Why is Long Distance Moving So Expensive

Don't give up on hiring long distance movers just yet—some brands are expensive, but they're long distance moving companies with reasonable rates.

Long distance moving can feel shockingly expensive, but if you understand why costs vary between big brands and smaller carriers, you can save thousands without compromising service.

The quotes you’re getting on tje first page of Google are likely from major van lines — national corporations that charge higher rates due to branding and overhead.

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But here’s the truth:

not every moving company charges that much.

Many smaller, reputable long distance moving companies — like American National Movers — can provide the same professional service at a fraction of the price.

Let’s break down where those costs come from — and how to identify the difference between high-cost van lines and affordable long distance movers.

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Why Your Moving Costs May Be Expensive.

Some people prefer working with the largest moving companies even if they are almost double the price. how do you feel about it?

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Long distance moving isn’t just about loading a truck and driving cross-country. Several cost factors affect your total price — and understanding them can help you avoid overpaying.

 

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1. Branding.

If a long distance moving quote seems unreasonably high, you’re probably dealing with a major van line such as Allied, United Van Lines and Mayflower. These long distance moving companies have huge marketing budgets, national offices, and multiple middle men—all of this inflates your price.

• In short, you're paying for the brand name, not necessarily a better service.

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2. Distance and Fuel.

Mileage is a major factor. The farther you go, the more your costs increase. Long hauls require hundreds of gallons of fuel, overnight driver lodging, and vehicle maintenance — all of which get passed down to the customer.

• If your move is cross-country, fuel surcharges alone can add 10–20% to your total bill.

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3. Experienced Labor and Customer Service.

Professional movers cost more because they provide skilled labor and trained crews who know how to pack and secure your items safely. Both larger and smaller long distance moving companies also maintain dedicated customer service teams, which helps ensure smoother communication — but also raises labor costs.

• For many customers, the added peace of mind makes this expense worth it.

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4. Volume and Weight.

Long distance movers charge by weight (per pound) or volume (cubic feet). The more you move, the higher your total cost. However, major brands tend to charge more even for smaller loads. Local long distance movers or independent carriers can offer more flexible pricing.

• If you’re relocating a full home, smaller companies often quote 30–40% less for the same route.

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5. Timing and Season.

Moving during summer (the peak season) can increase costs by 25–40%. Demand spikes from May to September, which drives up pricing for both truck space and labor.

• Booking mid-month or during the off-season can help you lock in lower rates and faster delivery windows.

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Major Van Lines Versus Mid-Sized Carriers.

Use this chart below to compare the price of major brands versus other long distance moving companies:

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Major van lines like United, Allied, or North American Movers often charge two to three times more than smaller regional movers. Why?

• Higher overhead: Corporate offices, marketing expenses, and different middlemen.

• Subcontracting: many “big names” farm out jobs to local movers — meaning you’re paying the van line premium for a job that’s completed by a smaller company anyway.

• Premium Pricing model: they charge a premium rate per pound with layered fees (fuel surcharge, long carry, elevator access, shuttle, etc.).

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Important Note:

Affordable long distance carriers like American National Movers operate directly and charge reasonable rates. You deal with one company, one crew, and one price.

You don't need to hire the largest moving company for a good experience. In reality large brands get negative reviews too.

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Is Hiring Smaller Long Distance Movers Good?

Many consumers assume “cheaper” means “lower quality,” but that’s not true. In fact, major van lines often have more negative reviews than smaller moving companies. Large brands operate as brokers and use "agents" to handle their deliveries nationwide. So, user experiences can vary significantly depending on the agent you hire for your long distance move.

Smaller carriers manage everything directly — no subcontracting, no inflated prices and a personalized experience from start to finish.

When you book with American National Movers, you get:

• Flat-rate pricing (no surprise fees)

• Trained, full-time crews

• Fuel, tolls, and labor included

• Shorter delivery windows

• Licensed and insured transport

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Not All Long Distance Movers Are Expensive.

Not all moving companies are overpriced. The real difference lies in who you call first.

If you’re reaching out to the biggest names in the industry, expect premium rates built into every quote. But if you compare those with affordable full-service carriers like American National Movers, you’ll see that professional service doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag.

Pro Tip: 

Before assuming every mover is expensive, get a quote from at least one smaller, direct carrier. You might be surprised how affordable — and stress-free — your long-distance move can actually be.