Moving Furniture In A 18-Wheeler, How Much It Costs?

American National Movers
Jul 29
3 min read

a line of 18-wheeler moving truck ready for a long distance relocation. — Moving to another state and relocating from a three to four bedroom home? Every thing will not fit in a 26-foot truck, you're going to need a 18-wheeler moving truck instead. Here is everything you need to know:

If you're planning on long distance moving from a larger home—such as a 3- or 4-bedroom house—you'll likely need a tractor-trailer (commonly called an 18-wheeler) to fit all your belongings in one trip. While more expensive upfront, using a semi-trailer can be a more cost-effective and efficient option than hiring a moving company to use two 26-foot trucks.

The average cost of hiring a tractor-trailer moving company ranges from $10,000 to $18,000, depending on the company you choose, the size of your load, and the total mileage. Major van lines, such as Mayflower or United Van Lines, tend to charge closer to the $18,000 range, while mid-sized carriers like American National Movers offer rates starting around $10,000–$12,000 for the same level of service.

Why an 18-Wheeler Moving Truck May Be Needed.

In a previous article, we discussed that three to four-bedroom homes moving long distances may not fit in a 26-foot truck. This is because a 26-foot truck has the capacity of about 5-7 rooms. Five to seven rooms include a living room, dining room, a bedroom, etc. Many consumers are unaware that they may end up in a bind with movers because not everything fits, and their price nearly doubles.

How A Semi Truck Helps You.

Hiring movers to arrive in a 18-wheeler moving truck allows you to ensure that you can ship all your furniture at a lower price. Trying to fit everything into a single 26-foot truck can result in last-minute stress, delays, and costly add-ons. If the movers have to bring in a second truck and crew, your price could double. For this reason, hiring a mover who already operates a tractor-trailer can simplify the process and reduce your total cost per cubic foot.

How Much Space Fits In A Tractor Trailer?

An 18-wheeler moving truck has a capacity of approximately 4,000 cubic feet, equivalent to about 30,000 pounds of inventory. This capacity is much more than. A 26-foot box truck that only fits roughly 1600 cubic feet (10,000 pounds).

Average Price On 18-Wheeler Long Distance Moving:

Below is a chart we created to show how much it will costs for long distance movers to use a semi truck at your origin and destination state:

Benefits of Hiring Movers With a Semi-Trailer:

Opting for an 18-wheeler offers several advantages over a standard 26-foot truck:

Larger Capacity: A semi-trailer can hold up to 4,000 cubic feet—enough for most 4- to 5-bedroom homes.
One Truck, One Driver: This minimizes handling, reduces transfer risk, and often speeds up delivery.
Lower Per-Unit Cost: Instead of paying for two separate 26-foot trucks and drivers, you consolidate into one efficient trip.

Many national moving companies and large-scale independent movers offer semi-trailer options, though not all local movers do. Always ask what type of truck they plan to use,

especially if you're moving long distance with a large load.

How to Know If You Need an 18-Wheeler for Your Move:

Here are some signs that you may need a semi-truck for your relocation:

You're moving more than 10,000 pounds of household goods.
Your current home is 3 bedrooms or larger and fully furnished.
You want to avoid the hassle of multiple truckloads or split deliveries.
You're moving long-distance—typically 800+ miles.

If any of the above applies, ask your moving company if they can dispatch a semi-trailer instead of two smaller trucks. The savings and simplicity are worth it.

Final Thoughts: Are Tractor-Trailer Movers Worth the Price?

If you're relocating a large household and want all your furniture delivered in one trip, paying for a semi-trailer moving service is usually worth the cost. At the same time, the price tag may seem expensive, but a 18-wheeler moving truck is the a more economical and efficient option than using two 26-foot trucks.

Want a more affordable semi-trailer option? American National Movers offers access to 18-wheelers at competitive rates—often thousands less than major van lines. Please request a free quote and let us help you plan a move that fits your budget and timeline.