Calculate Your Long Distance Moving Costs (No Phone Call Required)

See our average costs for long distance movers, then get an instant quote sent to your email using our moving cost calculator below — no phone call needed.

Why Use Our Instant Moving Quote Calculator?

Getting a quote online can be frustrating. Most websites act as lead traps, asking for your information without telling you how much their long distance moving services cost. That’s why American National Movers built a tool that gives you an instant price, with the option to email the quote to you.

Average Cost Of Long Distance Movers.

The cost of long distance movers varies greatly from $2,700 to $12,000 or more. Your final charges are based on branding, rates per pound or cubic feet, mileage, and the size of your home. In this industry, affordable options do exist, but remember that the quality of service you receive from your long distance movers will sometimes be reflected in the price.

Here is What To Know:

Cheapest Option: A smaller brand typically offers a lower price, often accompanied by a wider delivery window and scheduling variability. If you're okay with working with a smaller brand in return for a lower price, do your homework to ensure they are legitimate.

Mid-Range Prices (Where ANM Sits): A moderately priced long distance moving company can also come from a smaller brand, but they may ha
ve more reviews online and a larger reputation than the cheapest options. Within this price range, expect a good balance of a reasonable price, faster services, and reliability.

Premium: The most expensive long distance movers usually stem from major corporations. They charge more for their services due to branding and demand. Many people call these brands major van lines, and they usually deliver good results.

Resources

For more information on pricing factors read our guide on why long distance moving is expensive
If you got a lower price on long distance movers and want to make sure it’s legitimate, use our quote increase risk assessment tool.

How Much Your Movers May Cost Based On Mileage.

Below is a breakdown of industry-standard pricing based on distance and service level. "Budget" long distance movers offer lower rates with high risk, and "Premium" van lines charge for brand name. However, American National Movers operates in the Standard tier—offering the sweet spot of reliability and fair pricing.

Understanding How Long Distance Movers Calculate Costs.

Here are the key factors, a long distance moving company considers when calculating the approximate costs of your relocation:

How Much You're Moving.

Your movers will charge you a rate per pound or cubic feet based on the estimated weight or volume of your shipment. So, the more items you have, the higher your relocation costs.

Mileage.

Your rate per pound or per cubic foot will increase the longer the distance of your relocation. This is due to factors such as travel time, fuel, and driver compensation.

Service Incluions.

If you need your movers to provide specialty packing for items such as linen, glass, artwork, and other fragile items, expect a higher rate per your estimated volume.

Demand.

Consistent carriers with a high rate of providing consumers with positive experiences may charge more than bare-minimum operators. This is because their services are frequently sought, allowing them to charge more for their long distance movers.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Below are frequent questions people ask when researching the average cost of long distance movers:

1). What Is The Average Cost Of Long Distance Movers?

As mentioned above, the cost of long distance movers will vary greatly based on the moving company you get a quote from. Major van lines are reported to be the most expensive option, with an average cost of $8,800; smaller moving companies tend to be cheaper, at an average cost of $5,000. In many cases, people find that hiring a small moving company is efficient and cost-effective, provided it is reputable. Then there is a large number of people who prefer to hire the largest brand, despite the high price, for the peace of mind it offers.

2). What Is The Cheapest Long Distance Moving Option?

The cheapest options for long distance movers include PODS, American National Mover's shared load moving options, U-Haul, and hiring smaller brands. PODS is convenient for small long distance loads and for people who don't mind doing the packing, loading, and unloading themselves. American National Movers offers cheap truck-sharing options for those moving long distances on a budget. Small Carriers are considered affordable compared to high demand national carries. Lastly,U-Haul is an old-school DIY, cost-effective option as well, but it requires a lot of time and work.

3). Are Moving Quotes Negotiable?

Moving companies may attempt to negotiate or entertain the idea of negotiating costs and contractual terms to earn your business. Some movers may be more willing to negotiate than others—it all depends on their schedule and their willingness to earn your business. When negotiating with your movers, please try to be reasonable and respectful of their time and experience in the field.

4). How much Does It Cost To Move 5,000 Pounds?

Moving 5,000 pounds is a relatively small long distance load with an average cost of about $3,500 to $5,000. Your total final moving costs will be based on the company's brand, the time of year, and the mileage of your relocation. At American National Movers, we charge approximately $3,700 to transport 5,000 pounds from one state to another.

5). How Much Does It Cost To Move 10,000 Pounds?

10,000 lbs is a solid 3‑bedroom / light 4‑bedroom shipment. Depending on the distance of your relocation, you will pay anywhere between $4,500 (200-800 miles) and $ 6,800 or more (800+ miles) to move 10,000 pounds with movers.

6). What Is The Average Cost Per Pound?

Based on national averages, the average cost long distance movers charge per pound is between $ 0.32 $0.50. However, the total rate you pay per pound will be based on seasonal demand, job difficulty, mileage, and branding.

7). What Is The Most Expensive Month To Hire Movers?

The most expensive month to move is during the summer months, June through August. During this time moving companies raise their rates due to seasonal demand and truck availability.

8). How To Make Moving less Expensive?

You can make moving less expensive by negotiating a lower rate with smaller moving companies, reducing your inventory, and/or relocating during the off-season. Remember to save money, opt for a reduced inventory, and choose a budget-friendly brand.

9). What Time Of The Year Is Cheapest To Move?

The cheapest time to relocate and hire movers is during the off-season. (November through January). During this time of the year, movers have fewer jobs and are more inclined to lower their rates to keep their doors open and remain competitive.

10). What Is The Best Price On Long Distance Movers.

Based on consumer behavior and national averages, the best price for long-distance moving is approximately $3,500 for smaller loads and $6,000 for heavier shipments. However, "best price" is subjective and will ultimately depend on shipment size, mileage, and your specific relocation needs.

11). Is There A Cheaper Way To Move Than U-Haul?

For short-range moves, U-Haul is traditionally the cheapest moving option, but for longer distances, some movers may be more cost-effective. Brands like American National Movers achieve this through a combined shipment approach and can typically transport your items across state lines at an average cost of $3,500.