Adams Van Lines
- Professional staff
- Flexible pricing
Pricing Van Lines
- Network of expert movers
- Quick moving estimates
Native Van Lines
- Custom moves available
- No hidden fees
It can be tough to find the right long distance moving company. Fortunately, the team at Moving APT has been in the game for a while. We pulled from our 20+ years of experience and our own industry connections to sort out our top 8 long distance movers, all in one convenient list.
Adams Van Lines, Pricing Van Lines, and Native Van Lines earned our top 3 spots. Out of all our choices, they offer the best balance of customer service, affordability, and must-have moving services and extras. But, every move is different, and you may find that one of our other top 8 movers is perfect for what you need.
At Moving APT, we work with all of these companies on a daily basis. This gives us an insider’s perspective on how they operate, so we can sus out whether they’re worth your time and up to par.
We refer to real customer feedback, and our own history with each mover to be sure our info is relevant and up-to-date. It’s all part of making sure our top 8 is made up of moving companies you can count on.
In this article
Key Takeaways
- Our Top 3 long distance moving companies are Adams Van Lines, Pricing Van Lines, and Native Van Lines.
- Based on our research and day-to-day business with the movers in our network, Adams, Pricing, and Native all offer the best balance of affordability and quality – but some of our other top 8 might be a better fit for your specific needs.
- A long distance move will cost between [LOW FIGURE] and [HIGH FIGURE], but it all depends on how much stuff you’re hauling, and how far you’re traveling.
- In terms of duration, your long distance move will take anywhere from 2 to 21 days. But if you’re just moving a small amount of stuff, your movers may bundle your move with others, so expect delays for those pickups and dropoffs along the way.
Why We Picked Adams Van Lines
Adams Van Lines always scores high with us thanks to their premium moving options. It may cost a little more for the specialty packing and protection, but the peace of mind is worth it. Their teams are highly trained when it comes to transporting fragile, awkward, or valuable items – or even items that are all of the above.
The Good
Adams’ strongest point is their premium moving services, but they do a great job across the board. They’re much more affordable than big name movers, and their customer service is informative and helpful. We’re big fans of their full-service moving.
The Bad
Since Adams Van Lines isn’t a big name in moving, they don’t have the reputation that some of the bigger players have. So far, their Yelp feedback is kind of spotty, but on the other hand, their Google reviews are pretty solid.
Pros and Cons of Adams Van Lines
Pros
- Excellent premium moving
- Helpful customer service
- Well-trained and professional teams
- À la carte add-ons and options
- Great full-service moving option
Cons
- Iffy Yelp reviews
- Not a big name (but you won’t be paying big name prices)
Who is Adams Van Lines Best For?
Adams Van Lines is a great choice if you have a lot of fragile stuff, but even if you’re not hauling antiques or artwork, they’re super helpful. We’re happy to recommend them on account of their affordability and menu of services.
Services Offered by Adams Van Lines
- Local moving
- Long distance moving
- Corporate relocations
- Storage
- Full-service packing and hauling
Customer Feedback
“My son recently went off to college on the east coast and we needed a moving company. Adams Van Lines exceeded my expectations & Alex is the best sales consultant I could have asked for. They ensured all his belongings were delivered and unpacked with the utmost care. I recommend the white glove packing service. Thank you for making my sons move easy!” –Josh, via Google
“Don’t use this company for your move. Fixed us up with a bad moving company. Don’t trust the broker because they don’t properly make sure that their movers are insured or that their insurance actually works. Damaged items cost us $1000 more to replace.” –Jacob, via Yelp
Why We Picked Pricing Van Lines
Pricing Van Lines offers à la carte moving options, so you can pick and choose what you need. Plus, they don’t break the bank. Out of all the moving companies we reviewed, Pricing offers some of the best pricing we’ve seen – especially compared to some of the big names out there.
The Good
Moving can be pricey, but with Pricing Van Lines, you’re only getting charged for the services you need. Being able to pick and choose your moving options is a great way to keep your costs down, and it’s means you’re getting a much more tailored experience, too.
The Bad
While Pricing Van Lines does offer a great balance of service and affordability, the menu of available services isn’t super huge. They’ve got the important stuff covered – long distance, cross country, and furniture hauling – but they don’t have a ton of snazzy extras like some other companies.
Pros and Cons of Pricing Van Lines
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Pick-and-choose services
- Furniture hauling
- Helpful website
- Straightforward pricing
Cons
- Limited menu of extras and add-ons
Who is Pricing Van Lines Best For?
Pricing Van Lines is a great option if you’re looking for a really streamlined move – whether it’s because you want minimal fuss, or minimal costs. You get to pick and choose from a menu that’s just the essentials, and you’ll only be charged for the essentials, too.
Services Offered by Pricing Van Lines
- Local moving
- Long distance moving
- Furniture moving
- Packing
- Storage
Customer Feedback
“I had a great experience with pricing van lines! They were amazing with communicating with me & my items were delivered exactly when they said. Will definitely be using them for any future moves I may make!” –Taylor, via Google
“The movers themselves were excellent but the lack of communication from Pricing Van Lines about when movers were arriving, whether the move would be done in one day, etc were literally left to the last 24hrs of an otherwise stressful move” –Mitch, via Google
Why We Picked Native Van Lines
Native has a solid reputation for award-winning service, and their customers can vouch for their care and consideration. We’ve always been a fan of their customer service, and they make booking really easy. If you’re on the fence about hiring pros, they’re a great option – especially if you’re a first-timer.
The Good
Native Van Lines offers plenty of support when you’re booking your move, and they allow you to pick and choose your moving services, too. They have an impressive menu of extras, add-ons, and even bonuses like 30 days of free storage. Native has also racked up a few industry awards for excellent service.
The Bad
While they do offer last-minute moves, this service will cost you quite a bit extra. It’s a good idea to plan your move with Native well in advance – but to be fair, you should be planning your move out in advance anyways.
Pros and Cons of Native Van Lines
Pros
- Solid customer service
- Great range of options
- Award-winning reputation
- Sweet bonuses (like 30 days of storage)
- Easy to book
Cons
- Pricey for last-minute moving
- Some other services will cost extra
Who is Native Van Lines Best For?
We recommend Native Van Lines for anyone who hasn’t dealt with professional movers before. For one thing, you’re getting a company with a great reputation. Secondly, they offer pretty much everything you’d need from a moving company. Finally, their website makes booking and shopping for services really simple and straightforward.
Services Offered by Native Van Lines
- Local and long distance moving
- Corporate relocations
- Packing services
- Storage options
- Car transport
Customer Feedback
“The movers were quite competent. They handled the furniture with care and were a pleasure to deal with. Their work ethic gave me a lot of confidence, and I liked how they answered our queries and provided an explanation of their rules. We are utilizing a professional moving company for the first time, and we don’t see any issues with doing so in the future. They came highly recommended!” –Rolando, via Google
“They quoted me 2k, then loaded the truck and raised it to 4k. Then everything arrived damaged. Marble coffee table, shattered. Expensive white sofa, had stains all over it. Dinner table, ruined. TV, which they charged me $150 to pack, had a step ladder put in the box against its screen!
They’re super responsive until they’ve picked up your things (have all the cards). From then on, the people who work with you are nasty and offer no help with anything/just contract the work out to others.” –Andrew, via Google
Why We Picked Verified Van Lines
Verified Van Lines is all about speed and efficiency. In fact, even their booking process is simple and streamlined. Since they have a wide selection of different moving services, this efficiency and ease-of-use is a lifesaver. They also offer pretty competitive pricing, especially considering what you’re getting when you book one of their custom moves.
The Good
Like some of our other favorites, Verified Van Lines offers à la carte services. You can pick and choose whatever services you’d like, and you’ll only get billed for those services. Since they’re all about efficiency, you can count on a quick and streamlined move, too.
The Bad
Verified has nationwide reach and lots of helpful services, but sometimes those two pros don’t overlap. Some services may not be available in your area, and if it’s a high-demand time of year (for example, May/June through August/September), it’ll be even harder to get those extras and add-ons.
Pros and Cons of Verified Van Lines
Pros
- Lots of helpful services
- Nationwide reach
- Emphasis on speed and efficiency
- Competitive pricing
- Easy booking
Cons
- Limited availability of certain services
- Extras cost extra
Who is Verified Van Lines Best For?
If you really want an efficient moving experience, Verified Van Lines is the way to go. While they may not have their full menu available in your region, their commitment to quick and painless moving makes them a pretty attractive option if you just want to get things over with.
Services Offered by Verified Van Lines
- Local moving
- Long distance moving
- Packing and unpacking
- Storage
- Corporate relocations
Customer Feedback
“My husband and I moved from AL to FL. Jenna and Paul helped us with our move at Verified Van Lines. They were both fantastic, very knowledgeable and kind. We got a great rate and the movers were professional. My husband overlooked the whole thing and we were impressed by the attention to detail while also getting the items moved into the truck quickly! I would definitely use them again and recommend them to friends/family! 5+stars ⭐️” –Sharon, via Google
“We have had a terrible experience with this company all throughout our move. Boxes received smashed and torn open. Now we are also receiving terrible customer service with the claim we have been told to place. We are in major need of customer service from this original company to help us with all the other companies they have subjected us to in order to receive the compensation we are due. Never in my life have I ever had confusion such as this !! I tried to add photos with PDF and it will not accept them.” –Patti, via Google
Why We Picked All Roads Express
All Roads Express has a great reputation, but they go beyond award-winning service: They also offer a great menu of moving options that includes storage and auto transport. All Roads Express also relies on in-house teams for customer service, booking, and all the packing, loading, and hauling.
The Good
An in-house moving team is awesome. A completely in-house operation is even more awesome. With All Roads Express, you always know who you’ll be dealing with. They’re also Miami specialists, so if you happen to be in that neck of the woods, they’ll REALLY have you covered.
The Bad
All Roads is based in Miami, so you’ll have to double check to make sure your pickup and destination are both along their regular routes. Also, their website looks pretty snazzy at first, but they do that thing where the menu takes up half the page so it’s almost unusable. Ugh.
Pros and Cons of All Roads Express
Pros
- In-house moving teams
- Highly trained staff
- Broad menu of services
- Amazing service
- Great presence in the South/Southeast
Cons
- Website’s a little clunky
- You may have to double check to make sure they can handle your route
Who is All Roads Express Best For?
Moving can be an iffy process. If you want to cut down on some uncontrolled variables, the best way to do it is by booking a move with a company that operates entirely in-house. If you want greater peace of mind and a little more security, All Roads Express is the perfect fit.
Services Offered by All Roads Express
- Local and long distance moving
- Commercial moving
- Corporate moves
- Speciality packing and hauling
- Auto transport
Customer Feedback
“I moved my entire house with them. They reviewed everything and gave a very competitive offer. On the moving day, they arrived on time and were very professional and gentle with our furnitures, wrapping everything carefully. When the unpacked, they did it very quickly , based on our request. I’d use them again!” –Tamir, via Google
“The workers did a good job of filling my storage space. It is not an easy job loading, transferring and unloading the contents of a home. They only accept cash, postal orders or Zelle. A coffee table cracked during their transport. Took fourteen days when I called for furniture to be delivered. The truck they drive is filled to the brim with more than one shipping orders.” –Evan, via Yelp
Why We Picked VDMD
VDMD Van Lines goes the extra mile to make sure all your stuff is safe and secure. Their teams are committed to extra care, so they’re great if you have fragile stuff. They also put extra emphasis on communication, so you’re never left hanging during your booking or your move.
The Good
When you’re moving long distance, having a little extra peace of mind goes a long way. Fortunately, VDMD goes the extra mile to make sure all your stuff is protected, and their moving teams are all professional and trustworthy. VDMD also has a pretty straightforward booking utility.
The Bad
VDMD Van Lines is a great option for long distance moving, but at the moment they’re only servicing moves that are 300 miles or less. Their website recommends you contact them directly if you’re planning on going farther than that distance, so they may be able to make an exception for you.
Pros and Cons of VDMD Van Lines Relocation
Pros
- Extra commitment to safe packing
- Communicative staff
- Easy booking utility
- Helpful website
- Northeastern US specialists
Cons
- Smaller menu of services
- Moves over 300 miles require advance planning
Who is VDMD Van Lines Relocation Best For?
VDMD is another solid mover that’s all about packing and protection. If you’re concerned about your fragile items, they’re a good choice – especially if you’re in the northeastern US, since they’re based in Maryland.
Services Offered by VDMD Van Lines Relocation
- Local moving
- Long distance moving
- Packing and unpacking
- Commercial moves
Customer Feedback
“I needed an emergency move and they came at 6:30 am the very next day at half the cost I was quoted at many other places. The movers were quick, professional and friendly. All my things were safely and quickly delivered to my new 2nd floor apartment. I would recommend this company to anyone and I am so grateful they were the ones who helped me out.” –Stephanie, via Google
“They currently have a truckload of my items that were supposed to be delivered a week ago. Gave me one delivery date and then delayed again. The moving contract says 2-14 days for delivery – it has now been 20 days and counting. Have not contacted me in almost a week. STAY AWAY.” –Daniel, via Yelp
Why We Picked Eko Movers
Who says moving has to just be about boxes? Eko Movers offers an impressive range of local and long distance services, but what really impressed us is their commitment to their community. They plant a tree for every move they handle, and they also offer specialty moving options for affordable housing communities.
The Good
Eko Moving is a solid choice for moving, especially if you want to give back a little something to the community. Aside from their great customer service, they use eco-friendly packing supplies and plant a tree for every move. You get a quality long distance move, and a serious case of the warm fuzzies. Plus, their moving teams are all in-house!
The Bad
On Google, Eko Moving has some great reviews. But on Yelp, they’ve come under fire from a few disgruntled customers. Most of the criticism comes from scheduling issues. Aside from that, Eko does offer storage, but there’s not a lot of information about whether you’re getting a full storage unit or just a shelf someplace.
Pros and Cons of Eko Movers
Pros
- Environmentally friendly moving
- Awesome packing services
- Broad menu of options and add-ons
- In-house moving teams
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Not too much info available on storage
- Mixed reviews on Yelp
Who is Eko Movers Best For?
Eko Movers is a great choice if you want to get a nice bonus from your moving company. Their environmental and social programs are pretty solid, and it’s nice to know that when you’re getting great service, you’re also doing something great for the community.
Services Offered by Eko Movers
- Local moving and long distance moving
- Packing boxes
- Moving labor
- Corporate moves
- Storage
Customer Feedback
“These guys are legit. Incredibly nice and courteous, prompt and efficient with their time. Price is extremely fair and they really take care of your belongings as if they were their own things. We have used them twice and they were awesome both times. Tim and his staff are friendly and clearly here to serve you in your time of need. If you go anywhere else for movers you are missing out.” –Jeff, via Google
“This company is not to be trusted. We scheduled a move with them from New York to Chicago more than a month in advance, but they cancelled just days before the move. We offered to change our scheduled date to accommodate them, but they refused and only offered to do the move on an earlier date that could not work for us. We are now left scrambling to find a new moving company at the last minute for a cross country move…” –Al, via Yelp
Why We Picked BLVD Moving
We picked BLVD Moving for a few key reasons: They’re a family-owned and operated shop that’s still able to maintain a national moving network, they offer great prep and planning, and they don’t break the bank on moving day. They also have some of the most in-depth storage we’ve seen, which even includes packing and wrapping if you need deliveries from storage.
The Good
BLVD Moving is an experienced long distance mover with a decent range of services – especially when it comes to storage. They’ve been in the game for over 20 years, and for all that experience and know-how, you don’t end up paying too much.
The Bad
Unfortunately, BLVD has had some mixed reviews on Yelp. There’s a few complaints about under-prepared movers, and a few about how long it took to receive items. You’re not paying a ton of money, but sometimes it seems like you’re getting what you’re paying for.
Pros and Cons of BLVD Moving
Pros
- Family-owned and operated
- 20+ years of moving experience
- Excellent planning and prep
- Affordable rates
- Great storage support
Cons
- Mixed reviews on Yelp
- Not the fastest
Who is BLVD Moving Best For?
If you need storage that really pulls out all the stops, BLVD is a great option. We’ve seen our fair share of full service movers, but full service STORAGE is a different story. They’ll write up an inventory list for all your stuff, and even pack, wrap, and load your items if you need them delivered from storage.
Services Offered by BLVD Moving
- Local and long distance moving
- Office moving
- Full service storage
- Packing services
Customer Feedback
“I recommend BLVD Moving. Joe and Valtazar were very helpful and diligent. I was experiencing emotional distress and Joe in particular went out of his way that I felt comfortable and confident. Joe and the liaison who assisted me on the phone worked together to make sure everything happened smoothly. Thank you BLVD Moving! Best moving experience!” –Hope, via Google
“Most ham handed movers I have experienced. Lots of broken stuff and price changes. Never again.
Five months after move called and told me I still owed money which was impossible because they required cash to unload the truck.” –Bob, via Yelp
Compare Long Distance Moving Companies
Company | |||||
Rating | 4.9 4.9/5 | 4.5 4.5/5 | 4.7 4.7/5 | 4.7 4.7/5 | 4.3 4.3/5 |
Avarage Price (2-3 Bed) | $3210- $7320 | $3300- $7900 | $2950 - $6650 | $3500- $8250 | $3150 - $8100 |
Superlative | Best For Long Distance | Best Customer Service | Most Affordable | Best for Online Booking | Most Experienced Movers |
Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote |
The Cost of a Long Distance Move
The cost of your long distance move will range from [LOW FIGURE] to [HIGH FIGURE], although we’ve seen a few relocations that fell outside of that window. The biggest factors behind your final price? Distance and volume.
More miles means a higher price tag. Same with more stuff. While you can’t really do much about changing the distance between point A and point B, you can save some serious money by selling off, donating, or just plain junking all of those unwanted, unused items. Try to downsize as much as you can before you shop for moving quotes.
You can save money by reducing the load, but a smaller move isn’t always a faster move. Most people assume that a smaller haul will get transported fast, but that’s a common misconception…
# of Miles | 1 bedroom | 2-3 bedrooms | 4-5 bedrooms |
250 miles | $1200 to $2,300 | $1,600 to $3,950 | $2,050 to $5,200 |
Over 1000 miles | $1600 to $2,950 | $2,300 to $7,950 | $5,900 to $8,100 |
2500 miles+ | $1,900 – $3,950 | $3,800 – $9,400 | $9,100 to $18,500+ |
How Long Does Long Distance Moving Take?
A long distance move will take anywhere from 2 – 21 days. Like the price of your move, this comes down to a few different factors, one of which is the law: Long distance movers can’t travel more than 400 highway miles per day.
Aside from federal regulations, moves can take longer depending on their size – but a smaller amount of stuff may actually result in a longer wait. Movers don’t like to send half-empty trucks all over the place, so instead they’ll bundle your move with several others in the same truck or semi trailer. Don’t worry. They’ll keep everything separate, but there’ll be a few delays as they make pickups and dropoffs along the way.
In a rush? Some long distance movers offer last-minute moving and direct shipping. It’ll cost a lot more, but it’s cheaper than buying like… 14,128 pillows so your movers don’t have space for other pickups or dropoffs. (Don’t actually try this.)
Distance | ETA |
100-500 miles | 1-5 days |
500-1000 miles | 2-10 days |
1000-2000 miles | 3-17 days |
2000-3000 miles | 5-21 days |
Moving Tips
At Moving APT, we’re all about making your move easier than ever. Here are a few important tips to keep in mind when you’re ready to relocate:
- Build an essentials bag. As moving day gets closer and closer, you may be tempted to put absolutely everything into a box. Pump the brakes a little. You should pack a suitcase with your toiletries, chargers, and a few changes of clothing so all your important stuff is easy to reach.
- Book your movers early. Like, way early. Reach out to your movers at least two months in advance. This gives you plenty of time to shop around for the best long distance moving company for your needs, and it may net you a sweet discount for flexibility.
- Organize a packing party. A packing party is a great way to get your stuff boxed up on the cheap, and it’s a great opportunity to say your farewells before you head to your new place. Plus, since movers can’t haul perishable goods, you can clean out the fridge.
- Get at least 3 different quotes. When you’re shopping around for movers, it’s a good idea to get at least 3 quotes from 3 different companies. Not only will you get an idea of how they treat their customers, but you’ll also see how much a typical move will cost.
- Build an inventory list. While you’re shopping for quotes, you’re going to get asked a lot of questions about where you’re moving and how much furniture you’re dealing with. Prepare an inventory list of all your major furniture for easy reference.
- Ask around for boxes. This is a great strategy if you’re really trying to save every penny. Bookstores, offices, and even liquor stores usually have sturdy boxes they’re just going to dump anyways. Ask them if you can take a couple for moving day.
- Check insurance options. Unfortunately, most moving companies don’t allow you to buy into their full-value insurance if you’re self-packing. Check in advance, and also call whoever’s in charge of your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance to see if moving is covered in your policy.
Long Distance FAQs
What can’t be moved long distance?
Before you start packing up your boxes, ask yourself this important question: “Can this stuff damage a moving truck?” The general rule is nothing pressurized, flammable, or perishable. Also, since you’re moving across state lines, it’s a good idea to read up on local rules in all the areas you’ll be traveling through. Your movers can’t haul your plants, guns, or propane tanks, but you should check state regulations before you toss them all in your trunk.
What’s the difference between a local and long distance move?
In the moving industry, anything under 100 miles and within the same state is a local move. Anything over 100 miles or across a state line counts as a long distance move. Local moves are charged per hour, per move (and it takes about two movers per room). On the other hand, your long distance move will be billed by miles traveled and volume carried.
How much should I pay up front?
If a moving company asks you to pay the full price up front, you should find a different mover. It’s generally acceptable to charge a down payment – something like a couple hundred bucks, or a few percent of your final price. But charging full price before moving a single box? That’s a common scam, and you should run far away from a “mover” who tries to pull that trick.
What is a binding estimate?
When you shop around for quotes, you’ll see a couple different types of estimates. The most common are binding, and nonbinding. When a mover issues a nonbinding estimate, it means they can actually adjust the price before, during, or even after your move. (They can only adjust the price by 10%, though.) However, if a mover issues a binding estimate, it’s set in stone, and can’t be changed or adjusted after it’s issued. Don’t try to add a bunch of stuff after getting your quote, though. You’ll get a new contract.
How much should I tip my long distance movers?
15% – 20% of your total price is a good number. Tipping is accepted and expected in the moving world. Unless a mover explicitly declines your gratuity, we recommend setting aside some cash to be divvied up between your whole moving team. Don’t forget the driver!
Here’s How We Rank Our Long Distance Movers
Moving APT has 22 years of experience in local and long distance moving, and we do real business with movers to get data that’s more in-depth and reliable than anything else online.
Our rating methodology is based on the following:
Reviews
- Reputation: Reviews and profiles show if movers are highly-rated and experienced.
- Industry-Insider Info: We see what the best companies in the industry are doing.
- Mystery Shopping: We call and pose as complete strangers to keep movers honest.
Licensing and Accreditation
- Arbitration Program: We ensure movers provide arbitration for lost or damaged items.
- Active Claim Department: We monitor how quickly movers help with compensation.
- Safety Record: We get up-to date safety information about accidents and inspections.
- Moving Insurance: We make sure movers provide full or released-value protection.
Client Feedback
- Video and phone reviews: Client testimony tells us which movers are worth your time.
- Online surveys: We read about each completed move to see how movers perform.
As a moving broker, Moving APT deals with movers on a daily basis. We negotiate for our clients, and we ensure movers always honor their contracts. It’s how we help you get moved, and it’s how we maintain clear communication between clients and moving companies.
More customers for better movers If a mover is exceeding expectations, we send them more business. If a mover needs to improve, we don’t. It’s simple.
Ready to Hit the Road? Book Your Move Today!
You’ve seen our top picks, and you’ve seen some tips and tricks to make moving day even easier. Now, all you have to do is tell us a little more about your move, and we’ll get you connected with the right mover for the job.
If you’re ready to get packing, we’re ready to help! Check out the Moving APT moving cost calculator, and let’s get started!