As one of the leaders in long distance moves, National Van Lines knows it’s important for our moving clients to understand the difference between a long distance move and an interstate move. But is there really a difference? Yes there is, and it affects the cost of the move, the timeline for the move, and the state and federal regulations related to crossing state lines.
We separate long distance moves and interstate moving services on purpose, because knowing which one (or both) applies to your move will change how it will be planned.
Keep reading to see what our own internal shipment data says about how the two relate to one another, and why they matter for your long distance move.
What Makes a Move “Long Distance” vs. “Interstate”
At National Van Lines we categorize moves based on two distinct factors – mileage, and whether the move crosses state lines or not. Knowing which one applies to your relocation determines how our teams route your truck, plan your transit schedule, and file the necessary federal paperwork.
- Long-Distance Move (based on mileage) – This is any move that spans 500 miles or more, whether you cross a state border or not. (For example – A 600-mile move entirely within California or Texas is long distance, but not interstate.)
- Interstate Move (based on state lines) – Any move that crosses a state line, regardless of physical distance. (For example – A 30-mile move from Chicago, IL to Hammond, IN is legally interstate, even though it’s not a “long distance” journey.)
Why Long Distance and Interstate Overlap So Often
In practice, these two separate definitions line up for the vast majority of moves. Of National Van Lines’ booked moves in 2025, 99.6% crossed a state line, and long distance moves (500 miles or more) accounted for 90.7% of our completed moves for the year. Most long distance moves are also interstate moves, simply because most people who move 500 miles or more end up crossing into another state along the way.
“We treat long distance and interstate as two different questions, even though they usually point to the same move,” said Mark Doyle, President of National Van Lines. “That distinction matters when we are quoting a move and setting expectations on paperwork and delivery timing.”
That is why National Van Lines’ own data ties the two together so closely, without pretending these distinctions are the exact same thing.
How Long Distance, Interstate and Local Moves Differ
Some van lines blur these definitions together. National Van Lines keeps them as separate categories because customers deserve clarity on which rule applies to their move. Here’s what actually shifts once either threshold is crossed.
- Timing – Local moves often happen in a single day. Long distance moves are scheduled around a delivery window, not a single date.
- Paperwork – Interstate moves require federal documentation that purely in-state moves do not.
- Coordination – Your belongings may share a truck route with other shipments, which means communication matters more, not less.
Customers want a mover who can tell them plainly whether their move is long distance, interstate, both (or neither), and what that actually means for their timeline.
Now that you know the real difference between a long distance move and an interstate move, you’re probably also wondering what affects the moving cost. Read more in our blog on how much a long distance move costs.
Quick Reference for Local, Intrastate, Interstate & Long-Distance Moves
| Move Type | Distance & Borders | Key Regulatory / Pricing Factor | Practical Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Move | Under 100 miles, stays within the same state. | Usually billed at an hourly rate; typically completed in a single day. | Moving 15 miles from Naperville to downtown Chicago. |
| Intrastate Move | Over 100 miles, but strictly stays within your home state. | Regulated by state authorities, not federal agencies; priced by shipment weight and total mileage. | Moving 280 miles from Dallas to Houston, Texas. |
| Interstate Move | Crosses at least one state border, regardless of distance. | Heavily regulated by the federal government (FMCSA); requires federal paperwork like an interstate Bill of Lading. | Moving 35 miles from Chicago, IL to Hammond, IN. |
| Long Distance Move | 500 miles or more, whether you stay in-state or cross borders. | Scheduled around a transit/delivery window, not a single day; shipments often share a truck route for efficiency. | Moving 800 miles from Los Angeles, CA to Crescent City, CA (or crossing multiple states). |
What Customers Ask About Long Distance and Interstate Moves
These terms are easy to confuse because many moves satisfy both definitions. The questions below clarify how National Van Lines looks at distance, state lines, and what those details mean when choosing household movers for your relocation.
Is a 500-mile move considered long distance?
Yes. At National Van Lines, any relocation covering 500 miles or more is designated as a long-distance move, strictly measured by odometer mileage.
Is every long distance move also an interstate move?
Not necessarily, but nearly all of them are. While a move can be long distance without leaving your home state, the vast majority do cross borders.
Can a move be interstate without being long distance?
Yes. A short move across a nearby state line is interstate, even if it does not reach the 500-mile long distance threshold.
Why does National Van Lines separate these two definitions?
Because they affect different factors. Distance shapes routing and scheduling, and crossing a state line shapes the paperwork and regulations that apply to the move.
Plan Your Long Distance Move With National Van Lines
No matter what kind of move you have, National Van Lines will have your back with nearly a century of experience moving families. Whether your move is long distance, interstate or both, our team can help you understand what applies and plan the next steps with confidence. Call 800-323-1962 or get your free long distance moving quote today.
