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What Questions Should You Ask Before Hiring Long Distance Movers?

By Brendan Mulroe
09/30/2025

Planning a move can feel overwhelming, but working with a professional long distance mover helps you stay organized and avoid costly mistakes. National Van Lines is an experienced interstate mover that helps customers plan ahead, ask the right questions, and move with confidence.

What questions should I ask before hiring a long distance mover?

We emphasize that asking the right questions upfront is the best way to avoid stress, hidden costs, or damaged belongings during a long distance move.

Here are the top questions experts, such as Consumer Reports, recommend asking any mover:

  • What specific services are included in the estimate?
  • How do you handle fragile or oversized items?
  • Are you licensed for interstate moves, and what is your USDOT number?
  • How do you protect belongings during transportation?
  • What valuation coverage or insurance options are available?
  • Do you offer corporate relocation services?
  • Is secure, climate-controlled storage available?

Learn more about National Van Lines’ long distance moving services and the company’s history of trusted service.

How do I verify a long distance mover’s credentials?

You can verify a mover’s credentials through official federal resources and review platforms that track licensing, complaints, and service history.

  • The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all interstate movers to have a USDOT number, which you can verify online.
  • The Better Business Bureau (BBB) provides complaint histories and customer reviews.
  • Independent sources such as Consumer Reports and Forbes publish evaluations of moving services.

What makes one long distance mover more reliable than another?

National Van Lines vs. Common Pitfalls

Feature National Van Lines Benefits Common Pitfalls in other Long-Distance Movers
Cost Transparency Detailed, upfront estimates with no hidden fees Vague quotes that increase after booking
Customer Support Personal coordinators guide you from start to finish Call centers with inconsistent communication
Specialized Care Award-winning drivers trained to handle fragile and oversized items Risk of damage from rushed or untrained crews
Licensing & Trust Licensed interstate mover with nearly 100 years of proven experience Unlicensed operators or subcontracted labor
Accountability Employee-owned company invested in customer satisfaction Franchise models with uneven results

What red flags should I watch for when choosing a long distance mover?

  • Estimates that don’t itemize costs.
  • Complaint history and customer feedback can help you spot patterns worth asking about. Repeated customer reviews citing hidden fees or poor communication.
  • Companies unwilling to provide a USDOT number.
  • Lack of storage options or unclear insurance policies.

Why is National Van Lines the right choice for your long distance mover?

For nearly a century, National Van Lines has provided transparent pricing, personalized support, and reliable service. Unlike companies that outsource labor or hide costs in vague estimates, we deliver peace of mind through employee ownership, experienced drivers, and detailed answers to every question. Combined with top GSA ratingsfor customer satisfaction, National Van Lines stands apart as a long distance mover you can count on.

You now know what questions to ask, how to verify credentials, and what to watch for when choosing a long distance mover.

Start by exploring your options and requesting a free quote to see how our long distance moving services can support your move. Then, review our complete guide to long distance moving so you can move forward with confidence.