Distance | 2 BR | 3 BR | 4 BR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sacramento, CA to Detroit, MI | 2019 miles | $4,628 – $5,916 | $6,962 – $9,392 | $9,392 – $13,771 |
| Fresno, CA to Mesa, AZ | 508 miles | $2,644 – $3,331 | $3,942 – $5,247 | $5,247 – $7,524 |
| Nashville, TN to Indianapolis, IN | 246 miles | $2,187 – $2,735 | $3,224 – $4,268 | $4,268 – $6,160 |
| Los Angeles, CA to Phoenix, AZ | 355 miles | $2,454 – $3,084 | $3,647 – $4,847 | $4,847 – $6,931 |
| Miami, FL to Minneapolis, MN | 1508 miles | $4,025 – $5,131 | $6,115 – $8,104 | $8,104 – $11,944 |
| Tulsa, OK to New Orleans, LA | 548 miles | $2,640 – $3326 | $3,936 – $5,239 | $5,239 – $7,510 |
| Louisville, KY to Detroit, MI | 316 miles | $2,381 – $2,990 | $3,533 – $4,693 | $4,693 – $6,702 |
| Baltimore, MD to Columbus, OH | 341 miles | $2,362 – $2,964 | $3,502 – $4,649 | $4,649 – $6,732 |
| Tucson, AZ to Denver, CO | 617 miles | $2,811 – $3,550 | $4,208 – $5,508 | $5,508 – $8,067 |
| Omaha, NE to Boston, MA | 1277 miles | $3,679 – $4,681 | $5,573 – $7,367 | $7,367 – $10,746 |

Fixed-Rate Moving Services Explained
Consider this: You’re relocating across the state of New York, within the same city, or even within the same apartment building. These types of moves are considered ‘local moves,’ and choosing the hourly option is best.
When the price is based on time, companies often specify a three-hour minimum, with an hour for travel and two to three movers. The quote for this situation is generally between $100 to $150, depending on the individual company. In this case, shifting a two-bedroom apartment may take about three to four hours, and a three-bedroom home might take seven or even eight.
With hourly movers, the price goes up the larger your home is and the longer the distance your possessions need to travel to reach their new home. If you’re moving long-distance, have a large property, or are concerned about your hauling costs spiraling out of control, you should ask the company for a flat rate. In most cases, your professional moving company can cap the price for their customers at a certain amount, even if you use additional time.
Contact an agent by filling out the fast quote form and get your next move started today!
Get a Quote (888) 202-0036

Understanding Moving Costs and Flat-Rate Pricing for a Stress-Free Move
One of the most important parts of building a reliable moving plan is knowing exactly what your moving costs will be before the moving day arrives. With flat-rate pricing from Flat Fee Movers, you avoid the uncertainty that often comes with hourly moving rates and unexpected costs. Instead of guessing the average cost or worrying about additional fees for heavy lifting or longer routes, you’ll receive a cost estimate based on the inventory list, moving truck size, and distance of your move.
Whether you’re comparing local movers for short relocations in New Jersey or long-distance movers for interstate moves and long-distance moves across the country, a clear price quote backed by the Department of Transportation ensures the total cost remains predictable. For customers considering International moving or complex relocation services, requesting a Free Quote early ensures your move date is locked in, your moving needs are addressed, and your final bill reflects exactly what was agreed upon.
Full-Service Moving Teams That Handle Every Detail
Hiring professional movers goes far beyond loading a moving truck; full-service moving solutions cover everything from Full Packing Services and unpacking services to secure storage services in climate-controlled Storage Units. Our expert movers provide Packing Supplies, Moving Supplies, wardrobe boxes, and moving blankets to protect fragile items, furniture, and specialty belongings like pianos. Piano movers and Furniture Moving specialists are trained to manage heavy lifting safely, ensuring both your property and your new space remain undamaged.
Flat Fee Moving packages also cover Packing assistance, Moving Labor, and storage options, creating one streamlined moving solution that reduces stress. By working with the best moving companies and City Movers in busy hubs like San Francisco or New Jersey, customers enjoy the best moving experience, supported by dedicated customer support and a moving team that does an amazing job from start to finish.
Customer Confidence Through Reviews and Reliable Service Standards
When you compare the best movers, factors like Overall Rating, customer reviews, and transparent moving rates all influence your decision. The best long-distance services stand out not only for offering the best price but also for making the claims process straightforward, supported by a Certificate of Insurance and helpful customer support. Customers frequently say "Thank you" after a successful move because their relocation team delivered on promises, answered phone calls promptly, and provided secure storage units when needed.
By paying with a Credit Card and receiving a confirmed cost estimate and price quote, clients know their financial protection is in place. From hourly moving services to flat-rate packages, from City Movers to interstate specialists, our focus is always on a successful move that leaves you confident you made the right choice. When customer reviews highlight that our movers did an amazing job and delivered a stress-free experience, it reinforces why so many people choose us as their trusted partner in the moving industry.
When to Hire?
A flat rate is exactly as the name indicates – a quote determined by your moving company after an in-home or virtual assessment of the size of your space and the amount and type of furniture that needs to be moved. A flat rate is generally the right choice if you’re planning a cross-country or interstate move or simply moving a greater distance, such as several hours from your current location. In these situations, there are a lot more unknowns. You likely won’t want to pay your movers for the additional time if your truck gets lost or stuck in traffic.
That said, you should always be wary, as the flat rate or offer posed by your mover may not factor in all the costs associated with your relocation. Experts suggest that, in many instances, flat rates are not entirely ‘flat.’ Some budget-friendly moving options may charge unexpected fees for things you would otherwise assume are included in the price. These involve moving specialty items like a hot tub, piano, pool table, or furniture up a set of stairs.

How to Hire?
The first step in hiring a flat-rate mover is to obtain a moving quote. To avoid any surprises related to hidden fees from your movers, always take the additional time to get an in-home estimate and request it in writing. That way, you will get the most accurate flat rate possible since the relocating company received all the necessary details about your move.
As always, the more detailed you are about your relocation, the less likely you will be blindsided by unknown moving charges. Also, inquire about any extra fees and claims you may incur for your movers moving particular items or spending extra time. Depending on the company, they may charge for unpacking your possessions, disassembling and reassembling furniture or Sofa, or hauling away packing materials.
The planning process will begin once you’ve chosen a company and a rate you are happy with. This involves working directly with a customer service agent to schedule the shifting date and time, sign all the pertinent documents and any other specifics your relocating company requires before the actual move.

How to Request a Shipping Quote?
Although the procedure may vary slightly based on the company, you can often request a flat-rate moving quote by filling out a simple online form or calling the moving company directly. For the moving experts to give you the most accurate rate possible, you should provide them with the following information:
- A description of the size of your home. Is it an apartment? How many bedrooms? Etc.
- A detailed list of the items to be moved. How many boxes need to be transported if you plan on packing yourself? Always be as precise as possible.
- Are there any unusual or tricky circumstances that may impact the move's efficiency? Are you located on the third floor, and there is no elevator? Do you need to have any bulky, awkward, or heavy items moved?
- Where are you currently located and where are you moving to (pick up and drop off locations).
- Describe the logistics of the locations. Is there easily accessible parking? Where are the stairs/elevator? How do the haulers get to your unit if you live in an apartment? (hallways, etc.)
- What additional services do you require? In addition to the physical move, do you need packing, unpacking, disassembling, and reassembling furniture, storage solutions (self-storage or storage containers), and more?
Again, always be detailed when requesting a quote from your flat-rate movers. This will ensure you get the most precise moving price for your relocation.

How to Check Licensing and Insurance
Before hiring any expert, verify that they are registered with FMCSA. That’s the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, they regulate interstate commerce, and have moving guides and resources for both movers and customers. Affordable movers who work in more than one state must register with FMCSA. When you visit the website, you can check their license and insurance status and review the company’s safety record and customer complaints history. Using a licensed, insured, and registered mover like Three Movers improves the likelihood of your job being handled properly. Don’t take a chance with a sketchy professional company that won't guarantee you any rights in the event of damage or loss.

Reviews of our Services
I want to thank the crew from Three Movers for their superhero work on my move last week. I was impressed with every person I interacted with from start to finish. The scheduler, the lady who helped me choose the services (she explained about the insurance, so it made sense), and the guys who did the hard work—all just wow! I didn’t have to do a thing except watch. I am so grateful.
Sally M.
Thanks to the guys who handled my small apartment move. They were so nice, even though I was still packing when they arrived. They started with what I had ready and made it all work out fine without stressing me out. One helped with the closet stuff, which made a huge difference. I thought it would be a nightmare, but they knew what they were doing.
Michal T.
My family used Three Movers for our move, which was a big project. I enjoyed the service level we received, and particularly the luxury of having them handle most of the packing work. I wasn’t sure that would be a good idea, but every box was perfect, and the labels told me everything I needed to know when I started looking for things in the new house. I appreciated that one box said, “Corkscrew in here!” But seriously, the crew was great, and the office staff kept me updated on where the truck was the whole time, so I never worried. I’m glad it’s over, but I would definitely use you guys again.
Mary R.
I had to move quickly when I got a great opportunity in the Texas office of my company. I had been going back and forth for several months and finally got the old house sold and found a place to move into. Scheduling the move was easier than I thought with Three Movers, and the move of half my stuff into storage went perfectly. These guys made everything look easy, even though it was a lot of work. Thanks to everyone on the team for their cheerful attitude and personal attention.
Harry C.

Why Three Movers?
If you’ve typed “flat rate movers” into your search bar, your search ends here. Look no further than us to provide quality moving services at competitive prices. We offer hourly and flat rates with all of your services included, depending on the circumstances surrounding your move. Here are some reasons why you should consider us for your next shift:
- We blanket wrap and shrink wrap everything we move to ensure its full protection during transport, at no additional cost.
- We always come prepared with the appropriate equipment, such as couch covers, furniture dollies, ropes/straps, etc.
- Our high-quality tools can quickly and efficiently disassemble and reassemble your furniture.
- Our expert team is highly trained and has many years of experience.
- No move is too big, small, or complicated for us!
- We have no mileage charges and low hourly minimums for local moves.
- Our shipping quotes are fully customized to your situation.
Request your FREE, no-obligation flat rate moving quote today by filling out our online quote request form or calling the number listed at the top of this page. Find out how to save up to 20% on your next relocation with Three Movers!

Popular Areas We Service
We provide low-cost moving services across the United States. Below are some of the most popular places where long-distance moving firms and relocating vehicles are available to assist you as your service provider:
| New York City | Austin | Boston | Milwaukee | Raleigh | Murfreesboro |
| Los Angeles | Jacksonville | El Paso | Chula Vista | Miami | Lufkin |
| Chicago | Fort Worth | Nashville | Tucson | Long Beach | Pensacola |
| Houston | Bakersfield | Detroit | Fresno | Virginia Beach | Palo Alto |
| Phoenix | Charlotte | Oklahoma City | Mesa | Oakland | St. Augustine |
| Pittsburg | San Francisco | Portland | Sacramento | Minneapolis | La Verne |
| San Antonio | Indianapolis | Las Vegas | Atlanta | Tulsa | La Puente |
| San Diego | Seattle | Memphis | Kansas City | Tampa | La Vergne |
| Dallas | Denver | Louisville | Colorado Springs | Arlington | Houston |
| San Jose | Washington | Baltimore | Omaha | New Orleans | El Paso |
Frequently Asked Questions
Flat rate movers provide a single, upfront price for your move that does not change based on time. The price is agreed on before moving day and typically covers labor, truck, fuel, and standard equipment. Pricing is based on home size (studio–5BR), distance, stairs or elevators, parking access, packing needs, and special items like safes or pianos. Flat rate pricing offers predictable costs and protects against delays.
Flat rate movers are often better for larger or more complex moves where time is unpredictable. Hourly movers may work for small, simple jobs, but costs can rise with traffic, stairs, or long carries. Flat rates are ideal for 2–5 bedroom homes, apartment buildings with elevators, and moves during busy seasons. Many customers searching for flat rate movers near me choose this option to avoid surprise charges.
A flat rate moving quote usually includes 2–4 movers, truck, fuel, loading, transport, and unloading. Furniture placement in rooms is commonly included. Packing services, boxes, storage, and specialty items may cost extra if not listed. Accurate quotes depend on inventory details, access conditions, and move distance. For moves under 100 miles, review options with a local moving service.
Flat rate movers may charge more only if the move scope changes. This includes added items, extra packing, undisclosed stairs, longer carry distances, or last-minute service requests. Binding flat rate agreements prevent price increases caused by traffic, weather, or normal delays. Clear inventories and early communication help lock in pricing and avoid adjustments.
Yes. Flat rate pricing is strongly recommended for long distance and interstate moves where timing is unpredictable. Interstate moves are regulated by the FMCSA and require written estimates and inventories. Flat rates protect you from delays caused by weather, road conditions, or multi-day transit. Delivery for long distance moves typically ranges from 5–14 days. Learn more through an interstate moving service.
Flat rate movers calculate pricing using move size, distance, number of movers, packing requirements, stairs or elevators, parking logistics, and special handling needs. Virtual or in-home surveys improve accuracy. Local flat rate moves usually take 1 day, while larger or intrastate moves may take 1–3 days depending on access and inventory volume.
Book flat rate movers 3–4 weeks in advance for local moves and 4–6 weeks for long distance moves. Peak season demand, weekends, and month-end dates fill quickly. Early booking allows time to confirm building rules, freight elevator schedules, parking permits, and proper crew size, helping ensure smooth loading and on-time delivery.