Why Winter Moving Estimates Vary So Much (and What It Means for Your Move)

If you’ve requested multiple winter estimates from long distance movers, wide price differences are common.
One quote may be thousands lower than another, while a third company may delay committing until closer to move day.
These price differences happen far more often in winter than summer, and the reasons are tied to cost risk and operational uncertainty.

Winter moving estimates often vary more than summer quotes because the conditions themselves are less predictable.
Long distance movers must factor in risks that typically do not exist during peak summer season. These risks can affect routing,
delivery timing, equipment requirements, and overall logistics. As a result, some moving companies include potential weather-related
costs in your estimate upfront, while others may adjust pricing later if conditions change during transit.

Why Do Long Distance Movers Face More Cost Uncertainty in Winter?

During summer, routes, transit times, and access conditions are relatively predictable. Winter conditions change that equation.

Freeze-thaw cycles can accelerate road deterioration and create access surprises. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) pavement
research highlights the importance of seasonal freeze/thaw effects on pavement structural characteristics and related planning assumptions.
See FHWA publication details here:
FHWA Pavements publication (freeze/thaw seasonal effects).

For long distance movers, changing road conditions can affect routing, fuel usage, equipment staging, and labor time.
Federal safety rules also require commercial drivers to use “extreme caution” under hazardous conditions (including snow and ice),
and reduce speed or discontinue operations when conditions become sufficiently dangerous:
49 CFR §392.14 (Hazardous conditions; extreme caution).

How Do Winter Delivery Options Affect Pricing From Long Distance Movers?

Winter estimates often reflect who absorbs the risk if weather disrupts transit. Most movers price winter moves using one of two
delivery approaches.

 

 

The price difference is not arbitrary. It reflects whether the customer or the mover carries the financial risk when winter
conditions interfere.

Why Are Winter Operating Costs Higher for Long Distance Movers?

Cold weather changes how interstate moves are executed. Fuel usage can increase due to extended idling and rerouting. Equipment
experiences greater stress on deteriorating roads. Crews operate under stricter safety protocols—especially when hazardous conditions
impact traction and visibility (see the federal rule linked above).

Movers that prepare for winter by winterizing equipment and training drivers may include these added costs in their estimates upfront.
Movers that do not prepare may quote lower initially, but may be more likely to adjust pricing later when weather, access, or safety
issues disrupt the move.

What Should You Ask When Comparing Winter Quotes From Long Distance Movers?

Price alone is not a reliable comparison tool. Consumer guidance recommends asking:

• Does this estimate account for winter fuel use or weather delays?
• What happens if storms disrupt transit schedules?
• Are drivers trained for winter and ice conditions?
• Is this estimate binding if access conditions change?

Helpful references:
BBB: Hiring a mover
and
Consumer Reports: How to choose a reliable moving company.

Consumers can also verify interstate mover credentials and review safety/complaint information through FMCSA resources, including:
FMCSA Protect Your Move,
the
SAFER Company Snapshot,
and FMCSA’s overview of written/binding estimates:
What is a binding move estimate? (FMCSA).

How Do Long Distance Movers Build More Reliable Winter Estimates?

As an employee-owned interstate carrier with nearly 100 years of operating history, National Van Lines structures winter estimates
around documented access conditions, written disclosures, and federal compliance requirements. Educational resources explaining how
seasonal risks affect pricing are available through the long distance moving services page and the moving guide:
Long Distance Moving Services
and
Moving Guide.

Winter estimates vary because winter conditions vary. Clear explanations matter more than estimates that ignore real-world risks.