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Interstate movers checked against FMCSA records, with deposit policies, services and the difference between a carrier and a broker, so you know who will actually haul your things.
By BestGuide Editorial Team, Editorial Team. See their work.Published June 10, 2026Updated October 16, 2026This page was compiled from primary sources: company disclosures and terms, the BBB and regulators. Our ratings method is described on the methodology page.
International Van Lines, Colonial Van Lines, Mayflower and United Van Lines are all registered household goods carriers with active USDOT numbers, and Mayflower and United say they require no deposit. Northern Moving Systems describes itself as a broker that arranges your move through other carriers. Before you book any nationwide mover, look up its USDOT number on FMCSA's SAFER system, get written estimates from at least three companies, and avoid any mover that asks for a big deposit or cash upfront.
Our top picks
Best for international moves and car shipping, with a free month of storageInternational Van LinesThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.BestGuide Score: 4.6 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.USDOT number2293832FMCSA authorityMotor carrier of household goods
Best for a published starting price on out-of-state movesNorthern Moving SystemsBestGuide Score: 4.5 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.USDOT number4216383
Best for packing yourself and paying only for transportColonial Van LinesThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.BestGuide Score: 4.2 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner.USDOT number1434373
This guide is for anyone moving a household across state lines, whether you want a full-service van line, a mover that can also ship your car overseas, or a cheaper transportation-only option where you do the packing. Every company here has an active USDOT number on FMCSA records, but they are not all the same kind of business.
The question that matters most is who will actually load, haul and deliver your belongings. After that, compare deposit terms, the protection level you choose and whether the estimate is binding. Only one of our picks publishes a starting price, so expect to compare quotes.
Below you will find each mover's registration details, services and storage offers, a plain explanation of brokers and carriers, what drives the cost, the FTC's red flags and a quick guide to which mover fits your situation.
Required for interstate movers
Registration with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT number)1
Largest fleets among our picks
United Van Lines (4,731 power units) and Mayflower (769) on FMCSA records2
Deposit
None required at Mayflower and United, per their sites7
FTC warning
Be wary of movers that demand a large deposit or cash before moving day1
Best for international moves and car shipping, with a free month of storage: International Van LinesThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.
4.6/5
USDOT number
2293832
FMCSA authority
Motor carrier of household goods
Why we picked it. International Van Lines is a licensed household goods carrier that also handles overseas moves and car shipping, so one company can manage a complex relocation. It says it completes more than 20,000 moves a year.
More details, pros and cons
Storage offer
One month of complimentary storage, per the company
Pros
Registered carrier, not only a broker
International moves and auto transport in house
Free month of storage
Cons
Deposit policy not published
Smaller fleet on FMCSA records (24 power units) than the big van lines
Phone booking discount pushes you to a sales call
Boat & Vehicle Shipping
Skip it if: You want a no-deposit policy in writing before you call.
More about International Van Lines
International Van Lines offers comprehensive moving services globally and domestically. Acting as both a carrier and a broker, it handles complex relocations including full-service packing and specialized vehicle transport.
Why we picked it. Northern Moving Systems lists a starting price and 30 days of free storage in transit, which makes early budgeting easier. Its own site says it is a broker, so the company that loads and delivers your goods may be a different carrier.
More details, pros and cons
Starting price
From $1,895 for out-of-state moves, as listed October 2026
Pros
Published starting price
30 days free storage in transit
Price match guarantee, per the company
Cons
Broker model, so another carrier may handle your goods
FMCSA lists it as a new entrant, so it has a short federal safety record
Deposit terms not published
Competitive Binding Estimates
Skip it if: You want the same company to pack, haul and deliver your belongings.
More about Northern Moving Systems
Northern Moving Systems is a hybrid operation that utilizes both its own fleet and a vast broker network. It is known for broad scheduling flexibility, competitive initial quotes, and nationwide logistics reach.
Best for packing yourself and paying only for transport: Colonial Van LinesThis company pays BestGuide when you connect with it through our site. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first. Payment never changes what we report about fees, terms or complaints.
4.2/5
USDOT number
1434373
FMCSA authority
Motor carrier of household goods and general property
Why we picked it. Colonial Van Lines is a registered household goods carrier that offers both full service and a transportation-only option if you pack yourself. It also lists short- and long-term climate-controlled storage.
More details, pros and cons
Service area
Contiguous 48 states (no Alaska or Hawaii)
Pros
Registered carrier
Transportation-only option to cut cost
Virtual estimate app
Cons
Does not move to Alaska or Hawaii
Deposit policy not published
Site gives conflicting figures for years in business
Proprietary Mobile App
Skip it if: You are moving to or from Alaska or Hawaii.
More about Colonial Van Lines
Colonial Van Lines is a national moving broker specializing in long-distance moves across the contiguous United States. It connects customers with a large network of carriers and features a proprietary mobile app for seamless shipment tracking and inventory management.
These companies didn't make our top 3, but may still fit your situation.
Mayflower Moving4.3
Mayflower has moved households for more than 90 years through a nationwide network of local agents and says it requires no deposit. Its MyMayflower portal lets you track the move online.
United Van Lines has the biggest fleet among our picks on FMCSA records, about 100 years of history and no deposit requirement. It handles everything from packing to international moves through its agents.
We compared each mover's federal registration and operating authority on FMCSA's SAFER system, deposit policy, services, storage offers and service area, using company websites and FMCSA records checked October 11, 2026, plus FTC moving guidance. Fleet counts are power units listed on FMCSA. We did not book moves. Read our full methodology.
Brokers, carriers and van lines
A carrier owns trucks and moves your goods. A van line such as United or Mayflower is a carrier that works through a network of local agents. A broker sells the move and hands it to a separate carrier. Brokers can find capacity, but the company that shows up may not be the one you hired, and the price can change. The FTC cites one consumer whose broker-arranged move rose from $1,300 to almost $5,000.
You can check which kind of company you are dealing with by entering its USDOT number on FMCSA’s SAFER Company Snapshot, which lists its operating authority.
How much a nationwide move costs
Most nationwide movers quote by weight or volume, distance, and services such as packing and storage. Only one of our picks publishes a starting price: Northern Moving Systems lists out-of-state moves from $1,895 as of October 2026. Get written estimates from at least three movers after they see your home in person or by video, and ask whether each estimate is binding.
Packing and unpacking add labor cost.
Storage in transit can be free for a period (30 days at Northern, one month at International Van Lines).
Stairs, long carries and shuttle trucks can add charges at pickup or delivery.
How to choose a nationwide mover
Look up the USDOT number on FMCSA SAFER and confirm it is active and authorized for household goods.
Ask whether the company is the carrier or a broker.
Get at least three written estimates and compare the inventory on each.
Ask about the deposit. Mayflower and United say they require none.
Choose your protection level. Full-value protection costs more but covers repair or replacement; basic released value pays far less.
Read recent reviews and complaints for the specific local agent, not only the brand.
Red flags and moving scams
The FTC advises you to avoid movers that:
Ask for a large deposit or cash before the move
Ask you to sign paperwork with blank spaces
Give an estimate without seeing or asking about your belongings
Are not registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation
If something goes wrong on an interstate move, report it to the Department of Transportation and the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For moves within one state, contact your state’s consumer protection or transportation agency.
Which mover fits your situation
Corporate relocation with a moving allowance: United or Mayflower.
Moving overseas or shipping a car too: International Van Lines.
Budget move where you pack yourself: Colonial’s transportation-only service.
Need storage between homes: International Van Lines or Northern Moving Systems, which both list free storage periods.
Alaska or Hawaii: not Colonial, which serves the contiguous 48 states only.
Renting a truck instead
If you would rather drive than hire a van line, Penske Truck Rental is the strongest option we have reviewed for a one-way, long-distance move. One-way rentals (a different drop-off location, over 25 miles) include unlimited miles, no security deposit when you pay by credit card, a guaranteed reservation with an equal or larger truck as backup, and 24/7 roadside assistance. The fleet runs from a high-roof cargo van to 12, 16, 22 and 26 foot trucks, and AAA (12% or more), military (15%) and student (10%) discounts stack with Pay Now and Save.
Know the fee rules before you book. Penske does not publish rates, so you quote online by trip. Changes and cancellations are free until 24 hours before pickup, then $250. Local same-city rentals are charged per mile and need a deposit of at least $300 or 150% of the estimate, so for a move across town it is usually not the cheapest option. Penske Truck Leasing is BBB accredited since 2005 and rated A+, but it logged 173 complaints in three years and its unclaimed Trustpilot profile sits at 2.0, with breakdowns and unavailable trucks the main themes. Read our Penske Truck Rental review.
Terms to know
USDOT number
The federal registration number every interstate mover must have.
Broker
A company that arranges a move and assigns it to a separate carrier.
Carrier
A company that transports your goods with its own trucks and crews.
Binding estimate
A written estimate that locks the price for the listed goods and services.
Full-value protection
Mover liability that covers repair, replacement or current value of damaged items.
Storage in transit
Short-term storage between pickup and delivery.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best nationwide moving company?
For full-service moves with no deposit, United Van Lines and Mayflower lead our picks. For international moves with free storage, choose International Van Lines. Whichever you pick, check the USDOT number and get several written estimates.
How do I check if a mover is licensed?
Enter the company's USDOT number on FMCSA's SAFER Company Snapshot. It shows whether the company is active and authorized to move household goods.
What is the difference between a moving broker and a carrier?
A carrier moves your goods with its own trucks and crews. A broker books your move and hands it to another carrier, so the company that shows up may be different from the one you paid.
Should I pay a deposit to a moving company?
The FTC warns against movers that demand a large deposit or cash upfront. Mayflower and United say they require no deposit.
How far in advance should I book a nationwide move?
Book as early as you can, especially for summer moves, so you have time to compare several in-home or video estimates.
What is full-value protection?
A coverage option where the mover must repair, replace or pay the current value of items it loses or damages. It costs more than basic released value coverage, which pays much less.
Is a binding estimate better?
A binding estimate fixes the price for the listed items and services, which protects you from surprise charges. Make sure the inventory on it is complete.
Where do I complain about an interstate mover?
File with the U.S. Department of Transportation and with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. For a move within one state, contact your state's consumer protection or transportation agency.
Sources (12)
Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards
FTC: Avoid scams when you hire a moving company (accessed October 11, 2026)
FMCSA: SAFER Company Snapshot (accessed October 11, 2026)
International Van Lines: Home page (accessed October 11, 2026)
Northern Moving Systems: Home page (accessed October 11, 2026)
Colonial Van Lines: Home page (accessed October 11, 2026)
Mayflower: Home page (accessed October 11, 2026)
United Van Lines: Home page (accessed October 11, 2026)
Penske Truck Rental: moving trucks (accessed October 13, 2026)
Penske Truck Rental: FAQ (accessed October 13, 2026)
Penske Truck Rental: discounts (accessed October 13, 2026)
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