Local vs. National Movers: Understanding the Differences & Making the Best Choice
If you're currently planning a move, the first step is to request pricing from different moving companies in your area. The two types of movers you'll run into the most are local and national movers. Both of these movers are professionally trained to handle different types of moves.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the differences between local and long-distance moving companies, so you can decide which is right for you. Here's everything you need to know:
The Big Move Decision: Why This Choice Matters
The moving company that you choose to work with to help facilitate your next move will have a big impact on the safety of your belongings and your stress levels throughout the moving process. You want the movers to be professional, attentive, and reliable. Throughout the entire moving process, you want to rest assured knowing your belongings are in good hands.
If you choose the wrong type of movers for your move, it could delay the moving process. For example, if you're planning a move and the moving company doesn't have DOT authorization, it puts you at a high risk of scams or fraud.
The movers you choose can also impact cost. For example, most local movers only have the tools and resources for moves within a specific location, so they'll charge you more for longer distances. Understanding the differences between local and long-distance moving companies will help you determine the best option for your next relocation.
What Are Local Movers?
Local movers are professionally trained to handle relocations within a specific region or within state lines. Their primary focus is household moving services, and most of the moves they facilitate take about a day to complete.
Typical Distance and Service Area
Local movers typically only handle moves within a specific city or state. These moves are usually less than 100 miles, and don't require crossing state borders.
Common Services Offered
Local movers specialize in household moving services. Their team is professionally trained to handle packing, loading, transporting, unloading, and unpacking your belongings. They may also help with debris removal, furniture assembly, and other smaller, local moving tasks.
What Are National Movers?
National moving companies have the tools, equipment, and resources to handle cross-country and long-distance relocations. Their movers are professionally trained, certified, and insured. They also have DOT and FSCMA authorization to legally transport household goods across state lines.
Service Across State Lines and Coast to Coast
National movers have the skills, tools, and expertise to move items across state lines. They have a full team of movers and agents that are professionally trained to handle long-haul moves throughout the United States and Canada. Some also have the tools and equipment to help with international moves.
Standard Service Offerings
National movers offer comprehensive moving services for local, long-distance, and cross-country moves. Outside of standard moving services, they may also offer services, such as vehicle transportation and storage solutions.
Key Differences: Local vs. National Movers
There are three key differences between local and national moving companies. Here's how these two types of moving companies compare:
Distance
Local movers typically only handle moves within a specific region or city. They have movers and agents employed in that specific area and don't have the tools or resources to venture further from that region.
National movers have a nationwide presence, with locally trained agents and movers located throughout the United States and Canada. Their movers are professionally trained, certified, and insured to handle local and long-distance moving between states.
Certifications and Licensing
Local movers are required to obtain specific licensing in the state where they operate. The rules and regulations will vary, depending on the location. National moving companies must have the same state-specific certifications, as well as FMCSA authorization. FMCSA and DOT authorization are legally required to transport items across state lines. If you're moving to a new state, you'll want to check and confirm the carrier's license number.
Cost
National movers typically charge more than local movers, because they handle long-haul relocations. Typically, the further the distance, the higher the costs are. However, if you request a quote for a long-distance or cross-country move from a local moving company, you'll find the rates to be higher because they don't have the tools to accommodate these long-haul journeys.
Pros & Cons: Choosing Local Movers
If you're moving to a new condo downtown or simply relocating to a nearby neighborhood, hiring local movers might be a more suitable fit. Here's a list of pros and cons for taking this route:
Pros
- Cheaper rates for smaller movers
- Extensive local knowledge
Cons
- Don't have the certifications to legally move items across state lines
- Distant limitation
- Higher rates for long-distance and cross-country moves
Pros & Cons: Choosing National Movers
Long-distance and cross-country moves require more planning, patience, and manpower. If you're planning to move out of state or relocate from the East Coast to the West Coast, national movers might be a better fit for you. Here's how the pros and cons are prepared:
Pros
- Required to have DOT and FSCMA Authorization
- Offers specialty services (Vehicle transportation, custom crating, storage solutions)
- Professionally trained to handle long distances
- Will help develop move timelines and manage the logistics
Cons
- Higher costs, due to longer distances
- Demand is higher, so the schedule might not be as flexible
How to Choose the Right Mover for Your Situation
Moving is a time-consuming and tedious task that typically requires professional assistance. If you're planning to move in the upcoming months, you'll want to take the time to weigh the pros and cons between local and national movers to ensure you find the best moving company for the job. The key factors you'll want to consider include:
- Distance from destination to origin
- Moving services required for the job
- Item weight and home size
- The complexity of the move
Understanding your specific needs will help you determine the best type of movers for the job.
Allied’s Approach: The Best of Both Worlds
Allied Van Lines is a national moving company with the skills and expertise to handle local, long-distance, and cross-country moves. Our team is professionally trained to handle different types of moves, and we offer personalized moving packages. With our expertise on your side, you can rest assured knowing everything will be handled with care.
Making the Right Move
So, who should you hire to handle your next move? It will widely depend on the type of help you need. If you're moving down the street and need some help with the heavy lifting, local movers might offer better rates. If you're planning to move across the country, national movers will have the nationwide reach and professional certifications needed for a move of this size.
Ready to start planning your next move? Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your next move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are national movers more expensive than local movers?
National movers are more expensive because they handle long-distance and cross-country relocations. These moves are typically more expensive, simply because more time and resources are required for a successful transition.
What distance counts as a “long‑distance move”?
A long-distance move is anything over 400 miles and usually requires crossing state lines or a different region.
Can local movers handle moves across state lines?
No, most local movers don't have DOT or FMCSA authorization to legally transport household goods across state lines. If you ask for pricing from a local moving company, you'll want to review their certifications before signing a contract.
How should I compare moving estimates?
You'll want to request a free estimate from two to three different moving companies. When comparing pricing, read the fine print, review the timeline, and check for hidden fees.
How far in advance should I book my mover?
You should start exploring pricing from different moving companies at least two to three months in advance. This will give you enough time to compare pricing, review moving services, and lock in your desired move-out date.