Local vs. Long Distance Moving Companies: What’s the Difference?

June 17, 2025 marketing 0

You just found out you’re moving. Congrats! Now, as you start Googling movers, you hit a wall: local vs long distance moving companies.

“Wait — aren’t all movers the same?”
 Not quite.

If you’ve ever tried to hire a cross-country mover for a 3-block move, or a local crew for a state-to-state relocation, you’ve probably heard the phrase: “Sorry, we don’t handle that kind of job.” That’s because local and long distance movers are not interchangeable — they operate differently, charge differently, and are even licensed differently.

So let’s clear it up. Here’s everything you need to know about the difference between a local moving company and a long distance moving company, and how to choose the right one for your move.

Not All Moves Are Created Equal

If you’re relocating from one side of town to another, you probably don’t need a company with a fleet of trucks driving coast-to-coast. And if you’re heading 500 miles away, hiring your local two-man crew might not be enough.

Understanding whether your move is local or long distance changes everything:
 — The price
 — The timeline
 — The licensing required
 — And the level of coordination you’ll need

What Is a Local Move?

In moving terms, “local” doesn’t just mean “nearby.” It’s usually defined as:

  • Under 50 to 100 miles
  • Within the same state (even a city-to-city move is local if you don’t cross state lines)
  • Charged hourly (you pay for time + movers + maybe truck fee)
  • Completed within the same day
  • Fewer regulations — typically state-level only

🟢 Example:
 You’re moving from one apartment in Arlington, VA to another across town in Alexandria. That’s a local move. You’ll likely hire a crew for 4–6 hours, get a truck, and be done by dinnertime.

What Is a Long Distance Move?

Long distance moves involve more complexity, more regulation, and — yes — more money. They are typically:

  • Over 100 miles, or
  • Crossing state lines, even if the distance is short
  • Priced by weight and distance, or as a flat rate
  • Spread over multiple days
  • Regulated at the federal level — requires a USDOT number for interstate moves
  • May include storage, tracking, logistics support

 Example:
 You’re relocating from Virginia to New Jersey. That’s a long distance move, even if it’s “just” a few hundred miles. It involves permits, possibly overnight transport, and federal licensing requirements.

How Local and Long Distance Movers Operate Differently

Here’s a quick side-by-side breakdown:

Feature Local Moving Company Long Distance Moving Company
Pricing Hourly (time + number of movers) Flat rate (based on distance + weight)
Timeline Same day Multi-day delivery (1–7 days)
Licensing State or local license USDOT/interstate license required
Scheduling Flexibility High — often bookable last-minute Lower — needs advance scheduling
Crew Consistency Same team loads, drives, unloads Different teams at origin/destination
Tracking & Logistics Basic or none Often includes tracking, dispatch, updates
Insurance Coverage Basic valuation More comprehensive options available

So if your move involves crossing state lines, tight timing, or high-value items, you’ll likely need a long distance moving company — even if the mileage isn’t crazy.

Cost Differences — What You’re Really Paying For

This is where people are often most surprised. Yes, long distance moves cost more — but there’s good reason for that.

Why Long Distance Moves Are More Expensive:

  • Fuel and tolls across long routes
  • More time on the road (driver wages, overnight stays)
  • Truck maintenance and routing
  • Insurance for longer transport
  • Interstate logistics and coordination
  • Sometimes — your stuff is the only cargo in that truck

Local Moves — Cheaper, But Still Tricky:

  • Billed hourly (typically $100–$150/hour for two movers and a truck)
  • Easy to underestimate time: slow elevators, last-minute packing, or tricky parking can add up
  • More flexible — but less predictable if you’re unprepared

 Real Life Example:

  • 1-bedroom local move, ~4 hours = $500
  • 3-bedroom long distance move = $3,000+ (flat rate includes mileage, crew, fuel, and coordination)

Choosing the Right Type of Moving Company

How do you know which one you need?

Ask yourself:

  • Am I moving more than 100 miles?

  • Am I crossing state lines?

  • Do I need more than just loading/unloading?

  • Will my items be in transit overnight or for multiple days?

If you answer yes to any of those, you’re in long distance territory — and you’ll need a company that’s licensed for interstate moves, offers better tracking and logistics, and has a delivery window you can live with.

If you’re moving across town or staying local, a reputable local moving company will do just fine — and likely save you a good chunk of money.

Pros and Cons of Each Option

Let’s break it down simply:

✅ Local Moving Company

Pros
 ✔ Lower cost
 ✔ Faster availability
 ✔ More flexibility with timing
 ✔ Ideal for small-to-medium moves

Cons
 ✘ Usually not licensed for out-of-state moves
 ✘ Pricing can spike if delays occur (hourly billing)
 ✘ Less support for complex logistics

✅ Long Distance Moving Company

Pros
 ✔ Specialized for multi-day or cross-state moves
 ✔ Predictable pricing (flat rate)
 ✔ Usually includes logistics, tracking, and insurance options

Cons
 ✘ Higher cost
 ✘ Requires more planning ahead
 ✘ You may not see your stuff for a few days — be ready

Final Thoughts — It’s Not Just About Distance

At first glance, you might think this decision is about mileage. But really, it’s about how the move works — and what kind of help you actually need.

If you’re relocating around the block, a few flights of stairs away, and you just need muscle? A local moving company will get the job done.

But if you’re starting a new job in another state, need reliable transport over hundreds of miles, or want your move handled from A to Z — then a long distance moving company is what you’re after.

Either way, do yourself a favor:

  • Ask about licensing
  • Understand how they price
  • Get everything in writing
  • And never be afraid to ask, “Hey — do you even do this kind of move?”

Because once moving day arrives, you’ll want a team that’s done this before — not one that’s learning on the job with your grandmother’s china.