Ames, IA → Hot Springs, AR · Long-distance move
About 616 road miles heading south. Typical two-bedroom cost $3,360–$5,000, delivery in 2–5 days, 55 carriers on the Ames side and 27 in Hot Springs.
Moving from Ames to Hot Springs is a long-distance move of roughly 616 road miles, heading south from Iowa to Arkansas.
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 $3,360 to $5,000 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 11 h 19 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 27 around Hot Springs (14 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 Hot Springs.
Ames has a population of about 66,000 and Hot Springs about 38,000. Ames is considerably denser (2,355 people per square mile versus 1,010), so expect tighter loading conditions, parking permits or elevator reservations at the origin and easier truck access at the destination.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $1,340 | $1,640 | $2,000 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $2,010 | $2,460 | $3,000 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $3,360 | $4,100 | $5,000 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $5,370 | $6,550 | $7,990 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $7,390 | $9,010 | $10,990 |
$930–$1,320
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,570–$2,310
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$3,360–$5,000
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Ames, IA → Hot Springs, AR. 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: Village Delivery And Moving INC
Legal name: Kingdom Enterprises LLC
Legal name: Zion Delivery Services LLC
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,340 to $2,000 for a studio, $2,010 to $3,000 for a one-bedroom, $3,360 to $5,000 for a two-bedroom, $5,370 to $7,990 for a three-bedroom and $7,390 to $10,990 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 616 road miles (522 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 11 h 19 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 Arkansas 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 $930 to $1,320 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,570 to $2,310. 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–Hot Springs corridor.