What Is a Shuttle Service in Long Distance Moving?

When you’re working with a long distance moving company, you might need a shuttle service to move your belongings from your home to the larger truck that will transport everything to your new location. This can happen when your home or apartment is in a place that a full-sized moving trailer cannot safely or easily reach, and this could also occur at your destination.

Here’s what a moving shuttle service is, why it may be needed, and how National Van Lines handles the process.

What a Moving Shuttle Truck Does

Long-distance moves run on 70- to 80-foot semi-tractor-trailers. This strategy often includes hauling the contents of several households at the same time, as it makes better use of resources and is more cost-effective for the moving company to operate the truck when it’s filled to near-capacity. However, the size of these trucks means that sometimes they just can’t be parked very close to the pick-up location, and/or the delivery point.

When a semi-truck cannot get close enough to your home to load it up directly, your moving company will use a shuttle truck. A shuttle truck is a standard box truck, typically 20–30 feet long. The moving team will load your belongings at the residence, then transfer them to where the semi is parked. And of course, at time of delivery the process will work the same way, with the shuttle service being used when semi-truck access is not possible.

Note that your belongings will be handled with care throughout this process. They stay boxed, wrapped, padded and fully accounted for, using the same inventory list that your crew has worked from since the start of your move. If you are new to professional moving services, it may also help to understand what a mover’s inventory list is, and why it matters during loading, shuttle transfers and delivery. A transfer is handled by a trained moving crew, and held to the same high standards as other components of your long distance move.

The goal is always to maintain care and accountability during the additional transfer between your home and the highway.

When a Moving Shuttle Service May Be Needed

The driver makes the final call based on what the semi-truck can safely and legally access. This may be determined in advance, and sometimes on the day of the move. The following common access conditions can make using a shuttle truck necessary.

• Streets that are too narrow for a big truck.
• Tight turns or cul-de-sacs that prevent safe turning.
• Low-hanging trees or power lines.
• HOA rules or city parking restrictions.
• Steep or long driveways.
• Road weight limits.
• Bridge height limits.

It’s also necessary to understand that a shuttle can be required at your origin address, your destination address, or both. Many customers assume that if their current home is accessible, the same will apply to their destination, but access at the delivery end matters just as much. For instance, if you’re moving into a downtown apartment, a gated community or a neighborhood with older streets, ask your moving coordinator to assess both addresses before you sign an estimate.

Access conditions are not always easy to confirm before moving day, so again, the driver could make the final call on-site. A good carrier like National Van Lines will walk you through any decisions regarding a shuttle truck before it appears on your final bill.

Use Google Maps to Check Moving Truck Access

Want to avoid any last-minute surprises on moving day? You can do a quick visual check of your pick-up and delivery locations using Google Maps Satellite or Street View. Look closely at your street as if you were driving a 70-foot tractor-trailer. You’ll be watching for issues like the following.

• Are there low-hanging branches stretching completely across the road?
• Is there a clear turnaround spot, or is it a tight cul-de-sac, a circle or dead-end?
• Are there prominent city signs marking structural weight or height limits nearby?

If you notice any of these access issues, take a quick smartphone photo or note the specific restrictions, and share them with your National Van Lines relocation coordinator when you’re in the process of getting a quote. Being proactive helps ensure your estimate is as accurate as possible from day one!

How National Van Lines Handles Shuttle Fees Before Moving Day

Shuttle services are common on long distance moves, especially when pick-up or delivery addresses have limited truck access. National Van Lines builds that expectation into every conversation we have about your moving quotes.

“If the truck can’t safely access your street, a smaller shuttle truck may be needed to transfer your items. This is common in residential areas, and if it applies, it’s an additional cost we’ll outline ahead of time or confirm on move day,” says Aaron Bacon, Director of Sales Development at National Van Lines. “Our goal is that nothing on your final invoice surprises you.”

When your coordinator first conducts a quote walkthrough, whether in-home or virtual, that’s the moment to flag any access concerns at either address. If using a shuttle looks like a possibility, it should be noted in writing on your estimate, not introduced as a line item seen for the first time on moving day. With National Van Lines, this kind of transparency will show up early in the process.

Shuttle fees are typically calculated by shipment weight, which is the total weight of the items being moved. As a general rule, smaller shipments may fall in the $300 to $800 range, while larger shipments may cost $800 or more. And if a shuttle is specified for both pick-up and delivery before the move, both charges should be reflected on the estimate.

What to Ask About Shuttle Fees Before Moving Day

Knowing what is (and is not) included in an estimate for long distance household moves will provide clarity and further confidence about making your big move. In fact, employing a shuttle service is often part of a successful long distance move. Your coordinator will help you understand the process, and determine if a shuttle fee would apply.

Before you finalize your estimate, verify with your coordinator that any shuttle access concerns have been noted in writing. This gives you a better picture of your total cost before moving day, and protects against surprise charges.

Find Out if Shuttle Service Is Needed Before Moving Day

Shuttle service is easy to understand when you know why it may be needed, and whether access has been reviewed at both addresses. If you’re ready to get a comprehensive estimate, our team is ready to speak with you about all the details. Call 800-323-1962 or get a free long distance moving quote from National Van Lines today.