Aberdeen, SD → Ames, IA · Regional long-distance move
About 400 road miles heading southeast. Typical two-bedroom cost $2,840–$4,230, delivery in 1–3 days, 9 carriers on the Aberdeen side and 55 in Ames.
The route from Aberdeen, SD to Ames, IA covers roughly 400 miles by road, a southeast-bound trip that falls into the regional long-distance move category for pricing purposes.
At this distance carriers price by shipment weight and mileage rather than by the hour. A two-bedroom home (around 5,000 lb of goods) typically costs $2,840 to $4,230 with a full-service mover, and delivery usually takes 1 to 3 days after pickup because long-haul trucks consolidate several households per trip. Driving it yourself takes about 7 h 36 min.
On the Aberdeen side there are 9 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (9 of them authorized for interstate work), and 55 around Ames (25 interstate). For an interstate move you can book from either end; movers near the origin handle loading and are usually the better first call, while a destination-side company can be useful if you need storage or delivery-day help in Ames.
Aberdeen has a population of about 28,000 and Ames about 66,000. Ames is the denser city (2,355 people per square mile versus 1,725 in Aberdeen), which often means shuttle trucks, parking restrictions or building move-in windows on delivery day. Note that Iowa does collect a state income tax, unlike South Dakota, so factor that into the cost-of-living comparison.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $1,160 | $1,410 | $1,720 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $1,700 | $2,080 | $2,540 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $2,840 | $3,460 | $4,230 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $4,540 | $5,540 | $6,760 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $6,250 | $7,620 | $9,300 |
$560–$790
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,380–$2,030
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$2,840–$4,230
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Aberdeen, SD → Ames, IA. Adjust the other options to see your range.
Typical full-service range.
Estimates use market baselines described on the cost guide; your quotes will vary by inventory, access and date.
Legal name: Dial-A-Move INC
Legal name: Double Duty Portable Storage And Movers INC
Legal name: Greg G Milbrandt
Legal name: James G Pernsteiner
Legal name: Central Iowa Towing And Recovery INC
Legal name: Myers & Associates LLC
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,160 to $1,720 for a studio, $1,700 to $2,540 for a one-bedroom, $2,840 to $4,230 for a two-bedroom, $4,540 to $6,760 for a three-bedroom and $6,250 to $9,300 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 400 road miles (339 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 7 h 36 min.
Expect a delivery window of 1 to 3 days after pickup. Carriers give a spread rather than a fixed date because long-distance trucks carry several shipments; a dedicated truck or expedited service shortens the window for an extra fee.
Yes. Crossing from South Dakota into Iowa makes this an interstate move, so the carrier must hold active FMCSA operating authority (an MC number) in addition to its USDOT number. The company cards on this page flag which carriers are authorized for interstate work.
A one-way rental truck for this distance typically runs $560 to $790 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,380 to $2,030. Both save money versus a full-service crew but you do the loading, and container transit can take longer than a mover's delivery window.
Rates are highest in summer and around the last days of any month, when demand peaks. Mid-month, mid-week and winter dates are usually quoted below the standard rate. Booking four to eight weeks ahead gives you the widest choice of carriers on the Aberdeen–Ames corridor.