What to Look for in Cross-Province Movers (And How to Avoid Getting Burned)
Planning a long-distance move? Discover key tips on what to look for in cross province movers to ensure a safe, reliable, and stress-free relocation
August 22, 2025
Here’s a truth most movers won’t admit:
That “great deal” you found online? It’s probably not real.
In 2025, bait-and-switch pricing is the #1 moving scam in Canada.
According to the Better Business Bureau, moving scams are one of the top five most-complained-about issues in Canada, with complaints rising 13% last year alone .
From “hostage load” situations to last-minute price hikes, the risks are real and growing.
Some quotes start at $2,000 and balloon to $5,000 or more by delivery day.
All because of vague contracts, lowball weight estimates, or shady add-on fees. Many interprovincial movers operate without proper licenses, coverage, or even a physical address.
Why does it happen so often? Because people are under pressure. They’re on deadlines. They want the best price. And rogue movers know exactly how to exploit that urgency.
Here’s the good news: you can protect yourself.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly what to look for when hiring cross-province movers. From spotting fake quotes to understanding real liability coverage. You’ll walk away informed, confident, and ready to hire the right team for the job.
TL;DR: Choosing the Right Cross-Province Mover
- Why Choosing the Right Mover Matters
- The 5 Must-Haves of a Trustworthy Mover
- Top Red Flags to Avoid
- Why MTS Checks Every Box
Why Choosing the Right Mover Is More Important Than You Think
When you're moving across provinces, you're not just moving furniture; you're moving your life. And that deserves more than a vague quote and a smile.
Charles S. knew that when he moved from Toronto to Calgary. While other companies offered cheaper quotes, none of them made him feel heard or reassured. MTS did.
“This move was incredibly important to me,” Charles said. “And MTS earned my trust when it mattered most.”
That’s what makes the difference: trust.
In fact, 70% of people say transparency matters more than price, and 90% read online reviews before choosing a mover.
Just ask Hardik, who moved from Toronto to Edmonton, said it best:
“Long-distance moving is stressful and items are at risk of being damaged or lost, but MTS Moving exceeded my expectations… They were more expensive than other companies, but I trusted their online reputation. They safely delivered all of my items to my new place without any issues.”
The right mover doesn’t just protect your stuff; they protect your peace of mind.
The 5 Must-Haves of a Trustworthy Cross-Province Mover
When you’re trusting a company with everything you own, “good enough” isn’t good enough.
Here are the five things your mover must deliver. No exceptions. And how MTS over-delivers.
1. Transparent, All-Inclusive Pricing
A real quote should cover everything:
✅ Fuel surcharges
✅ Stairs and long-carry fees
✅ Elevator time
✅ Coverage
✅ Taxes
If it’s not in writing, it’s not real.
MTS provides binding, guaranteed quotes. What we quote is what you pay. No vague “estimates.” No mystery add-ons.
“From the day of booking to the delivery day, everything was exceptional… the price was very reasonable as well.” – Fedele G. ★★★★★
2. Real Coverage That Actually Covers You
Most movers stick to the legal minimum: $0.60 per pound, which barely covers the cost of a coffee mug if something breaks.
MTS includes $1.50 per pound of coverage with zero deductible, plus optional upgrades for high-value items.
“Their coverage is 2× better than the competition (not that we needed it; everything arrived in the same condition!).” – Heidi J. ★★★★★
3. Delivery Guarantees & Real Online Status Tracking
For long-distance moves, timing matters, and so does knowing where your belongings are.
MTS offers guaranteed delivery windows, direct driver contact, and Canada’s only online moving status tracker so you’re never in the dark.
“They even conducted a video call with me at the weight scale for transparency… My belongings arrived within 2 weeks, and the Calgary team went above and beyond by assembling my furniture at no extra charge.” – Sameer S. ★★★★★
4. In-House Crews (No Subcontractors or Rail Transfers)
Every hand-off increases the risk of damage, delay, or lost items.
MTS uses trained, full-time crews from pickup to delivery — no temps, no third-party carriers, no rail transfers.
“From start to finish, their quality of service was exceptional… They truly cared about my belongings as if they were their own.” – Brittany P. ★★★★★
5. Verified Reviews from Real People
Before you hand over your life’s possessions, you want to know you can trust the people moving them. That’s why reviews matter. Not cherry-picked testimonials, but consistent feedback from real customers.
MTS has hundreds of 5-star reviews on Google, Yelp, and the BBB, praising our professionalism, care, and transparency.
“I trusted their online reputation… and they delivered everything without a single issue.” – Hardik P. ★★★★★
When past customers say they’d hire the same mover again, that’s the strongest signal you can get.
The most trustworthy company for your move?
One that’s transparent, insured, communicative, consistent, and proven.
📍 Read more MTS reviews here →
The Top Red Flags to Watch Out For
- Vague or verbal-only quotes: If it’s not itemized and in writing, it’s not real.
- Too-good-to-be-true prices: Lowball now, upcharges later. Every time.
- No contract or unclear terms: Fuzzy delivery windows, fuzzy coverage, fuzzy fees = hard pass.
- Frequent name changes or bad reviews: Shell games and consistent complaints don’t lie.
- Pushy upselling or ghosting after booking: Big deposits, MIA after you pay? Walk.
Bonus red flags: no physical address, “we’ll weigh it later,” or subcontracted crews you’ve never heard of.
The Checklist: Why MTS Qualifies as a Top-Tier Cross-Province Mover
When you stack MTS against the checklist of what matters and the list of what to avoid, we check every box.
Bulletproof process:
☑ Video-verified weight tickets on certified government scales, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
☑ Trained, in-house crews, never subcontractors or temps.
☑ Tracked moves with real-time updates and direct contact with your driver.
Peace of mind baked in:
☑ $1.50/lb coverage included, no deductible.
☑ Transparent, all-inclusive quotes; the price we quote is the price you pay.
☑ Delivery timelines you can plan around (no fake “48-hour guarantees” that never happen).
We focus on delivering the move you were promised, with no games, no hidden fees, and no surprises. That’s why so many customers trust us with their most important transitions.
You’re not just paying for a truck and some muscle, you’re paying for a smooth, scam-free move handled by professionals who treat your belongings like their own.
It’s Not Just a Move. It’s Your Life in Transit
The cost of getting it wrong is steep; not just in dollars, but in time, stress, and trust lost.
A cross-province move isn’t just about boxes and furniture; it’s your life, in transit. That’s why choosing the right mover is worth every bit of care you put into the decision.
At MTS, we’ve built our process to protect more than your belongings. We protect your schedule, your budget, and your peace of mind, from the first quote to the final box unloaded.
When it matters most, we get it right. Right from the start.
📣 Ready to move without the scams?
Get your transparent, all-in quote from MTS Moving.
[Request Your Quote]
FAQs: Cross-Province Moving
Q: What’s the best way to move between provinces?
A: For most people, hiring a reputable, full-service long-distance mover is the safest and least stressful option. Look for companies with in-house crews, transparent pricing, and verified reviews. Not subcontractors or vague promises.
Q: How do I know if a moving company is legit?
A: Check that they have a physical address, valid licensing, and insurance coverage in writing. Read Google and BBB reviews, ask for references, and request a detailed, written quote. No verbal-only estimates.
Q: How much does a cross-province move cost?
A: Pricing depends on distance, shipment weight, and services needed, but most interprovincial moves range from $4,000–$10,000+. If a quote seems unusually low, watch out for hidden fees or lowball weight estimates.
Q: What’s covered in a moving quote?
A: A real all-in quote should include fuel, stairs, long carry fees, taxes, and insurance, along with a realistic weight estimate. MTS includes all of these automatically in our binding quotes.
Q: Are there taxes or hidden fees in long-distance moves?
A: Reputable movers disclose all costs up front. Rogue movers often add fuel surcharges, stair fees, or “extra weight” charges later. With MTS, what we quote is what you pay. No surprises.