Long Distance Movers in Northern Virginia

Craig Van Lines is a family-owned long distance moving company that has been moving Northern Virginia families and businesses since 1918. We handle interstate relocations from Northern Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland to destinations across the United States, and we are registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under US DOT #486494.

Whether you are relocating for a new job, retiring closer to family, or moving your business to another state, our team plans the details so your belongings arrive safely. Every move starts with a free written estimate. Request your free long distance moving quote to get started.

Long Distance Moving Services

A move across state lines involves more planning than a local move, and we offer the services to handle every part of it.

Full-service household moves: Homes, townhomes, condos, and apartments of every size, from packing and loading through delivery and unloading at your new home.
Professional packing: Full packing, partial packing for fragile items, and high-quality packing materials. Learn more about our professional packing services.
Custom crating: Built-to-fit crates for antiques, artwork, and other high-value pieces, plus careful handling for pianos.
Storage: Short-term and long-term storage in secure, climate-controlled facilities when your move-out and move-in dates do not match. See our storage solutions.
Business relocations: Office and commercial moves to other states. Explore our commercial moving services.

What Counts as an Interstate Move?

Any move that crosses a state line is an interstate move, and it is regulated by the FMCSA rather than by state agencies. That includes long cross-country relocations, and it also includes short trips. A move from Arlington into Washington, DC or from Fairfax into Maryland is an interstate move under federal rules, even though the distance may be only a few miles.

Moves that stay within the Northern Virginia region are handled by our local movers. Your estimator will confirm which category your move falls into and explain how it will be priced.

How Long Distance Moving Estimates Work

Federal rules require interstate movers to give you a written estimate. Most long distance moves are priced primarily by the weight of your shipment and the distance it travels, with packing, crating, storage, and other services added as needed. For an accurate estimate, one of our relocation specialists may visit your home to review what you are moving.

Interstate movers offer two main types of estimates. A binding estimate is a guaranteed price for the services listed, as long as you do not add items or services. A non-binding estimate is the mover’s best approximation, and your final cost is based on the actual weight of your shipment. With a non-binding estimate, federal rules limit what you can be required to pay at delivery to 110 percent of the estimate.

We explain your estimate line by line before moving day, with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.

Protecting Your Belongings: Full Value vs. Released Value

Interstate movers are required to offer two levels of liability coverage, called valuation. Choosing the right one is one of the most important decisions you will make for a long distance move.

Full value protection: The mover is responsible for the replacement value of lost or damaged items. Depending on the mover’s policy, a damaged item may be repaired, replaced, or settled with a cash payment.
Released value protection: This option comes at no additional cost but provides only minimal coverage of 60 cents per pound per article. A 40-pound television, for example, would be covered for just $24.

If you are shipping items worth more than $100 per pound, such as jewelry, fine china, or antiques, list them on your shipping documents so they are covered at their full value. Our team will walk you through your protection options when we prepare your estimate.

Your Rights as an Interstate Moving Customer

Federal law gives you specific protections on every interstate move. Your mover must provide a written estimate, give you a copy of FMCSA’s Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet, and prepare a bill of lading that serves as your contract and receipt. Read these documents carefully and keep copies until your move is complete and any claims are settled.

Before you hire any long distance mover, confirm its registration with the FMCSA company lookup tool. A legitimate interstate mover will have an active US DOT number and a physical business address.

Why Families Choose Craig Van Lines for Long Distance Moves

Four generations of the Craig family have run this company for more than 100 years. Learn more about our history.

Federally registered: Craig Van Lines operates under US DOT #486494.
BBB accredited since 1984: We have maintained an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau for four decades.
Licensed and fully insured: Our crews are covered by workers’ compensation for added protection.
Trained, long-term employees: Our movers know how to pack and load a shipment for a long trip.
One company for packing, moving, and storage: You coordinate with a single team from your first estimate to your final delivery.

See what our customers say in our moving reviews.

Tips for a Smooth Long Distance Move

Book early: Schedule at least two months ahead, and earlier for summer moves.
Declutter first: Because long distance moves are priced largely by weight, every item you sell or donate lowers your cost.
Choose your valuation carefully: Decide between full value and released value protection before moving day, and list any high-value items.
Keep essentials with you: Carry medications, important documents, IDs, valuables, and a few days of clothing rather than packing them on the truck.
Confirm your delivery dates: Ask when your shipment is expected to arrive and make sure someone will be at your new home to receive it.

For a complete timeline, use our week-by-week moving checklist.

Long Distance Movers Serving Northern Virginia

With offices in Gainesville and Fairfax, we handle long distance moves for households and businesses throughout the region, including Fairfax, Tysons Corner, McLean, Chantilly, Manassas, Haymarket, Arlington, Alexandria, Ashburn, and communities across Loudoun and Prince William counties. We also serve Washington, DC and Maryland. View our full list of moving service areas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Long Distance Moving

How much does a long distance move from Northern Virginia cost?

Most interstate moves are priced primarily by the weight of your shipment and the distance it travels, plus any packing, crating, storage, or other services you choose. Your valuation option and move date also affect the total. Craig Van Lines provides a free written estimate so you know what to expect before moving day.

What is the difference between a binding and a non-binding estimate?

A binding estimate is a guaranteed price for the services listed, as long as nothing is added to your shipment. A non-binding estimate is based on the mover’s best approximation, and your final cost depends on the actual weight of your shipment. Under federal rules, a mover cannot require you to pay more than 110 percent of a non-binding estimate at delivery.

What happens if my belongings are damaged during an interstate move?

Your protection depends on the valuation option you choose. With full value protection, the mover must repair the item, replace it, or pay its current value. With released value protection, liability is limited to 60 cents per pound per article. Report any damage in writing, and file claims within nine months of delivery.

How far in advance should I book a long distance move?

Plan to book at least two months ahead. Summer is the busiest season for interstate moves, so if you are moving between late spring and early fall, booking even earlier gives you the best choice of dates.

Can you store my belongings before delivery?

Yes. Craig Van Lines offers short-term and long-term storage in secure, climate-controlled facilities. Storage is helpful when your closing date or lease start date does not line up with your move-out date.

Is Craig Van Lines licensed for interstate moves?

Yes. Craig Van Lines is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration under US DOT #486494. You can verify any interstate mover’s registration using FMCSA’s online company lookup before you book.

Get a Free Long Distance Moving Estimate

Ready to plan your interstate move? Contact us today or call for a free, no-obligation estimate. Our team will explain your options and help you choose the right services and protection for your move.

Long Distance and Interstate Movers in Northern Virginia