Can A Moving Company Drive You In Their Truck?
- American National Movers
- Apr 21
- 3 min read
Reputable long distance movers with insurance have policies against customers riding in their trucks. Small moving companies that you may find on Thumbtack or Craigslist may allow you to ride with them. Remember, service level may vary from business to business, and if a mover allows you to ride in their truck, they are likely a start-up business with limited experience.
Can You Ride With Movers?
It's a common question, especially if you don't have a vehicle or want to stay close to your belongings during a long out of state move. The short answer is usually no—most reputable state to state moving companies won't allow customers to ride along in their trucks. Here is why:
Insurance & Liability.
Legitimate moving companies adhere strictly to insurance guidelines.: If a customer is injured while riding in or entering/exiting a moving truck, the moving company could be held responsible.
Safety Regulations.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) and local laws may restrict who can be in a commercial vehicle, requiring every passenger to have a proper seat and seat belt. Many 26-foot moving trucks are 2-3 seaters with a max of 3 seat belts.
Company Policy.
Many reputable movers have a policy against customers riding in their trucks. These vehicles are for authorized use only; allowing customers to ride in the front or the back is not professional and is considered high-risk.
Ride In Truck Moving Alternatives.
If you need to ride with movers to save on transportation costs, it's likely not possible. But here are some alternatives:
U-Haul Truck Rental.
You can rent a moving truck and contact labor-only companies to load and unload yo
ur household goods. You can even take it a step further: hire someone to drive the truck and ask that you ride in the passenger seat.
Independent Carriers.
An independent carrier may often allow you to ride in their truck. An independent career is a one-person show and reported to offer the cheapest costs on out of state moving. Usually, they own a truck and operate from home and will allow you inside their truck to earn your business.
Craigslist Movers.
You can go on Craigslist and ask them to give you a ride while transporting your belongings. Likely, craigslist movers will say yes, but beware that many Craigslist moving companies are not registered with the Department of Transportation.
How to Stay "Close" to Your Belongings Without Riding Shotgun.
If riding with movers is not a budget concern but more of a trust issue, you have some options:
Ask for the foreman's phone number and call or text the foreman to get an ETA with live updates.
Use a GPS‑enabled inventory app or cellular tracker (Apple Air Tag) in one of your boxes.
Request a dedicated truck for a guaranteed delivery date and better communication on the ETA of your household goods.
The Takeaway:
If a mover does invite you to hop in the truck, treat it as a red flag—a shortcut that could signal an unethical mover. Reputable long distance movers refuse passenger requests not because they're unfriendly but because regulations, liability, and professionalism demand it.
Choose movers who prioritize safe transport, clear communication, and proper insurance—even if that means renting a car and catching a separate ride to your new home.
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