Ames, IA → Mobile, AL · Long-distance move
About 994 road miles heading southeast. Typical two-bedroom cost $4,220–$6,270, delivery in 2–5 days, 55 carriers on the Ames side and 168 in Mobile.
The route from Ames, IA to Mobile, AL covers roughly 994 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 $4,220 to $6,270 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 17 h 50 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 168 around Mobile (103 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 Mobile.
Ames has a population of about 66,000 and Mobile about 200,824. Ames is considerably denser (2,355 people per square mile versus 1,341), 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 | $1,690 | $2,060 | $2,510 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $2,530 | $3,090 | $3,760 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $4,220 | $5,140 | $6,270 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $6,750 | $8,230 | $10,040 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $9,280 | $11,310 | $13,800 |
$1,470–$2,080
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,910–$2,800
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$4,220–$6,270
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Ames, IA → Mobile, AL. 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: S And M Transportation INC
Legal name: Sws Investments & Holdings LLC
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,690 to $2,510 for a studio, $2,530 to $3,760 for a one-bedroom, $4,220 to $6,270 for a two-bedroom, $6,750 to $10,040 for a three-bedroom and $9,280 to $13,800 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 994 road miles (842 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 17 h 50 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 Alabama 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 $1,470 to $2,080 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,910 to $2,800. 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–Mobile corridor.