What Is A Shuttle Truck & How Much Does It Cost?

This picture is an example of what a shuttle van or truck might look like. The process involves unloading your items from the semi truck—then loading it in what movers call a "shuttle truck"

Long distance moving companies that haul your belongings in a semi may have to shuttle your items in a smaller truck if your delivery state doesn't have trailer access. The potential for a shuttle fee and surcharges should have been explained to you by your moving sales representative. But if they failed to do so, this article will explain what a shuttle truck is and the charges:

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What Does a Shuttle Truck Driver Do?

When an 18-wheeler moving truck cannot park within a reasonable distance of your delivery address, you will need to shuttle your things in a smaller truck. As a result, your moving company will ask your driver to rent a truck (at your expense) and load your household goods in the smaller vehicle. Then, the driver will load your things (using a smaller truck) to deliver them to your designated delivery address.

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Why A Shuttle Truck Might Be Needed.

As mentioned previously, shuttling your items in a smaller truck may be needed if an 18-wheeler cannot park near your delivery address. If the semi-truck can park at least 100 feet from your home,, you can ask your movers to long carry your items and avoid the shuttle charge. However, long-carrying items will incur a fee of $250, which is still cheaper than the shuttle fee.

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How Much Are Moving Shuttle Fees?

Long distance moving companies charge an average cost of about $700 to $1500 to shuttle your things in a smaller truck. This process involves your movers renting a truck from a company like Penske or U-Haul and then charging you a fee for this service.

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Shuttle Charges Are Negotiable.

A mover charging you $700 to $1500 to rent a truck and load your things in a smaller vehicle is unreasonable-especially if you have a small long distance load. Politely but firmly ask your movers to justify the shuttle charge, then negotiate a lower rate. In most cases, your movers will reduce the charge by several hundred, especially if you're familiar with the household goods shuttling process.