Ames, IA → Johnson City, TN · Long-distance move
About 847 road miles heading southeast. Typical two-bedroom cost $3,990–$5,930, delivery in 2–5 days, 55 carriers on the Ames side and 93 in Johnson City.
Johnson City sits about 847 miles southeast of Ames, which makes this an interstate relocation from Iowa to Tennessee that most movers classify as a long-distance move.
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 $3,990 to $5,930 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 15 h 18 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 93 around Johnson City (59 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 Johnson City.
Ames has a population of about 66,000 and Johnson City about 74,000. Ames is considerably denser (2,355 people per square mile versus 1,633), 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 | $1,600 | $1,950 | $2,370 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $2,390 | $2,920 | $3,560 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $3,990 | $4,860 | $5,930 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $6,380 | $7,780 | $9,490 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $8,780 | $10,700 | $13,060 |
$1,170–$1,650
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,780–$2,610
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$3,990–$5,930
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Ames, IA → Johnson City, 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: Black Barn Farm LLC
Legal name: Bms Enterprises LLC
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,600 to $2,370 for a studio, $2,390 to $3,560 for a one-bedroom, $3,990 to $5,930 for a two-bedroom, $6,380 to $9,490 for a three-bedroom and $8,780 to $13,060 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 847 road miles (718 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 15 h 18 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 $1,170 to $1,650 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,780 to $2,610. 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–Johnson City corridor.