Why per-mile pricing isn't real for interstate moves
FMCSA-regulated household goods carriers price by tariff. Tariffs index a per-pound rate against the distance band — 100 miles, 500 miles, 1,500 miles, etc. As distance grows, the per-pound rate per mile falls because fixed costs (load, unload, fuel surcharges, equipment) get spread across more miles.
Per-mile is useful for one thing: comparing quotes that priced the same inventory at very different totals. If quote A pencils to $1.10/mile and quote B pencils to $2.40/mile on the same lane and weight, something is off in B.
Typical effective per-mile ranges by distance
These are full-service ranges for an average shipment (4,000–6,000 lbs). Subtract roughly 30-40% for container/freight services, add 10-25% for premium peak-season van line bookings.
| Distance | Effective $/mile (full-service) | Why the spread |
|---|---|---|
| 100–250 mi | $3.00 – $7.00 | Fixed labor and load costs dominate the math |
| 250–500 mi | $1.80 – $4.00 | Still labor-heavy; lane density varies |
| 500–1,000 mi | $1.20 – $2.50 | Per-pound rate starts to flatten |
| 1,000–1,500 mi | $0.90 – $1.80 | Tariff bands favor longer hauls |
| 1,500–2,500 mi | $0.75 – $1.40 | Cheapest per-mile band |
| 2,500+ mi | $0.70 – $1.20 | Equipment fully utilized; backhaul opportunities |
Weight matters more than miles
Doubling the distance on a 5,000 lb move might add $1,500–$2,500. Doubling the weight on the same lane adds $3,000–$5,000. That's why every reputable mover wants an inventory list before quoting — and why container services beat full-service on long, light moves.
Example calculations
Atlanta → Boston (1,090 miles), 4,800 lbs: a typical full-service quote of $4,400 works out to $4.04/mile and $0.92/lb. A discount carrier quote of $3,300 on the same shipment is $3.03/mile and $0.69/lb.
Phoenix → Seattle (1,420 miles), 6,500 lbs: a $6,800 full-service quote is $4.79/mile and $1.05/lb. A container service alternative around $4,200 is $2.96/mile and $0.65/lb plus your loading labor.
How to compare two quotes that look unalike
- Same inventory list (or weight estimate within 10%)
- Same valuation coverage selection
- Same packing scope (full pack, partial, none)
- Same accessorials included (stairs, long carry, shuttle)
- Same delivery window length
- Same estimate type (binding NTE preferred)
When per-mile thinking misleads
Short hauls (under 250 miles) almost always look expensive on per-mile math. The fixed costs of loading and unloading don't shrink. A $1,800 quote on a 150-mile move is normal even though it's $12/mile.