How much do long-distance movers cost?

The line items on a long-distance moving invoice

• Line-haul — the base transportation charge based on actual weight × per-mile tariff. Usually the largest line on the invoice.
• Fuel surcharge — a published percentage that updates with diesel prices. Typically 6–14% of line-haul.
• Packing labor — full pack runs $300–$1,800 depending on home size; partial pack (kitchen, electronics, art only) is far cheaper.
• Packing materials — boxes, paper, tape, mattress bags. $80–$400 for most moves.
• Accessorials — stairs, long carry, shuttle service, elevator reservations. Itemized on the bill.
• Specialty items — pianos, safes, treadmills, large aquariums each carry per-item handling fees.
• Full-value protection — optional but recommended. Roughly 1% of declared value.
• Storage in transit — only if your delivery date is later than your pickup date.

How weight is calculated

Federal rules require interstate household-goods carriers to bill on actual weight with a few exceptions. The truck is weighed empty (tare), then loaded and weighed again (gross). Net weight = gross − tare, and the line-haul scales from there. Weighings happen at certified scales; you have the right to be present and to request a re-weigh if the number looks off.

How distance is calculated

Distance is the line-haul mileage between origin and destination ZIP codes from a published mileage guide (Household Goods Mileage Guide). Per-mile rates are tiered: shorter lanes pay a higher per-mile rate, longer lanes a lower rate. That's why a 2,500-mile cross-country move is not 5× the price of a 500-mile move.

What 'long-distance' means for pricing

Industry convention treats any move over ~75–100 miles as long-distance, and every interstate move (any state line crossed) is long-distance regardless of mileage. That matters because pricing switches from hourly billing to weight-and-distance line-haul.

Three real long-distance examples

1-bedroom · Phoenix, AZ → Austin, TX (~1,000 miles, ~2,500 lbs)

• Full-service mover: $2,400 – $4,200
• Portable container: $1,800 – $3,200
• Rental truck (one-way): $1,100 – $2,000 sticker plus ~$400 fuel

2-bedroom · Minneapolis, MN → Atlanta, GA (~1,150 miles, ~5,500 lbs)

• Full-service mover: $3,800 – $6,400
• Portable container: $2,800 – $4,800
• Rental truck (26-ft): $1,500 – $2,800 sticker plus fuel + lodging

3-bedroom · Boston, MA → Denver, CO (~1,970 miles, ~9,000 lbs)

• Full-service mover: $8,200 – $13,800
• Portable container (2 units): $5,400 – $8,800

Variables that move the price the most

• Weight (the single biggest driver).
• Distance (sub-linear; per-mile rate falls as miles climb).
• Season (peak May–early September adds 15–25%).
• Pickup/delivery date flexibility.
• Access (stairs, long carry, shuttle service).
• Specialty items (pianos, safes, treadmills).
• Carrier vs broker — see broker vs carrier.

How to know your quote is realistic

1. The carrier did a video or in-home survey before quoting.
2. The estimate is in writing and lists weight, mileage, and accessorials separately.
3. Pricing is binding or binding-not-to-exceed.
4. USDOT and operating authority verify on FMCSA SAFER.
5. Deposit (if any) is small and accepted on a credit card.
6. The carrier provides the FMCSA Your Rights and Responsibilities booklet at booking.

Related: see the long-distance moving cost primer, the interstate moving cost guide, and the cross-country moving cost breakdown.