How to Understand and Compare Long Distance Moving Quotes

Planning a long distance move comes with a lot of questions, and cost is usually the biggest one. You start reaching out to movers hoping for a simple answer you can plug into your budget. Instead, you are handed a quote that looks more like a contract, full of unfamiliar terms and line items that may not make sense at first glance. It is normal to feel frustrated or even a little overwhelmed when all you want is a clear idea of what your move will cost.

National Van Lines has helped families relocate across the country for nearly 100 years. We know how stressful the planning stage can be, especially when you are trying to make sense of different quotes while juggling everything else that comes with a long distance move.

This guide will walk you through the main types of estimates, explain how movers calculate their prices, and share tips to help you review and compare quotes. Understanding these basics can give you peace of mind and help you make the best choice for your move.

What Is a Moving Quote?

A moving quote (sometimes called an estimate) is the projected cost of your move based on the details you share with a moving company. It usually reflects the size of your shipment, the distance between your current and new home, and any extra services you might need, such as packing, storage, or special handling for certain items.

For long distance moves, federal rules require movers to give you a written estimate according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Movers must also complete an in person or virtual survey of your belongings unless you choose to sign a waiver.

A quote outlines what services are included, how the price was calculated, and any rules that apply to your move. You can always review your consumer rights with the FMCSA to better understand the process.

While every company may structure its quotes differently, most long distance moving estimates include:

• Contact and move details – Your name, addresses, move dates, and shipment details
  
• Type of estimate – Binding, non binding, or not to exceed
  
• Transportation charges – The base cost of moving your items from point A to point B
  
• Accessorial services – Charges for extra services like packing, shuttles, or handling bulky items
  
• Valuation or insurance options – Coverage choices for your belongings during transit
  
• Payment terms – When and how payment is due, along with accepted forms of payment
  
• Terms and conditions – Information required by the FMCSA that explains your rights and responsibilities
  

Looking through these sections can feel like a lot at first, but each part of the estimate serves a purpose. Understanding what you are reading now will make it much easier to compare quotes later.

Types of Moving Estimates

When you request a quote for a long distance move, the mover will give you one of several estimate types. Each works a little differently, and knowing the difference can help you avoid surprises on moving day. Here’s a quick overview of the three main types of moving quotes you can expect to see: 

Binding Estimate

This type locks in your price based on the listed items and services. The cost stays the same unless you add items or extra services.

Non-Binding Estimate

This estimate is based on the mover’s best guess of your shipment’s weight. The final price is set after your belongings are loaded and weighed.

Not-To-Exceed Estimate

This option sets a maximum price, but you pay less if your shipment weighs less than expected. It offers cost protection while allowing for savings.

Understanding these estimate types makes it easier to choose the option that gives you the right balance of cost certainty and flexibility.

How Movers Calculate an Estimate

When you request a long distance moving quote, the final price typically comes down to four main factors:

1. Distance and geography: How far you are moving and whether either location has access challenges, such as narrow streets or limited parking.
   
2. Shipment size: The total weight or volume of your belongings. Larger moves cost more to transport.
   
3. Extra services: Packing, storage, shuttles, or handling bulky items can add to the total cost.
   
4. Move date and timing: The season, day of the week, or specific dates can influence pricing and availability.
   

These are the biggest drivers of cost for interstate moves. Other factors, like fuel surcharges or regional labor rates, may also play a role, but they are less significant than the four factors above. If you have further questions about the various elements of your moving quote, be sure to ask your moving coordinator. The more you know, the more empowered you’ll be to make a decision that fits your needs best. 

Common Misconceptions About Moving Quotes

Even when customers receive a clear estimate, it is easy for misunderstandings to happen. Some of the most common misconceptions include:

1. “The total price is all that matters.” Many people focus only on the bottom line number and do not review what services or conditions are included. This can lead to surprises if certain charges like packing or long carry fees were not part of the original estimate.
   
2. “Movers will look and act a certain way.” Customers often imagine clean cut, uniformed movers arriving in brand new trucks. While professional movers take pride in their work, the reality is that teams vary, and equipment may not always look perfect. What matters most is training, experience, and care for your belongings.
   
3. “My move will happen exactly as scheduled without any delays.” It is natural to hope everything will run exactly on time. In reality, movers often handle several jobs a day, and factors like traffic, weather, or unexpected challenges can sometimes affect timing.
   
4. “The estimate is a final, guaranteed price no matter what.” Non binding estimates can change if your shipment weighs more than expected. Even binding estimates can be revised if you add services or items after the original quote.

Understanding these misconceptions helps you set realistic expectations and ask better questions when you review your quote.

What’s Included (and Not Included) in an Estimate

Every moving company formats its estimates a little differently, but most long distance moving quotes include the same key details. Understanding what is and is not covered helps you avoid last minute surprises.

What’s Typically Included

• Transportation charges: The cost to move your belongings from your current home to your new one.
  
• Basic handling: Loading, transport, and unloading of your household goods.
  
• Services you discussed upfront: Packing, shuttles, or storage that you agreed to during the quoting process.
  
• Standard valuation coverage: A basic level of protection for your belongings, which you can upgrade for more coverage.

What’s Not Usually Included

• Last-minute changes: Adding items or services after the quote has been created.
  
• Third-party services: Specialty crating, appliance disconnects or reconnects, or other services handled by outside companies.
  
• Destination-specific fees: Charges like parking permits or elevator reservations, which may be billed separately.
  

A good moving company will review these details with you before moving day. Discussing add-on services early ensures your estimate is accurate and that everyone knows what to expect.

Tips for Comparing Moving Quotes

Once you have a few estimates in hand, it is easy to get distracted by the lowest price. But a moving quote is more than just a number. The details matter just as much as the total, and understanding them will help you avoid surprise charges or unreliable movers.

One of the easiest ways to compare quotes is to (literally) put them side by side. You can open them on your computer and use a spreadsheet to list each service, or print them out and mark up the differences at the kitchen table. The goal is to see exactly what you are getting from each mover, not just the bottom line cost. Keep the following in mind: 

• Confirm the type of estimate. Knowing whether your quote is binding, non binding, or binding not to exceed helps you understand how much your final cost could change.
  
• Read beyond the bottom line. Look closely at the services included in the estimate. Check if packing, storage, or shuttles are already factored in or if they would cost extra.
  
• Verify the mover’s credentials. Reputable movers have a USDOT number and are listed in the FMCSA database. This ensures they are properly licensed for interstate moves.
  
• Watch for red flags. Be cautious of movers asking for large deposits upfront, providing vague estimates, or offering unusually low prices that seem too good to be true.
  
• Ask questions. A professional mover will be happy to explain the details of your estimate in plain language and address any concerns before you book.
  

Taking the time to compare quotes thoroughly, whether on paper or in a spreadsheet, makes it much easier to see which mover offers the best balance of price, services, and reliability.

Moving Forward With Confidence

Planning a move today means sorting through a lot of options. There are different types of estimates, different ways movers calculate costs, and plenty of fine print that can feel hard to understand. It is no wonder many people feel unsure about which quote is the best choice.

Now, you have a clearer idea of how moving quotes work, what is included in an estimate, and how to compare offers side by side. You also know the most common misconceptions to avoid, which makes it easier to ask the right questions before you book.

So, open that spreadsheet, get your highlighters ready, and pour a cup of coffee: You can now confidently choose a mover that fits what you (and your wallet) need.   By understanding your estimate now, you’re setting yourself up for moving day success later on. 

You’re now ready to compare moving quotes and choose the right long distance mover for you.  Now, you’re likely wondering about who the best movers are. Keep reading to explore the top choices in the industry for long distance moving.