What is a shuttle service (access fee) in moving?
Quick Answer
A shuttle fee of $300 to $600 is charged when the main moving truck cannot access your home and a smaller vehicle must be used to ferry belongings between the truck and your door. Common in urban areas with narrow streets or rural areas with unpaved roads.
A shuttle service is required when the large moving truck (typically 53 feet for long-distance moves) cannot physically reach your home. The mover transfers your belongings to a smaller truck or van to complete the pickup or delivery.
Common reasons for shuttle service: narrow residential streets where a semi cannot turn, low-clearance bridges or overpasses, unpaved or steep driveways, gated communities with vehicle size restrictions, and buildings with loading dock size limits.
Costs typically range from $300 to $600 depending on the distance between the truck parking spot and your home, and the total weight being shuttled. Some movers charge a flat fee while others charge per hundredweight (per 100 pounds).
This fee should be identified during the in-home survey. If your mover does an in-home or video estimate, point out any access challenges so they can include shuttle costs in the original quote. Surprise shuttle fees at delivery are a common complaint.
To avoid shuttle fees: check whether your street can accommodate a large truck, ask your building manager about loading dock requirements, and ensure your mover knows the exact address and has checked access before the move date. If you know a shuttle will be needed, include it in the binding estimate.