Long-Distance Move Calculator
Interstate moves are driven by linehaul (miles) plus load/unload labor. This model adds a fuel surcharge based on the EIA national diesel average.
Estimated range
- Linehaul transport (1000 mi @ $0.5–$1.2/mi)$500 – $1,200
- Fuel surcharge (4% of linehaul, EIA diesel)$20 – $48
- Load & unload labor (est. 5,000 lb shipment)$299 – $1,042
Interstate move estimate for ~5,000 lb. Excludes packing, FVP insurance, and storage.
See the Dallas, Texas moving & rights guide →Linehaul per mile × distance, plus a fuel surcharge (EIA diesel percentage), plus origin/destination labor sized to the shipment weight tier. Weight tiers range from 2,000 lb (studio) to 10,000 lb (4BR).
Sources: FMCSA linehaul benchmarks; U.S. EIA national diesel average. Compiled August 2025.
Example estimates: low, average, high
Computed with the same model as the calculator above — not hand-written. Your own inputs will differ.
| Scenario | Estimated range | What drives it |
|---|---|---|
| Studio · 250 mi · Birmingham, AL | $256 – $706 | Studio, 250 mi, low COL |
| 2-bedroom · 1,000 mi · Dallas, TX | $819 – $2,290 | 2BR, 1,000 mi, average |
| 4-bedroom · 2,500 mi · San Francisco, CA | $2,032 – $5,676 | 4BR, 2,500 mi, high COL |
Formula & data sources
Sources: FMCSA linehaul benchmarks; U.S. EIA national diesel average. Compiled August 2025.
When to use this calculator
- Use this for an interstate (cross-state) household move priced mainly by distance and shipment weight.
- Staying in the same state? Use the Local Move calculator, which bills by the hour instead.
- Moving for work? See Employee Relocation to compare lump-sum vs managed programs.
Frequently asked questions
How is weight estimated?
We map home size to a weight tier (studio ~2,000 lb … 4-bedroom ~10,000 lb). Your actual weight is set by the carrier's scale ticket.
What is the fuel surcharge?
A percentage of linehaul tied to the EIA national diesel average, applied because long-haul carriers pass through fuel cost.
Is valuation (insurance) included?
No. Released-value protection is minimal; full-value protection (FVP) is optional and quoted by the mover. We exclude it to keep the base estimate transparent.
Does this include packing?
No. Packing labor and materials are excluded; add them separately or ask the mover for a packed estimate.
Why is the range wide?
Interstate pricing varies with access, season, and carrier; the range reflects low-to-high per-mile and labor assumptions, not a firm bid.