Best Long-Distance Moving Companies

What separates the best long distance moving companies?

Price is the first split. U-Haul quoted $1,400 for a one-way 20 ft truck on our route, before about $350 of fuel. U-Pack came in at $2,650, and PODS at $3,400. The full-service van lines sit higher: North American Van Lines at $5,100, Allied Van Lines at $5,400, Atlas Van Lines at $5,500, United Van Lines at $5,800, and Two Men and a Truck at $4,900.

Scores don't track price. United Van Lines leads at 8.6, then North American and Allied at 8.5, U-Pack at 8.4, Atlas and U-Haul at 8, and Two Men and a Truck and PODS at 7.7.

What should you check before booking a long-distance mover?

Start with the estimate type. North American's not-to-exceed estimate means you pay less if the shipment weighs less, never more. United, Allied and Atlas all quoted binding estimates, and United delivered its binding estimate within a day of the video survey.

Then look at what you're willing to do yourself.

• Full service: United, North American, Allied and Atlas handle packing, loading and driving, with full-value protection quoted.
• You load, they drive: U-Pack gives an instant online price that does not change and bills only the linear feet or cubes you use, but you get three business days to load and no storage beyond a few days.
• Container: PODS lets you load over days or weeks and store the container for a month or a year, though quotes come only by phone.
• You drive: U-Haul is the cheapest by far, but you drive a 20 ft truck 1,000 miles and the reservation does not guarantee the exact truck size.

Watch the delivery window. United gives a window rather than a date, and Allied's is wider still. Ask who actually hauls the load: some Allied agents subcontract long-haul legs, and Two Men and a Truck quality varies by franchise.

Full-service moves

United Van Lines suits corporate and military moves, with an agent network covering every state. North American Van Lines fits anyone who wants the lowest full-service quote and a not-to-exceed estimate. Allied Van Lines works when a vehicle ships alongside the household goods. Atlas Van Lines is the pick for corporate and government relocation programmes.

Self-load and container moves

U-Pack suits a long move on a budget where you can pack and load. PODS fits a move with a gap between homes, since storage runs as long as you need. U-Haul is for drivers who want the lowest cost and can handle the truck. Two Men and a Truck covers in-town hourly crews from about $120–$180 an hour for two movers and a truck, with a container option for longer hauls.

For a full-service move, United Van Lines handles corporate and military relocations, while North American Van Lines gives you the lowest full-service quote and a not-to-exceed estimate. U-Pack suits a long move you pack and load yourself, and PODS fits a move with a storage gap between homes. U-Haul is the cheapest option if you drive the truck yourself.