What is a long carry fee?
Quick Answer
A long carry fee is charged when the moving truck cannot park within 75 feet of your door. The typical charge is $75 to $150 per 50 feet beyond the standard distance. It is common in urban areas, apartment complexes, and rural properties with long driveways.
A long carry fee applies when movers must carry your belongings farther than the standard distance between the truck and your front door. Most companies set the standard at 75 feet (about 25 yards). If the truck cannot park closer - due to narrow streets, parking restrictions, gated communities, or long driveways - you will pay extra.
The typical charge is $75 to $150 for every additional 50 feet beyond the standard distance. For a building where the truck must park 200 feet away, you might pay $150 to $450 extra.
Long carry fees are especially common in dense urban areas where double-parking is not allowed, apartment complexes with distant parking lots, and rural homes with unpaved driveways that trucks cannot navigate.
To reduce or avoid this fee: check with your building management about reserving a loading zone or elevator, ask the mover during the estimate whether they anticipate a long carry, and if possible, temporarily clear your driveway so the truck can pull in closer.
Some movers include the first 100 feet in their base rate. Always ask about the threshold and per-foot charge during your estimate.