best moving companies in Tennessee
Updated: May 21, 2025
5 min read
Quick Answer: For local moves within Tennessee, we suggest checking out International Van Lines and Safeway Moving—they’re known for their professionalism and clear, upfront pricing. If you’re planning a long-distance move out of Tennessee, American Van Lines and Allied Van Lines are solid choices. They offer a great mix of reliable service and reasonable pricing, making them a smart pick for interstate relocations.
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How Much Does Moving in Tennessee Cost?
Moving Tip: To steer clear of unexpected moving costs in Tennessee, ask your mover for a flat-rate quote based on the truck size instead of an itemized list. It’s a simpler way to budget—you’ll pay for the space you use, not every single item that gets packed into the truck.
Factors that affect moving costs in Tennessee
Distance
The time and fuel can affect local moves, but if you’re moving out of Tennessee you may see additional fees
Size
Larger homes with more belongings require more labor and larger trucks, resulting in higher costs
Time of year
Peak moving seasons in Tennessee, like summer or around holidays, often come with higher rates
Additional services
Services like packing, unpacking, or assembly/disassembly of furniture will add to the total cost
1. How Much Does It Cost to Hire Professional Movers in Tennessee?
If you’re planning a long-distance move from Tennessee, hiring full-service professional movers can be the easiest and most stress-free option—especially if you have a large home or valuable belongings. These movers handle everything from packing and loading to transport and unloading. Just keep in mind: the cost is usually based on how far you’re going, how much stuff you’re moving, and how much labor is involved.
| Home Size | Local Move Cost Range | Long Distance Move Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom | $300 – $500 | $800 – $1,200 |
| 2-3 Bedroom | $600 – $1,000 | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| 4+ Bedroom | $1,000 – $1,800 | $2,000 – $3,500+ |
2. How Much Does It Cost to Get Moving Containers Like PODS in Tennessee?
If you want a bit more control over your move in Tennessee, renting a portable moving container like PODS is a great option. They deliver the container right to your home, so you can take your time packing everything up. Once you’re ready, they’ll pick it up and transport it to your new place—making the whole process a lot more flexible and convenient.
| Container Size | Local Move Cost (Monthly) | Long Distance Move Cost (Monthly + Transport) |
|---|---|---|
| 12 ft. Container | $150 – $250 | $350 – $600+ (includes delivery & transport) |
| 16 ft. Container | $250 – $350 | $500 – $800+ (includes delivery & transport) |
3. How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Moving Truck in Tennessee?
For those in Tennessee who want to handle the move themselves, renting a truck from companies like U-Haul, Budget, or Penske is often the most budget-friendly option. Just keep in mind, it means more work for you since you’ll be responsible for loading, driving, and unloading everything on your own.
| Truck Size | Local Move Cost Range | Long Distance Move Cost Range (per day + mileage) |
|---|---|---|
| 10-12 ft. Truck | $20 – $35 | $70 – $120 |
| 15-17 ft. Truck | $40 – $70 | $100 – $170 |
| 20-26 ft. Truck | $80 – $130 | $150 – $250 |
USMPO Recommended moving companies in Tennessee
International Van Lines
Verified Carrier
Company Info
- US DOT: 2293832
- MC number: 729978
- Entity Type: Carrier
- Legal Name: International Van Lines
- Physical Address: 3957 NW 126TH AVE CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33065
International Van Lines Reviews
4.9/5
Average of 1239 Customer Reviews
International Van Lines Google Reviews
Review From: Google
Rating:4.9/5
International Van Lines has been audited and certified by the USMPO to provide fair pricing, reliable service, and standardized transportation protocols.
Read more on International Van Lines Profile.
Allied Van Lines
Verified Carrier
Company Info
- US DOT: 076235
- MC number: 15735
- Entity Type: Carrier
- Legal Name: Allied Van Lines
- Physical Address: 7051 SW 21st Place Ste 100 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317
Allied Van Lines Reviews
4.7/5
Average of 198 Customer Reviews
allied van lines google reviews
Review From: Google
Rating: 4.7/5
Allied Van Lines has been audited and certified by the USMPO to provide fair pricing, reliable service, and standardized transportation protocols.
Read more on Allied Van Lines Profile.
Safeway Moving
Verified Carrier
Company Info
- US DOT: 3756000
- MC number: 1335229
- Entity Type: Carrier
- Legal Name: Safeway Moving Inc
- Physical Address: 5217 NW 33rd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309, USA
Safeway Moving Reviews
4.3/5
Average of 239 Customer Reviews
Safeway Moving Inc Google Review
Review From: Google
Rating: 4.3/5
Safeway Moving Inc has been audited and certified by the USMPO to provide fair pricing, reliable service, and standardized transportation protocols.
Read more on Safeway Moving Inc Profile.
American Van Lines
Verified Carrier
Company Info
- US DOT: 614506
- MC number: 294798
- Entity Type: Carrier
- Legal Name: American Van Lines
- Physical Address: 1351 NW 22nd St, Pompano Beach, FL 33069, U. S.
American Van Lines Reviews
4.3/5
Average of 1,513 Customer Reviews
American Van Lines Google Review
Review From: Google
Rating: 4.3/5
American Van Lines has been audited and certified by the USMPO to provide fair pricing, reliable service, and standardized transportation protocols.
Read more on American Van Lines Profile.
Register Your Move With U.S. Moving Protection
Why shippers register their move with USMPO?
A registered move is a safer move. Registered moves will have access to resources, including a USMPO move coordinator, and receive reminders throughout their move process, minimizing discrepancies that lead to delays and price hikes.
The initiative is an added layer of protection and quality assurance for their relocation. Shippers with registered moves have access to resources that will verify the accuracy of their inventory, pricing, and quotes. Additionally, registered moves have the added benefit of conflict resolution and claims assistance.
How does USMPO ensure secure moves?
USMPO ensures consumer safety in the moving industry by tracking carrier performance. This allows for improved accountability and transparency in the moving process, as well as the implementation of safety measures such as further audits background checks on carriers.
What Makes USMPO Different?
Choosing a mover from the open market often means taking a leap of faith. But when you choose a USMPO-verified mover, you’re relying on an industry-standard safeguard designed to protect your move and your money.
Here’s what you get with USMPO:
- Access to a list of verified, trustworthy, and compliant moving companies.
- Peace of mind through oversight, support, and consumer education.
- Protection from rogue operators and misleading pricing tactics.
- Free tools like our Moving Cost Calculator.
- Ongoing advocacy and dispute resolution—because your move deserves protection.
Why Choose U.S. Moving Protection for Your Tennessee Move?
1. What is a USMPO Verified Carrier?
The Value of Verification
- Accurate Estimates:
- Fair Pricing
- Commitment to Quality
2. Why Choose a USMPO Verified Carrier?
Avoid Pricing Surprises
Many customers fall victim to rogue movers by choosing companies based on attractive low quotes or misleading online reviews. Unfortunately, these initial “deals” often come with hidden costs. Rogue movers may use bait-and-switch estimates, incomplete itemized inventories, or vague terms that allow them to dramatically inflate prices on moving day.
Even when presented with a so-called “binding estimate”, customers are often blindsided by inflated final charges due to overlooked items or “required additional services.” These shady tactics erode trust and can leave customers stranded with skyrocketing costs.
By contrast, USMPO Verified Carriers undergo rigorous auditing to ensure they honor their original quotes. Through a system of random audits comparing estimates with final charges, the USMPO holds its carriers accountable. Movers who fail to meet these high standards are promptly removed from the network, ensuring that only ethical and transparent operators remain.
3. Benefits of Choosing a USMPO Verified Carrier
- Fair Pricing: No hidden fees, no surprise charges—just honest quotes and fair pricing adjustments if needed.
- Quality Assurance: Verified movers are thoroughly vetted to ensure their operations meet industry-leading standards for service and professionalism.
- Consumer Protection: USMPO advocates for customers, holding movers accountable for any discrepancies and ensuring a smooth, transparent experience.
- Fraud Prevention:With USMPO, you can avoid the risk of falling victim to rogue movers or brokers who exploit unsuspecting customers.
4. How Do I Know if a Moving Company Is Legit?
At the U.S. Moving Protection Organization (USMPO), we understand how overwhelming it can be to find a trustworthy moving company—especially with the rise in moving scams and fraudulent operators across the country. That’s why we’re committed to helping consumers like you make informed, confident decisions when choosing a mover.
Every year, thousands of Americans fall victim to moving fraud—whether it’s through hidden fees, hostage loads, or unlicensed companies vanishing after pickup. To prevent this, we’ve established clear standards, tools, and verification processes to help you identify a legitimate and professional moving company.
USMPO’s 5-Point Legitimacy Checklist for Movers
At USMPO, we advise every customer to use this framework when evaluating movers:
- Verified Licensing (USDOT/FMCSA Compliance)
A legitimate moving company must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and hold a valid USDOT number for interstate moves. At USMPO, we cross-check and verify every mover in our network for this compliance, so you don’t have to second-guess whether your mover is properly registered and authorized to operate. - Proof of Insurance Coverage
Responsible movers protect your belongings with active cargo insurance, general liability coverage, and workers’ compensation for their crews. All USMPO-verified movers must submit proof of these insurance policies to be part of our registry. This helps ensure that if an accident happens, you’re not left to pay the price. - Transparent Estimates With Virtual Surveys
Many scam movers provide phone-only quotes that drastically change on moving day. That’s why USMPO mandates that movers in our network offer video-based or in-person inventory assessments to generate fair, written, and binding estimates. Transparency is key to trust. - Real Business Presence and Reputation
We check for physical business addresses (no P.O. boxes), legitimate branding, and a track record of customer service. Our database also cross-references performance metrics and complaint history from federal and consumer platforms like FMCSA, BBB, and Google. - Accountability Through USMPO’s Oversight
Unlike other platforms, we don’t just list movers—we monitor their performance. USMPO-verified movers are held to a code of conduct and are removed if they fail to uphold standards of safety, fairness, and customer satisfaction. We also offer a formal resolution process in case of disputes, so you always have backup.
- Verified Licensing (USDOT/FMCSA Compliance)
5. How To Avoid Moving Scams in Tennessee
A quick internet search for movers might seem like the easiest way to find a company, but it comes with significant risks. Without proper regulation, even fraudulent movers can purchase fake reviews, manipulate rankings, and present themselves as reputable businesses. USMPO’s verification process eliminates this guesswork by pre-vetting movers for legitimacy, licensing, and ethical business practices.
The following are some of the most reliable ways to protect yourself from scams:
- Research Moving Companies
- Collect Quotes
- Verify Credentials
- Steer clear of Big Deposits
- Written Agreement
- Warning Signs
- Check Address And Contact Information
6. USMPO Tip: Look for these red flags
- The mover gives you a quote without inspecting your belongings.
- The mover tells you they’ll give you the cost after they load the truck.
- The mover wants a big deposit before the move.
- The mover wants you to sign forms that aren’t filled in.
- The mover doesn’t give you a copy of “Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move” and “Ready to Move,” which are brochures that federal laws require movers to supply to customers.
- The mover’s website doesn’t have a local address, registration information or insurance information.
- The movers tell you their insurance covers your stuff (“full value protection” is not insurance).
- The movers don’t answer the phone with the name of the company you hired.
- The movers don’t have an office.
- The movers show up with a rented truck instead of one with the company logo on it.
- The movers claim you have more stuff than what they put in the estimate.
Your Moving Questions, Our Expert Answers
We’re here to address your concerns and provide non-biased guidance.