Interstate moves involve crossing state lines and are regulated by federal guidelines.
Intrastate moves take place entirely within one state and are governed by state laws.
Pricing for long-distance moves is based on weight & distance, while local moves use hourly rates.
Understanding interstate vs. intrastate moves can help you find an affordable quote for the services you need.
An interstate move means moving your household items to a different state. Even if your new home is only a few miles away, if it’s over the border, it’s an interstate move. A shipment that crosses state lines before returning to the original state can also be an interstate move.
Because they cross state lines, interstate moves are subject to federal oversight. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), enforces regulations to protect consumers from scams, such as requiring movers to provide a written estimate and bill of lading.
An intrastate move means moving within your current state, without crossing any state lines during the trip. That said, intrastate moves can still cover more distance than interstate moves. For instance, a household move from San Francisco to San Diego is an intrastate relocation, even though it covers hundreds more miles than a move from Philadelphia to Trenton.
Intrastate moves are not federally regulated. That means each state establishes and enforces its own licensing and consumer protection rules for moves within its borders.
People often assume distance determines the type of move, but that’s not the case. The difference between intrastate vs. interstate relocations is based on where your shipment travels, not how far. However, some edge cases can make the distinction confusing.
The shipment route leaves then re-enters the state. Even if the highway only crosses the state line for a mile or two before returning, the FMCSA considers it an interstate move.
Your “fixed intent” is to move out-of-state. “Fixed intent” means your entire moving plan is taken into account. For instance, if your moving contract states that the movers will first take your shipment to storage within the state before delivering it to your final destination in another state, it’s an interstate move.
Change of destination. If your plans change while your items are in storage, the move will be reclassified to the appropriate type.
While in the planning stage, ask your mover to declare in writing whether the move will be interstate or intrastate. This can affect your final bill and rights throughout the process.
Regulations are one of the main differences between interstate and intrastate moves. Interstate regulations are set by the federal government and consistent throughout the country, while intrastate moves have different requirements from state to state.
All interstate carriers must register with the USDOT through FMCSA. You can verify registration using the FMCSA SAFER database, which provides a great resource for checking a mover’s credentials before signing a contract.
Additionally, the FMCSA requires interstate movers to provide certain documentation to protect consumers, including:
Written estimate
Inventory list
Bill of lading (your contract and receipt for your belongings)
Written disclosure of your rights and responsibilities
Valuation coverage/liability protection options
Dispute arbitration procedures
Since the rules for intrastate moves are set by each state, regulations can differ widely. California, New York, Massachusetts, and Texas have rules similar to FMCSA requirements, such as mover registration, mandatory written estimates, and laws to prevent price gouging or failure to return your belongings. However, many other states do not require a license or enforce strict moving regulations.
When planning an intrastate move, check with your state’s consumer protection agency to make sure you understand your rights and how to protect yourself from dishonest movers.
Pricing is the second major difference between intrastate and interstate moves.
Interstate movers typically charge a flat rate based on the total weight and mileage of your shipment, plus any additional services like packing or storage. Federal law requires these carriers to publish a tariff, which explicitly details all rates, rules, and extra charges.
Intrastate movers often charge an hourly rate, especially for local moves of less than 100 miles. The bill may include the time it takes to reach your home, load the truck, drive to your destination, unload, and return to the dispatch center. Some states require movers to provide a “not-to-exceed” price, but not all.
If you’re planning a long-distance move, make sure you understand the pricing options available to you. Look for a carrier that provides written estimates and transparent pricing for all services.
Interstate carriers must display their USDOT number on their trucks and official documents. Intrastate movers may only need state-specific permits, though many reputable movers also maintain federal credentials. Always ask for a mover’s state license or permit number if your state requires one.
Determining your move type helps you plan your budget and choose the right carrier.
If your path crosses a state line, you’ll need to vet movers based on their compliance with federal regulations. If it doesn’t, look up your state’s moving regulations and only consider movers who comply.
Interstate vs. intrastate routes will have different pricing. As you collect quotes, make sure you’re comparing prices for the same type of move.
Interstate moves are not necessarily longer than intrastate moves. Don’t assume which type you need based on the distance traveled.
Whether you’re planning an interstate or intrastate relocation, working with a reputable moving company is the best way to protect yourself and your property. Since 1928, Allied Van Lines has provided premier intrastate, interstate, and cross-country moving services throughout the U.S. We offer the industry’s best customer satisfaction rate, tailored moving plans, and full compliance with all state and federal regulations for your peace of mind. Contact Allied today to request a free quote for your upcoming move.
Interstate moves cross at least one state line and are federally regulated. Intrastate moves take place entirely within one state and are subject to that state’s laws and regulations.
An intrastate move starts and ends in the same state without crossing a state line. These moves are subject to the state’s rules for licensing, pricing, and consumer protection.
Even a short move counts as interstate if your belongings cross a state line. A move from Kansas City, Missouri, to Kansas City, Kansas, is an interstate move.
Interstate moves are protected by federal regulations through the FMCSA, including disclosures, carrier registration, and valuation or liability options. Intrastate moves can offer similar protections, but the rules vary by state.
