Long-Distance Moving Cost Guide: What Interstate Moves Really Cost

How long-distance pricing works

Interstate movers are regulated by the FMCSA and have to follow a published tariff. The base price comes from two numbers: the actual weight of your shipment (your stuff is weighed on a certified scale) and the mileage from origin to destination. Everything else — packing, valuation, stairs, shuttles, storage — is an 'accessorial' charge added to the line haul.

Average cost by distance and size

Rough national averages for a full-service interstate move:

• 1 bedroom (~2,500 lbs), 1,000 miles: $2,500–$4,500
• 2 bedroom (~5,000 lbs), 1,000 miles: $4,500–$7,000
• 3 bedroom (~7,500 lbs), 1,000 miles: $6,500–$10,000
• 4 bedroom (~10,000 lbs), 1,000 miles: $8,500–$13,000
• Cross-country (2,500+ miles): add 30–60% to the numbers above

Peak season (May–September) and end-of-month dates push the high end of every range. Off-peak winter moves are the cheapest window of the year, often 10–20% lower.

Binding vs. non-binding estimates

Non-binding estimate

The mover estimates the weight and gives a price. The actual bill is based on the real weighed weight — which can be higher or lower than the estimate. Federal rules cap delivery-day charges at 110% of the estimate, but the final invoice can still be higher.

Binding estimate

The mover commits to a price after surveying your home (in-person or by video). The number doesn't change on weigh-in day. This is almost always the safer choice for interstate moves.

Binding-not-to-exceed (best option)

You're guaranteed not to pay more than the quote. If the shipment weighs less than estimated, you actually pay less. Ask for this by name — many movers offer it but won't volunteer it.

Valuation and insurance

Federal law requires interstate movers to offer two levels of liability:

• Released value (free): 60¢ per pound, per item. A 50 lb TV destroyed in transit pays out $30. Not real coverage.
• Full value protection (paid): the mover must repair, replace, or pay the current cash value of any damaged item. Cost is typically 1–2% of the declared shipment value.

For a $30,000 household, full-value protection runs $300–$600 and is worth it. For high-value items (art, jewelry, instruments), buy third-party transit insurance separately.

Consolidated vs. dedicated truck

A consolidated (or 'shared') load combines your shipment with others heading the same direction. It's significantly cheaper but delivery falls inside a window (typically 5–14 business days). A dedicated truck delivers on a specific date but you pay for the whole truck, even if you only fill half.

For most household moves under 8,000 lbs, consolidated is fine. Book a dedicated truck if you have a hard delivery date, sensitive items, or a corporate relocation budget covering the difference.

How to save on a long-distance move

• Move off-peak (October–April, mid-month, mid-week).
• Be flexible on delivery window — consolidated loads can cut 20–30%.
• Purge aggressively. Every 1,000 lbs is roughly $500–$1,000 saved.
• Pack yourself except fragile items. Movers charge $300–$1,500 for packing.
• Ship books, clothing, and non-urgent items separately via media mail or freight.
• Get a binding-not-to-exceed estimate from 3 FMCSA-licensed carriers.
• Avoid brokers that don't perform the move themselves — they take a margin and you have no recourse against the actual carrier.

Pre-booking checklist

1. Verify the company's USDOT and MC numbers on the FMCSA SAFER website.
2. Read at least 20 recent Google reviews — look for damage and pickup/delivery delays.
3. Get 3 written, itemized estimates after an in-home or video survey.
4. Confirm the type of estimate in writing (binding-not-to-exceed is best).
5. Choose full-value protection unless your homeowner's policy covers transit.
6. Read the bill of lading before signing on pickup day.