Bismarck, ND → Lake Charles, LA · Long-distance move
About 1,436 road miles heading south. Typical two-bedroom cost $5,450–$8,100, delivery in 3–7 days, 42 carriers on the Bismarck side and 25 in Lake Charles.
Lake Charles sits about 1,436 miles south of Bismarck, which makes this an interstate relocation from North Dakota to Louisiana 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 $5,450 to $8,100 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 25 hours (3 driving days).
On the Bismarck side there are 42 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (32 of them authorized for interstate work), and 25 around Lake Charles (18 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 Lake Charles.
Bismarck has a population of about 76,000 and Lake Charles about 80,000. The two cities have comparable density (2,123 and 1,788 people per square mile), so loading and unloading conditions are usually similar at both ends.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $2,180 | $2,660 | $3,240 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $3,270 | $3,990 | $4,860 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $5,450 | $6,640 | $8,100 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $8,720 | $10,630 | $12,970 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $11,980 | $14,620 | $17,830 |
$2,080–$2,930
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$2,300–$3,380
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$5,450–$8,100
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Bismarck, ND → Lake Charles, LA. 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: Crosscountry Freight Solutions INC
Legal name: Asp INC
Legal name: James G Gobert INC
Legal name: Cbl Jones LLC
Legal name: Mike Hooks LLC
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $2,180 to $3,240 for a studio, $3,270 to $4,860 for a one-bedroom, $5,450 to $8,100 for a two-bedroom, $8,720 to $12,970 for a three-bedroom and $11,980 to $17,830 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 1,436 road miles (1,217 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 25 hours (3 driving days).
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 North Dakota into Louisiana 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 $2,080 to $2,930 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $2,300 to $3,380. 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 Bismarck–Lake Charles corridor.