Expensive Long Distance Movers or Honest Quote?
- American National Movers
- Feb 19, 2024
- 5 min read
When considering a long distance moving company for a relocation, the first thing that comes to mind for many consumers is “How much will it cost me?” This is a natural reaction when considering any major purchase, but we urge you to focus on service quality, reliability, and pricing transparency before worrying about budget. As a gentle reminder, many relocation companies reserve the right to renegotiate your costs at any time, which is completely legal. In this case, a lower price means nothing if the long distance moving company you hire is deceptive.
Too Expensive Or Honest Quote?
There is a common pattern between expensive long distance movers and cheaper moving companies. Frankly, if cost is your main concern regarding interstate moving, tread lightly; you might be starting off on the wrong foot.
Cheap: Hidden Fees & Unethical
Consumers who hire cheap long distance moving companies and seek the cheapest options are three times more likely to be dissatisfied with the service. This is the main reason the industry has a bad reputation. Many seek cheaper options and still expect efficiency.
Here is what to expect if you go cheap with long distance movers:
Hidden Fees:
A $5,000.00 3-4 bedroom home long distance moving quote is likely to increase by 30% to 60% on loading day. Many people who choose the cheapest brand end up paying a much higher price anyway. But that’s not even the hardest part; this is often planned among unresponsive, unreliable rogue operators. Good Luck!
Delivery Delays:
Most people who hire a moving company expect the company to deliver within a reasonable time frame. However, many people who prioritize budget over reliability end up waiting three to four weeks for their furniture.
Unprofessionalism:
Ever paid a company to provide a service and got yelled at or disrespected? This is a common complaint people have about cheap long distance moving companies.
Scam-Likely
The brands willing to offer low prices do so with the intention of raising your price after your goods are already loaded on move day. At that point, if they double- or triple-charge you with a closed truck, what are your options? A common practice among cheaper movers.
Higher Prices: Clear Communication & Honest Pricing
We encourage you to consider hiring companies that price at $7,000 to $11,000 for a better experience. This might be more than many want to pay, but the reality is that trust is everything in this industry, and trustworthy movers tend to charge more for their services.
Here is why:
Genuine Movers:
It’s better to pay more and trust that you are in good hands with a moving company that has good intentions, rather than a brand that’s deceptive. Wise shoppers are turning to national moving companies and major van lines over smaller brands to avoid the risk of hiring a rogue mover.
Honest Pricing:
Long-distance moving companies like American National Movers honor their rates and very rarely receive complaints about price changes. While an estimated cost increase is always a possibility, honest moving companies with higher rates stick to their prices.
Dedicated Trucks, Faster Delivery:
Long distance moving companies that charge higher prices may be doing so to meet consumers' delivery expectations. Frankly, consumers who want to hire the cheapest company still expect fast delivery. Logistically, that’s not possible, and it always results in a complaint or a request for compensation. As a result, we price jobs higher to ensure efficiency and avoid any potential complaints.
Are You Being Over or Under-Charged?
With movers charging different rates for state-to-state relocations, it’s hard for a new mover to know whether they are being undercharged or overcharged. However, a good rule of thumb is: if the price seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is, and if another quote seems way too expensive, you’re probably right.
Too Cheap Quotes
If the price seems suspiciously cheap, do not hire them or you’ll regret it.
Studio / 1-Bedroom ~ 1,000.00-$2,000 (Scam Likely)
2-3 Bedroom Home ~ $2,800-$4,000 (Hidden Fees Likely)
4+ Bedroom ~$4,000-$6,500 (Unreliable, Hidden Fees Likely)
Honest Pricing
Honest pricing is a reasonably priced mover, not cheap but not overly expensive.
Studio / 1-Bedroom ~ $2,500 - $4,000 (Flat Rates)
2-3 Bedroom Home ~ $5,000-$8,000 (Faster Delivery, Reliable Movers)
4+ Bedroom ~$9,000 - $14,000 (Two Trucks, Guaranteed Delivery Date)
Over-Priced Quotes
Many who ask, “Why is long distance moving so expensive?” are asking because they are getting overcharged by premium brands.
Studio / 1-Bedroom ~ $5,000+ (Not Small load Movers)
2-3 Bedroom Home ~ $9,000-$13,000 (High Company Mark Up)
4+ Bedroom ~20,000-$25,000 (Rip-Off)
How Long Distance Movers Calculate Their Costs?
Long distance moving is heavy logistics—not just loading a truck and driving cross-country. When you get a quote, here is exactly what you are actually paying for (and how to avoid overpaying).
1. Corporate Overhead (The "Brand Name" Tax)
If a moving quote seems unreasonably high, you are likely dealing with a major corporate van line like Allied, United, or Mayflower. With these giants, you aren't just paying for the truck; you are funding their national TV commercials, franchise fees, and multiple middlemen. You are paying a premium for the brand name, not necessarily a better service.
2. Distance, Diesel, and Tolls
The further the truck drives, the higher the bill. Moving a massive, fully-loaded truck across state lines requires hundreds of gallons of diesel fuel, expensive highway tolls, and overnight lodging for the driver. For a cross-country haul, fuel surcharges alone can make up 10% to 20% of your total cost.
3. Professional vs. Untrained Labor
You get what you pay for with the crew. Honest moving companies charge more because they pay for trained, full-time professionals and dedicated customer service teams. Cheap movers survive by hiring untrained, temporary day laborers. Paying a bit more for skilled labor is what actually keeps your furniture from getting destroyed.
4. How Much Stuff You Have (Volume & Weight)
The math here is simple: the more space your items take up on the truck (cubic feet) or the heavier they are (weight), the more it costs. However, major van lines tend to overcharge even for small loads.Mid-sized, independent carriers can move the exact same volume of furniture for 30% to 40% less.
5. Supply and Demand (The Summer Spike)
Moving during the summer peak season (May through September) can increase your costs by 25% to 40%. Because everyone is trying to move before the school year starts, truck space is scarce, and labor is maxed out. To get a lower rate and a faster delivery window, book your move in the middle of the month or during the winter off-season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequent questions people search when researching pricing with long distance movers:
1). What is A Reasonable Budget For Long Distance Movers?
Depending on your moving distance, a budget of $5,000 to $8,000 is a healthy range to secure professional movers with honest prices.
2). Is Long Distance Moving Expensive?
Whether moving across state lines and hiring movers is expensive depends on the scope and the mileage of your relocation, but it’s definitely not cheap. Expect to pay at least $5,000 for a reliable brand, which can be expensive depending on your circumstances.
3). How Do Long Distance Movers Calculate Costs?
Mileage, size of load, move date, service states, and desire for profit are the key factors long distance movers consider when calculating your costs.
4). What Is The Cheapest Long Distance Moving Option?
In 2026, the cheapest way to move furniture between states is truck sharing, a long distance moving option mainstreamed by American National Movers, a reasonably priced independent carrier.
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