Movers Taking Too Long To Deliver Your Things? Read This Now.
- American National Movers
- Jun 1
- 4 min read
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:
What Happens If A Moving Company Doesn't Deliver On Time?
below is a chart you can use as a quick reference to see your options when a long distance moving company has had your belongings for several weeks:
Simple Break Down:
General Delivery Window (ETA).
A long distance moving company can provide an average delivery window, but it may take longer than anticipated, especially if no specific delivery date is provided in writing.
Guaranteed Delivery Date.
You can hold your movers accountable and request compensation if they promised delivery date in your contract and are late. This puts them in breach of contract, and they must provide some remedy for not arriving on the promised delivery date.
Why Long Distance Movers May Take Weeks For Delivery.
If you don't pay for a dedicated truck, your moving company will eventually combine your shipment with others, also known as a shared load move. This process involves piggybacking your belongings on an 18-wheeler truck and making multiple delivery stops until the movers arrive at your destination.
Here is What To Know:
Here is everything you need to know about a shared load versus a dedicated truck:
Combined Shipment.
To share your load, a moving company will load your goods in a smaller truck, take your things to a warehouse, unload your stuff, and then load it on an 18-wheeler. This process in itself takes several days. Once a long-distance driver is available, the movers will begin transporting your things, along with everyone else's.
Dedicated Truck.
A dedicated truck option is a premium service and the only option that can truly guarantee a delivery date. With a dedicated truck, your household goods will stay in the same van from start to finish, and your movers will drive the haul without making any additional stop-offs.
Dedicated Truck Vs Shared Load.
When choosing a mover for an across state relocation it's important to know your transportation options, so that you can plan for your delivery accordingly. Use the chart below as reference so that you can choose the best option for your long distance moving needs and budget:
Breakdown:
Shared Load.
Sharing your load is the cheapest long distance moving option, but can't commit to a specific delivery date. Additionally, piggy-back-routing your load with other people's belongings increases the risk of damages or lost items.
Dedicated Truck.
A dedicated trucking option is a premium service and will cost an additional $3,500 to $7,000, depending on the carrier and their level of affordability. Reasonably priced carriers like American National Movers offer exclusive trucks for long hauls for about $7,500 to $8,000. Major van lines may cost significantly more, ranging from $12,000 to $15,000.
When Can You Sue A Moving Company For A Late Delivery?
According to the FMCSA, your long distance movers must transport your household goods within a reasonable timeframe. While there isn't a specific time limit for a mover to take, anything past 21 business days is considered unreasonable for a out of state move. Once a mover passes the 21 business day threshold, you are do for compensation. If you paid for a guaranteed delivery service, and they fail to adhere to the date, you are due for compensation, regardless of whether it was 21 business days or not.
Breakdown:
Non-Guaranteed Delivery Date Window.
If you do not have a guaranteed delivery date in writing, you must allow your movers at least 21 business days before seeking legal recourse or compensation.
Guaranteed Delivery Date (In writing).
If a moving company does not deliver on time and they promised a specific date in writing, you can sue them for this. However, you should attempt to resolve the delivery dispute with your movers before taking any legal action. The result of the legal dispute with your movers will depend on several factors, such as how long they were late for delivery, the direct costs you can document (hotel bills, rental furniture, missed wages), and whether the carrier’s tariff or your contract requires you to try FMCSA-approved arbitration before filing a court claim.
Recap:
7–21 business days for delivery is normal for shared-load interstate moving services.
A dedicated truck can cut that window to as little as 48 hours, but it costs significantly more.
Without a written guarantee, you must wait 21 business days before formal complaints carry weight.
Lock in a guaranteed date—or choose a carrier like American National Movers that offers binding, date-certain delivery options—if your timeline is tight.
Need a mover that puts time promises in black and white? Contact us for a true binding quote and a delivery date you can plan your life around.
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