Ann Arbor, MI → Ames, IA · Long-distance move

Movers from Ann Arbor to Ames

About 598 road miles heading west. Typical two-bedroom cost $3,440–$5,120, delivery in 2–5 days, 229 carriers on the Ann Arbor side and 55 in Ames.

598 miroad distance
11 h 1 mindriving time
2–5 daysdelivery window
$3,440–$5,1202-bedroom estimate

Photo: Dirk DBQ · CC BY 2.0

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Route summary

From: Ann Arbor, Michigan
To: Ames, Iowa
Road distance: ≈ 598 miles (507 straight-line)
Drive time: 11 h 1 min
Delivery window: 2–5 days
Move type: Interstate – FMCSA authority required
Movers at origin: 229 (112 interstate)
Movers at destination: 55 (25 interstate)

Reverse: Ames → Ann Arbor

Ames sits about 598 miles west of Ann Arbor, which makes this an interstate relocation from Michigan to Iowa 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 $3,440 to $5,120 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 1 min.

On the Ann Arbor side there are 229 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (112 of them authorized for interstate work), and 55 around Ames (25 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 Ames.

Ann Arbor has a population of about 122,233 and Ames about 66,000. Ann Arbor is considerably denser (4,392 people per square mile versus 2,355), so expect tighter loading conditions, parking permits or elevator reservations at the origin and easier truck access at the destination.

Cost of moving from Ann Arbor to Ames

Full-service estimate for 598 miles, by home size
Home size	Est. weight	Low	Typical	High
Studio	2,000 lb	$1,380	$1,680	$2,050
1 Bedroom	3,000 lb	$2,070	$2,520	$3,070
2 Bedrooms	5,000 lb	$3,440	$4,200	$5,120
3 Bedrooms	8,000 lb	$5,510	$6,720	$8,200
4+ Bedrooms	11,000 lb	$7,580	$9,240	$11,270

Rental truck (DIY)

$910–$1,290

One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.

Portable container

$1,550–$2,280

Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.

Full-service mover

$3,440–$5,120

Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.

Moving cost calculator

Distance is pre-filled for Ann Arbor, MI → Ames, IA. Adjust the other options to see your range.

—to—

Typical full-service range.

Estimates use market baselines described on the cost guide; your quotes will vary by inventory, access and date.

Moving companies for this route

Near Ann Arbor (origin)

Xpo Logistics Freight INC

Licensed interstate Safety: Satisfactory

USDOT: 241829
MC: 165377
Based in: Ann Arbor, MI 48105 (4 mi from center)
Service: Long-distance
Fleet: 10,260 trucks, 12,986 drivers
USDOT registered: 1984

Route Verify on FMCSA

A D Transport Express INC

Licensed interstate Safety: Satisfactory

USDOT: 296052
MC: 192625
Based in: Canton, MI 48188 (13 mi from center)
Service: Local & long-distance
Fleet: 500 trucks, 429 drivers
USDOT registered: 1987

Call (734) 397-7100 Route Verify on FMCSA

Whiteline Express LTD

Licensed interstate Safety: Satisfactory

Legal name: Whiteline Express

USDOT: 186721
MC: 163645
Based in: Plymouth, MI 48170 (12 mi from center)
Service: Local & long-distance
Fleet: 266 trucks, 221 drivers
USDOT registered: 1974

Call (734) 354-7317 Route Verify on FMCSA

Saint Joseph Express

Licensed interstate

Legal name: Fonguh Delivery Services LLC

USDOT: 3307370
MC: 1049987
Based in: Ypsilanti, MI 48197 (7 mi from center)
Service: Long-distance
Fleet: 38 trucks, 98 drivers
USDOT registered: 2019

Call (513) 602-2289 Route Verify on FMCSA

Pink Logistics LLC

Licensed interstate

USDOT: 3093121
MC: 73065
Based in: Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (1 mi from center)
Service: Long-distance
Fleet: 30 trucks, 24 drivers
USDOT registered: 2018

Call (734) 660-2484 Route Verify on FMCSA

Bright Pledge Carriers LLC

Licensed interstate

USDOT: 3454345
MC: 1125919
Based in: Ann Arbor, MI 48108 (4 mi from center)
Service: Local moves
Fleet: 30 trucks, 45 drivers
USDOT registered: 2020

Call (734) 276-0663 Route Verify on FMCSA

Pinnacle Express INC

Licensed interstate Safety: Satisfactory

USDOT: 610538
MC: 293651
Based in: Ann Arbor, MI 48108 (4 mi from center)
Service: Long-distance
Fleet: 25 trucks, 20 drivers
USDOT registered: 1995

Call (734) 623-8558 Route Verify on FMCSA

Nationwide Roadside Assistance

Licensed interstate

Legal name: Michigan Roadside Assistance Group LLC

USDOT: 2974615
MC: 10764
Based in: Ypsilanti, MI 48198 (7 mi from center)
Service: Local & long-distance
Fleet: 20 trucks, 40 drivers
USDOT registered: 2017

Call (734) 666-6669 Route Verify on FMCSA

All 229 movers in Ann Arbor

Near Ames (destination)

Central Iowa Towing And Recovery

Licensed interstate

Legal name: Central Iowa Towing And Recovery INC

USDOT: 2359315
MC: 1349765
Based in: Ames, IA 50010 (2 mi from center)
Service: Long-distance
Fleet: 88 trucks, 79 drivers
USDOT registered: 2012

Call (515) 290-4188 Route Verify on FMCSA

Hemmen Moving INC

Licensed interstate Safety: Satisfactory

USDOT: 608245
MC: 292343
Based in: Ames, IA 50014 (4 mi from center)
Service: Long-distance
Fleet: 8 trucks, 5 drivers
USDOT registered: 1995

Call (515) 268-9090 Route Verify on FMCSA

J T L Transport LLC

Licensed interstate

USDOT: 2528339
MC: 887466
Based in: Randall, IA 50231 (15 mi from center)
Service: Long-distance
Fleet: 4 trucks, 4 drivers
USDOT registered: 2014

Call (515) 669-1891 Route Verify on FMCSA

V&c Express Corp

Licensed interstate

USDOT: 3635053
MC: 1246860
Based in: Ames, IA 50010 (2 mi from center)
Service: Long-distance
Fleet: 2 trucks, 1 drivers
USDOT registered: 2021

Call (904) 418-8009 Route Verify on FMCSA

Combined Relocation Services LLC

Licensed interstate

USDOT: 1666941
MC: 709641
Based in: Huxley, IA 50124 (10 mi from center)
Service: Long-distance
Fleet: 2 trucks, 2 drivers
USDOT registered: 2007

Call (515) 276-6674 Route Verify on FMCSA

Alex Moving LLC

Licensed interstate

USDOT: 4346742
MC: 1699031
Based in: Ames, IA 50010 (2 mi from center)
Service: Long-distance
Fleet: 1 truck, 2 drivers
USDOT registered: 2025

Call (515) 817-4521 Route Verify on FMCSA

Property Service Agency LLC

Intrastate carrier

USDOT: 1433739
Based in: Ames, IA 50010 (2 mi from center)
Service: Local moves
Fleet: 6 trucks, 6 drivers
USDOT registered: 2005

Call (515) 233-1922 Route Verify on FMCSA

M&a Moving And Hauling

Intrastate carrier

Legal name: Myers & Associates LLC

USDOT: 2340775
Based in: Madrid, IA 50156 (13 mi from center)
Service: Local moves
Fleet: 2 trucks, 3 drivers
USDOT registered: 2012

Call (515) 795-3676 Route Verify on FMCSA

All 55 movers in Ames

Related routes

Other destinations from Ann Arbor

Other origins to Ames

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to move from Ann Arbor to Ames?

Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,380 to $2,050 for a studio, $2,070 to $3,070 for a one-bedroom, $3,440 to $5,120 for a two-bedroom, $5,510 to $8,200 for a three-bedroom and $7,580 to $11,270 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.

How far is Ames from Ann Arbor?

About 598 road miles (507 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 11 h 1 min.

How long will the movers take to deliver?

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.

Does my mover need interstate authority for this move?

Yes. Crossing from Michigan into Iowa 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.

Is it cheaper to rent a truck or use a container for Ann Arbor to Ames?

A one-way rental truck for this distance typically runs $910 to $1,290 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,550 to $2,280. 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.

When is the least expensive time to book this move?

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 Ann Arbor–Ames corridor.