Flat-rate movers help you stick to your budget because you know what you’re going to pay. When a full-service mover offers flat-rate quotes, you can count on receiving all agreed-upon services at that price unless your inventory or move distance meaningfully changes after receiving the quote.
Our research shows American Van Lines and Safeway Moving Systems Inc. are the best flat-rate movers. Each provides full-service, long-distance relocations at bottom-line rates. They’re well-respected in the industry and receive positive reviews across numerous locations.
During the quote phase, note that “flat-rate” and “bottom-line” pricing are synonymous with “binding estimates.” Movers that offer these types of quotes will often use these phrases interchangeably.
Best moving companies for flat rates
We rated all the movers below against our grading scale, which accounts for service range, operating area, pricing structure and more. We then gave each mover a numeric rating out of 100, which we converted to a star rating out of 5. Here are the movers that came out on top for providing flat rates.
Get quotes from the following long-distance moving options to secure a flat-rate moving option.
Compare top choices for moving companies
See how our top providers compare on key metrics.
Our reviews of the top flat-rate moving companies
The moving companies below offer the best service for the cost in the industry based on our research and rating process. Learn about each one’s services and quote process here.
American Van Lines
Safeway Moving Systems Inc.
North American Van Lines
Allied Van Lines
U-Pack
How do you choose a flat-rate moving company?
Choosing the right moving company can mean the difference between a stressful and a streamlined relocation. We asked Nancy Zafrani, general manager at Oz Moving & Storage, what she would tell someone seeking a moving company.
“First of all, they should only use a company that’s licensed,” she said. “They should make sure that they’re working with a moving company, not a broker.”
She continued, “The company that they’re working with should definitely be able to provide a certificate of insurance that shows proof of their general liability insurance.”
Here, we outline everything to consider before choosing a flat-rate mover.
Confirm the movers are properly licensed
All moving companies must carry licensing to legally operate and provide moving services. Any moving company offering long-distance or interstate moving options must be federally licensed.
This entails registration with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA requires all movers to carry active United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) numbers.
You can use these numbers to look up a mover’s registration status on the FMCSA database. Beyond this, movers offering only local assistance must maintain registration with a state-level governing body.
Decide whether you need additional insurance
All moving companies must provide an option for reimbursement for lost or damaged goods. This released-value protection offers 60 cents per pound per item.
Beyond this, most movers offer full-value protection. This offers protection against damage at a higher rate. You might be covered for the entire declared worth of your shipment or at a set rate, such as $6 per pound per item.
Determine the services you need
Determine your service needs before getting a quote from any moving company. This will ensure that your flat-rate estimate is accurate.
Around eight weeks before your move date, conduct a walk-through of your home and write down all the goods you’ll be taking with you. Use this to figure out which add-on services you’ll need, such as the following:
- Packing and unpacking services
- Crating for antiques and fragile items
- Short- and long-term storage
- Home staging
- Furniture delivery
- Junk removal
- Vehicle shipping
- Assembly and disassembly
Consider the cost and get multiple quotes
Not all moving companies offer flat-rate quotes. For example, local movers that bill hourly will rarely provide binding estimates. You’ll only be eligible for flat-rate pricing if you plan a long-distance or interstate move.
When you get a quote from a professional mover, be upfront about your budgetary restrictions and get your estimate in writing. Read it thoroughly and inquire about scenarios that would induce added fees on moving day.
Note that nearly all full-service moving companies, including those listed above, will offer a virtual quote option. This will require that you schedule a video call with a moving company representative, who will then conduct a remote walk-through of your home.
Read customer reviews
Customer reviews are your most valuable resource when vetting moving companies. Read reviews from multiple platforms to gauge common praises and critiques.
If booking a move at a flat rate is your priority, avoid movers with reviews alleging hidden fees. If you’re moving with fragile items, opt for a mover that receives accolades for careful handling.
Reliable review sites include Google Reviews, Trustpilot, Yelp, Better Business Bureau (BBB) and social media sites, such as Reddit.
Final take: Start your search for a flat-rate mover with a quote from American Van Lines to stay within your budget
Any binding or flat-rate estimate will explicitly state that it will not shift unless your moving needs or inventory change between quote day and moving day. Additionally, most flat-rate movers will advertise that they offer binding estimates on their websites and will tell you during the quote process.
Get flat-rate quotes from at least three qualified moving companies to find the best rate for the services you need. We recommend American Van Lines and Safeway Moving Services Inc. American’s combination of flat-rate pricing and moving crews that average a decade of experience make it a great pick for relocation packages that include antiques and fragile items.
For flat-rate self-service moving packages, U-Pack offers the best options. Its container and trailer offerings make it suitable for most home sizes, while its “pay for what you use” pricing model allows for a transparent bottom-line cost that will not shift on moving day.
Our rating methodology for moving companies
Our moving recommendations are all backed by our detailed rating methodology. To fairly assess both interstate and local movers, we have tailored two sets of review standards for long-distance and intrastate movers.
Both sets of review standards assess factors including reputation and customer satisfaction, availability and range, services offered, pricing and quote practices and customer service. We rate each moving company out of 100 possible points. We then divide the final score by 20 to obtain the 5-star rating we feature in our reviews.
All BBB scores are accurate as of May 2024.
Top local moving companies in your city
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics.
Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.
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