Long-Distance Moving Services for Interstate & Cross-Country Moves

Long-distance moving costs vary by shipment size, route, access at both homes, move date and services such as packing or storage. A written estimate based on your actual inventory and addresses is more useful than a national average because a small regional move and a large cross-country move are very different jobs.

“Long-distance” is a broad industry term for a move over a longer route. It does not have to cross a state line. An interstate move specifically transports household goods from one state to another and is subject to federal interstate moving requirements.

An interstate move crosses a state boundary. A cross-country move is usually a much longer interstate move across several states or regions. Both need clear planning for inventory, route, pickup access, delivery access and timing.

A useful estimate starts with what is being moved, the origin and destination, requested services and access conditions. For interstate household moves, review the written estimate carefully and make sure the shipment and services you discussed are included.

A binding estimate is a written agreement tied to the shipment and services listed in it. A non-binding estimate is an approximation rather than a guaranteed final total. If the shipment or services change before loading, the written estimate may need to be updated.

Starting several weeks ahead gives you time to build an accurate inventory, compare written estimates and confirm building access. Summer, weekends and month-end dates can be busier, so earlier planning is useful when your dates are not flexible. If your move is sooner, check availability rather than assuming it is too late.

Delivery timing depends on the route, shipment size, pickup schedule, destination and transportation plan. Ask for the pickup and delivery window that applies to your specific shipment instead of relying on a generic number of days.

Yes. Southwest Van Lines offers packing options for customers who want help with the full home or selected rooms and household items. Tell us what you want packed when requesting the estimate so the service can be reviewed as part of the moving plan.

Storage can help when move-out and move-in dates do not line up. Ask what options may be available for your route, shipment and timing, and include the storage need when requesting the estimate.

Yes. Apartment and condo moves should include the floor, stairs or elevator, loading access, parking, approved move hours and any property-management requirements. The same information is important at the destination.

It can depend on the estimate type and whether the move changes. Added furniture, boxes, packing, storage or access conditions can affect the work required. If something changes before moving day, tell the mover and ask for updated services or charges to be documented in writing.

Interstate moves include valuation choices such as Full Value Protection and Released Value. Under Released Value, mover liability is limited to 60 cents per pound per article. Review the available valuation terms before signing because valuation is not the same as a separate third-party insurance policy.

Check the legal company name, USDOT number and current FMCSA operating authority, and confirm whether the company is a carrier or broker. Then review your written estimate, inventory, Bill of Lading and valuation terms. FMCSA SAFER currently lists Southwest Van Lines LLC as an active household-goods carrier under USDOT 4142008 and MC 1588300.

For interstate household-goods moves, federal rules generally require the estimate to be based on a physical or virtual survey of the shipment unless you waive that survey requirement in writing. The point is to base the written estimate on the household goods and services being discussed, not only on a quick phone guess.

Keep identification, medications, keys, payment methods, important records, your moving documents and irreplaceable valuables with you. Ask for the mover’s current non-allowables guidance before packing anything flammable, explosive, corrosive or otherwise hazardous.

Under federal rules for a non-binding interstate estimate, the mover generally cannot require payment of more than 110% of the non-binding estimate at delivery, although additional properly applicable charges can still be due later. Review the written estimate and FMCSA guidance for the terms that apply to your shipment.