Last updated on
Moving from one state to another can be exciting but stressful. Hiring a reputable interstate moving carrier is essential to lighten the load of transporting your valuables over long distances and help you overcome the logistical challenges of the process.
Here are the three best interstate moving companies in the United States and guidelines on how to pick the right one for you.
What's Inside
Suddath

Suddath is an Atlas Van Lines agent, leveraging the network of one of the nation’s largest household goods movers to deliver comprehensive services for interstate residential and commercial relocations. This major moving carrier has built a solid reputation for handling military Permanent Change of Station moves across all 50 states.
This long-distance moving company provides basic valuation at no cost, covering about 60 cents per pound per article. Suddath offers Full Value Replacement coverage as an upgrade option for your peace of mind.
Key features:
- Uses innovative smartphone-based video surveys
- Has a FIDI-FAIM Quality certification
- Boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Mayflower

Mayflower is one of the best tech-forward interstate moving companies. It conducts virtual surveys, provides a customer portal and tracks its vehicles, giving you access to information 24/7. Its extensive services are perfect for you if you seek a hands-off moving experience and value convenience over cost savings.
This established moving carrier offers Full Value Protection by default. Mayflower handles relocations in 46 states.
Key features:
- Is part of the UniGroup network
- Does not require an up-front deposit
- Has multiple support channels
Mayzlin Relocation

Mayzlin Relocation is a veteran-owned moving carrier with nationwide coverage. Its basic liability is $1.20 per pound, with an option to upgrade to Full Value Protection.
This vendor offers binding estimates, protecting you from price fluctuations and reducing the likelihood of surprise charges. Mayzlin Relocation provides a 48-hour notice before pickup and estimates a delivery timeline of one to 21 business days, depending on the destination.
Key features:
- Has general liability, cargo and workers’ compensation coverage
- Offers free short-term storage occasionally
- Maintains a lenient cancellation policy
Comparing the Best Interstate Moving Companies
Learn the services these long-distance movers offer and how long they have been in business.
| Interstate Mover | Standard Services Offered | Add-Ons |
| Suddath | Free in-home or virtual estimate Professional loading and unloading Transportation Basic furniture protection Inventory management Coordinated delivery scheduling | White-glove service Full-service packing and unpacking Custom crating Piano moving Short- and long-term storage Vehicle shipping Specialty item handling Debris removal Furniture disassembly and assembly Appliance servicing |
| Mayflower | Virtual or in-home moving surveys Loading and unloading GPS-powered transportation Dedicated move coordination Inventory management | Full-service packing and unpacking Custom crating Short- and long-term storage Vehicle shipping Debris removal Appliance servicing Corporate relocation |
| Mayzlin Relocation | General freight and household goods transport Loading and unloading Real-time truck tracking Basic inventory documentation | Full or partial packing services Provision for packing supplies Short- and long-term storage Furniture disassembly and assembly Specialty item handling Auto shipping Expedited delivery |
Evaluating Long-Distance Moving Companies
Consider these factors when choosing a carrier for your interstate move:
- Services: Determine a mover’s specific capabilities and which offerings incur additional costs to ensure they can handle all your valuables with care.
- Credentials: Ask a moving company about its USDOT number and insurance coverage to verify whether it operates legally and complies with the minimum federal regulations.
- Coverage area: Ensure an interstate mover is willing to transport goods to your new address, as smaller providers typically focus on shorter destinations.
- Timeline: Find out if a mover can guarantee a specific delivery date for an extra fee to receive your belongings according to your preferred schedule.
- Track record: Check a company’s year of foundation, affiliations and accolades to see how it measures up to its competitors’ credentials.
- Complaint history: Read reviews posted on impartial platforms and complaints on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) and BBB’s records to learn about a long-distance mover’s past shortcomings and how it resolved them.
- Communication: Assess the articulateness and responsiveness of a moving carrier’s representatives and the level of support they provide to alleviate your concerns before, during and after relocation.
- Pricing: Request and compare written binding estimates from multiple service providers to see which company offers the best value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most common questions asked about interstate and long-distance moving companies.
What Is the Difference Between Local and Long-Distance Movers?
Local movers offer relocation services within distances of 50 miles or less within the state. Long-distance movers help you relocate between ZIP codes over 50 miles apart within or out of the state. In other words, “local” refers to intrastate and “long-distance” can be either intrastate or interstate.
In terms of pricing, local moving companies typically charge on an hourly basis and finish the job within the day. Long-distance moving companies have different rates and price structures because distance becomes a primary cost driver. They also need more time to transport your belongings.
Local moving carriers must comply with state-specific rules, while long-distance ones must follow FMCSA regulations.
What Services Do Interstate Moving Companies Typically Offer?
Packing, loading, transporting and unloading are the core services of most interstate moving carriers. Some providers offer white-glove service and go beyond standard offerings for an extra fee. Examples of add-ons are custom crating for delicate goods, furniture disassembly and assembly, specialty item transport and vehicle shipping.
What Factors Affect the Cost of an Interstate Move?
Interstate movers calculate estimates primarily based on distance, shipment size and timing. These factors determine how big a crew the company requires to handle the job properly, safely and efficiently, and how much fuel is needed. Supply and demand are part of the equation, as booking a mover during a busier period would cost more.
Accessibility challenges, such as narrow driveways and staircases, can drive up the final bill. Requests outside of a moving company’s core services would merit additional charges.
Decluttering and sweat equity can reduce your expenses, as discarding some of your belongings before the move and personally packing some items would lighten the load for the crew. Plan to book a moving carrier during a slower period to obtain a more favorable rate.
What Questions Should You Ask a Moving Company Before Hiring It?
Ask a company if it is a carrier or a broker. Moving carriers are the actual movers, while brokers work with them to facilitate relocation jobs. These entities must register with the FMCSA to operate, although brokers do not assume responsibility for your belongings and are not authorized to transport them over long distances.
Moreover, ask interstate moving carriers about their credentials. A valid USDOT number and adequate liability insurance coverage indicate that the entity is authorized to transport goods across state lines.
Inquire about their services to understand their capabilities and differentiate their standard and offerings from add-ons. Find out about their expected timelines and whether they charge an extra fee to deliver your valuables on a specific date and time to align with your schedule.
Book the Best Company for Your Interstate Move
Suddath, Mayflower and Mayzlin Relocation make long-distance moves a pleasant experience in unique ways. Learn more about their offerings and request written estimates to compare competitive rates. Taking action like this will help you determine the best choice for your situation.




