If you’re planning a move, there’s a chance you may not know the difference between interstate and intrastate moving. Knowing the difference could save you time, money, and potential legal headaches.
Difference Between Interstate and Intrastate Moving involves crossing state lines, while intrastate moves occur within one state. The difference between the two is significant because it changes which laws apply, which paperwork you’ll need to file, and which crew members are authorized to perform your move. Whether you’re moving across the country or just to another city, understanding the difference between these types of moves will help you make an informed decision when choosing a reputable and trustworthy moving company.
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Interstate moving requires special licensing and compliance with federal regulations, including those prescribed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. These rules regulate the size of the vehicle used to transport goods, the amount of insurance required, and guidelines for pricing and contracts. Moreover, they require that the moving company have a USDOT number for interstate transportation.
For interstate moves, the cost is determined by the weight of your shipment, distance traveled, and extra services such as packing, storage facilities, and disassembly and reassembly of specialty items. This contrasts with intrastate moves, which typically have a straightforward hourly rate that reflects labor costs directly, without commingling them with fuel and additional service charges.
However, even if you’re moving to another city in your same state, it might still count as an interstate move, depending on the FMCSA rules in place at that time. Therefore, it’s best to choose a reputable and reliable company that offers both intrastate and interstate relocation.

