Ames, IA → Chattanooga, TN · Long-distance move
About 778 road miles heading southeast. Typical two-bedroom cost $3,830–$5,690, delivery in 2–5 days, 55 carriers on the Ames side and 241 in Chattanooga.
The route from Ames, IA to Chattanooga, TN covers roughly 778 miles by road, a southeast-bound trip that falls into the 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 $3,830 to $5,690 with a full-service mover, and delivery usually takes 2 to 5 days after pickup because long-haul trucks consolidate several households per trip. Driving it yourself takes about 14 h 7 min.
On the Ames side there are 55 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (25 of them authorized for interstate work), and 241 around Chattanooga (155 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 Chattanooga.
Ames has a population of about 66,000 and Chattanooga about 194,144. Ames is considerably denser (2,355 people per square mile versus 1,272), so expect tighter loading conditions, parking permits or elevator reservations at the origin and easier truck access at the destination. Tennessee levies no state income tax on wages, a frequent reason people make this exact move.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $1,530 | $1,870 | $2,280 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $2,300 | $2,800 | $3,420 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $3,830 | $4,670 | $5,690 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $6,120 | $7,470 | $9,110 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $8,420 | $10,270 | $12,530 |
$1,100–$1,550
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,710–$2,520
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$3,830–$5,690
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Ames, IA → Chattanooga, TN. 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: Central Iowa Towing And Recovery INC
Legal name: Myers & Associates LLC
Legal name: US Xpress INC
Legal name: Covenant Transport LLC
Legal name: Chattanooga 081 LLC
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,530 to $2,280 for a studio, $2,300 to $3,420 for a one-bedroom, $3,830 to $5,690 for a two-bedroom, $6,120 to $9,110 for a three-bedroom and $8,420 to $12,530 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 778 road miles (660 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 14 h 7 min.
Expect a delivery window of 2 to 5 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 Iowa into Tennessee 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 $1,100 to $1,550 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,710 to $2,520. 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 Ames–Chattanooga corridor.