How Moving Companies Price Jobs
The moving industry operates on two entirely different pricing models depending on how far you are going: local moves are billed by the hour, while long-distance moves are billed by weight and mileage.
Local Moves (Under 100 Miles)
If you are moving across town, movers charge a flat hourly rate for the truck and the crew. A two-person crew might charge $100 to $150 an hour. The primary driver of cost here is simply how long it takes to load and unload your belongings. Stairs, long hallways in apartment complexes, and lack of dedicated parking will run up the clock and your bill.
Long-Distance Moves (Over 100 Miles)
For interstate moves, the federal government requires moving companies to price based on total weight (measured in pounds) and distance. Time doesn't matter. A standard 2-bedroom apartment weighs roughly 3,500 pounds. The truck is weighed empty, then weighed again after your items are loaded to determine the final, exact cost.
The Summer Penalty (Seasonality)
Nearly 70% of all moves in the US happen between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Because demand outstrips the supply of trucks and labor, moving companies raise their rates by 15% to 30% during the summer peak. If you have the flexibility, scheduling your move for mid-November will save you hundreds of dollars compared to a July weekend.