Long distance vs. Local Relocation: What's the Difference?

The question of what is the difference between what movers consider a long distance move and  a local move seems like common sense. A local move means you are moving nearby and long distance means you're going far away, right? Well, sort of.

If you are relocating cross-country, then yes, that would constitute long distance moving. Likewise, if you are moving next door, then that is a local move.  What is less clear-cut, however, is how we treat all those places in between, and that it what I will discuss here.

First thing to note is that any move that crosses state lines is ALWAYS considered a long distance move. It does not matter if your destination is so close that you can see it from your doorstep, it will be treated as a long distance move and it will be subject to all regulations that apply to interstate movers.  Also, as with any long distance move, you will pay based on what you are moving (preferably by weight, not cubic feet), and not by the hour as is the case with local moves.

Now to the more grey area...

When moving within the same state, if the distance is greater than 100 miles, it is a long distance move. Your mover will be regulated by state regulations and will charge by weight preferably, although there are those that use cubic feet (not recommended). 

When moving out of state, but within the continental US, it is a long distance move, simple as that. But if you are going to Hawaii or Alaska, then it will be treated as if it were international moving because of the shipment must be taken to and then loaded in a container to be transported across water to the destination, and then transfered to a truck for delivery.

Movers usually classify moves based on needs required and regulations which must be adhered to, and not necessarily iby whether or not the distance to be traveled is long or short. Why it matters to you, the consumer, is that understanding what is invloved in each kind of move and how prices should be quoted(and then charged) can help you in your selection of the appropriate relocation company that will best be able to handle your move.

Reasons why you should always hire a Local Mover

The advantages of using a Local Mover are numerous. Here are just a few:

• Out-of-area moving companies cannot provide on-site (physical estimates), therefore any quote given will be a non-binding estimate. (non-binding estimate: actual cost may change. Customer is advised to be prepared with additional cash in case of overage. Payment for services due upon delivery in cash or certified funds only, which causes additional hassle for customer when actual price is unknown).
  
  • Out-of-area moving companies may not be as familiar with city ordinances requiring permits or restricting truck access or road conditions. Roadways can be very narrow, rough, steep, or be dirt roads; unfamiliar companies may have difficulty with these or may even cause damage to customers' furniture or property.
  
  
  • Out-of-area movers often subcontract their jobs to other companies when they can't service them. Customers in this case haven't gotten to check out the new carrier on BBB or FMCSA because they won't know of the change until the new guy is at their door.
  
  • Brokers only subcontract the jobs they book; they own no moving trucks or equipment. Once a job has been dispatched to a hauler (mover), the carrier adopts the moving estimate as its own, forcing the customer to deal with this new company for any customer service issues (trust us, you will hate that). When problems arise, as they often do, the broker will direct the customer to the mover and the mover will then tell them to contact the broker leaving the customer in middle with little options to resolve issues.
  
  • A job accepted by a mover from a broker is usually a low priority for that mover. If the mover comes across a better job that interferes with picking up the broker's job, he will drop the broker's job even if it is just hours before pick up leaving the customer stuck on the move date. The mover knows that the customer complaints will usually end up on the broker since the customer probably doesn't even know the moving company 's name.
  
  • Brokers and far away companies alike, tend to take large upfront deposits at the time of booking, while local moving companies charge significantly smaller deposits.
  
  • Local companies tend to try harder to please since most of their customers come from their own areas and they are concerned about a bad reputation in their hometown. A company will also act differently when it is located in a place where a customer can drop in and complain in person. Angry phone calls and emails are easy to ignore and avoid; a person walking into your place of business, not so much.
  

These are some of the reasons why using a local moving company usually results in an easier move. Even though that voice on the other end of the phone line may sound friendly, reassuring, and knowledgeable, the truth is there is no way that person can promise you everything will be fine and that your move will go exactly as planned from so far away. Only a Local Mover, with its local ties and local familiarity, can give cater to your specific moving needs.