This is a question that Hercules Moving Systems relocation consultants hear a lot over the phone. Believe it or not, many people have no idea how long distance moving is done and we instruct the Hercules Moving Systems consultants to explain the very basic concepts and ideas that have to do with long distance moving. So how exactly does it work? Long distance moving works in the same basic way with all movers: you pay for the amount of space or weight that your shipment will take on a consolidation truck. Of course, there are large moves that will occupy an entire long distance moving truck. Such shipments that can fill a fifty foot trailer will normally be picked up and continue straight to the destination state. Most shipments will be smaller than that and will be consolidated with other long distance shipments in order to provide customers with cost effective prices. Most movers charge according to weight or space. Weight based long distance movers are charged according to the actual weight of the shipment, with the truck being weighed before and after pick up and the difference calculated as the shipment’s weight. The other method uses cubic footage to calculate the actual charged. The shipment is measured in order to determine how much space it will take on a consolidation trailer. Hercules Moving Systems provides a discounted rate per cubic foot for most destination states. It is very important to ask for the basic charge unit from all movers you may be receiving long distance estimates from. Once you have the basic rate per pound or cubic foot, it will be very easy to compare the different prices. Remember also to inquire whether or not packing materials are included in the price you received per pound or per cubic foot.