A Few Reasons Why Movers May Take So Long.

American National Movers
Jul 23
2 min read

Long distance movers are quick to pick up your belongings, load them, and ask for payment, but when it's time to deliver? Some take long! Why? The reasons may be due to a shared load, driver availability, or an employee at a small carrier with limited support. This article will dive into why your movers may be taking so long and what to do if your movers are unresponsive:

Family waiting in a empty house and boxes for movers to arrive with their belongings. — A mover being late doesn't usually mean your items are stolen. However if the delay exceeds 20 days, you are likely dealing with a very small company or a one man operation.

How Long Do Movers Usually Take To Deliver?

Two movers in blue uniforms carry a wooden dresser up steps. Several labeled boxes, including "living room" and "kitchen," are nearby. — Movers can take anywhere between a couple days to 21 business days to deliver. It all depends on the type of moving package you agreed to.

Reputable long distance moving companies typically take between 7 and 14 days for out-of-state and cross-country hauls. However, in some cases, a moving company may take three to four weeks or, in worst-case scenarios, longer. Here is why:

Combined Shipment Delays.

When agreeing to a shared load, expect longer wait times and potential delays. Long distance movers that share your load with someone else's on an 18-wheeler truck may take significantly longer for delivery due to the need to make multiple stops before arriving at your destination.

Limited Driver Availability.

Your mover may be taking longer because they have limited drivers and availability due to being overbooked. This becomes increasingly common during the busy summer season. Typically, if you don't pay for a dedicated truck, the moving company will unload your items at the warehouse and wait for a driver to pick up your load. At times, this can take several days for the driver to arrive and load your items on the 18-wheeler truck.

Small Moving Company.

Smaller relocation brands have limited labor and trucks. They may be able to offer affordable long distance movers, but the cheaper price tag usually results in a longer wait time for delivery.

How Many Days Is Too Long To Wait For Movers To Deliver?

There is no set guideline on how long a moving company can take; however, the FMCSA states that movers must provide a reasonable dispatch service. A reasonable dispatch service means shipping your items in a reasonable time frame. However, in some cases, waiting 21 business days for a shared load moving from California to New York is not considered unreasonable. So, there is always a gray area, and it's hard to dispute that with movers.

How To Make Your Movers Go Faster?

You can expedite your moving company's delivery by requesting a dedicated truck and driver. This way, once your items are loaded onto the truck, they stay there and are shipped immediately. This is a much better approach for those seeking a faster long-distance moving company.

Final Take: Movers May Experience Delays, But Must Provide Updates.

If your moving company is taking too long to arrive, stay calm. Under federal law, as administered by the FMCSA, you are protected from cargo theft. It is highly unlikely that a DOT mover will ever deliver or steal your things. However, if you are working with a disreputable brand, it may take significantly longer than anticipated.