Memphis, TN → Traverse City, MI · Long-distance move
About 832 road miles heading north. Typical two-bedroom cost $4,040–$6,010, delivery in 2–5 days, 534 carriers on the Memphis side and 53 in Traverse City.
The route from Memphis, TN to Traverse City, MI covers roughly 832 miles by road, a north-bound trip that falls into the 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 $4,040 to $6,010 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 15 h 3 min.
On the Memphis side there are 534 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (397 of them authorized for interstate work), and 53 around Traverse City (19 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 Traverse City.
Memphis has a population of about 609,647 and Traverse City about 16,000. The two cities have comparable density (2,132 and 1,894 people per square mile), so loading and unloading conditions are usually similar at both ends. Note that Michigan 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 | $1,620 | $1,970 | $2,400 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $2,420 | $2,950 | $3,600 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $4,040 | $4,920 | $6,010 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $6,460 | $7,880 | $9,610 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $8,880 | $10,830 | $13,220 |
$1,150–$1,630
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,760–$2,590
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$4,040–$6,010
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Memphis, TN → Traverse City, MI. 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: Jit - Ex LLC
Legal name: Nordic Movers INC
Legal name: Able Forwarders INC
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,620 to $2,400 for a studio, $2,420 to $3,600 for a one-bedroom, $4,040 to $6,010 for a two-bedroom, $6,460 to $9,610 for a three-bedroom and $8,880 to $13,220 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 832 road miles (705 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 15 h 3 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 Tennessee into Michigan 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 $1,150 to $1,630 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,760 to $2,590. 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 Memphis–Traverse City corridor.