The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Best National Moving Companies of 2024

By: Lily Valles Last Updated: Jan 01, 2024

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We've done the research to find the top national moving companies. Trust Moving Feedback's expertise for a smooth and reliable relocation.

BEST CUSTOMER REVIEWS

4.4


Native Van Lines

  • Highly Professional
  • No hidden fees
  • Budget-friendly pricing
Get a Quote 888-809-1249 Read review

BEST FOR LONG DISTANCE

4.7


Adams Van Lines

  • 500 local agents
  • Binding Prices
  • Customized services
Get a Quote 855-254-0416 Read review

BEST OVERALL

4.9


Moving APT

  • Professionalism
  • Great customer service
  • Affordable rates
Get a Quote 800-360-0037 Read review

Moving can feel like a real headache, right? Especially if you’re going long distance! But hey, if you pick the right moving company, they can turn it into a piece of cake. This is where national moving companies strut their stuff – they’re pros at long hauls and moves that take you to new states, across the country, or even overseas.

But we get it – there are so many movers out there, it can make your head spin! How do you find the one you can trust with all your stuff?

Well, that’s where we come in! Our expert team at Moving Feedback has done all the legwork for you. We’ve been busy researching, comparing, and finding the best national moving companies so you don’t have to.

In this article, we’ll spill the beans on our top five picks. Plus, we’ll share some insider tips and tricks to make your moving day as chill as possible. With Moving Feedback on your side, you’ll be moving like a pro in no time!

So, stick around and get ready to learn everything you need to know about national movers. We’ve got your back!


How Do National Moving Companies Work?

National moving is usually a three step process. First, you’ll get in touch with the mover of your choice. They may send an agent to your house for an initial consultation, or you may be able to get a quote entirely online.

Once you get your quote, you can accept the offer, or compare it with other national movers that you’ve been considering. (We definitely recommend shopping around for at least three different quotes).

Finally, after you accept your national mover’s offer, it’s time to move. Depending on the extra services you’ve requested, your movers may come early to pack everything up. Then it’s just a simple matter of loading everything onto a truck and hauling it where it needs to go.


What Services Do National Moving Companies Offer?

National moving companies offer a range of services to help you move long distances. Some of the services they offer include:

  • Packing and unpacking: Packing is a pain, so why not let the pros handle it? Many national moving companies can help you pack your belongings safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of damage during transportation. They can handle unpacking, too.
  • Transportation: Of course, transportation is the bread-and-butter of long-distance moving. National movers have large trucks and experienced drivers who can transport your belongings safely and efficiently.
  • Storage: Sometimes you don’t really know how long it’ll take for you to get settled – and you may not be sure everything you own will fit at your new place. Fortunately, many national movers offer temporary storage facilities for a little more flexibility.
  • Pet transportation: Many movers don’t ship pets at all. However, some national movers may provide the option for pet transport. If not, they may be able to point you in the right direction, either through one of their subcontractors or just their own industry knowledge.

How to Identify a Reputable National Moving Company

Moving means transporting your whole life from point A to point B. You don’t want to give that kind of responsibility to just any old mover.

Here are some tips to help you identify a reputable moving company:

  • Check reviews: Google and Yelp are great resources if you’re shopping for movers. Check reviews from other customers to get an idea of the company’s reputation, and ask your family and friends for recs, too.
  • Verify licensing and insurance: Make sure the company is licensed and insured to provide moving services. You can do this by checking their DOT and FMCSA numbers, usually found somewhere on their website.
  • Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB): As an added precaution, check the company’s rating with the BBB to see if there have been any complaints against them.
  • Get referrals: Sometimes word of mouth is the best way to learn. Ask friends and family for recommendations to find a national moving company that they’ve had a positive experience with.

The Cost of National Moving Companies

The cost of a national move can range from $1250 to $14,000, depending on the distance you’re traveling and the amount of stuff you’re transporting. The average cost of a long-distance move is around $4,500.

Distance 1 Bedroom 2 – 3 Bedroom 4 – 5 Bedroom
100 miles $1250 – $1600 $1350 – $1800 $1700 – $3700
250 miles $1300 – $2000 $1700 – $3500 $2,400 – $4900
750 miles $1500 – $2900 $2200 – $6900 $5500 – $7900
1500 miles $1600 – $3200 $2800 – $7400 $6700 – $9500
2500 miles+ $1900 – $3900 $4200 – $8500 $14000+

When getting quotes from national moving companies, be sure to ask about any additional fees or charges, such as fuel surcharges, packing fees, or stair fees.

These fees can add up quickly, so it’s important to get a detailed estimate ahead of time for your own budgeting purposes.


Compare The Best National Moving Companies

4.4 4.7 4.9 4.2 4.5
Best Customer Reviews Best for Long Distance Best Overall Best for Customizing Best For Local
20% Seasonal Discount 18% Flexibility Discount 15% Seniors & Military Discounts 20% Seasonal Discount Not Disclosed
$2850-$6350 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) $2900-$6500 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) $2700-$6200 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) $2850-$6350 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom) $2300-$5600 (Avg. 2-3 bedroom)
Get a Quote Get a Quote Get a Quote Get a Quote Get a Quote
Read Review Read Review Read Review Read Review Read Review

Top National Moving Companies in the USA

There are several national moving companies in the USA, each offering a range of services and pricing options. Here are some of the top national moving companies in the USA:

  1. Native Van Lines
  2. Adams Van Lines
  3. Moving APT
  4. Verified Van Lines
  5. iMoving
1

BEST CUSTOMER REVIEWS

4.4

Native Van Lines

  • Transparent pricing
  • Responsive customer service
  • Binding quotes

Native Van Lines is a national moving company with a great reputation. They’re an award-winning mover with glowing reviews from their customers, and they offer a wide variety of services to meet your needs.

Native Van Lines has over 500 agents across the United States, and they vet and verify all the carriers in their network.

They’re a helpful filter that protects you from sketchy movers and unqualified moving teams, and they go the extra mile for customer service, too.


  • Great reputation
  • Experienced and vetted movers
  • Committed to customer satisfaction
  • Over 500 agents nationwide
  • Wide variety of services
  • Extra services come at an extra price

Licenses:

Type:

Local, Long distance, International Moves

2

BEST FOR LONG DISTANCE

4.7

Adams Van Lines

  • 500 local agents
  • Binding Prices
  • Customized services

Sometimes your items need a little extra TLC. Whether you’re moving antiques, artwork, fragile items, or large and bulky stuff like pianos or pool tables, it pays to get in touch with a mover that specializes in premium moves.

Adams Van Lines is your pick if you need a premium moving service without breaking the bank.

Their moving teams are experienced and trained to handle moves that need a little more attention to detail, and they know their way around pianos, pool tables, artwork, and more.


  • Premium moving service
  • Specialize in artwork, antiques, and specialty items
  • Customized moves available
  • Excellent customer service
  • Trained and vetted moving teams
  • Extra services may cost more

Licenses:

Type:

Local, Long distance, International Moves

3

BEST OVERALL

4.9

Moving APT

  • Professionalism
  • Great customer service
  • Affordable rates

Out of all the movers we checked out, Moving APT is probably the best balance between price, services, and customer feedback.

They have a whole network of national moving companies, but they’re really selective about who they let into their network in the first place. Because of this tough selection process, you know that your move will be in good hands.

Moving APT started off as just a handful of movers who wanted to change the moving industry.

They’ve since grown into a national chain for a few good reasons: great service, great communication, and a wide variety of moving options.

They even have helpful articles on their website for anyone who wants a bit more info.


  • Professional and vetted movers
  • Great balance between price and quality
  • Communicative customer service
  • Wide variety of moving options
  • Helpful info on their website
  • Limited availability in peak moving season

Licenses:

Type:

Local, Long distance, International Moves

4

BEST FOR CUSTOMIZING

4.2

Verified Van Lines

  • Well-trained staff
  • Great customer service
  • Free quotes

When it comes to booking a move, it’s best to get a flat rate, non-adjustable quote. This means you won’t have to pay any more than the agreed-upon price on moving day (unless you add a surprise piano or something). A flat rate means you know what you’re paying for, but sometimes you end up paying for services you don’t even need.

Enter Verified Van Lines. Not only do they offer flat rate quotes, but they actually let you pick and choose exactly what services you need.

This means you’re getting exactly what you need, without being charged for any unnecessary extras. It’s a custom-tailored moving experience, and they have great customer service, too.


  • Fixed rate moving
  • Custom-tailored moves
  • Excellent customer service
  • Wide range of moving options
  • Communicative staff
  • Certain services cost extra

Licenses:

Type:

Local, Long distance, International Moves

5

BEST FOR LOCAL

4.5

iMoving

  • Book movers online
  • Flexible cancellation policy
  • Binding quotes

iMoving is a special case: They aren’t technically a moving company, but they belong on this list nonetheless. iMoving acts as a centralized marketplace for national moving companies in your area.

All you have to do is enter some info about your move (such as what kind of furniture you’re moving) and they’ll provide a list of movers.

There are two major benefits to iMoving’s system. First, they screen out the bad apples. In order for a moving company to be featured in iMoving’s marketplace, they need to satisfy a whole list of requirements – including customer service and general trustworthiness. Secondly, iMoving’s marketplace is entirely online. You can find and book movers without a single phone call.


  • Vetted and verified movers
  • Easy to use online utility
  • Completely online process, no phone calls necessary
  • Personalized quotes
  • Broad range of movers and services
  • Not technically a moving company, more like a marketplace

Licenses:

DOT#: N/A MC#: N/A

Type:

Local, Long distance, International Moves


Factors to Consider When Choosing a National Moving Company

Not all national movers are created equal. There are several factors to keep in mind when you’re shopping around:

1. Cost

You were already thinking about it. The price of a national moving company can make or break your decision to hire pros in the first place.

We recommend getting quotes from several different companies to compare pricing and services offered. Keep in mind that the lowest price may not always be the best option, and sometimes pricier isn’t always better.

2. Reviews

Another important factor to consider is reviews from other customers. Look for feedback featured on the company’s website, but remember that a company is probably pretty selective about what kind of reviews they show to the public. Look them up on third-party review sites, and look for patterns in their reviews.

3. Licensing and Insurance

It’s essential to choose a national moving company that is licensed and insured. In fact, long distance movers need to be registered with the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) to even do business across state lines. Looking up a mover’s license and insurance info is a great way to avoid any sleazy moving companies.

4. Customer Service

Customer service makes a huge difference. The last thing you want is to be totally out of the loop when your stuff is in transit. Look for a company that has a dedicated customer service team that is available to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have. Also, take notes about how your call goes when you get in touch with them to schedule your move.

5. Accurate Quotes

Finally, it’s important to choose a national moving company that provides accurate quotes. Make sure the company takes into account all of your belongings and the distance of the move to provide as accurate an estimate as possible. Beware of companies that provide lowball estimates or refuse to provide an in-home estimate.


Preparing for Your Move

Once you’ve chosen a national moving company, it’s time to start preparing for your move. Here are some tips to make moving prep a little easier:

1. Declutter

Before you start packing, go through your belongings and declutter. Get rid of any items that you no longer need or want – either by giving them to family members, pawning them off, or donating them. This reduces the amount of stuff you need to pack and move and saves you time and money.

2. Pack Strategically

When packing your belongings, be strategic. Pack your fragile items separately and label them appropriately. Use sturdy boxes and packing materials to ensure that your belongings are protected during the move. We also recommend setting aside a room or even just a corner of your apartment as a staging area.

3. Label Boxes

Label your boxes clearly and concisely. This will make it easier to unpack when you arrive at your new location. Be sure to include the room the box should be placed in and any special handling instructions.

4. Pack a Day Bag

As you get closer to moving day, we recommend packing up your essentials in a backpack or suitcase. Toiletries, a few changes of clothes – basically whatever you’d take on a short vacation.

This way you won’t have to go digging through boxes to find a toothbrush or a pair of underwear. Get used to living out of your essentials bag, because you’ll be living out of it until all your stuff is totally unpacked at your destination.


During the Move

Packing and prep are half the battle. Here are some tips to make moving day as smooth as possible:

1. Track Your Belongings

Many national moving companies offer tracking services that allow you to track your belongings during your move. This cuts down on your stress and gives you valuable peace of mind. It’s a huge help knowing when to expect your belongings to arrive.

2. Report Damages

It’s rare, but it happens. If any of your belongings are damaged during your move, be sure to report the damage to your national movers immediately. Take pictures of anything that’s been broken or destroyed, and provide as much detail as possible. Do this ASAP: The claims process can take a while.

3. Resolve Disputes

If you have any disputes with your national moving company, try to resolve them as soon as you can. Communicate with your moving company and try to find a resolution that works for both parties.


National Moving FAQs

How much does it cost to hire a national moving company?

The cost of a national move can range from $2,000 to $10,000, but your final price varies depending on the distance of the move, the size of the move, and the services required. It’s important to get quotes from several best moving companies to compare pricing.

What is the best time to hire a national moving company?

The best time to hire a national moving company is typically 8-12 weeks before your move date. This gives you enough time to compare quotes, choose a company, and prepare for your move.

How long does it take to move with a national moving company?

A move across the country can take anywhere from 5-14 days. However, if you’re just moving about 100 miles or to the next state over, your move may take just 1 or 2 days. Keep in mind, moving a small amount may mean your movers make a few stops to bundle several moves in one truck for maximum efficiency.

How can I protect my belongings during a long-distance move?

Pack carefully. If you don’t trust your packing skills, pay for packing services. You won’t regret it. Plus, most of long distance movers offer full coverage insurance options – but only if you pay them to do the packing first.

Can I negotiate with a national moving company for a better rate?

Yes, you can negotiate with a national moving company for a better rate. Be sure to get quotes from several different companies so you know the ballpark for average prices. Don’t forget to ask about any discounts or promotions that may be available.


Moving Feedback – Methodology

We research and analyze huge amounts of data so that you can make the most educated and informed decision when it comes to choosing your local or long-distance movers.

We dig through customer reviews to get the real scoop on the 6 P’s: 

  • Pricing – fair and transparent pricing policies with binding estimates and no hidden fees.
  • Professionalism – fast responses and knowledgeable staff and a willingness to be flexible and solve problems.
  • Provision of Services – the ability to deliver a wide range of services successfully, including packing, furniture assembly, storage, and more.
  • Protection – insurance coverage and quick resolution of any damage claims.
  • Personalization – customized moving packages depending on need.
  • Perks – GPS tracking, free storage, discounts, and promotions.

Book Smart and Get Moving Today

Moving can be a pain, but it doesn’t have to be. When it comes to long distance moves, the right national moving company can make moving day easy, and downright enjoyable.

If you’re ready to get started with your move, do some shopping around. Check out the best moving companies on our list, and remember to get a few quotes before booking a mover. Best of luck with your move, and don’t forget to check back in with Moving Feedback for more tips and tricks on how to make your move even easier!