Types of Moving Companies & Services

1. Local & Intrastate Movers

If you’re moving within the same state, look for a local or intrastate mover.

“Local” usually refers to short-distance relocations across town, while “intrastate” just means the move stays inside state lines. Local jobs are often billed hourly, and bigger same-state moves usually get a flat rate (pricing rules vary by state).

Since intrastate movers are regulated locally, always verify their license and insurance. Most states have online lookup tools and complaint records, so a quick check helps you compare companies and avoid headaches later.

2. Long-Distance & Interstate Movers

Any move that crosses state lines counts as an interstate or long-distance move and must follow federal rules. Legit movers have a USDOT number and are registered for interstate transport. We only feature licensed movers on our site, but you can always verify a company's registration and complaint record via the FMCSA SAFER database before getting quotes.

Ask for a written estimate after a virtual or in-home survey.

You’ll usually get one of two types:

• Binding: The price stays the same unless you add items or services
• Non-binding: The final cost adjusts based on actual weight and services

If your inventory’s set, go binding for peace of mind; if things may change, non-binding can work. Just make sure you know how any extra charges are calculated.

3. International Movers

Moving overseas comes with a whole new layer of logistics — ocean or air freight, customs paperwork, port handling, and destination coordination, among others. A good international mover lines up your timeline with shipping schedules, explains what can and can’t go in your shipment, and works with trusted partners on the other end.

Quality matters even more for global moves. Look for companies that follow international standards and belong to reputable trade associations. Those memberships usually mean audited processes, verified partners, and solid claims support.

4. Full-Service Movers

Full-service movers handle your relocation end-to-end by:

• Providing moving materials
• Packing & unpacking each room (optional add-on service)
• Creating customized crates for electronics & fragile items (optional add-on service)
• Protecting floors and doors
• Loading & unloading the truck
• Transporting your items,
• Removing debris (optional add-on service)

You’ll pay more for full service, but you’re buying time savings and professional care. This type of moving company is ideal for busy households, tight timelines, or complex homes with stairs or delicate pieces that deserve expert handling.

5. Labor-Only Movers

If you already have a rental truck or portable container lined up, you can hire labor-only pros to do the heavy lifting. They’ll load and secure items so they travel safely and can meet you at your new place to unload. You control the transport; they provide the muscle.

This hybrid approach trims costs while protecting your back and your furniture. It’s especially useful for walk-ups, tricky parking, or moves where you want timing flexibility.

6. Specialty Movers

Some items — like pianos, antiques, fine art, hot tubs, or pool tables — call for specialists who are trained in handling fragile or oversized pieces. These movers bring custom crates, climate-conscious packing, and rigging or hoisting equipment when doors and stairs won’t cooperate.

When you book, ask about a condition report, the crating plan, and any additional coverage requirements. Pros will explain how they’ll protect finishes, balance weight, and maneuver tight spaces without damage.

7. Commercial & Office Movers

Business moves require more than boxes and a truck. Commercial crews decommission and reconnect IT, label and map workstations, relocate modular furniture systems, and stage teams for after-hours cutovers so you’re not down during business hours.

A good office mover will produce a plan with color-coded floor maps, elevator reservations, and a clear timeline for each department. The result is minimal downtime and a calmer Monday.

8. Small-Load Movers

If you're moving a studio, dorm room, or maybe just a few rooms of a house, small-load movers and consolidated shipping options can be your friend. Many long-distance carriers have minimum weight charges, which are fine for a family home, but less so for minimalist moves.

Look for services that price smaller shipments efficiently, or consider container or freight alternatives to avoid paying for empty space. You’ll keep the budget on track while still getting professional handling.

9. Container & Hybrid DIY Companies

Portable containers split the difference between do-it-yourself and full service:

1. The container company drops a weather-resistant container off at your place
2. You load on your schedule (within the company's specified timeframe)
3. The company picks it up and delivers it to your new address (or a storage facility)

Pricing is typically per container or by the trailer space you use, often measured in linear feet. It’s flexible, straightforward, and great for people who want control over packing without driving a big rig cross-country.

10. Freight & LTL Moving (Self-Service)

Freight — also called less-than-truckload (LTL) — can be a budget-friendly way to ship household goods long-distance if you’re comfortable packing and securing everything yourself. Your items ride in a sectioned-off portion of a trailer, separated from commercial freight by a bulkhead.

Because you’re using a freight network, timing can be more rigid and packing standards stricter. Done right, though, it’s an efficient way to move a small household at a lower cost.

11. Van Lines (Agent Networks)

Van lines pair a national brand with locally owned agents. The national office handles dispatch, routing, paperwork, and claims, while local agents perform packing, loading, and delivery at each end. This model provides national reach plus local expertise.

When comparing van lines, ask which agent will handle your origin and destination, what training standards they follow, and how claims are managed. You’ll know who is actually showing up at your door.

12. Moving Brokers (Not Carriers)

Brokers sell moves but don’t operate trucks or crews. After you book, they assign your job to a carrier that performs the move. For interstate moves, both the broker and the carrier must be properly registered, so always request the carrier’s legal name and number before you sign.

Watch for red flags like no survey, unusually large deposits, or pressure to sign blank or incomplete documents. If something feels off, keep shopping until the process feels transparent.

Read more about moving brokers vs. carriers

Common Moving Services

• Packing and unpacking (full or partial): Crews bring materials, label boxes, and pack room by room to speed loading and protect fragile items. You can add unpacking and debris haul-away so you’re not left with a mountain of boxes.
• Custom crating: High-value or fragile items like artwork, glass, and antiques often need wooden crates built to size. Expect a personalized plan that documents condition and specifies materials before anything is sealed.
• Disassembly and reassembly: Beds, dining tables, appliances, and modular furniture may require careful breakdown. Technicians label hardware and reassemble at destination so pieces are move-in ready.
• Loading, unloading, and access handling: Crews manage stairs, elevators, and long carries that can add time and fees. Proper padding, floor protection, and safe pathways reduce the risk of damage.
• Shuttle service: When a tractor-trailer can’t access your street, movers use a smaller truck to bridge the gap. This “impracticable operations” solution keeps delivery on track but might come with a surcharge.
• Storage: Storage-in-transit (SIT) provides temporary storage during long-distance moves and when dates don’t line up. Movers provide clear notices and time limits on this temporary solution. If you need long-term storage many full-service movers and container companies can accommodate or arrange that for you.
• Valuation (mover liability): Interstate movers are required to provide basic coverage of $.60 per pound per item. This won't protect you much if you have low-weight, high-value items like jewelry. Most full-service movers will offer more extensive coverage at an additional cost — a worthwhile expense if you own a lot of expensive or irreplaceable items like heirlooms or original art.
• Claims and dispute resolution: Interstate carriers must provide access to an arbitration program for loss or damage claims. Keep photos and inventories to support any filing and speed resolution.

How to Choose the Best Moving Company

1. Define your move profile. Clarify distance, shipment size, special items, service level, and timing (peak season or off-season). FMCSA recognizes peak-season rates between May and September.
2. Pick a category. Match your scenario to the mover types above. For example, a studio apartment might suit a small-load or container option; a five-bedroom interstate move in summer may call for a full-service van line; cross-border moves need an international specialist with FAIM accreditation or IAM membership.
3. Build a shortlist of vetted movers. For interstate moves, verify USDOT and FMCSA registration and review complaint history. For intrastate moves, check your state regulator to confirm license and insurance. If using a broker, request the actual carrier’s information before booking.
4. Get estimates from at least three companies. Movers must provide written estimates for interstate moves and should complete a virtual or in-home survey. Make sure the quotes are apples-to-apples. It won't help you to compare pricing between different types of movers, services, or quote types (binding vs. non-binding) — you want to see how companies stack up price-wise for the same moving experience.
5. Check the fine print. Review valuation options, deductibles, and any items of extraordinary value. Scan for fees for stairs, long carries (navigating an extra-long driveway or limited nearby parking, for example), shuttles, crating, SIT, and guaranteed delivery windows. Don’t sign a Bill of Lading if it’s incomplete.
6. Look for red flags. Avoid companies that refuse a survey, demand cash or large deposits, ask you to sign blank documents, or say pricing will be decided after loading. A physical address and clear paperwork are must-haves.
7. Plan for timing and availability. Summer is busiest, so book earlier, consider mid-month or weekday slots, or target October through April for more flexibility. Ask about priority pickup options if your dates are tight.
8. Close the loop. Confirm building Certificates of Insurance, parking and elevator reservations, day-of contacts, and a photo inventory. If issues arise, FMCSA provides complaint and arbitration resources to help resolve disputes.

• Bill of Lading: Your contract with the mover that lists dates, services, charges, and payment terms. Read it fully before signing and keep a copy until after delivery and any claims are resolved.
• Storage-in-transit (SIT): Temporary warehouse storage used when pickup and delivery dates do not align. SIT has time limits and notice requirements; it can convert to permanent storage if you need more time.
• Accessorials: Extra services or fees beyond basic transport, such as long carries, stairs, shuttle service, crating, or guaranteed delivery windows. These line items should be defined in the mover’s tariff and your Bill of Lading.
• Valuation: The mover’s liability level for your shipment, such as full value protection or released value at $.60 per pound per article. It is not third-party insurance, so clarify deductibles and exclusions.
• Van line: A national moving brand that coordinates dispatch, claims, and standards while local agents perform origin and destination services. This model combines nationwide coverage with local expertise.