Chattanooga, TN → Tuscaloosa, AL · Regional long-distance move
About 214 road miles heading southwest. Typical two-bedroom cost $2,170–$3,230, delivery in 1–2 days, 241 carriers on the Chattanooga side and 80 in Tuscaloosa.
The route from Chattanooga, TN to Tuscaloosa, AL covers roughly 214 miles by road, a southwest-bound trip that falls into the regional 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 $2,170 to $3,230 with a full-service mover, and delivery usually takes 1 to 2 days after pickup because long-haul trucks consolidate several households per trip. Driving it yourself takes about 4 h 23 min.
On the Chattanooga side there are 241 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (155 of them authorized for interstate work), and 80 around Tuscaloosa (39 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 Tuscaloosa.
Chattanooga has a population of about 194,144 and Tuscaloosa about 114,316. The two cities have comparable density (1,272 and 1,609 people per square mile), so loading and unloading conditions are usually similar at both ends. Note that Alabama does collect a state income tax, unlike Tennessee, so factor that into the cost-of-living comparison.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $1,140 | $1,390 | $1,690 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $1,300 | $1,590 | $1,940 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $2,170 | $2,650 | $3,230 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $3,480 | $4,240 | $5,180 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $4,780 | $5,830 | $7,120 |
$370–$520
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,210–$1,780
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$2,170–$3,230
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Chattanooga, TN → Tuscaloosa, 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: US Xpress INC
Legal name: Covenant Transport LLC
Legal name: Chattanooga 081 LLC
Legal name: Jst INC
Legal name: Cbs Leasing LLC
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,140 to $1,690 for a studio, $1,300 to $1,940 for a one-bedroom, $2,170 to $3,230 for a two-bedroom, $3,480 to $5,180 for a three-bedroom and $4,780 to $7,120 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 214 road miles (182 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 4 h 23 min.
Expect a delivery window of 1 to 2 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 Tennessee 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 $370 to $520 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,210 to $1,780. 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 Chattanooga–Tuscaloosa corridor.