best moving companies in Tuscaloosa
Updated: July 10, 2025
5 min read
Quick Answer: For local moves in Tuscaloosa, we recommend International Van Lines and Safeway Moving due to their excellent customer service and straightforward pricing. If you're planning an interstate move from Tuscaloosa, American Van Lines and Allied Van Lines stand out for combining reliable service with competitive rates, making your long-distance move hassle-free.
Quick Navigation
How Much Does Moving in Tuscaloosa Cost?
Moving Tip: To keep your moving costs clear and predictable, request a flat rate based on the size of the moving truck or container instead of paying per item. This way, you control your budget by paying for the space you need—not for every single box or piece of furniture.
Factors that affect moving costs in Tuscaloosa
Distance
The time and fuel can affect local moves, but if you’re moving out of Tuscaloosa 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 Tuscaloosa, 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. What’s the Price of Hiring Professional Movers?
Hiring full-service movers is often the easiest way to handle your move—especially if you have a bigger home or valuable belongings that need careful handling. These pros take care of everything: packing up your stuff, loading the truck, driving it to your new place, and unloading it all.
The cost usually depends on how far you’re moving, how much you’re bringing, and the amount of labor involved. Here’s a general idea for moves out of Tuscaloosa:
| Home Size | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1-Bedroom | $2,500 - $4,000 |
| 2-3 Bedroom | $4,000 - $7,000 |
| 4+ Bedroom | $7,000 - $10,000 |
Why choose professionals? They save you time and hassle, especially for cross-state moves. Plus, many offer packing services that help protect your belongings from damage. Some even provide insurance options for added peace of mind.
2. How Much Does Renting Moving Containers Like PODS Cost?
If you want a more flexible moving option, renting a portable container like PODS is a great choice. These containers are delivered right to your home, giving you the freedom to pack at your own pace. Once you’re ready, the company picks up the container and delivers it to your new place.
Here’s a rough estimate of what it might cost:
| Container Size | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 12 ft. Container | $2,000 - $3,500 |
| 16 ft. Container | $2,500 - $4,500 |
Moving with PODS is ideal if you want to skip the stress of moving everything in one day. It’s usually cheaper than hiring full-service movers, too. Plus, if your new home isn’t ready yet, you can keep your container stored for a little longer until you’re set.
3. What Does It Cost to Rent a Moving Truck?
If you’re the hands-on type and want to save money, renting a moving truck from companies like U-Haul, Budget, or Penske is usually the most affordable option. Just keep in mind—it does mean you’ll be doing the packing, loading, driving, and unloading yourself.
Here’s a general breakdown of rental prices for different truck sizes:
| Truck Size | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 10-12 ft. Truck | $1,200 - $1,800 |
| 15-17 ft. Truck | $1,800 - $2,400 |
| 20-26 ft. Truck | $2,500 - $3,500 |
Don’t forget to budget for gas, tolls, meals, and maybe a night or two of lodging, depending on your travel distance. Also, be aware that rental companies often charge extra if you return the truck late or damage any equipment.
Renting a truck is a solid choice if your move is on the smaller side or if you’re working with a tight budget—but be prepared to put in the effort!
USMPO Recommended moving companies in Tuscaloosa
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 Tuscaloosa Move?
1. What Does It Mean to Be a USMPO Verified Carrier?
Moving can be stressful, and trusting the right company is crucial. That’s why the U.S. Moving Protection Organization (USMPO) created a verification program to hold moving companies accountable for their promises and to protect customers like you.
When you register your move with USMPO, you reduce the risk of lost or stolen items and avoid common problems like delayed deliveries or movers holding your belongings hostage.
Why Verification Matters
Movers verified by USMPO go through a thorough review process to make sure they’re legitimate and committed to doing business the right way. These companies agree to maintain:
- Accurate Estimates:
- Fair Pricing
- High-Quality Service
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. Why Choose a USMPO Verified Carrier?
When you pick a mover verified by the U.S. Moving Protection Organization (USMPO), you’re getting more than just a moving truck—you’re gaining the support of a trusted organization dedicated to protecting you throughout your move.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Transparent, Fair Pricing No hidden fees or surprise costs—just straightforward, honest quotes with fair adjustments if something changes.
- Reliable Quality Every USMPO-verified mover is carefully screened to meet high standards of professionalism and customer service.
- Customer Protection USMPO stands up for you, making sure movers follow through on their promises and resolving any issues that come up along the way.
- Guard Against Scams With USMPO, you’re less likely to fall prey to dishonest movers or brokers looking to take advantage of unsuspecting customers.
4. How Can You Tell If a Moving Company Is Legit?
We get it—finding a trustworthy mover can feel overwhelming, especially with so many moving scams making headlines these days. At the U.S. Moving Protection Organization (USMPO), our mission is to help you make confident, informed choices when picking a mover, so your relocation goes smoothly and safely.
Every year, thousands of people fall victim to dishonest movers who hide fees, hold shipments hostage, or simply disappear after loading your belongings. To protect you, we’ve created clear standards and tools to help you identify movers you can trust.
USMPO’s 5-Point Checklist to Spot a Legit Moving Company
Before you sign anything, make sure your mover checks off these essentials:
1. Verified Licensing (USDOT/FMCSA Registration)
A reputable moving company must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and have a valid USDOT number, especially for interstate moves. We double-check this for every mover in our network, so you don’t have to worry about whether your mover is properly licensed and authorized.
2. Proof of Insurance
Responsible movers carry active cargo insurance, general liability coverage, and workers’ compensation for their teams. USMPO requires all verified movers to provide proof of these protections—so if accidents happen, you’re not stuck paying the bills.
3. Transparent Estimates with Visual Surveys
Beware of movers who give cheap phone quotes that skyrocket on moving day. Movers in the USMPO network offer video or in-person walkthroughs to provide accurate, written, and binding estimates. Clear pricing builds trust and avoids surprises.
4. Real Business Presence and Strong Reputation
We look for movers with a real office (no P.O. boxes), professional branding, and a solid track record of customer service. We also review complaint histories and ratings on trusted sites like FMCSA, BBB, and Google Reviews.
5. Accountability Backed by USMPO
Unlike many directories, USMPO doesn’t just list movers—we actively monitor their performance. Verified movers follow a strict code of conduct, and those who don’t meet our standards are removed. Plus, if disputes arise, we offer a formal process to help resolve issues fairly—giving you extra peace of mind.
5. How to Protect Yourself from Moving Scams in Tuscaloosa
It might seem simple to just search online for a moving company, but beware—this easy route can sometimes lead to big headaches. Without strong oversight, dishonest movers can fake reviews, game search rankings, and make themselves look trustworthy when they’re not. That’s where the USMPO verification process really helps—it vets movers ahead of time to make sure they’re licensed, legitimate, and honest.
Here are some practical tips to keep you safe from moving scams:
- Do Your Homework
- Get Multiple Quotes
- Verify Licenses and Insurance
- Avoid Large Upfront Payments
- Get a Written Contract
- Watch for Warning Signs
- Check Their Physical Address and Contact Info
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.
What does it mean if a mover is USMPO verified when looking for the best moving companies in Tuscaloosa?
A USMPO verified mover has passed strict checks for proper licensing, insurance, and ethical business practices. Choosing one of the best moving companies in Tuscaloosa verified by USMPO ensures you’re hiring a reputable and trustworthy mover committed to fair pricing and quality service.
How can USMPO help me find the best moving companies in Tuscaloosa?
USMPO provides a vetted network of professional movers in Tuscaloosa, making it easier to avoid scams and unreliable movers. Their verification process includes ongoing monitoring and dispute resolution to protect your interests throughout your move.
Are USMPO-verified movers in Tuscaloosa more expensive than other movers?
Not necessarily. The best moving companies in Tuscaloosa verified by USMPO focus on transparency and fair pricing. While you might pay slightly more for the added security and professionalism, it often saves money and stress by preventing hidden fees and poor service.
What should I do if I have an issue with a moving company in Tuscaloosa?
If your mover is USMPO verified, you have access to their formal dispute resolution process. USMPO helps mediate complaints and holds movers accountable, providing an extra layer of protection if problems arise during your move.