Sample imageColumbus and nearby
Long-distance moving
Long-distance moving means taking a household from one state to another in an enclosed truck. Interstate movers must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and hold a USDOT number and MC operating authority.
There are two ways to ship. With an exclusive truck, only your belongings are on board and dates are fixed. With a shared load, several households ride on one truck; it costs less, but the delivery window is wider.
Details
Typical delivery windows
Up to 250 miles
Same day or next day
250 to 500 miles
1 to 2 days
500 to 1,000 miles
2 to 4 days
1,000 to 2,000 miles
4 to 7 days
Winter routes over mountain passes
One extra day built in for safety
Process
From planning to delivery
- 01
Route and destination check
Along with your inventory, we check street width, stairs and truck access at the destination.
- 02
Written estimate
You get a binding or non-binding written estimate, plus the federal booklet "Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move". With a non-binding estimate, you pay no more than 110% of the estimate at delivery, and any balance is due within 30 days.
- 03
Loading
Furniture is wrapped, and glass and marble tops go in wooden crates. The load is sectioned and strapped.
- 04
On the road
The truck drives straight to you with no transfers. If you want, we share the truck's location during the trip.
- 05
Delivery
We unload and reassemble, count items against the inventory, and you sign the delivery paperwork.
Included in the price
- Enclosed truck and driver
- Loading and unloading crew
- Wooden crates for glass and mirrors (if needed)
- Load straps, dividers and moving pads
- Released value protection, with full value protection available
What changes the price
- Distance (miles)
- Total volume and truck type
- Exclusive truck or shared load
- Stairs and elevator access at both addresses
- Time of year, since summer is peak season
Common mistakes
- Accepting a shared-load move without a written delivery window.
- Hiring an interstate mover without checking their USDOT number in the FMCSA database.
- Not asking whether the street at the new address can take a large truck.
- Loading a refrigerator or washer before draining and drying it.
- Choosing released value protection for high-value items without reading what it pays.
A rough price for this job
Enter your home size, stairs and distance to see a range right away. The exact price comes in a written estimate.
FAQ
Questions about this service
What is the difference between a shared load and an exclusive truck?
With an exclusive truck, only your things are on board and the date is fixed. A shared load carries other households too; the price is lower and the delivery window is a few days wider.
What protection do I get on an interstate move?
Federal rules require two options. Released value protection is included at no extra charge but pays only 60 cents per pound per item. Full value protection costs more and covers repair, replacement or the current market value of a lost or damaged item.
How long do I have to file a claim?
For interstate moves, you can file a written claim within nine months of delivery. The mover must acknowledge it within 30 days and accept, deny or make an offer within 120 days.
Often booked with this service: residential moving, office moving and apartment and high-rise moving. For dates and prices, reach us through the contact page.