Richmond, VA → Modesto, CA · Cross-country move
About 2,786 road miles heading west. Typical two-bedroom cost $9,080–$13,500, delivery in 7–14 days, 400 carriers on the Richmond side and 392 in Modesto.
Moving from Richmond to Modesto is a cross-country move of roughly 2,786 road miles, heading west from Virginia to California.
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 $9,080 to $13,500 with a full-service mover, and delivery usually takes 7 to 14 days after pickup because long-haul trucks consolidate several households per trip. Driving it yourself takes about 48 hours (6 driving days).
On the Richmond side there are 400 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (215 of them authorized for interstate work), and 392 around Modesto (205 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 Modesto.
Richmond has a population of about 237,257 and Modesto about 219,652. Modesto is the denser city (5,081 people per square mile versus 3,783 in Richmond), which often means shuttle trucks, parking restrictions or building move-in windows on delivery day. California is a higher-cost state than Virginia, so budget a little more for destination-side help, deposits and first-month expenses.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $3,630 | $4,430 | $5,400 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $5,450 | $6,640 | $8,100 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $9,080 | $11,070 | $13,500 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $14,520 | $17,710 | $21,610 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $19,970 | $24,350 | $29,710 |
$3,910–$5,520
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$3,510–$5,160
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$9,080–$13,500
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Richmond, VA → Modesto, CA. 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: Tforce Freight INC
Legal name: The Wes Stewart Corporation
Legal name: Rcs Moving LLC
Legal name: D1 Moving LLC
Legal name: Centre Carriers Corp
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $3,630 to $5,400 for a studio, $5,450 to $8,100 for a one-bedroom, $9,080 to $13,500 for a two-bedroom, $14,520 to $21,610 for a three-bedroom and $19,970 to $29,710 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 2,786 road miles (2,361 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 48 hours (6 driving days).
Expect a delivery window of 7 to 14 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 Virginia into California 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 $3,910 to $5,520 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $3,510 to $5,160. 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 Richmond–Modesto corridor.