Common Mistakes To Avoid When Working With An Interstate Moving Company

Moving is stressful. Add distance, tight timelines, and multiple parties, and small oversights can become expensive problems. In this blog, we break down the most common mistakes people make when working with an interstate moving company, and what to do instead, so your move stays on schedule and on budget.

Booking Your Interstate Moving Company Too Late

While it might not be obvious, moving, especially across state lines, operates seasonally. Peak season tends to happen between May and September, which means if you’re planning to relocate during that time, you need to make sure you’ve contracted with your moving company as soon as possible. A good rule of thumb for interstate transitions during peak season is to book at least eight weeks before your move date.

Outside of seasonal months, movers are usually busiest on weekends and at the end of the month. Weekends are because most people don’t want to take off time at work to move, and people tend to move at the end of the month because their lease is ending and they need to relocate. If you need to move on a weekend or a month-end, make sure you book early enough so you can maximize your chances of getting a slot.

Not Knowing the Difference Between a Mover and a Broker

Not all businesses that offer relocation services across state lines are an interstate moving company. A mover, or carrier, is a business that will physically transport your goods. However, other companies are brokers; they will organize the move, but do not actually haul the shipment, and rather subcontract with another business to handle that element. While both can perform the role, it can get complicated if you don’t know who exactly is handling your belongings, and it can make it difficult to handle delays or disputes with your move.

When dealing with the people providing your moving services, ask them directly if they are a broker or a carrier. If they confirm they are a moving company, ask them for their USDOT number. A USDOT number is a unique identifier for businesses that move people or objects across state lines, and helps the government and the public monitor safety records. The USDOT number should appear on all paperwork and will make it clear which company is moving your belongings. You can also visit SAFER System Company Snapshot to confirm the business and see their safety information if they have it.

Assuming All Estimates Mean the Same Thing

When dealing with an interstate moving company, you will likely receive an estimate once they understand what you need to relocate, and the distance of your move. However, not all estimates are the same. For the most part, you will receive one of three types of estimate. It will either be a non-binding, binding, or a binding not to exceed estimate.

Non-Binding Estimate

A non-binding estimate is approximately how much you will be charged based on distance and a rough understanding of what needs to be moved. The final price will be determined by the weight of your belongings and the specific services you need. A key rule to know is the 110% rule, which means that, if you do not add extra services or belongings to your move, your moving company cannot demand more than 110% of the original non-binding estimate before releasing your items if the weight of your belongings exceeds what was originally estimated. You will still need to pay the outstanding balance at a later date.

Binding Estimate

A binding estimate means you have to pay the price given, even if your weight is not more than what was estimated, you cannot be charged more than what is estimated, provided you do not add additional items or services.

Binding Not To Exceed Estimate

Finally, a binding not to exceed estimate means you will not be charged more than what is estimated, but if your weight is less than the estimate, you will get charged less than the estimate.

Ultimately, knowing what type of estimate you are receiving and what can trigger a revision to your estimate is crucial to staying on budget when it comes to your interstate move.

Skipping a full inventory walkthrough

While it can be hard to find the time to organize a survey of your belongings, it’s important to go through this step to ensure your pricing is accurate and that you can dispute if any items go missing. Without a survey, you may end up needing to add on move day, which can come with premium pricing, increasing your move’s expense. A good thing to know is that a lot of interstate moving companies will perform virtual walkthroughs, saving you time and making organizing the move easier. Make sure you get an itemized, numbered inventory, and keep your copy safe.

Underestimating packing

Packing is a timing and liability decision. If you pack boxes yourself and something inside is damaged, it can be harder to prove the mover caused the loss. Packing late creates rushed choices, poor protection for fragile items, and slower loading. There is also a compliance issue: hazardous items must not be packed without telling the mover. Decide what you will pack and what you want packed professionally as early as possible, then clearly label and keep prohibited items out of cartons.

Not Asking About Valuation and Coverage Options

Valuation is often mistaken for automatic insurance, but it is not the same thing. For interstate moves, your mover must offer two levels of liability: Released Value and Full Value Protection. Released Value is the bare minimum and is based on weight, which can seriously undercompensate dense, high-value items. Full Value Protection is broader, but it comes with rules, limits, and an added cost. It is also worth knowing about articles of extraordinary value, commonly defined as items worth more than $100 per pound. Movers can limit liability for these unless you list them specifically on the shipping documents.

Ask your interstate moving company for the valuation options in writing and keep them with your paperwork. Flag your high-value categories early, especially jewelry, electronics, collectibles, and specialty items. Identify any items that may exceed $100 per pound and list them on the shipping documents before moving day.

Overlooking Access Challenges at Either Location

Stairs, elevators, long carries, parking limits, and building rules can add real time and cost to an interstate move. These are often charged as accessorial services, so the key is early disclosure during the survey, so your mover can price it correctly upfront.

If access issues or other necessary services push a non-binding estimate higher than expected, the rules around payment at delivery matter. When the final charges exceed 110% of a non-binding estimate, the mover must release the shipment at delivery once you pay 110% of the estimate, and then bill the remaining balance later. This helps prevent a delivery day standoff.

Measure lifts and corridors, and note how far the truck will be from your door. Count stair flights and mention any tight turns, narrow landings, or walk-ups. Confirm parking rules and whether you need a permit or a reserved loading space. Share all of this during the survey, and ask for the access-related charges to be reflected in your estimate and order for service where possible.

Hire Allegiance Van Lines, LLC for Your Next Move

Interstate moves come with more moving parts, more paperwork, and less room for last-minute decisions. The simplest way to avoid delays, surprise costs, and handoffs between multiple parties is to work with an interstate moving company that can manage the process from start to finish.

Allegiance Van Lines, LLC provides full-service moving support by coordinating packing, loading, transportation, storage when needed, and delivery through one organized plan. Our team prioritizes accurate surveys, clear estimates, and consistent communication, so you know who is handling your belongings and what to expect at every stage.

Whether you are relocating across town or across state lines, choosing Allegiance Van Lines, LLC helps keep your move controlled, efficient, and on schedule. Contact Allegiance Van Lines, LLC today to request a quote and secure your moving date.