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Local vs. Long-Distance Moves – What’s The Difference?

When you hire a professional moving company to complete your move, your move will either be labeled a local move or a long-distance move. Are you wondering what exactly is the difference between a local move and a long-distance move? It is a common question customers of our Minneapolis moving company ask. Here is a breakdown of what makes local moving different from long-distance moving.

 

What’s The Difference Between Local and Long-Distance Moving?

The main difference between local and long-distance moving is the number of miles between point A to point B. Local moves are typically 50 miles or less and long-distance moves more than 50 miles. Most moving companies consider a local move to be a move within one state, while long-distance moves include relocations that cross state lines.

 

Local Movers vs. Long-Distance Movers

Local movers mostly work within towns, cities, metropolitan areas, and surrounding suburbs. They handle intrastate moves that don’t’ cross state lines and typically take no more than one day to complete. They are typically responsible for residential moves and corporate relocations. Local moving companies often offer packing services and storage options. Their moving trucks may be smaller and crews may have limited equipment.

Long-distance movers handle more complex, often out-of-state moves that take more than one day to complete. They typically carry out moves where goods are transported across state lines. Long-distance moving crews usually include more movers and they bring larger trucks and heavy-duty equipment when handling a move. Long-distance moving companies offer packing services and long-term storage, and some also offer auto transport options.

 

Types of Moves Offered By USA Family Moving

USA Family Moving is both a local moving company and a long-distance moving company. Our Minneapolis local movers are licensed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT #387790). Our long-distance movers in Minneapolis are registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (USDOT # 3076240). At our Twin Cities Moving Company, we classify moves into three groups – Local, Short Haul, and Long-Distance.

 

  • Local – Moves within the state of Minnesota between 50 miles from point A and point B. These are charged by the hour. All local jobs are governed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

 

  • Short Haul – Moves within the state of Minnesota that are 51 miles or more. These are billed by the hour at a higher rate than local moves due to fuel expense. All short hauls are governed by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

 

  • Long-Distance – Any move originating in the state of Minnesota and ends in another state. These are billed by an hourly rate. All out-of-state moves are governed by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

 

Book Our Local or Long-Distance Movers

USA Family Moving is an essential business and our local and long-distance Minneapolis residential movers are ready to help you relocate to your new home! Our moving crews, office staff, and warehouse team are following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) safety and sanitation guidelines to ensure the safety of our customers. Contact us or call 612.286.0400 to book your next move!