What the Best Interstate Moving Companies Offer

Written By

Machaela Casey

How to Hire the Right Interstate Moving Company for Your Move

An interstate move, a move from one state into another, requires trained professionals. Even if that interstate move is just one mile, if you’re crossing a state border, you’ll need an interstate mover. To cross state lines right, your moving company needs to follow certain rules.

How to Hire the Right Interstate Moving Company for Your Move

An interstate move, a move from one state into another, requires trained professionals. Even if that interstate move is just one mile, if you’re crossing a state border, you’ll need an interstate mover. To cross state lines right, your moving company needs to follow certain rules.

Regulations for interstate moves commonly include:

-Truck insurance

-Movers’ tariffs

-Required released-value protection insurance on all cargo, with a mandated value of .60 per pound

-National and state safety guidelines

How Much Does Interstate Moving Cost?

With an interstate move, you’ll probably be paying more than if you were just moving locally or within the same state. There are several factors that can influence the price of a long-distance move.

Typical factors that influence the price of your move include:

-The weight of total cargo being moved

-The distance of the move, from the point of origin to final destination

-The size and number of trucks required for the move

-Labor-the number of movers needed and the number of hours worked

-Fuel and tolls

-Moving date-with higher prices during peak moving season (mid-May-early September)

Finding the Right Moving Partner

With all of the specifics required for an interstate move, it can be difficult to choose the right mover. Yes, there are certain things that the top interstate movers have in common. However, there are other things that make the best companies stand out.

What Sets Us Apart

At Nelson Westerberg, we have the experience, equipment, and the team to make your interstate move a success. First, we’ve been in business for over 110 years. In that time, we have created partnerships that have lasted over 45 years. And, we’re well versed in the insurance and documentation needed for interstate moves. The simple fact is, we’re professional interstate movers.

Great Customer Service

The secret to our success is our customer service. That begins with an exceptional staff. Our employees are well trained and loyal. All of our employees are carefully screened and drug tested.

Also, our movers are ProMover-certified, meaning they’re trained by the Professional Moving and Storage Association. They know how to carry, load, and unload your heavy and delicate cargo items. Plus, they’re experienced. Our seasoned movers have been with us, on average, for 15 years.

Extensive Support Network

Fact: the best-rated businesses often have the deepest support networks. We’re no different. We have central offices located throughout the United States. Thanks to this extensive national network, we have a complete system in place to support you each step of the way.

Our offices are located in:

California

New Jersey

Georgia

Illinois

Texas

We have the capabilities to transport your entire space to a new location in a different state-safely and efficiently. For example, we can move homes, offices, laboratories, commercial businesses and more. And, we have the extra services to provide you with any support that you might need.

How We Work

We’ll start by creating an inventory of your entire space. You’ll send us some video footage of your property (including any storage units), and from there, we’ll create an estimate to move your inventory. Then, we’ll offer you a range of services to best support your move. Once you choose the services you need, we’ll provide you with a customized quote.

The Right Services for You

We’ll move shipments large and small, and we even offer expedited shipping if you’re in a hurry. Or, if you need more help, our full-service option includes packing and unpacking all of your belongings. Finally, we’ll even help you ship your car to another state. You’ll choose the extra services you want, and we’ll add that to the estimate.

Our Fleet of Trucks

When moving day arrives, we’ll be ready to transport your entire shipment securely. We have a complete fleet of moving trucks of all sizes, from 12-26 feet long.

Also, our vehicles come equipped with the latest safety features, like lift gates, for easy loading and unloading. And, all trucks are climate controlled, meaning that your sensitive items will remain secure. Finally, we use GPS tracking on all items, to ensure that nothing gets lost in transit.

Storage and Warehousing Needs

Sometimes, you might need to keep cargo safe for a few nights or for an undetermined amount of time. No problem. If you need storage solutions, we’ve got you covered. We’ll keep your electronics, documents, furniture, and even vehicles safe in our climate-controlled, secure premises. From storage lockers to warehouses, we have the temporary and long-term storage options you need.

Save Money on Cross Country Moves

A big move can be expensive. However, there are several things you can do to reduce your cost. Two easy ways to save money are to reduce your cargo weight and to pick an optimal moving date.

The biggest cost associated in moving is the total weight of your shipment. Plan ways to lighten your heavy load. Weeks before your move, go through your space room by room. Separate all items into one of three categories: keep, donate, sell. Then, box up all items for donation

Next, consider items that you want to sell. Plan a moving sale two weeks before your moving date, and invite all of your neighbors. Then, donate any items that don’t sell. Know that several charities will come to your home to pick up items for donation. Schedule an appointment for pick up after your sale. It just doesn’t make sense to pay to move items to your new space that you’ll never use.

Prevent Stress During Your Cross Country Move

First, plan ahead. Give yourself plenty of time to research the right company and to get your space ready for the move. We recommend planning at least 6-8 weeks for an interstate move.

Second, do some research to make sure that you’re finding the best interstate moving company to meet your needs. Giving yourself a timeline for the move will help you to create moving checklists to keep you organized. Choosing the right moving partner will help you get the service and support you need to get the job done right.

How to Find the Best Interstate Moving Company

To locate the right mover for you, do some research. Start by checking registration and safety records on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. A simple search there will verify that your selected company is legally qualified to cross state lines.

Next, search online for interstate moving company reviews. Consider rankings by the Better Business Bureau and other customer review sites, like Yelp and Indeed. Look for certain key words within the reviews. For example, look for reviews that mention great customer service and safe delivery practices.

Narrow your search down to three companies with strong safety records and positive customer reviews. Then, call each of the companies on your list. Good long distance interstate moving companies should be able to answer all of your questions and provide you with the support services that you need. Finally, be sure to request an estimate in writing. Most importantly, make sure you understand your quote.

Purchase the Right Insurance

Once you’ve found the right mover, you’re on track for a great move. But, before you start packing those boxes, make sure that you’ve purchased the insurance that you need. Even if you have a great mover, accidents can still happen. You want to make sure that you’re protected in case of emergency.

Main Types of Insurance Coverage

The first type of insurance plan is called released value protection. All movers that offer interstate moving services must present clients with this standard insurance plan, which comes at no additional cost to the client.

This type of coverage insures an entire shipment at a flat rate of .60 cents per pound regardless of value. This means that you’ll only be compensated by the weight of an item, not by its value. If you’re moving a small, light-weight shipment, or an inexpensive one, this might be your best bet.

The second type of insurance, which is more expensive and more comprehensive, is called full value protection. With this type of plan, cargo will be covered under the mover’s total replacement value of liability. This means that the mover must repair or pay to replace any item lost or damaged during a move.

You must sign a document (called the Bill of Lading) stating your insurance preference. If you don’t indicate a preference, your cargo may be transported at full value protection. Be sure to read all contracts and insurance plan information carefully to fully understand your coverage options.

Additional Protection

Even a full value protection plan may not provide you with total coverage. For more piece of mind, consider purchasing additional plans, called floaters. For example, if you’re moving delicate items, like antiques, you may want extra protection. Or, if you will be transporting expensive items, like collectibles, fine art, or jewelry, extra coverage may give you some piece of mind.

You’ve Hired the Movers. What Next?

We have all kinds of tips to help you plan your interstate move. In addition, we know that having a schedule to organize yourself can help you reduce stress and have a successful move.

Countdown to Moving Day

6-8 weeks out: Book the movers. Sign a contract. Make sure to include insurance and accessorial services on the contract.

6 weeks: Gather packing supplies (unless you are hiring packing services). Remember you will need boxes of all sizes and shapes. Include boxes specially made for shipping glassware and wardrobe items. Don’t forget about packing insulation—bubble wrap, paper, and packing peanuts. Grab some permanent markers for labeling, and a tape gun or two to help with sealing.

5 weeks: Start packing. Begin with infrequently used storage spaces in your home, like the attic and the basement. Don’t forget about your outdoor spaces. Disassemble a swing set, gazebo, or any other furniture on your property that you will be moving. Next, pack items that are out-of-season. For example, if you’re planning a summer move, pack all winter clothes and holiday decorations.

3 weeks: Continue to pack all items, moving room by room in your space. Pack whatever you’re not currently using, and label all boxes.

2 weeks: Contact all service providers and give them your new address to avoid an interruption in service. Cancel services at your existing address.

1 week: Pack everything that you will not be moving before moving day. Contact a delivery service and arrange for a grocery delivery the day after you move in to your new home. The last thing you want to do after you move in is have to run to the store.

Nelson Westerberg: Your Premier Interstate Moving Partner

To get started planning your interstate move, call us today. We’re ready to answer all of your questions and provide you with a free, customizable quote. With our expert movers, quality equipment, and full range of support services, we have everything you need to support your interstate move.