How to Choose a Reliable Interstate Moving Company in 2026

Moving across state lines is one of the most stressful life events. Choosing the wrong mover can lead to damaged belongings, surprise fees, or even lost possessions. Here’s a practical, data-driven framework to help you find a trustworthy long-distance moving company.

1. Understand Brokers vs. Carriers

Many people don’t realize that not every “moving company” actually moves your stuff.

• Carriers own the trucks and employ (or contract) the crews that load, transport, and unload your belongings.
• Brokers act as middlemen — they sell the job to a carrier. While some brokers are legitimate, many add unnecessary cost and make communication difficult.
• Carrier-brokers hold both authorities — they run their own fleet and may subcontract overflow moves to partner carriers.

Pro tip: Read our full carrier vs broker vs carrier-broker guide for FMCSA authority types, comparison tables, and red flags. Verify any company on the FMCSA website.

2. Check Licensing and Safety Data (FMCSA)

Every legitimate interstate mover must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

What to verify:

• Active USDOT and MC numbers
• “Satisfactory” or “Conditional” safety rating (avoid “Unsatisfactory”)
• Low complaint-to-shipment ratio (our directory shows this clearly)
• Proof of insurance on file

Our Mover Directory already pulls and displays this data so you don’t have to hunt through government websites.

3. Use Reputation Scores, Not Just Star Ratings

A 4.9-star rating on Google from 12 reviews is less meaningful than a 4.3 average from 2,000 third-party reviews you can verify yourself.

At Move Trust Hub we calculate a Reputation Score (0–100) that combines:

• Volume and recency of reviews
• FMCSA complaint data
• Years in business
• BBB accreditation and rating
• Overall customer feedback trends

Target: Companies with a score of 85+ are generally the safest choices for interstate moves.

4. Always Get Written Estimates (Never Accept Phone Quotes)

Reputable movers will never give you a final price over the phone without seeing your inventory.

Best practices in 2026:

• Request at least 3 in-home or virtual video surveys
• Ask for binding or not-to-exceed estimates
• Make sure the estimate includes line items for packing materials, fuel surcharges, and storage
• Compare total cost per cubic foot or per pound, not just the headline price

5. Pay Attention to Valuation and Insurance

This is where many people get burned.

• Released Value Protection (default): Only 60 cents per pound per article. A 50 lb TV is worth $30 if destroyed.
• Full Value Protection: Mover is liable for the replacement value of your goods.
• Third-party insurance: Often the best value for high-value items.

Always ask for the valuation options in writing and compare the deductibles.

6. Watch for These Red Flags

• Prices 30–50% lower than everyone else
• Refusal to do an in-home or video survey
• Pressure to pay large deposits via wire, Venmo, or gift cards
• No physical office address or only a P.O. box
• Unwilling to put everything in writing
• Poor or no reviews on independent platforms

7. Use Technology to Your Advantage

Modern tools make it much easier to make an informed decision:

• Our moving calculator helps you estimate volume and weight accurately
• Our directory lets you filter by reputation score, price range, and services
• Local mover guides by county help you find vetted companies for in-state and short-distance moves
• Shortlist 2–3 pre-screened companies from our directory and request written estimates directly

Final Checklist Before Booking

1. Verify USDOT/MC numbers on fmcsa.dot.gov
2. Compare at least 3 written estimates
3. Review valuation options and insurance
4. Check recent complaint history
5. Read the contract carefully before signing
6. Confirm pickup and delivery windows in writing

This guide is for educational purposes. Always perform your own due diligence and verify all licensing and insurance directly with the FMCSA and your chosen mover.