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Top Long-Distance Movers: Stress-Free Cross-Country Relocation

Published by Chris Townsend

Top Long-Distance Movers: Stress-Free Cross-Country Relocation

Safe And Reliable Long-Distance Moving Services

If you are one of the three million Americans planning to move to another state this year, you are probably looking for professional interstate movers near you to support you in your long-distance move. It’s one thing to round up some friends and pick-ups for a DIY move when moving between the same state, but you are likely to need the help of professional movers with great customer service for a long-haul interstate move and a great experience. Come along for some exciting interstate tips and tricks.

What Is A Long Distance Move?

Families relocating anywhere can use long-distance residential movers

Any move across state lines is classified as a long-distance move, although some movers classify this type of move in mileage: 100 miles, 400 miles, or more. Interstate moves are also known as interstate moves, cross-country moves, and long-haul moves.

Even if you are moving from within a short distance from your current state to a neighboring state crossing the state lines, it is still considered a long-distance move because federal laws apply.

To carry out your long-distance moves safely, effectively, and securely, you need a moving company registered with federal authorities. Many interstate haulers also assist with packing and unpacking, house cleaning, and storage services in cases where your new home is not ready yet, and you need temporary storage services.

Finding Long Distance Moving Companies Near You

Finding Shifting Firms Near You

When finding a long-distance mover, start with a plan and an understanding of how the industry operates, and you can find the right long-distance moving company to work with on your long distance relocation.

FMCSA - Interstate Carriers Regulator

The Department of Transportation regulates interstate moving companies like they do other motor carriers that travel between a network of states. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, known as FMCSA, is the authority charged with licensing and issuing permits to movers as well as reducing accidents and casualties on interstate highways. It is also responsible for protecting consumers from fraud perpetrated by out-of-state companies in line with federal laws.

Fmcsa Database
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

To that end, FMCSA requires all interstate movers to register and maintain a database of information on their safety records and complaint history. FMCSA regulations apply to move brokers (a moving broker facilitates moves by making connections between consumers and movers) and relocating companies.

Most states have rules like those adopted by FMCSA, but there is usually that allowable window for non-compliance, unlike the FMCSA, so if you are engaging in local moves, your service provider may not follow the same rules.

Stress Free Long Distance Moving

Hauling Facilities From Us

Packing and unpacking

We have experts who can handle the packing and unpacking for you. Let us save you precious time and effort. Learn More about our packing and unpacking services.

Car shipping

We offer car shipping services as well. If you are not driving your car to your new destination then you can take this service. Learn More.

Debris removal

We also assist you with clean up. You may need assistance with cleaning after you move to your new apartment. Learn more about this service.

Storage Assistance

As the best long-distance companies, we offer storage services to our customers. From short term to long term we can assist with storage facilities. Learn More.

Steps To Moving Your Items In Peace, Piece By Piece

Rules For Interstate Movers

Interstate moving companies must visit your home or space to conduct an in-person inspection of what you are shipping. FMCSA established this rule to ensure that movers provide a thorough and accurate estimate of what the move entails. There are exceptions when the mover does not have a representative within 50 miles of the residence or the customer waives the survey. If a company asks you to waive the visual walkthrough, you are better off just choosing another long-distance mover.

Reluctance to conduct the in-person survey is a red flag for potential misconduct on the part of the hauler. Even a reputable company cannot get a complete understanding of your move’s nuances without seeing the home. There are many differences in the amount of furniture and other contents between homes of similar size. While one family may have tons of saved possessions, another family might be minimal collectors who have much less to move.

Steps To Moving Your Items In Peace, Piece By Piece

Cost of Long-Distance Relocation

Once the vendor completes the survey and evaluates all your moving needs, it will provide you with a written estimate of the average service cost, often called a quote. The best thing you can do for yourself is to get free estimates from different movers and compare them. For long-distance moves, the mover will base the price on the weight of the shipment. The average weight for a 3-bedroom house move is 10,000 pounds. It may be higher or lower, depending on your circumstances. The estimate will be binding, non-binding, or binding-not-to-exceed.

A binding estimate is a commitment. If the shipment’s weight is less or greater than what the hauler forecasted, the cost of the long-distance move stays the same. If the estimate is non-binding, it is more of an approximation, and the price of the job will go up or down once the final weight is known. If you get a binding not-to-exceed estimate, then the move’s cost will not increase if the weight is more than predicted, but the long-distance moving cost can be reduced if the actual weight of the shipment is less.

Some things will result in a higher final price, no matter which type of estimate you obtain from the interstate movers. Along with the transportation charges based on weight, the quote includes the cost of add on services needed or requested for the move which might include the packing process. Packing services are charged on an hourly basis by most shifters. If you engage the mover for packing, you will also pay for the materials they use in the packing process (boxes, bubble wrap, paper, and tape).

Are Your Packing and Unpacking Services Professional?

Packing Process

Boxes and wrapping for the packing process

Many people enjoy having full-service movers take over this part of the hauling process as well, while others prefer to personally perform the packing. One argument in favour of engaging full-service packing is that they have the best quality moving supplies to protect your fragile items for the move. In addition, they can pack more quickly and efficiently than you can so that you can move stress-free.

One negative result is that they will pack everything without considering whether it is time to donate or discard some items you may no longer need. Definitely consider having the hauler oversee the preparation of specialty items like artwork. Anything of value needs expert preparation and protection, and the item may not be covered by the haulers liability if you try to pack it on your own.

You will have to pay an extra charge for moving services if movers have to use stairs or elevators to complete the move. If you have a long, steep driveway or other obstacles that prevent their truck from staging adjacent to the house, you may see additional fees for that as well. Those conditions apply to the destination as well as the origin. So consider that in your budget.

Are there any hidden charges?

Sometimes, these circumstances are not apparent in advance, and if that is the case, the (hidden fees) may appear on your bill at the end of the delivery. The mover can only demand a percentage equal to 15% of the total rates at the time of delivery but can invoice you for additional pet moving costs later.

Similarly, if you have a non-binding estimate, the amount due on delivery of the shipment will not be more than 110% of the forecast, but if the total charges are higher, you will receive another bill after 30 days.

Long Distance Moving Services That Are Registered

How To Know Firms Are Following Rules?

The best way to protect yourself from an unscrupulous mover is to only work with long distance moving services that are registered with the FMCSA of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). A registered full-service company will have a motor carrier number; it will provide you with a written estimate, an order for service, and a bill of lading.

Know your Rights and Responsibilities

You can find out more about the requirements for long-distance moving companies in a communication called Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Are Moving, which the companies will provide to you, either in written form or via a link to the FMCSA site. You should obtain estimates from at least three registered interstate hauling companies, and before you settle on one, check its references. Ask for recent customers and then call them.

Reviews From Customers About Services

Talk to the customers who have taken long-distance hauling service and about their experience, and if possible, verify that the employees are the same. You can also look online for reviews of long distance movers online based on customer experiences. You will find both satisfied customers and unsatisfied ones.

Check the FMCSA Database of Entities

Be suspicious if you have trouble contacting movers who interstate provide you with a quote or if you can’t find evidence of the business name in the FMCSA database. It could be a shell operation, changing names to stay ahead of authorities, and you might be the target of a scam. Likewise, if one vendor’s estimate is significantly lower than the others, that is a red flag.

Legitimate Firms don't request large Deposits

The company could be planning to load all your household goods and belongings into their truck and hold them, hostage, until you pay more than you have agreed. You should also be wary of a request for a large deposit or a cash deposit. Most legitimate interstate moving companies expect their payment when they deliver the shipment.

They have no incentive to perform as agreed if they have the money upfront. So consider other options. Using a credit card allows you to dispute the charges if something goes wrong.

Sign Complete Contract with Organization

Finally, never sign a blank or incomplete contract or receipt. Read through any documents the shifting company gives you before you sign. This practice is good common sense for any business transaction, and following it will help you avoid the rogue operator and stick with honest movers for your long-distance move. You'll also need to check that a mover has a consistent logo or brand on all their communications and moving equipment. This helps you avoid crooks and middlemen disguising as a hauling company.

More FAQ's

Long Distance Moving Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Still got questions about long-distance services and shifting? Below, we have outlined answers to some popular questions about long-distance relocating.

Relevant Statistics

  • On average, interstate movers relocate over 5,000 pounds of household goods during each move.
  • Approximately 85% of moves in the United States are completed within a distance of 1,000 miles.
  • Over 90% of people who hire professional haulers report a positive experience with their services.
  • The average cost of hiring for a three-bedroom house is around $4,500.
  • More than 70% of individuals who move long distances choose to hire hauler to handle the transportation logistics.

General Facts

  • Long-distance movers are professional companies helping people relocate their belongings across long distances.
  • These movers offer services such as packing, loading, transporting, and unloading household items.
  • Interstate shifters often provide comprehensive insurance coverage to protect the belongings during transit.
  • They have expertise in logistics and navigating legal regulations when moving across different states or countries.
  • Hiring interstate hauler can save time and effort and ensure the safe and efficient relocation of possessions.

Popular Areas We Serve

Three Movers services are one of the best long-distance haulers you can find with nationwide availability. Our innovative service brings stress-free local moves, state-to-state, cross country, and International moves.

We also provide customers with expedited moves and interstate guarantee arrival times. If you are moving to a new location, feel free to contact us, and we'll send our professional movers and a moving truck.

Our staff is committed to bringing the same level of excellence and reputation we have with our customers to make your hauling hitch-free.

Below are some of the most popular areas we work in:

Long Distance Movers Are Professional Companies

Frequently Asked Questions

Chris Townsend is a moving professional and relocation expert that has more than 10 years of experience in the moving industry. With a background that includes working in virtually every aspect of the company, he has distinguished himself as an integral part of our operations with expertise in all things related to moving. Chris has a keen eye for detail and brings intelligence and passion to every project he’s involved with.

While getting his degree in communications from Santa Clara University, Chris started out with the company working in the field as part of our team of professional moving associates. Following graduation, he was promoted to our main office, where he has thrived in a role that involves increasing responsibility and requires him to wear many different hats. Some days, you may find him answering the phone and providing moving estimates, others he may be writing for our moving blog, and another day he may be coordinating a large corporate moving job or helping us with our marketing efforts. Chris has authored many of our in-depth moving guides, as well as provided our clients with information and advice to handle the complexities of their upcoming moving plans. Simply put, there’s nothing he can’t do and we wouldn’t be where we are today without him.

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Customer Testimonials

Daine Marchant
Exceptional Service from Start to Finish
★★★★★

I recently used Three Movers for a long-distance move, and I am happy with their service. The team was professional, efficient, and incredibly careful with all of my belongings. They provided a clear and accurate estimate, and there were no hidden fees or surprises. My move from Chicago to Miami went off without a hitch. Highly recommend!

William McNamee
Stress-Free Moving Experience
★★★★★

Three Movers made my long-distance relocation from New York to Los Angeles a breeze. Their customer service was top-notch, and they kept me informed throughout the entire process. The movers arrived on time, handled my items with care, and delivered everything right on schedule. I appreciate their hard work and dedication. Excellent job!

Alma Perkins
Reliable and Efficient Long-Distance Moving
★★★★★

If you're looking for reliable long-distance movers, look no further than Three Movers. I recently moved from Dallas to Denver, and the entire experience was smooth and hassle-free. The crew was friendly, efficient, and took great care with my belongings. They truly went above and beyond to ensure my move was successful. Five stars!

Gregg Ray
Professional and Punctual Movers
★★★★★

Three Movers exceeded my expectations during my long-distance move from San Francisco to Seattle. The team was punctual, professional, and made sure that everything was packed securely. They managed the entire process with precision and delivered my items on time. I highly recommend Three Movers for anyone needing a dependable moving service.

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