--- title: "long distance move: Definition and Meaning | NPSA" description: "A long distance move is a move to a distant city or another state." url: https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/long-distance-move publisher: National Portable Storage Association (NPSA) phone: "(816) 960-6552" email: info@npsa.org --- Moving and self-storage # long distance move A long distance move is a move to a distant city or another state. With portable storage, the customer loads a container at home, the provider moves it by third-party carrier to the new area, and a local team delivers it for unloading. The customer does not drive a truck. ## Why it matters NPSA states that loaded containers return to the provider's warehouse and ship by a third-party carrier to the new home. This can save the cost of renting a truck and driving a long way, and it can ease timing problems when closing dates do not match. Customers may hire local packers or loaders at either end. A common mistake is to treat a quote as a fixed delivery date. Transit time varies by distance and carrier. Another mistake is not to ask about weight limits and what items the provider will not carry. Read the rental terms carefully and ask for them in writing. [Read: Long distance moves](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/long-distance-move) Definition source: [npsa.org](https://www.npsa.org/long-distance-move.html) ## Related terms [### one-way move A one-way move is a move in which a portable storage container is picked up at one location and delivered to a different one, such as a new home in another city. The customer loads at the origin and unloads at the destination without driving the container.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/one-way-move)[### local move A local move is a move within the same area, usually the same city or region. With portable storage, the provider delivers a container, the customer loads it, and the provider takes it to the new address or to a storage center. The customer does not need a rental truck.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/local-move)[### moving container A moving container is a portable storage container used to move a household. PODS describes portable storage containers as large, secure, usually weather-resistant boxes that can be moved from place to place. The customer loads the container, and the company carries it to a storage center or a new home.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/moving-container)[### portable moving and storage (PMS) Portable moving and storage, or PMS, is the part of the portable storage industry that delivers containers to homes for moving and storage. The customer loads the container, the company picks it up, and it is stored or delivered to a new address. PODS uses these steps in its rental process.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/portable-moving-and-storage-pms)[### loading time Loading time is the period a customer has to fill a portable storage container once it is delivered. Providers set it in the rental agreement. Some include a set number of days, and some describe it as however long the customer needs. After it ends, pickup or extra daily fees may apply.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/loading-time)[### storage center A storage center is a secure site where a portable storage company keeps customer containers off the customer's property. After a customer fills a container, the provider picks it up and stores it at the center until the customer wants it back or wants it moved.](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/storage-center) [All 220 terms](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/glossary) Need storage? ## Get quotes from NPSA member companies Tell us what you need and where. A member company that serves your area will contact you. [Request a quote](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/request-a-quote)[Which unit do I need?](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/find-storage) For the industry ## Grow your portable storage business with NPSA Members get event rates, the Community Forum, the directory listing and leads from this website. [Join NPSA](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/join-us)[See member benefits](https://npsa.preview.multisites.ai/member-benefits)