Multi-Pick-Up / Multi-Drop-Off Relocations

We have received many long distance moving inquiries regarding more than one pick up and/or drop off location. Sometimes it can be as simple as picking up items from a residential address and another load in a storage unit. Other times it can be as complex as picking up 2 large loads in separate addresses and/or dropping the items off at two different states.

At American National Movers we can handle multi pick up and drop offs all with one truck and crew. Our competitors provide this service as well but they often require you to book 2 separate jobs, instead of putting it all in one contract. However this article will explain the best way to go about moving loads from and to multiple addresses and potential logistical issues that may occur based on the option you choose.

Moving From / To Multiple Locations: Options

Whether you have two pick ups going to one address or to two separate locations nearby or to another state here is what to know:

Best Options For Multi Stop Hauls

We encourage you to look into our shared load moving service and our dedicated truck service:

Shared Load Dispatch

Sharing a load is generally for smaller loads but, you may be able to still consolidate shipments if your load doesn't exceed 2000 cubic feet. However, there will be some drawbacks such as uncertain delivery windows and having to have your items in separate vehicles and different crews.

Dedicated Truck

A dedicated truck service is generally the best for consumers with special circumstances like having multiple pick up and drop off locations. This is because you'll have your items in one truck assigned to one crew and will have more control of your shipment. With an exclusive truck assigned to your load our movers can give clear answers regarding pick up and delivery which is highly recommended for multi stop moves.

Drawbacks With Truck Sharing

If you are moving from or to multiple locations here are some cons you may face with truck sharing:

Delivery Windows:

When sharing a truck with other customers delivery can be very uncertain and can take a long time for movers to deliver.

Not Enough Space:

Loads exceeding 4 bedrooms may not fit in a consolidated shipment. This will result in rescheduling and added last minute fees to assign another vehicle.</p>

Incomplete Deliveries:

Large shipments may receive a mix up of items due to the nature of truck sharing. As a consumer you must accept what arrives and continue waiting for the remaining items to deliver.

Drawbacks With Dedicated Vehicles

While dedicated vans are a premium option, they also come with drawbacks:

High Costs:

An exclusive vehicle dedicated to your loads can be costly with an average cost of $12,000. This is because you harbor all the operational expenses when having a private truck.

Very Fast Delivery:

For some people quick delivery is good, but only if you can get there on time. For others, a long distance moving company being too fast may result in fees associated with waiting for the customer to arrive.

Limited Availability:

Since a dedicated truck and crew are assigned only to you, they have to be reserved further out in advance. If you need to move on short notice or your dates change after the truck is booked, you may lose your slot and have to wait for the next available vehicle and crew. Shared loads have far more flexibility here because the company is filling space that is already on the road.

How Multi Stop Moves Are Priced

A multi stop move is not simply two moves added together. Your price is built off the total cubic feet of everything being loaded, the total mileage of the route, and the number of stops the crew has to make along the way.

Total Cubic Feet:

Every item from every address goes onto one inventory. If you have 900 cubic feet at a house and 400 cubic feet in a storage unit, you are quoted on 1,300 cubic feet, not two separate jobs.

Extra Stop Charges:

Each additional pick up or drop off adds time, labor and fuel to the route. This is disclosed upfront on your contract so there are no surprises on move day.

Access At Each Address:

Stairs, long carries, elevators and shuttle service are charged per location. A storage facility with a narrow lot or a second floor walk up will not price the same as a driveway pick up.

The most common mistake we see is a customer under reporting the second load because they assume it is small. Give us an accurate inventory for every address and your quote will hold.

Which Option Should You Choose?

If your combined load is under 2000 cubic feet, your dates are flexible, and your stops are reasonably close together, a shared load will save you money. If you are moving two full households, dropping off in two different states, or you need firm pick up and delivery dates, a dedicated truck is the right call.

Either way, we put the entire move on one contract with one crew whenever possible. That means one point of contact, one inventory, and one delivery to track instead of two separate jobs that may not line up.

Ready to plan your multi stop relocation? Call American National Movers at 1-800-936-3086 or request a free quote and we will map out every stop before you book.

Get A Quote From American National Movers

Every multi stop move is different, so the best way to know what yours will look like is to go over all of it with us at once. When you call we will walk through each address with you, put together an inventory that covers every pick up, and go over the access at each location so you know upfront where additional charges could apply. From there we will give you our honest recommendation on whether a shared load or a dedicated truck fits your dates and your total cubic feet better.

Our goal is to keep your entire relocation coordinated through us, so you have one point of contact from your first pick up through your final delivery.