7 Best Flat-Fee Movers in 2023

Best Flat-Rate Moving Companies

1. Best Full-Service Mover: International Van Lines
2. Best Moving Add-Ons: American Van Lines
3. Most Reliable: Safeway Moving Systems
4. Best for Extended Storage: Allied Van Lines
5. Best Customer Service: North American Van Lines
6. Best for Self-Service: PODS
7. Most Competitive Pricing: U-Pack

Quick Overview

Here’s a quick look at the top movers who offer flat rates. We’ve provided some basic pricing info as well as their overall service model for comparison. The prices outlined here are in no way a substitute for getting quotes of your own. They are simply approximations based on preliminary estimates or previous pricing data we were able to obtain:

* Long-distance average cost is based on aggregate data from customer reviews for a two-bedroom home, moving 250 miles. Cost can vary significantly based on move weight and distance. Be sure to request a free quote to get an accurate estimate for your move.

1. International Van Lines

International Van Lines (IVL) is an industry leading full-service moving company. Serving all 50 states and 180+ countries, IVL is an excellent choice whether you’re moving across town or to the other side of the country. From packing and storage to auto shipping, custom crating, and more, you can personalize your moving package to get exactly what you need. The estimate process is easy, with an upfront rate provided based on your needs. For the best experience, be sure to have an inventory and service list ready to discuss with your agent.

IVL Services

• Packing and unpacking
• Loading and unloading
• Furniture disassembly and reassembly
• Crating
• Specialized packing for fragile items
• Short-term and long-term storage
• Packing supplies
• Auto transportation
• Commercial moving
• And more

IVL Cost

Even though International Van Lines is one of the biggest movers in the country, they’re also one of the most affordable full-service options. Here is some sample pricing to give you an idea of costs:

Be sure to request a free quote to find out exactly what your move will cost with the company.

2. American Van Lines

American Van Lines is one of the best flat fee moving companies available today. This full-service carrier has more than 20 years of experience and boasts a reputation of providing some of the best service options in the moving industry.

AVL Services

This national moving company provides a wide range of services so you can completely customize your move:

• Local and long-distance moving
• International moving
• Military relocations
• Commercial moving
• Climate-controlled storage
• ​Antique moving
• Piano moving
• Full-service packing
• Custom crating
• And more

AVL Cost

American Van Lines provides all of its services at flat rates. They even offer frequent moving shuttles between major cities. If your move should happen to fall along one of these routes, you could save yourself a fair amount of money.

AVL Sample Pricing

Request a free quote to receive a personalized estimate from American Van Lines.

AVL Service Area

This carrier can handle local and long-distance moving services to all points in the lower 48 states. They act strictly as carriers. This means that when you book with AVL, one of their crews will carry out your move. They will not contract work out to other providers.

Why We Like American Van Lines

American Van Lines has some of the most experienced moving crews in the industry. They advertise that their workers average ten years of experience on the job, which strengthens their quality of service and flat-rate pricing offerings.

3. Safeway Moving Systems

Safeway Moving Systems is one of the largest moving brokers in the country. From their home base in Chicago, they broker out moving services to all points in the US. Specializing in long-distance moves, they can provide a stress-free residential or commercial moving experience. Perks like included packing and storage and 100% shipment guarantees are great reasons to work with Safeway.

Safeway Services

As a broker, Safeway has access to a premier network of partner companies. These carriers are insured beyond industry minimums and can provide any moving service you could need:

• Residential and commercial moving
• Long-distance moving
• Military relocations
• Full-service packing
• Storage
• Piano moving
• Auto-shipping
• Moving supplies
• Furniture assembly and disassembly

Safeway Cost

Safeway doesn’t provide sample pricing on its website, but we were able to gauge pricing by looking at reviews from past clients. Their service area and range of partner companies mean that costs can vary greatly. However, their quote process is incredibly reliable. They even offer price matching against other companies.

Safeway Sample Pricing

Request a free quote to receive a personalized estimate from Safeway Moving Systems.

Safeway Service Area

Safeway Moving Systems can provide moving help to clients across the entire continental US. To book with a partner carrier near you, you should contact them today. Keep in mind that they are currently only available for long-distance moves. They do not assist with local moves.

Why We Like Safeway Moving Systems

Safeway Moving Systems is a mover that fully stands behind their work. Customer reviews frequently mention flat rate pricing and transparency of service as positives, which keep clients coming back to them for all their moving needs. Their 100% guarantee on all moves means that you can book with confidence.

4. Allied Van Lines

Allied Van Lines has over 85 years of experience moving clients in the U.S. AVL can assist with local and long-distance moves throughout the entire U.S. as well as international moves around the world. Their extensive add-on service options include everything from packing and crating services to storage, auto shipping, and more. Plus, 24/7 customer service is available to help you get what you need and answer any questions you may have.

Allied Services

Enhance your move with a wide variety of add-on services, including:

• Local and long-distance moving
• International moving
• Packing (full-service or partial)
• Unpacking
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Auto shipping
• Storage
• Debris removal
• GPS shipment tracking
• And more

Allied Cost

As with most full-service moving companies, local and long-distance moves are priced differently. Local moves are billed hourly, with rates ranging from $30-$60 per hour depending on where you’re moving. Long-distance moves, however, are priced at a flat rate, with your home size and how far you’re moving as the primary cost factors.

Allied Van Lines Sample Pricing

Allied Availability

Allied Van Lines offers local and long-distance services to the entire U.S. They also can help you move to over 120 countries.

Why We Like Allied Van Lines

Allied Van Lines has one of the biggest fleets in the country. No matter your needs or budget, their experienced team is ready to provide exceptional service. Their customer service rating remains remarkably high. No matter the scope of your move, this acclaimed flat fee mover can help you.

5. North American Van Lines

North American Van Lines is one of the best movers in the industry. They were founded over 80 years ago and have provided leading services to all clients since then. While they’re most well regarded for long-distance moves and international moves, they provide local moving services as well. With an impressive A+ BBB rating, NAVL has an excellent track record for customer service. From the booking process to the final delivery of your belongings, you can count on NAVL to make your move hassle-free.

NAVL Services

Enhance your move with a la carte moving services, or just stick to the basic service of loading/unloading and transport. The choice is up to you. North American makes it simple to tailor your move with:

• Local and long-distance moving
• International moving
• Packing and unpacking (full-service or partial)
• Furniture assembly and disassembly
• Debris removal
• 24/7 shipment tracking
• Appliance installation
• Storage
• Excellent insurance options
• And more

NAVL Cost

Looking at the moving data below, the longer and bigger your move, the more you should budget. Still, the company’s pricing is fairly in line with other top moving companies. Here is some sample pricing we were able to get by pulling data from previous client reviews:

NAVL Sample Pricing

NAVL Availability

NAVL offers local and long-distance moving services to all points in the United States. They also provide global relocations to over 100 countries around the world.

Why We Like North American Van Lines

With an A+ BBB rating and strong client reviews over its 80 years of experience, North American Van Lines is one of the best moving companies operating today. North American Van Lines delivers a great customer experience with 24/7 customer service, instant online quotes, dedicated moving coordinators, and more.

6. PODS

PODS is one of the best moving container services in the industry. They are such a household name that many people refer to all moving and storage containers as “PODS,” regardless of their company of origin. Their transparent flat-rate pricing, container size options, and wide service area make them an excellent option for your DIY moving needs.

PODS Services

PODS provides multiple container options suitable for moves of all sizes. Along with this, their insurance coverage options provide protection for your goods at all points during your move.

• Container Sizes. Container size options include 8’, 12’ and 16’. The smallest is ideal for a small studio apartment and the largest can hold a two bedroom home.
• All PODS rentals come with up to 30-days of use. You can use the container to store your items on your own property, or send your container to a secure PODS storage facility.
• Insurance Coverage. Coverage for your goods is available if you’re moving items of higher value. The coverage options range from $34.95 for $5,000 of declared value coverage to $469.95 for $300,000 of declared value coverage.

PODS Cost

As a semi-DIY option, PODS is one of the most affordable ways to move today. We were able to get some pricing data to help you plan your budget.

PODS Sample Pricing

PODS pricing is transparent except for taxes, which are not included in your initial price. This is not a hidden fee, even if it may seem like it when you receive your final bill. As for storage, the first month comes with your initial quote. Additional months of storage will cost $149 per month, per unit.

Request a free quote from PODS to find out exactly what your move will cost.

PODS Availability

PODS is available in 46 states, including Washington DC and Hawaii. They are available across this wide area to handle both local and long-distance moves of all sizes.

Why We Like PODS

PODS has the best combination of container sizing options and service area among all its competitors in the moving container industry. This makes them better suited to a wider variety of moves than most other providers.

7. U-Pack

U-Pack is another great moving container company, ideal for those who want a more DIY moving experience. While they are only available for long-distance moves, their three-day loading and unloading windows allow for more flexibility around pick-up and drop-off. They also offer multiple container sizes, storage, and can provide moving labor assistance as needed.

U-Pack Services

U-Pack provides moving containers for long-distance moves. Storage is also available at any of their 240 facilities, should you need it. Container options include:

• ReloCube: This 6′ x 7′ x 8′ storage unit is graded to handle most studio apartments or a large single room. It also fits perfectly in a parking space!
• Trailer: U-Pack’s 27′ trailer is one of the largest containers available today. It can hold most three or four-bedroom homes.

Depending on their parking availability, clients can choose either a trailer or rent multiple ReloCube units. If you book with this provider and require moving labor help, U-Pack partners with Moving Staffers to assist you.

U-Pack Cost

U-Pack’s minimal service offerings keep price points low. Their unique “Pay for what you use” pricing means that you’ll only ever pay for the storage space that you actually use. If you rent a 27’ trailer and only use 12’, your bill will be reduced accordingly.

U-Pack Sample Pricing

Request a free quote to get a personalized moving estimate from U-Pack.

U-Pack Service Area

U-Pack has more than 240 facilities, which service all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico and Canada. Note that they are not currently available for local moving services. They are only available for long-distance moves of 150 miles that cross state lines.

Why We Like U-Pack

U-Pack is one of the best flat-fee movers thanks to their transparent pricing and service model that keeps costs low. Their flexible three-day loading and unloading windows, secure short-term and long-term storage, and multiple container options make booking your move a breeze.

Compare Quotes Before Booking

The estimate process is an incredibly important aspect of any successful move. We recommend starting your research at least 8 weeks ahead of your move-in date. Request and compare quotes from flat-rate moving companies so you can get the best pricing for your needs:

How to Choose a Mover

There are certain standards that all moving companies should meet to operate. Before booking, you should ask for documentation of these. All reputable movers will expect this and happily comply:

• FMCSA Registration: All movers conducting long-distance or interstate moves must maintain active registration with the FMCSA. Under this governing body, movers must carry active USDOT and MC numbers. These can be used to research a given mover’s active registration status, as well as complaint history, through this link.
• Local Registration. If you’re moving within a state, your mover may be subject to local licensing as well. Not all states regulate moving companies, but if yours does, you should confirm your mover’s license information.
• Proper Insurance: Aside from cargo and vehicle insurance, all moving companies must maintain workers’ compensation insurance and released liability coverage.

Pricing and Estimates

When requesting moving quotes, it’s important to understand the different things you might see in your estimate. Here’s a quick guide:

• Hourly Rates: Local moves and moving labor services are commonly billed at an hourly rate. Under this pricing model, your move will be simply priced out at a set hourly rate, depending on the number of movers you have working on your job that day. Many of the best moving companies will operate with minimum charges between two and four hours. This means that, if your move falls underneath a certain minimum threshold (2-4 hours), you will still pay whatever minimum fee that company charges.
• Flat Rates: Flat rate moves are the most budget-friendly option. Booking with a flat fee mover for long-distance may not always save you money. That said, it will always allow you to plan and budget properly. With this pricing structure, you can be sure of a guaranteed price.
• Not-to-Exceed Pricing: This pricing model is a far less common way to quote moving costs, but it is occasionally used. You will be given a price that is the maximum amount you should have to pay. If your total cost for labor and services rendered falls under that number, you will pay less. If it exceeds it, then you will pay the quoted price.
• Binding Estimates: This kind of home estimate must nearly always be written, with a copy supplied to the client prior to booking. Binding estimates are just that—binding. They will not change unless inventory or service demands do.

Our Rating Methodology

At Pro Mover Reviews, we are committed to providing our readers with comprehensive and unbiased information on each provider that we review. Our methodology is a step-by-step process that ensures we maintain your trust through transparency and data that is backed up through routine check-ins. Our staff has spent hundreds of hours reviewing dozens of local, long-distance, and international moving companies to bring you our recommendation for the best moving companies in the US. We then narrowed down our findings based on criteria that we find to be the most helpful for you to choose the best moving company for your needs.

Our Rating Categories:

• Company Transparency
• Pricing + Cost
• Services Offered
• Overall Reputation

While there are many sites out there that compare movers, we believe our rigorous standards give us more insights into company performance and better data to share with our community.  For each moving company we check for:

• Confirmed Licensing with the DOT
• Updated & Verified Business Registration
• Real & Recent Consumer Reviews
• Industry Ratings and BBB Complaints
• Accuracy of Online Quotes
• Services Provided & Total Service Area
• Pricing & Services vs. Competitors

From here we created a comprehensive, 100 point, rating scale based on the following factors:

• Moving services (25): Companies that offer more flexibility in their services are rated higher.
• Coverage of services (5): The more items a moving company can handle, the higher the score.
• Pricing (25): We compare this to the industry average when rating pricing.
• Trustworthiness (25): We comb through hundreds of reviews and check on BBB ratings to determine the trustworthiness of a company.
• State availability (5): Finding a moving company in your state can be a challenge depending on where you are located. The more states covered, the higher the score.
• Customer service (10): Is this moving company responsive? Do they respond quickly to issues that are brought to their attention? Are they helpful in answering questions? All of these factors are considered when rating customer service.
• Additional benefits (5): Moving companies can sometimes offer special promotions or deals when contracting them for a move. The companies with the most benefit scored higher.

Of the dozens of different moving companies that we’ve reviewed, we’ve broken down the best flat-fee moving companies in your area. To keep our ratings and data current, we have a full-time researcher who collects (and regularly updates) more than 100 specific data points from each company to help us compare them on key factors such as coverage, cost, service, and dependability. This list is ever-changing, as companies will update policies and procedures, and we will change our information accordingly.