How Long Can Long Distance Movers Take to Deliver — and What You Can Do If They’re Late.
- American National Movers
- Jun 1
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 11
Why Delivery Timelines Are So Confusing.
There’s a lot of confusion about how many days long distance movers can take to deliver your furniture — mainly because most moving companies aren’t transparent about it.
Delivery timelines vary widely depending on the mover you hire, the type of service you select, and the rate you’re paying:
If your goal is to hire the cheapest long distance moving option, expect a shared-load move and for your delivery to take longer than with a direct, dedicated truck.
With shared loads, movers combine shipments from multiple customers heading in the same direction, which adds extra stops along the route.
Want A Faster Delivery?
If you need your items sooner, be upfront about your expectations and ask whether the long distance moving company offers expedited service, dedicated trucks, or a guaranteed delivery date for an additional fee.
A reputable moving company will explain your options clearly and help you find the right balance between speed and affordability.
Important Note:
Don’t assume that a higher moving quote automatically means faster delivery. Some premium-priced carriers still operate on shared load with long wait times for delivery. A relocation can cost several thousand dollars more and still offer the same delivery window as a cheaper long distance moving option.
What Most People Don't Understand About the Delivery Process.
A common misconception is that every mover immediately begins transit after pickup and must deliver within a few days. In reality, most long distance moving companies unload your shipment at a local warehouse first, then wait until they have enough combined loads to dispatch a full 18-wheeler cross-country.
Federal law doesn’t set a fixed deadline for when movers must deliver your household goods.
Instead, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires movers to provide customers with a “reasonable delivery window” that can range from a few days to several weeks.
Many moving companies are not transparent about how long it can take for your goods to arrive with cross country and out-of-state hauls. Some long distance movers are fast and take between 1 and 5 days. Other moving companies can take up to 14 to 21 business days to deliver your household goods. Whether you're looking for a relocation brand with faster delivery or if you are concerned with how long your movers are taking to deliver, this article is for you:
How Long Can A Mover Legally Take For Delivery?
The FMCSA requires long distance movers to deliver within a reasonable timeframe. That being said, this requirement is vague, which allows moving companies to take three to four weeks for delivery. Some brands may even take longer and blame it on "circumstances not under their control." That's why it's important to hire a reliable long-distance moving company that's transparent about its delivery process.
The FMCSA mandates that movers operate under a reasonable dispatch service, but the definition of "reasonable" is broad. There's no exact number of days listed in federal law.
However, your mover must provide a written delivery window on your Bill of Lading (the document you sign on moving day). This window is usually 7 to 21 days, depending on distance and route. Once you sign, that window is a legally binding agreement.
If your mover fails to deliver by the last day in that timeframe, your shipment is considered delayed under federal guidelines, and you may be entitled to compensation.
Can You Sue If Your Movers Are Late?
If your long distance moving company is unreasonably late, you can sue, but in most cases, suing is not worth the time and costs of hiring a lawyer. In the best-case scenario, you hire a reputable company to avoid this. However, if you find yourself in the situation of movers being late, you can sue depending on factors mentioned in the chart below:
Breakdown:
General Delivery Window (ETA).
A moving company can provide an average delivery window, but it can take longer than anticipated, especially if no specific delivery date is provided in writing. As long as the company is within a reasonable timeframe of that delivery window, you will not have enough grounds to sue and win in court.
Did You Get A Guaranteed Delivery Date?
If your long distance movers guaranteed your delivery date and they are late, you can hold them accountable and request compensation. This puts them in breach of contract, and they must provide a remedy for failing to deliver on the promised delivery date. If the company refuses to do so, you can take them to court and sue for breach of contract and get a favorable outcome.
Why Long Distance Movers May Take Weeks For Delivery.
Not every shipment leaves town the moment it’s loaded. Many carriers stage freight at a warehouse, then plan long routes based on distance, driver availability, and the number of stops needed. Three factors drive longer timelines:
Routing & Consolidation: With shared-load moves, your shipment is combined with other customers heading in the same direction. That saves money but adds extra stops and handoffs, which push out the delivery by days.
Driver Hours & Compliance: Federal Hours-of-Service rules (daily driving limits) and weigh-station inspections slow transit—especially on cross-country routes.
Seasonality & Weather: Peak season, storms, or road closures can push deliveries beyond the optimistic end of the window.
If you’re on a tight timeline, choose a service that matches your needs—not just your budget.
Shared-Load vs. Dedicated Truck — Quick Guide
Use this at-a-glance guide to pick the right service for your timing and budget.
Final Thoughts — Understanding Delivery Timelines the Right Way:
Moving company sales agents generally do not clearly disclose the delivery window to consumers, which can be problematic for seniors, busy professionals, and large families.
When it comes to long distance moving, every mover operates differently, and federal law allows for flexibility in delivery.
At American National Movers, we understand how important the arrival time of your furniture is to you. So, we’ve built our reputation on clear timelines, faster delivery averages, and open communication. Whether you’re moving one state over or across the country, we help you understand your delivery expectations upfront — not after your belongings are already on the truck.
If you need your items delivered quickly or within a specific date range, ask about our:
Dedicated truck options for direct routes with no detours.
Guaranteed delivery date service for customers on a tight schedule.
Expedited shared loads for smaller moves that still need timely delivery.