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Moving across state lines or even across the country is one of life’s most significant undertakings. The sheer logistics—packing, loading, transporting, unpacking, and settling into a new place—can feel overwhelming. Finding the best long distance moving companies isn’t just about getting your belongings from Point A to Point B; it’s about entrusting your entire household, your memories, and your peace of mind to a professional team.
At Payless Auto Shipping Services, while our expertise is in ensuring your vehicles travel safely, we understand that a complete move involves so much more. This guide is designed to help you navigate the complex world of long distance movers, empowering you to choose a company that delivers reliability, transparency, and exceptional service for every aspect of your relocation, including how your cars will get there.
Choosing a mover requires diligence. The best long distance movers are those who demonstrate compliance, transparency, and excellent customer service. Use this five-step checklist to avoid moving scams and secure a reliable partner:
Verify Licensing and Credentials (The FMCSA Check)
For any move crossing state lines, the company must be licensed by the federal government. This is your first and most vital step.
Look for the DOT Number: Every legitimate cross country moving company must have a unique USDOT (U.S. Department of Transportation) Number and an MC (Motor Carrier) Number. This information should be clearly displayed on their website and quotes.
Use the SAFER System: Go to the FMCSA’s SAFER website and plug in the DOT or MC number. Verify the company’s operating status, safety record, and whether they have a high complaint history. If a company lacks a USDOT number, do not use them.
Demand Transparent, Written Estimates
Never accept a quote over the phone without a detailed assessment. Reputable companies provide accurate estimates based on a thorough survey.
Insist on a Binding Estimate: A binding estimate guarantees the total price of the move (unless you change your inventory). A non-binding estimate can legally increase by up to 10% on delivery—a major source of dispute.
Require a Visual Survey: The most accurate quotes come from an in-home visit or a comprehensive virtual walkthrough to assess the volume and complexity of your inventory.
Check for Hidden Fees: Ask specifically about charges for long carries, stairs, appliance disassembly, shuttle services, and fuel surcharges.
Review Independent Reputation and Feedback
Look for patterns in customer experience across multiple, independent platforms.
Better Business Bureau (BBB): Check their rating and read the complaint history. How a company responds to complaints is often more telling than the complaint itself. Stick with companies that have an “A” rating or are BBB Accredited.
Third-Party Reviews: Look for consistent feedback on Google, Yelp, and moving-specific review sites. Repeated mentions of late delivery, damaged items, or unexpected price hikes are major red flags.
Understand Your Insurance and Liability Coverage
“Insurance” in moving is usually referred to as “Valuation” and determines the maximum liability of the mover for lost or damaged goods.
Released Value Protection: Minimal coverage included for free ($0.60 per pound per item). This is rarely enough.
Full Value Protection: The mover is responsible for the replacement cost or repair of lost or damaged items. This option costs extra but provides true peace of mind. Always choose this option.
Enquire about Exclusions: Confirm which items (e.g., jewellery, legal documents, hazardous materials) are not covered by the mover’s liability.
Confirm In-House Crews vs. Brokerage Services
Understand who you are hiring. Major long distance moving companies often use agents, while some smaller companies may act as brokers.
Carrier/Agent Model: These companies (like major national van lines) own their trucks and warehouses and use a network of local agents to handle logistics. This offers consistency.
Moving Broker: Brokers coordinate the move but do not own the trucks. While reputable brokers exist, some less scrupulous ones may “sell” your move to the cheapest available carrier, potentially compromising quality. Always verify the broker’s reputation.
As you plan your household move, remember that most long distance moving companies either exclude vehicles entirely or charge a substantial premium to coordinate vehicle transport through a third-party partner.

Dedicated carriers that focus solely on the safe transport of cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

Access to our massive network allows us to lock in competitive pricing and better schedule flexibility.

Our experts handle all the licensing, insurance verification, and logistics for your vehicle's journey, so you don't have to.
You have done the essential homework to select the best long distance moving companies for your household goods. Now, complete your stress-free move by ensuring your vehicle is in equally capable hands.
Payless Auto Shipping Services provides the peace of mind you deserve. Get your transparent, instant quote for car shipping today and check one more major item off your moving list!
Once the Customer reserves the transport, the Usual Turn Around Time is 1-5 Business days, however ideally the Job can be done sooner once the Driver/ Truck-space is available.
The drivers are constantly picking up and delivering 8-9 vehicles at a time and can only travel 400 to 500 miles per day according to US Department of Transportation guidelines. Cross country transit time is usually 5 to 8 days.
Auto Carrier Companies we work with are the ‘Top A Rated’ have a up to $250,000 in cargo insurance. There will be thorough Inspection of the vehicle before/after transit and noted on the Bill of Lading.
**Please note Insurance companies will not cover any damage that is not noted during Inspections as mentioned on the BOL (Bill of Lading). **
Get free car shipping quotes for estimated rate to transport your car in the 48 states Nationwide or call us at 877 786 1789. Quotes are mere estimates and are subject to change as per availability of Truck Space and Trailers on the route.
To reserve your spot on the Trailer, 1/4th Advance amount paid via credit /debit card, Zelle, Venmo, or Secure payment link. the remaining 3/4th balance is paid to the carrier upon delivery. Payment methods on delivery include Cash, Zelle, Venmo Cash-app and Cashier’s check are accepted.
Yes, you are allowed to put under 100 LBS of belongings in the trunk of the vehicle during transport.
Open auto transport is the most economic shipping method as they are more frequent. They carry between 8-10 cars and usually do Cross Country. In the Open Trailer Both the Sides and Top of the trailers are open and can vary in size from a 1-car flat Bed to an 11-car dual-level car carrier.
It is considered as Premium service which is the Safest and Quickest when opted by the Customer. The Enclosed auto transport involves transporting vehicles in Box trailers. Enclosed carriers are typically used for high-end/ Luxury cars or showcase vehicles, classic cars, hot rods or Customized cars. They have climate control inside the trailer so that the vehicle is safe not subjected weather changes or outside influence to cause damage.
After Customer confirms the details, the Dispatcher will Instruct the Driver about vehicle condition and carry the necessary equipment required to Load it on the Trailer.
We are a 5 Star Rated Company having 100 % ratings on the Centralized system and Google. We do 48 states Nation Wide and take Loads of Cars, SUVs, Bikes, Trikes, Boats, Pick-up trucks and do specific Heavy Loads too.
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