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Interstate Moving Companies: What you should know

Interstate Moving Companies: What you should know

Moving to another state can be a big decision that involves a lot of logistics! Changing over all of your insurance, getting a new license, learning a new area and leaving your current home can be both wonderful and tough. But before you start settling in, you’ll need to get your belongings from Point A to Point B. The simple answer? Hire a stellar team of professional movers to take care of it for you! But before you start searching the web for interstate moving companies near you, there are a few things you should know. Have a look.

Intrastate vs. Interstate Moving Companies

What’s the difference? There’s a big one, in fact. Aside from the fact that an interstate moving company can travel across state borders, they are also subject to greater regulatory oversight. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – an agency within the USDOT – is responsible for licensing state-to-state moving companies. That means an interstate moving company needs to comply with USDOT regulations and regularly renew their licensing and credentials. 

Federally licensed moving companies are also required to provide moving insurance to their customers. At a basic level, they provide carrier liability on a “released value” basis. Your belongings are valued by weight, typically at 60 cents per pound. That means even if your 100 pound table was worth $1,000, you only receive $60 in compensation. Higher levels of insurance are typically optional add-ons, but offer valuation insurance that fully covers the actual value of your belongings.

Interstate Moving Companies vs. Moving Brokers

In some cases, you may find yourself talking with a moving broker about your upcoming move. Brokers do not have moving trucks, nor are they licensed to actually move your stuff. Instead, they hire moving companies to do the actual move. That means the broker is not responsible for your belongings — once they hire the job to a moving company, they step out of the situation for the most part. You may not be notified of what company is hired until someone shows up on your doorstep. So during the initial vetting process, be sure to ask your moving company whether they are indeed your movers or if they are brokering the process.

Licensed interstate moving companies, however, will take responsibility from the get-go. Whether you receive their quote through an app like Unpakt or directly from the company itself, you know who will show up on moving day. You know what to expect, and you know who is responsible for safely transporting your belongings!

Interstate Moving Companies: What you should know

Interstate Moving Costs are Not Calculated Hourly

In many cases, local movers will calculate the cost of your move based on the hours it takes to complete the job. For interstate and long distance movers, that just isn’t a logical approach! Your move could take days or even weeks. Instead, your moving company will calculate costs based on the weight or volume of your shipment. They’ll arrive at that number by way of an inventory that you complete, cataloging your own belongings. Some companies will require a visual walk-through so their staff can make their best estimate, either virtually or in person.

Interstate Moving Companies Can Be Affordable

It might seem like paying a team of movers to drive your belongings long distance would break the bank. That doesn’t have to be the case! Many interstate moving companies use consolidated shipping methods that mean you’re not paying to have a truck all to yourself. Your belongings will still make the trip in capable hands, but you can save some of your hard-earned cash for sprucing up your new home.

If you’re able to be flexible with your delivery schedule, you can nix the visions of long hours spent in a rental truck and leave the moving to the professionals. 
Whether you’re moving one state over or clear across the country, Unpakt can help you find a reputable mover to get the job done. And? We’ll give you a guaranteed, affordable quote!

About the author

Unpakt Team