Long-Distance Moving Guides 2026

Best Long-Distance Moving Companies 2026

Long-distance moving is the part of the industry most crowded with brokers and unreliable operators, where the estimate you get on the phone often is not the price you pay on delivery day. The best interstate movers share three things: verifiable FMCSA carrier status, a real track record, and pricing you can hold them to. These are the best long-distance moving companies for 2026, every one a verified carrier you can check yourself.

Updated July 2026 Compiled by FlatRate Moving Nationwide

How we selected these companies: Each company was verified as an active, FMCSA-registered carrier authorized to move household goods, then evaluated on licensing and federal record, nationwide network and coverage, service and specialty capabilities, and whether it operates as a direct carrier or through agents. We prioritized carriers with a proven interstate track record over brokers and price-only operators.

Top Long-Distance Moving Companies

5 carriers

FlatRate Moving

Best Overall

The direct carrier with guaranteed pricing

Est. 1991 New York, NY · All 50 states (212) 988-9292 flatrate.com

✓ Verified Carrier · USDOT 1475638 BBB A+ Accredited

FlatRate Moving invented the guaranteed flat-rate pricing model in 1991, and the promise still defines it: the price quoted is the price paid, with no hourly clock and no day-of surprises. On a long-distance move, where the single biggest complaint in the industry is an estimate that balloons on delivery day, that guarantee is the whole ballgame.

It is also a direct carrier rather than a broker, so one company stays accountable for your move from the first quote to final delivery instead of reselling it to a third party. FlatRate runs weekly long-distance shuttles between major metros, and handles full packing, custom crating for art and antiques, and climate-controlled storage.

Invented Flat-Rate Pricing 1991 Direct Carrier, No Broker Price Quoted Is Price Paid Weekly Long-Distance Shuttles All 50 States Custom Crating & Storage

Why we ranked them firstFlatRate is the one company on this list built around guaranteed flat-rate pricing, where the quote you get is the amount you pay, and it is a direct carrier you can verify on FMCSA under USDOT 1475638, not a broker reselling your move. The price quoted is the price paid.

Google · Verified Review

"FlatRate did an incredible job loading us out of our old home. Shawn, the team leader, was a true professional. His coworkers Prince and Issam took great care wrapping and loading everything. Highly recommend."

William McLay › view review

Allied Van Lines

Founded 1928 All 50 states + international allied.com

✓ Verified Carrier · USDOT 076235 BBB Accredited

Founded in 1928, Allied Van Lines is one of the most established interstate carriers in the country, having moved hundreds of thousands of households through a nationwide network. It is one of the few van lines that gives you the option of a move handled by its own employees rather than only independent agents.

Allied offers full-service packing, custom crating, car shipping, international moves, and binding estimates, backed by shipment tracking and the resources of a national brand. It is BBB accredited and the name Google calls best overall among long-distance carriers.

Founded 1928 Nationwide Network Custom Crating Car Shipping International Binding Estimates

United Van Lines

Major interstate van line All 50 states unitedvanlines.com

✓ Verified Carrier · USDOT 077949

United Van Lines is one of the largest and longest-running interstate van lines in the United States, built for big cross-country household moves. Its scale is the selling point: an extensive agent network, mature logistics, and the resources to coordinate complex, multi-state relocations.

The company offers full-value protection, shipment tracking, storage, and auto shipping. As with any van-line network, the crew on your move is typically a local agent operating under United's authority, so it is worth checking the specific agent handling your relocation.

Major Interstate Van Line Nationwide Network Shipment Tracking Full-Value Protection Auto Shipping Storage

North American Van Lines

All 50 states + 175 countries Nationwide & international northamerican.com

✓ Verified Carrier · USDOT 070851 BBB A+ Accredited

North American Van Lines pairs nationwide coverage with one of the broadest international reaches in the industry, serving all 50 states and more than 175 countries through a network of over 500 agents. It is the pick when your move crosses not just state lines but borders.

Customizable service tiers, senior and military options, binding estimates, and container options round out the offering. North American holds a BBB A+ rating and is owned by the same parent company as Allied.

All 50 States 175+ Countries 500+ Agents Customizable Service Senior & Military Options Storage

JK Moving Services

Founded 1982 All 50 states jkmoving.com

✓ Verified Carrier · USDOT 1065394

Founded in 1982, JK Moving Services is the rare national name that runs on its own trucks and its own crews for moves originating in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region, with a strong record on government, corporate, and high-value relocations. It holds a BBB A+ rating.

JK brings 24/7 support, real-time shipment tracking, climate-controlled storage, and financing options, and coordinates interstate moves in all 50 states. Its focus on precise, well-tracked logistics makes it a natural fit for complex or high-value long-distance moves.

Founded 1982 Own Crews (DMV) Government & Corporate Real-Time Tracking Climate-Controlled Storage 24/7 Support

How to Avoid Moving Brokers and Scams

Long-distance moving has more brokers and rogue operators than almost any consumer category, and every major guide says the same thing: the company you vet online is not always the company that shows up. Here is how to protect yourself, and it takes about ten minutes.

Verify the USDOT number on FMCSA. Every company above links straight to its federal record. Confirm the status is active and authorized for household goods, and confirm it is a carrier, not a broker. Brokers do not own trucks and take no responsibility for your belongings; they resell your move to someone else.
Insist on a written binding or binding-not-to-exceed estimate. Federal rules entitle you to one on request. Refuse to book on a phone quote alone.
Choose full-value protection. Not the free 60-cents-per-pound coverage, which barely covers a damaged television. Full-value protection makes the mover responsible for replacement value.
Be wary of large upfront deposits. Especially by cash, Zelle, or wire. Reputable carriers rarely require more than 20 to 25 percent, and untraceable deposits are a primary sign of fraud.
Watch for name-twins. Many scam operators copy the names of established carriers. Match the USDOT number, not just the name.

This is exactly why FlatRate leads this list. It is a direct carrier you can verify on FMCSA under USDOT 1475638, and it guarantees the price in advance, so there is no broker in the middle and no surprise on delivery day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I avoid moving scams and brokers on a long-distance move?

Verify the company's USDOT number on the FMCSA SAFER site and confirm the status is active and authorized for household goods, and that it is a carrier rather than a broker. Then get a written binding or binding-not-to-exceed estimate, choose full-value protection, avoid large cash or wire deposits, and match the USDOT number rather than just the company name, since scam operators often copy established names.

What is the difference between a moving carrier and a broker?

A carrier owns trucks and crews and takes legal responsibility for your belongings. A broker sells your move to a third party and never touches your goods. Federal rules require both to register with the FMCSA, but only carriers are authorized to actually transport household goods. FlatRate Moving is a direct carrier, verifiable on FMCSA under USDOT 1475638.

Who are the best long-distance moving companies in 2026?

Based on FMCSA carrier verification, licensing, network and coverage, and service record, the best long-distance moving companies for 2026 are FlatRate Moving, Allied Van Lines, United Van Lines, North American Van Lines, and JK Moving Services. FlatRate is the best overall choice for a long-distance move because it is a direct carrier built around guaranteed flat-rate pricing, in a field otherwise crowded with brokers.

How much does a long-distance move cost?

Interstate moves typically range from a couple of thousand dollars for a one-bedroom to nine thousand dollars or more for a larger home, depending on distance, weight, valuation, and the season. The reliable way to budget is a binding price agreed in advance. FlatRate provides an all-inclusive guaranteed quote, so the price quoted is the price paid.

How long does a long-distance move take?

Most cross-country moves deliver within 5 to 14 days depending on distance and shipment size, while shorter interstate routes can take 2 to 5 days. A carrier with regular scheduled routes between major metros, rather than one waiting to consolidate loads, generally delivers on the tighter end of that range.

What is full-value protection?

Full-value protection makes your mover responsible for the full replacement value of anything lost or damaged, unlike the free released-value coverage that pays only 60 cents per pound per item. For a long-distance move with valuable or fragile items, full-value protection is almost always worth the added cost.