Ames, IA → Suffolk, VA · Long-distance move
About 1,153 road miles heading east. Typical two-bedroom cost $4,950–$7,370, delivery in 3–7 days, 55 carriers on the Ames side and 101 in Suffolk.
Moving from Ames to Suffolk is a long-distance move of roughly 1,153 road miles, heading east from Iowa to Virginia.
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 $4,950 to $7,370 with a full-service mover, and delivery usually takes 3 to 7 days after pickup because long-haul trucks consolidate several households per trip. Driving it yourself takes about 20 h 35 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 101 around Suffolk (62 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 Suffolk.
Ames has a population of about 66,000 and Suffolk about 104,699. Ames is considerably denser (2,355 people per square mile versus 236), so expect tighter loading conditions, parking permits or elevator reservations at the origin and easier truck access at the destination. Virginia is a higher-cost state than Iowa, so budget a little more for destination-side help, deposits and first-month expenses.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $1,980 | $2,420 | $2,950 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $2,970 | $3,620 | $4,420 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $4,950 | $6,040 | $7,370 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $7,920 | $9,660 | $11,790 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $10,890 | $13,290 | $16,210 |
$1,630–$2,310
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$2,050–$3,010
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$4,950–$7,370
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Ames, IA → Suffolk, VA. 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: Queeney Enterprises INC
Legal name: Fast Track Transport Corporation
Legal name: Loving Hearts LLC
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,980 to $2,950 for a studio, $2,970 to $4,420 for a one-bedroom, $4,950 to $7,370 for a two-bedroom, $7,920 to $11,790 for a three-bedroom and $10,890 to $16,210 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 1,153 road miles (977 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 20 h 35 min.
Expect a delivery window of 3 to 7 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 Virginia 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 $1,630 to $2,310 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $2,050 to $3,010. 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–Suffolk corridor.