What’s the Difference Between Local & Interstate Movers

 

Most people will have to move at least once in their lives, and anyone who’s gone through it knows what a stressful time it is.

To ensure your stuff gets to the destination unscathed, you’re going to have to get a reliable moving company, and when you choose a mover, you have two choices: Local or Interstate.

In this article, we’re going to look at the differences between the two types of moving companies and which one you should choose based on your needs.

The first thing to consider is the difference in services these two companies provide. Generally speaking, a local trip or move is one that is under 50 miles, and one that’s over 50 is considered interstate. However, anytime you cross state lines regardless of the distance, it’s generally considered interstate.

So, now that we’ve determined the fundamental differences between interstate and local moving company, let’s take a more in-depth look at each and see what you need to know before you hire a particular company.

Local Moving Companies

As mentioned, local moving companies generally deal with moving you and your things a distance of under 50 miles. When you’re drawing up your budget for your move, it’s worth considering that local movers are usually paid by the hour, which means you’re going to want the job to be done as quickly as possible.

Also, unlike their interstate counterparts, the local moving company doesn’t have to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which means they’re not bound by the administration’s rules or regulations, but rather by the laws of your state. The key is to do your research thoroughly and get an estimate in writing before you agree to anything.

Interstate Moving Companies

Interstate moving companies typically get paid differently than the local movers. Most interstate movers make you pay by the weight or cubic inch of your items. Also, you’ll generally have to pay for the fuel, which means it’s a good idea to get rid of any things you don’t want before you move to make the load as light as possible.

Also, unlike the local movers, the interstate companies are governed by the FMCSA rules, and you need to make sure the company you choose is registered and insured with that administration. This ensures your items arrive safely and that the company is liable for any damage.

The most important thing to remember when you’re planning to hire a moving company is to do as much homework as you can. The internet makes it easy to look up reviews and information on just about any moving company you plan to use. Being informed lets you establish a budget and lessens the chance that you’re going to be hit with a big surprise or have a bad moving experience.

Just as important is for you to ask questions every step of the way, and if something looks wrong, point it out and stop the work immediately.