Fort Worth, TX → Ames, IA · Long-distance move
About 791 road miles heading north. Typical two-bedroom cost $3,920–$5,830, delivery in 2–5 days, 2,811 carriers on the Fort Worth side and 55 in Ames.
Moving from Fort Worth to Ames is a long-distance move of roughly 791 road miles, heading north from Texas to Iowa.
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 $3,920 to $5,830 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 14 h 20 min.
On the Fort Worth side there are 2,811 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (1,207 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.
Fort Worth has a population of about 1 million and Ames about 66,000. The two cities have comparable density (2,646 and 2,355 people per square mile), so loading and unloading conditions are usually similar at both ends. Note that Iowa does collect a state income tax, unlike Texas, so factor that into the cost-of-living comparison.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $1,570 | $1,910 | $2,330 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $2,350 | $2,870 | $3,500 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $3,920 | $4,780 | $5,830 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $6,270 | $7,650 | $9,330 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $8,620 | $10,520 | $12,830 |
$1,110–$1,570
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,730–$2,540
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$3,920–$5,830
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Fort Worth, TX → Ames, IA. 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: K L Breeden & Sons LLC
Legal name: Norco Corporation
Legal name: DC Transportation Services INC
Legal name: K1 Logistics INC
Legal name: Central Iowa Towing And Recovery INC
Legal name: Myers & Associates LLC
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,570 to $2,330 for a studio, $2,350 to $3,500 for a one-bedroom, $3,920 to $5,830 for a two-bedroom, $6,270 to $9,330 for a three-bedroom and $8,620 to $12,830 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 791 road miles (671 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 14 h 20 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 Texas 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.
A one-way rental truck for this distance typically runs $1,110 to $1,570 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,730 to $2,540. 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 Fort Worth–Ames corridor.