How To Choose The Right Long-Distance Moving Service For Your Move

How to choose a long-distance moving service so that everything goes smoothly? You shouldn’t make this decision lightly. You’ll be entrusting your belongings to a company for hundreds or thousands of miles, over the course of several hours. To avoid any stress, delays, or even unclear costs, it’s important to research and compare companies.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to consider to avoid potential scams and protect your investment. With this information, your long-distance move won’t be a problem.

What Counts As a Long-Distance Move?

The key considerations for a long-distance move are different from those for a local move. 

Long-Distance vs. Local vs. Interstate Moves

The main differences are based on distance:

• Local moves: These typically cover moves within the same city or metropolitan area. They’re usually priced by the hour, with moves lasting less than a day.
• Long-distance moves: This category applies to moves of 100 miles or more. The cost is calculated based on other factors, such as distance, load weight, or additional services.

There’s also the “interstate move.” If the move crosses a state line, federal regulations apply, regardless of the distance traveled. If there’s anything you need to be aware of, the moving company should let you know.

Once you understand these differences, you’ll be better able to choose among different long-distance movers. Not all of them operate under the same conditions, so this is just a general guide.

Why Long-Distance Movers Are Regulated Differently

If the move crosses state lines, the company must comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). To protect consumers, the company must have:

It is important to verify that your provider complies with all of these requirements.

Start By Verifying The Long-Distance Moving Company’s License

A company that only handles local moves may not necessarily be able to handle interstate moves. That’s why it’s important to confirm that the company is operating legally. Don’t compare prices without first confirming this.

What Is a USDOT Number And Why It Matters

The USDOT Number is an identifier assigned by the U.S. Department of Transportation to companies authorized to transport goods between states.

This identifier serves as proof that the company meets all the requirements to operate. Look for another option if a company cannot provide you with this information. For example, at A to Z Valleywide Movers, our USDOT Number is 2812373.

How To Look Up a Mover On The FMCSA

How to check a moving company’s license? The process is quite simple.

1. Go to the official FMCSA website.
2. Search for the company using its USDOT or MC number.
3. Confirm that the name matches the company’s name.
4. Verify that the operating authority is listed as active.
5. Check to make sure insurance is on file.
6. Check for any claims or penalties.

It only takes 5 minutes of research and can save you headaches down the road.

Moving Broker vs. Moving Carrier

Although they can be confusing, the difference between broker vs carrier is simple:

• The carrier loads the truck, transports your belongings, and makes the delivery.
• The broker is the one who sells the service and then assigns it to another company.

Not all brokers are bad. But you need to know who will be taking care of your belongings. Before hiring a service, ask if they outsource the work or if they take responsibility themselves.

Red Flags That Signal a Long-Distance Mover To Avoid

It’s a good idea to be aware of certain warning signs that indicate it’s time to look for another provider.

Large Cash Deposits

A professional company is unlikely to ask you for a large payment up front—especially if it’s only in cash. Whenever possible, use credit cards to protect yourself from any problems.

Estimates Without an Inventory

The company should provide you with a written estimate, not just over the phone. Before giving you an estimate, they should check their inventory. Be wary if they offer you an estimate without knowing what they’re going to transport.

No Physical Address, Generic Branding, Or Unmarked Trucks

A company can be trustworthy if it provides you with this information:

• A verifiable physical address.
• A professional website.
• An active phone number.
• Identified vehicles.
• Consistent information across all their channels.

We recommend checking their Google Maps listing. If there are many reviews mentioning scams, do not hire their services.

Refusing To Provide Written Documentation Writer

The company must provide written documentation. In other words: inventory, contract, coverage, and estimate. Don’t sign if they don’t offer these.

How To Compare Long-Distance Moving Estimates

Beyond the price, it’s important to consider other factors.

Binding vs Non-Binding Estimate

A non-binding estimate is an initial estimate. If the final weight turns out to be higher, the cost may also increase.

A binding quote locks in the agreed-upon price as long as the inventory doesn’t change.

You may also come across an option known as “Binding Not-To-Exceed.” This is usually the best choice for consumers. It sets a maximum price but allows the cost to be reduced if the final weight ends up being lower.

Why Long-Distance Moves Are Priced By Weight And Distance

Because multiple factors are taken into account. The most common ones are distance and total weight. Added to these may be the number of rooms, optional services (packing or storage), the accessibility of the properties, or the chosen date.

This explains why it’s impossible to know the exact price without conducting an inventory. If you want to lower the cost of the move, you should reduce the number of items to be transported. That will make a difference in the estimate.

Hidden Fees To Ask About Before You Sign

Don’t accept a quote without finding out if there are any additional charges for stairs, elevators, or bulky items. Also ask about long-distance moves, shuttle service, storage during transit, or expedited delivery dates. This will help you avoid unclear costs.

How Many Estimates You Should Get

You should request at least three different estimates. All of them should be based on the same inventory of items to be moved. Remember that the cheapest estimate isn’t always the best. Make sure it includes everything you need.

Questions To Ask Before Hiring a Long-Distance Moving Service

Clear up any questions you may have in this section before hiring a moving service.

Questions About The Company And The Crew

Here are some questions to ask:

• Does your company operate as a carrier or a broker?
• What is your experience with long-distance moves?
• Who will be my point of contact during the move?

The goal is to determine whether the company is reliable or not.

Questions About Timing And Delivery

You can ask:

• What is the estimated delivery window?
• Will my shipment travel with other moves?
• What happens if there’s a delay?
• Do you offer guaranteed delivery dates?

Ask these questions to understand how the service works.

Questions About Claims And Damage

You should ask these questions:

• How does the claims process work?
• What is the deadline for reporting damage?
• Who handles claims?

These questions will help put your mind at ease.

Understanding Moving Insurance And Valuation Coverage

This is just as important as comparing quotes, because it will help you understand how much coverage you have.

Released Value Protection vs. Full Value Protection

Released value coverage is basic coverage. It generally provides an average payout of 60 cents per pound. 

Full-value coverage means paying a little more. In return, you get more comprehensive protection, depending on the policy.

When To Consider Third-Party Moving Insurance

If you’re shipping antiques or very valuable items, it’s a good idea to get additional coverage. Keep in mind that the valuation provided by the company does not technically constitute insurance, which is why there are specialized third-party insurance policies available.

How To Document Your Belongings Before The Move

Do the following before moving day:

• Take photos of your furniture and valuable items.
• Document any existing damage.
• Keep a copy of the entire inventory.
• Keep copies of the contract and important receipts.

This will be helpful in the event of a claim.

What To Expect During a Long-Distance Move

Learn what to expect during the process.

How Long a Long-Distance Move Takes

How long does a long-distance move take? It depends on the distance. An interstate move can take anywhere from one to three weeks. Ask your moving company for an estimate.

Why Delivery Windows Are a Spread, Not a Date

Long-distance movers often use the truck to share other trips and reduce costs. That’s why they offer a delivery window rather than an exact date.

Your Bill Of Lading And Inventory Sheet

The bill of lading is the main contract for the move. The inventory is proof of the condition of your belongings. Both are important, and you should review them before signing them. Never accept incomplete forms.

Choosing a Long-Distance Moving Service In Arizona

If you’re moving from Arizona, hiring a moving company in Gilbert that’s familiar with the local challenges can be helpful.

What Arizona Residents Should Know Before Moving Out Of State

We recommend scheduling your move between October and April, whenever possible. In addition to offering greater availability and better rates, these are the cooler months. Certain sensitive items, such as candles, vinyl records, cosmetics, electronics, and pressurized items, will be safer to transport during this time.

Why a Local Arizona Mover Can Handle a Long-Distance Move

A moving company in Arizona that handles local moves can also operate across state lines, provided it meets the requirements. This offers several advantages. Most importantly, there are physical offices you can visit, the company’s own crews to load your belongings, and a single point of contact throughout the entire process.

If you live in Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, Scottsdale, North Phoenix, or San Tan Valley, working with a local company also makes communication easier before, during, and after the move.

FAQs About Long-Distance Moving Services

Here are some frequently asked questions about long-distance movers.

How Much Does a Long-Distance Move Cost?

There aren’t usually set rates. A reputable company calculates the cost based on distance, weight, and any additional services.

How Far in Advance Should I Book a Long-Distance Move?

As soon as possible. Ideally, 4 to 8 weeks in advance to reserve your spot and take care of all the preliminary logistics.

How Do I Know If the Company Is Legitimate?

Check to see if it has a USDOT number. Positive reviews on sites like Google can also help.

What Is the Difference Between a Moving Broker and a Moving Carrier?

The carrier handles the move using its own truck and staff. The broker sells the service and assigns it to another company.

Can You Pack Yourself for a Long-Distance Move?

Yes. However, we recommend that high-value items be specially protected to avoid problems.

Get a Long-Distance Moving Quote From Our Arizona Team

We can provide you with a transparent estimate for your move.

What To Have Ready When You Request Your Estimate

Our team will need the following information:

• A room-by-room inventory
• The pickup and drop-off addresses
• The estimated dates
• Any access issues (stairs, elevators, or narrow streets)
• A list of high-value items.

The more information you provide, the more accurate the estimate will be.

Talk To a Licensed Arizona Long-Distance Moving Company

You already know what to look for in a long-distance moving company. Now, check to see if the company you’re considering meets all these criteria. For example, at A to Z Valleywide Movers, we meet all the requirements. We have more than 15 years of experience and hundreds of genuine reviews from satisfied customers:

We help families and businesses in Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Scottsdale, North Phoenix, and San Tan Valley with local, interstate, and long-distance moves. Request a free estimate now.