America First Moving long-haul truck at night on the highway.

Long-Distance Moving Costs in 2025: Real-World Ranges & How to Save

Planning an interstate move this year? Here’s a clear, up-to-date guide to how long-distance pricing really works in 2025—plus smart ways to trim the bill without risking your belongings.

Quick answer: In 2025, long-distance moves are priced mainly by shipment weight, mileage, move date, and add-on services (packing, crating, storage, shuttles). After a required in-home or virtual survey, movers issue binding or non-binding estimates. Expect wide ranges by home size and distance; the fastest way to lock a price is a written, binding quote after a survey.

How Long-Distance Pricing Works in 2025

For interstate moves, carriers price mainly on weight × distance plus any accessorial services (packing, crating, shuttles, stairs, elevators, storage-in-transit, bulky items, etc.). A mover must perform a physical survey—on-site or virtual—unless you waive this in writing. After the survey, you receive a written estimate and a tariff-based bill of lading on move day. FMCSA 49 CFR § 375.401.

Fuel markets also influence surcharges. The EIA publishes weekly diesel averages that most carriers reference when setting or adjusting fuel surcharges. See the latest EIA Gasoline & Diesel Update.

Estimate Types: Binding vs Non-Binding

  • Binding estimate: Flat price for listed services/items after the survey. You pay the amount on the binding estimate at delivery (if scope doesn’t change). 49 CFR § 375.403.
  • Non-binding estimate: An informed projection; final charges reflect actual weight and services. On delivery under a non-binding estimate, movers must release goods when you pay up to 110% of the estimated amount; the balance is billed later. 49 CFR § 375.405 and Subpart E.

Not sure which to choose? If your inventory is stable and you want budget certainty, ask AFM for a binding quote. If you may add/remove items, a non-binding route can work—just understand the 110% rule and how re-weighs work.

Talk to an expert coordinator about which estimate type fits your move.

Transparent 2025 Cost Ranges (by home size & mileage)

Why ranges? Real-world pricing moves with weight, miles, dates, access, and fuel. To set expectations, below are AFM’s typical 2025 quote bands (non-binding snapshots) seen on full-service, interstate shipments with basic loading/unloading and no premium add-ons. Your written estimate—after a survey—always wins.

AFM 2025 quote bands by distance & home size (illustrative, not a guarantee)
Home size (typical weight*)<500 miles~1,000 miles1,500–2,000 miles
Studio / 1-BR (≈2,000–3,000 lb)$1,800–$3,300$3,000–$5,600$3,800–$6,800
2–3 BR (≈5,000–8,000 lb)$3,800–$6,800$5,500–$9,800$7,000–$12,800
4–5 BR (≈10,000–15,000 lb)$6,800–$11,500$9,500–$15,800$12,000–$19,500
*Want a weight estimate you can trust? Use the U.S. Transportation Command’s official household goods weight estimator before your survey.

Official DoD/USTRANSCOM Weight Estimator (2025).

Get your tailored long-haul quote (virtual or in-home survey available).

What Increases Costs (and how to avoid it)

  • Peak dates: Late spring–summer and month-ends book up quickly. Shifting to shoulder days can lower labor and linehaul.
  • Fuel surcharges: Diesel trends feed into tariffs. Track weekly movements at the EIA site.
  • Access challenges: Long carries, stairs, elevators, tight streets (requiring a shuttle truck), or parking permits add time & fees.
  • Special handling: Crating for glass, marble, artwork, or extra-fragile items adds materials and skilled labor. (See our crate & specialty packing.)
  • Storage-in-transit (SIT): If your new home isn’t ready, SIT adds daily storage plus warehouse handling. We also offer temperature-controlled options.

7 Proven Ways to Save—Without Stress

  1. Declutter aggressively. You pay by weight. Donate, sell, or recycle.
  2. Move off-peak. Mid-week and mid-month dates are friendlier to budgets.
  3. Self-pack smartly, then spot-hire pros. Use AFM for fragile-only packing while you box clothing/linens.
  4. Reserve parking. In dense cities, a permit prevents shuttles/long carries (more below).
  5. Ask for a binding quote. If your inventory is set, binding eliminates surprises.
  6. Ship sooner, arrive later? Flexible delivery windows can reduce expedited fees. If speed matters, consider expedited shipping.
  7. Protect only what needs it. Review valuation options; you can pair basic coverage with third-party riders for high-value items.

See expert long-haul options (binding quotes, guaranteed windows, VIP handling).

8-Week Timeline & Mini-Checklists

Use this week-by-week plan to keep your costs—and stress—down.

W8: Research & Declutter

  • Inventory each room; mark sell/donate/toss.
  • Compare long-distance carriers; verify DOT/MC and FMCSA complaint history.

W7: Book Movers & Dates

  • Schedule your survey (virtual or in-home). Choose binding vs non-binding. Book AFM.
  • If in a city, begin parking permit process (see below).

W6: Supplies & Specialty Crating

  • Order boxes, tape, paper, mattress bags.
  • Identify glass/marble/art for custom crates.

W5: Address Updates & Utilities

  • Set USPS change of address online (ID verification fee applies). USPS Forward Mail.
  • Schedule utility shutdown/turn-on at both ends.

W4: Pack Non-Essentials

  • Label by room and destination.
  • Photograph high-value items for condition.

W3: Inventory & Insurance

  • Finalize your item list; alert AFM about changes for an updated estimate.
  • Choose valuation coverage and list high-value items.

W2: Essentials Kit & Pets

  • Pack a 72-hour kit: meds, documents, chargers, linens, basic cookware.
  • Confirm pet transport plan; ask about pet transport services if needed.

W1: Move-Day Checklist

  • Reserve elevator/loading dock if applicable.
  • Clear walkways; protect floors; confirm parking has signage.
  • Walk the truck at origin/destination; sign the inventory.

Want help unpacking? We can set up kitchens/bedrooms so you’re livable on Day 1.

Permits, Parking & Rules That Can Affect Your Price

Big-city moves often require temporary no-parking or moving truck permits to reserve curb space near your address. Missing a permit can force a shuttle (smaller truck transfer) or long carry—both add cost. Examples:

For interstate consumer protections (pickup/delivery windows, estimates, claims process), review FMCSA’s “Your Rights & Responsibilities When You Move.”

FAQs
Why did my friend pay less/more?

Weight, mileage, date, fuel, and access (elevators, stairs, shuttles, parking) vary wildly between moves. We price each shipment individually to be fair and transparent.

Yes—many carriers index surcharges to EIA weekly diesel averages. Book earlier to secure capacity and discuss surcharge terms.

If speed is critical, ask about expedited long-haul with dedicated or team drivers and guaranteed delivery windows.

Yes. Use USPS’s official site. Online identity verification costs $1.25 (as of 2025). USPS Forward Mail.

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