Ames, IA → Plano, TX · Long-distance move
About 759 road miles heading south. Typical two-bedroom cost $3,840–$5,720, delivery in 2–5 days, 55 carriers on the Ames side and 1,562 in Plano.
The route from Ames, IA to Plano, TX covers roughly 759 miles by road, a south-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 $3,840 to $5,720 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 13 h 47 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 1,562 around Plano (674 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 Plano.
Ames has a population of about 66,000 and Plano about 293,028. Plano is the denser city (3,982 people per square mile versus 2,355 in Ames), which often means shuttle trucks, parking restrictions or building move-in windows on delivery day. Texas 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 | $1,540 | $1,880 | $2,290 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $2,310 | $2,810 | $3,430 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $3,840 | $4,690 | $5,720 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $6,150 | $7,500 | $9,150 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $8,460 | $10,310 | $12,580 |
$1,080–$1,520
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,700–$2,500
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$3,840–$5,720
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Ames, IA → Plano, TX. 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: Brothers Produce Of Dallas INC
Legal name: A & B Transfer & Storage Company INC - Armstrong Relocation
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,540 to $2,290 for a studio, $2,310 to $3,430 for a one-bedroom, $3,840 to $5,720 for a two-bedroom, $6,150 to $9,150 for a three-bedroom and $8,460 to $12,580 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 759 road miles (643 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 13 h 47 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 Texas 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 $1,080 to $1,520 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,700 to $2,500. 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–Plano corridor.