Two different services under the same name
When someone says "I need a move" in Miami, they could mean very different things: moving from Brickell to Coral Gables (10 miles) or moving from Miami to New York (1,300 miles). Both are moves, but the operational, legal and economic logic is completely different. Confusing them leads to unpleasant surprises.
Legal definition: what counts as interstate?
A move is interstate when it crosses state lines. Moving from Miami to Fort Lauderdale is local (both in Florida). Moving from Miami to Atlanta is interstate (crosses into Georgia). Interstate moves are regulated by the federal Department of Transportation (FMCSA, DOT) and companies must hold a USDOT number and meet federal requirements.
Local moves in Florida are regulated by the state through the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (DACS). Companies must register but requirements are less strict than federal ones.
Pricing structure: hour vs weight
The most practical difference for the customer is how billing works:
Local move: hourly rate. A company charges per crew (2-4 movers plus truck) between 120 and 200 USD per hour in South Florida. A typical local move takes 4-8 hours, landing at 500-1,500 USD.
Long-distance move: weight and distance rate. The company estimates the weight of your belongings (in pounds) and applies a pound-mile rate. A Miami to New York move for a 2-bedroom (estimated 5,000 lbs) can run 3,500 to 6,500 USD.
Comparison table
Local move (Miami to Aventura, 25 miles):
- Rate: hourly
- Cost: 500-1,500 USD for 2-bedroom
- Total time: 1 day
- Regulation: state (Florida DACS)
- Quote: phone call or quick visit
- Payment: at end of service
Long-distance move (Miami to New York):
- Rate: by weight and distance
- Cost: 3,500-6,500 USD for 2-bedroom
- Total time: 3-14 days (delivery window)
- Regulation: federal (FMCSA / DOT)
- Quote: requires in-home or video inspection
- Payment: deposit + balance at delivery
Timing: exact day vs delivery window
In a local move, you get a specific date and time: "we arrive Saturday between 8 and 9 AM". In an interstate move, the standard is a delivery window of 3 to 14 days. This is because interstate trucks consolidate loads from several families on the same trip and routes are planned by destination.
Some premium companies offer guaranteed-date interstate delivery, but it costs significantly more (sometimes 50% extra).
Documentation: the big difference
An interstate move requires specific documents:
- Bill of Lading: transport contract, equivalent to the service invoice
- Inventory list: detailed list of every box and piece of furniture with its condition
- Valuation coverage: declaration of value for coverage purposes
- Order for Service: the pre-agreement with estimated rate
In a local move, a simple contract and final invoice are enough. The paperwork is much lighter.
Insurance and coverage
By federal law, interstate companies must offer two coverage levels:
- Released Value: included, pays 0.60 USD per pound of damaged item. A 50-lb TV damaged pays 30 USD. Essentially symbolic.
- Full Value Protection: optional at extra cost, covers replacement value. Recommended for interstate moves.
In local Florida moves, options vary by company but usually include basic coverage and the option to buy additional.
When each model applies
Local moves are any move within the state of Florida. Even if you cover long distances within the state (Miami to Jacksonville is 350 miles), it is technically still local. Some companies call these "long distance intrastate" and charge a hybrid model.
Interstate moves apply whenever you cross to another state, regardless of distance. A Miami to Tallahassee move (480 miles, same state) can come out cheaper than Miami to Savannah (435 miles, different state) because of the regulatory model.
Preparation by type
For a local move, 2-3 weeks of lead time is enough. For an interstate one, we recommend 6-8 weeks: time to quote with 3-4 companies, read reviews (FMCSA has a public database), carefully review contracts and plan dates with margin.