Moving from one home to a new one is an exercise in patience, organization, and trust. Whether you move your belongings on your own or hire a moving company, you’ve got to take time to organize your things, prepare a budget, and trust that everything will end up where it needs to go. Moving within state lines and even within city boundaries can be frustrating and challenging. When you move across state lines, the challenges increase. With interstate moves, you run across struggles of hiring a professional moving company that can cross state lines and an auto shipping company that can do the same.
When comparing interstate vs. intrastate moving, the costs vary, especially since states have different rules and tax laws. Knowing what to expect can help you better prepare for the relocation and save money in the process. For example, the cost of transporting a car from state to state can vary dramatically from one company to another, and you may need to re-register your vehicle and driver’s license in your new jurisdiction.
If your head is spinning with the ins and outs of crossing state lines for the first time, you’re not alone. Here are some of the key differences to note if you’re only moved inside your home state before now.
Local moves and intrastate moves
Moving companies consider moves within city limits a local move. These moves cost less than long-distance moves because of the reduced fuel costs and reduced regulations on the roads. Usually, when you move within city, county, or state boundaries, you won’t need to hire an auto transport company.
Intrastate moves, which are within state boundaries, generally cost more than local moves. Because moving companies that stay within state lines do not have to worry about federal regulations, they can charge less than interstate movers. It is still in your best interest to investigate the licensing and monitoring rules so you know you are hiring a quality mover.
When you hire an intrastate or local mover, the state regulations determine the rate you pay. Often, the rate depends on the hours, the weight of the truck, and the miles. Generally, the cost is higher for families with larger homes and more belongings.
Things to know about Interstate moving
When your new home is in another state, you have to worry about the rules and regulations of transporting your belongings and vehicles across state lines. The best interstate movers and car transporters should know the rules and details about the process of moving from your current state to your new one.
Moving companies need authorization from federal regulators to move items across state lines. Federal regulators require that moving companies carry insurance policies that protect their customer’s belongings as they cross state lines and drive on national highways. The same rules and insurance regulations apply to car hauling companies.
Usually, home buyers hire national moving companies when they have to move across state lines. Large corporations understand the rules and regulations, whereas smaller companies generally prefer to stay within state lines.
When you hire a moving company, federal regulations and tariffs affect the cost of the move. Crossing state lines include operation tariffs, and your moving company should share those costs in your contract. You’ll also have to pay for the weight of your items and the miles everything needs to travel.
Because interstate movers have more insurance coverage and rules to follow, they charge more than local or intrastate movers. Interstate moves also cost more because trucks use more gas, and employees work more hours as they drive from point A to point B.
Research before you move
Before committing to any moving company or auto transport company, you should do some research.
If you are moving across state lines, you should check your mover’s paperwork. Look for a USDOT number and registration with the FMCSA. You should also ask for proof of insurance so you know that all of your personal belongings have coverage in case of an accident.
Every company transporting goods across state lines needs to be registered with the United States Department of Transportation. If your moving company has a USDOT number, you can look it up online and learn about the company’s safety reviews, inspections, and crash history.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration creates safety standards to reduce commercial vehicle accidents and tragedies. Interstate moving companies and auto transport companies must be registered with the FMCSA.
If your potential moving company does not have one or more of these federal requirements, then you should not hire them.
Doing the job efficiently
When you move across the city, county, or state, you might be able to divide your move over several days. If you get access to your new home before you leave your old one, you can make several short trips without using an excessive amount of fuel. But, when you move across state lines, you don’t have that opportunity.
With an interstate move, families move everything all at once. If you are moving hundreds or thousands of miles, you might not want to drive all your vehicles and make several trips. You can save wear and tear on your personal cars by hiring an auto transport company.
Your interstate move becomes more efficient when you get everything done in one move. When you coordinate your moving van and your auto transport, you can be sure everything arrives when you expect it, so you can unpack and begin your life at your new address.
If you hire an auto transport company, you can relax and fly to your new home. Or you can put your family in one car and reduce your fuel costs. Don’t forget to keep your necessities like necessary paperwork, personal devices, jewelry, and medication with you no matter how you get to your new home.
Keep in mind that moving companies tend to charge more for their services in the summer months and on the weekends. You can save money on expensive interstate moves by choosing a non-premium time.
Wrap up
Understanding the differences between interstate and intrastate moves can help you decide how far you are willing to relocate. With planning and research, you can minimize the stress of moving your family, belongings, and vehicles to your new home.
