What is the Difference Between an Intrastate Move and a Long-Distance Move?

Making a move – even when the distance is relatively short – can be a huge undertaking, requiring careful planning and coordination. While it is generally true that moving across states is more complex than a local move, every move is unique, and sometimes, even a local one can require a ton of work. This is particularly true when moving a large household or having decades’ worth of accumulated items that need to be moved.

Understanding the Types of Moves

Before you start planning your move, it’s a good idea to determine what type of move you are making, as different types of moves can require different considerations. Generally speaking, there are three different types of moves: local, intrastate, and long-distance moves.

1. Local moves: Local moves are usually defined as those less than fifty miles away. For these moves, the moving crew will usually stay with you throughout the day to assist with loading and unloading.
2. Intrastate moves: Intrastate moves are moves that often exceed fifty miles but are still located within the same state. Most moving companies can accommodate interstate moves, but you will want to verify this before moving forward with any company.
3. Long-distance (interstate) moves: Long-distance moves can involve moving to another state within the US or even to another country. These moves often require additional planning, and only companies with a designated license can move your goods across state or international borders.

While it’s tempting to think that any move is similar to another, each move is unique and will require planning. Therefore, if you are moving a long distance – either interstate or intrastate – it’s a good idea to understand the difference between these types of moves.

The Differences Between an Intrastate Move and a Long-Distance Move

There are several differences between intrastate and interstate or long-distance moves. Distance is often the defining factor. However, that is not always true. Some intrastate moves in larger states, such as Alaska or California, may be a further distance than other interstate moves, especially across small states, such as those in the Northeast portion of the country.

Rather, you can consider that intrastate moves begin and end in the same state, while interstate moves begin and end in different states or countries. With intrastate moving, the moving company never crosses state lines. Since they do not cross state lines, moving companies that assist with intrastate moves require a different type of license than those that can cross state or national borders. Since long-distance moves can include crossing both state and national borders in some instances, you will want to verify the moving company you choose to work with has the appropriate licensing. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) lets you search for and verify the USDOT numbers, which dictate the types of goods a company can move and whether they can move across state lines or international borders.

The second big difference you can expect with intrastate and long-distance moves is related to the price you can expect to pay. Local moves are often the least expensive, while intrastate moves get pricier. While a flat rate often dictates local moves, intrastate moves can price at their discretion. There will often be an hourly rate with an extra travel fee. Alternatively, they may charge by weight or cubic feet. For long-distance moves, the companies usually charge by the weight of the items you require moved. The weight is directly proportional to the amount of fuel and labor costs. Therefore, it’s the most common type of pricing you will encounter. But bear in mind that there will often be additional travel costs, especially if the movers have to cross toll booths.

The third difference between these types of moves is the level of involvement you will see throughout the move. For local moves, you can expect the company to be with you throughout the day, and in most instances, the move can be completed in one day. Since intrastate and long-distance moves require additional travel, it’s common to just be present while the company loads and unloads your belongings. While traveling, you may get updates, but you will not be physically present with the moving company until you meet them at the new location.

Moving can be stressful, especially if you are moving a large household a long distance. Working with professional movers is one great way to lessen the stress of moving. To learn more about how professional movers can help you, contact Quantum Moving today!