Most people are living with this belief that interstate and intrastate relocation are similar. If you are one of them, it’s time to get your information updated.
As the name suggests, the interstate move involves shifting your belongings out of the state, whereas intrastate relocation happens within the state. Also, if the distance between the current home and the new home is less than 40 or 50 miles, it is considered a local move. Usually, an interstate move is referred to as a long-distance move.
However, when we talk about the differences, they are not limited to the distance. But it’s a lot more. In some cases, what we think of as an in-state move is actually out of state. It happens when the route to your new residence requires crossing state lines. So, it will be interstate shifting and your moving company needs to have special permits and insurance. Also, they need to be familiar with the regulations involved in the next state to complete the task within the time. While such instances take place rarely, it is vital to talk to your movers to know about:
- The route they are taking (whether it involves cutting the state lines or not)
- How they are charging you (make sure you know the charges set by the state or national agencies if applicable)
- Whether your movers have the necessary permits and insurances to enter into another state or not (insufficient documents often lead to additional charges like plenty for not following the protocol)
If you are wondering why it is essential to distinguish interstate from the intrastate move, there are various reasons.
First of all, when it comes to moving, not all home relocations are the same and so are the moving services and regulations. It means if you are planning to move out of the state, you should go for one of the top long-distance movers in San Diego. Please remember, a moving company that specializes in local moves may not have the necessary permits, equipment, and workforce to complete long-distance relocation. Also, regulations for both are different, which often led to confusion among customers. In this post, we will look at all the regulations and help you make the right decision.
Price and service
The regulation for price and service varies from one state to another. Additionally, some states are allowed to set their prices, but they may have to file a mover’s tariff. Except for places like California and Pennsylvania, the price is dictated by the state regulatory agencies, both local and long-distance relocations. As a result, the moving companies have to abide by the rates set by the state authorities.
The primary differences between the local and long-distance relocation charges are that the former is based on an hourly rate. On the other hand, the interstate move rate depends on the weight of the belongings and the distance. If you are moving out of the state, it is essential to confirm your interstate movers in San Diego about their charges. And if they will charge you depending on the weight of your belongings, pack as little as possible to cut down your expenses.
Insurance
Most people neglect to confirm insurance with their potential movers. As a result, some homeowners end up suffering a significant loss like lost or damaged valuables. While all movers and packers are required to keep their company and vehicle insurance up-to-date, not everyone does it. Therefore, you should not buy your prospective company’s words. Instead, you must ask for documents proving that they have adequate insurance.
When evaluating the right option for your upcoming home relocation, you can also use FMCSA’s SAFER System website to confirm whether your moving company is reliable or not. What makes this website great is that it’s fast, free, and easy-to-use. In addition to this, you can get your hands on the following information about your movers, such as:
- The status of your preferred movers’ insurance.
- You will get to know whether you have been provided with an appropriate DOT or MC number by the moving company. It is because some dishonest movers give their customers fake DOT or MC numbers to trap them.
- It will also give you information about their highway safety rating so that you can have peace of mind by handing over your valuables to the right people.
- You will find out if they are a broker or a mover.
- Besides this, it will give you a confirmation if your mover is in good standing.
Safety
Indeed, safety is an essential factor when deciding on your movers and packers. After all, you do not want to see your favorite items in broken and damaged condition once delivered. However, these safety regulations are different for in-state and out of state relocation. It is because different agencies regulate safety laws for home relocation. For example, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates interstate moving companies in San Diego and across the United States.
On the contrary, local movers and packers are subject to safety regulations set by the Department of Transportation of state. So, the regulations for in-state moves may vary from one to another. As we have mentioned already, some states like Pennsylvania and California are regulated by the Public Utilities Commission. They are even allowed to set their moving charges.
The crux
Until today, for many, the only difference between interstate and intrastate is the one letter. But based on the above discussion, it is quite clear that there are remarkable differences between both in terms of the costs, logistics, safety and insurance regulations, and so on. Therefore, to ensure a smooth and affordable move, it is crucial to understand the type of your upcoming home relocation and plan accordingly.
If you are searching for movers and packers that offer cheap moving services in California, feel free to contact professionals at Eckert’s Moving and Storage. We have the necessary licenses, insurances, workforce, and equipment, to complete any move without fail.