Cheap Interstate Backload Removalists: Top Deals 2025
Why Backloading is the Smart Choice for Budget-Conscious Movers
Cheap interstate backload removalists offer a cost-effective solution for moving long distances. This service can save you 10-50% by letting you pay only for the truck space you use, making it perfect for small to medium moves. It’s also an environmentally friendly option that uses existing truck routes.
The process is simple: your belongings share truck space with other customers on return journeys or existing routes. Professional movers still handle all the loading and transport, but the shared cost model significantly reduces your expenses. Moving interstate from Illinois doesn’t have to drain your savings, especially for moves from Chicago to popular destinations like Florida where backloading is common.
However, backloading requires flexibility with your moving dates and potentially longer delivery times. You trade some convenience for substantial cost savings.
I’m Mina Georgalas, owner of Bernard Movers. With nearly 30 years of experience helping families with interstate moves from Chicago and the greater Illinois area, I’ve seen how backloading makes long-distance relocation affordable for everyone.
Cheap interstate backload removalists definitions:
The Ultimate Guide to Cheap Interstate Backload Removalists
Planning an interstate move from Illinois can be overwhelming, especially on a budget. But what if you could cut your costs by up to 50% while still getting professional service? Cheap interstate backload removalists make this possible.
Whether you’re moving from Chicago to Florida or Melrose Park across the country, backloading turns an expensive endeavor into an affordable one. Think of it as carpooling for your furniture—by sharing truck space, you divide the moving expenses. This approach is not only budget-friendly but also eco-conscious, as it fills trucks that would otherwise return empty, reducing waste and carbon emissions.
For a complete guide to planning your move, our Moving Out of State Checklist covers every step.
What is Backloading and How Does It Save You Money?
Imagine a moving truck delivers a family’s belongings from Chicago to Miami. Traditionally, that truck would make the long journey back to Illinois completely empty, a costly and inefficient trip for the moving company. Backloading flips this model on its head. Instead of returning empty, the truck is filled with shipments from other customers who need to move items along that same return route. This simple, brilliant concept turns wasted space and fuel into massive savings for everyone involved.
This shared space model is the core reason backloading can be 10% to 50% cheaper than a standard, dedicated move. When you book a dedicated truck, you are paying for the entire vehicle, the crew’s time, and the fuel for a round trip, regardless of whether you fill the truck. With backloading, these operational costs are divided among multiple customers. You only pay for the volume your belongings occupy and for one-way travel. For instance, a dedicated Chicago-to-Atlanta move might cost $3,000, but a backload could reduce that to between $1,500 and $2,200. That’s a significant amount of money you can put toward setting up your new home.
The environmental benefits are a substantial bonus. By maximizing truck capacity and eliminating empty return trips, backloading significantly reduces the number of trucks on the road. This directly translates to lower fuel consumption and a smaller carbon footprint for your move. It’s a sustainable choice that aligns with a more eco-conscious lifestyle.
Backloading is particularly ideal for smaller moves or partial loads. Think of college students moving out of a dorm, retirees downsizing to a smaller home, or someone needing to ship a few pieces of antique furniture to a relative. While traditional movers often have high minimum weight or volume charges that make small moves prohibitively expensive, backloading allows you to pay only for the space you need, making it a flexible and accessible option.
For more on shipping smaller loads, see our guide on Moving Boxes Out of State.
How Cheap Interstate Backload Removalists Calculate Costs
Understanding how backloading is priced helps you budget effectively. Unlike a flat rate for a truck, backloading costs depend on several key factors.
- Volume of Belongings: This is the primary cost driver. Your quote will be based on the total volume your items occupy, measured in cubic feet (length x width x height). The less space you use, the less you pay. This is why decluttering is so important. Before you even start packing, go through every room and decide what you truly need. Consider selling, donating, or discarding old furniture, unused electronics, and clothes you haven’t worn in years. Every item you leave behind is money saved.
- Distance and Route Popularity: While the total mileage of your move is a factor, the specific route is just as critical. Moving from Chicago to a major hub like Atlanta, Dallas, or anywhere in Florida is often cheaper than moving the same distance to a remote, rural town. This is because popular routes have a constant flow of trucks, making it easier for movers to find a backload opportunity. A less-traveled route means less availability and potentially higher costs to incentivize a truck to go there.
- Flexibility with Dates: This is your secret weapon for securing the best price. Backloading works by fitting your move into an existing truck schedule. If you can provide a flexible pickup window of several days or even a week, the moving company has a much better chance of matching you with a truck already heading in your direction. In contrast, demanding a specific pickup and delivery date limits their options and will likely increase your price.
- Booking and Timing: When you book matters. Aim to schedule your move at least four to six weeks in advance to get the best rates and availability. Avoid booking during peak moving season, which typically runs from May to September. Moves at the beginning or middle of the month are also often cheaper than at the end of the month when leases are turning over. If possible, a mid-week, mid-month move in the fall or winter will yield the most savings.
The route from Chicago to Florida is one of the most popular and competitively priced backloading corridors due to regular truck traffic. Moves to Georgia, Texas, and California from Illinois also offer good value.
For help with budgeting, explore our resources on the Cost to Relocate to Another State and creating a Moving Out of State Budget.
Finding Reliable and Cheap Interstate Backload Removalists in Illinois
Choosing the right moving company is crucial for a smooth, affordable move. Here’s how to find trustworthy cheap interstate backload removalists in Illinois.
- Do Your Research: Go beyond a simple Google search. Look for companies that explicitly advertise backloading services from Illinois. Dive deep into customer reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). Don’t just look at the star rating; read the comments to identify patterns. Are they praised for communication and care, or are there recurring complaints about delays and damaged items?
- Verify Credentials and Insurance: A legitimate interstate mover is licensed by the federal government. Ask for their U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) number and look it up on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website to verify their operating status and safety record. A reputable company will also be fully insured. Ask for a copy of their Certificate of Insurance. Professional certifications, like the ProMover credential from the American Moving and Storage Association (AMSA), are another strong indicator of a trustworthy company.
- Get Multiple, Detailed Quotes: Never settle for the first quote. Contact at least three to four different companies to get a comprehensive, written estimate. A legitimate quote will be based on an itemized list of your belongings, not a vague guess over the phone. Ask if the quote is a “binding estimate” (a guaranteed price) or a “non-binding estimate” (which can change). Be wary of any company that gives a lowball quote without a detailed inventory, demands a large cash deposit, or pressures you to sign immediately.
- Ask Key Questions and Get It in Writing: A good mover will be happy to answer your questions. Before you commit, ask:
- How do you separate my belongings from other customers’ items on the truck?
- What is your average delivery window for my specific route?
- What is your process for handling claims if something is damaged?
- What type of insurance is included, and what are my options for additional coverage?
Once you choose a company, get everything in writing. The contract, known as the Bill of Lading, is a legally binding document. Read it carefully before signing to ensure it includes all costs, pickup/delivery windows, and inventory.
For more tips, see our guides on Reliable Long Distance Movers and choosing Professional Movers State to State.
Preparing for a Smooth Backload Move
Proper preparation is critical for a successful backload move, as your items will share space with others. Extra care in packing and labeling is essential.
- Use Quality Materials: Invest in sturdy, double-walled boxes to prevent crushing. Keep boxes under 50 pounds and fill empty spaces with packing paper to stop items from shifting.
- Label Everything Clearly: Every box must have your name, contact information, and destination room. Clear labeling is the best way to prevent mix-ups. Mark boxes with special instructions like “FRAGILE.”
- Create an Inventory: Make a detailed list of all your items before they are loaded. This helps you track your belongings and is crucial for insurance purposes. Take photos of valuable items for extra documentation.
- Disassemble and Protect: Break down large furniture like bed frames and tables to save space and prevent damage. Keep hardware in labeled bags taped to the corresponding piece. Wrap fragile items individually and use plenty of cushioning.
For detailed packing advice, read our guide on how to Pack Fragile Items for Long Distance Move. If you need help, consider our Moving Companies That Pack and Move Out of State services.
Common Concerns and Typical Timelines for Backloading
While cost-effective, backloading isn’t as fast as a dedicated move. Understanding the potential challenges helps you set realistic expectations for your interstate move from Illinois.
- Delivery Timelines: The biggest trade-off is flexibility. Delivery delays can happen due to weather or other customers’ schedules. Build a buffer into your plans and don’t expect your items to arrive the same day you do.
- Item Separation: Professional movers prevent mix-ups using dividers, detailed inventories, and clear labeling systems. Your own thorough labeling is a key part of this process.
- Transit Insurance: Given the shared space and longer transit, ensure you have adequate insurance. While movers offer basic coverage, consider purchasing additional protection for valuable items.
Typical timeframes vary by distance and route. A move from Chicago to a nearby state might take 1-3 days. A medium-distance move to the East Coast could be 3-7 days, while a cross-country trip to California can take 7-14 days or more. Popular routes like Chicago to Florida often have more predictable schedules. Always establish communication expectations with your mover for updates.
If you need storage, you can Find self-storage options in the US. For more on what to expect, see our guide I Want to Move Out of State.
Ready for Your Affordable Interstate Move from Chicago?
You now know how cheap interstate backload removalists can cut your relocation costs by up to 50%. By sharing truck space, you save money, help the environment, and still get your belongings moved professionally. It’s the ideal solution for small-to-medium moves or anyone with a flexible schedule moving from Chicago or Melrose Park.
Due diligence is key. Research companies, verify insurance, and get multiple quotes. Proper packing and labeling will ensure your items arrive safely. While backloading may take longer, the savings are often well worth the wait.
At Bernard Movers, we’ve helped Illinois families with their interstate moves for nearly 30 years. We understand moving is about starting a new chapter, and we’re committed to making it as affordable and stress-free as possible.
To make your move even sweeter, Bernard Movers is offering a 20% additional discount on moves to Georgia and Florida booked for delivery by March 15, 2025. This is your chance to make that dream of southern living more affordable.
Ready to get started? Contact us today for a personalized quote. Let our team show you how a professional, budget-friendly move is done.
For more tips on saving, explore our guide on Affordable Moving Companies.