Shuttle Service
Definition
A smaller vehicle used to ferry belongings between the moving truck and your home when the truck cannot access your property. Costs $300 to $600 and is common in dense urban areas.
Shuttle service is required when the primary moving truck (often a 53-foot semi for long-distance moves) cannot physically reach your home. The mover transfers your belongings to a smaller truck or van to complete the last-mile delivery or first-mile pickup.
Common reasons for shuttle service: narrow residential streets that cannot accommodate a large truck, low-clearance bridges or overpasses on the access route, unpaved or steep driveways, gated communities with vehicle restrictions, and loading docks with size limitations.
Costs range from $300 to $600 depending on the distance between the truck and your home and the total weight being shuttled. Some movers charge a flat fee while others price by hundredweight.
This fee should be identified during the in-home survey. If the estimator determines shuttle service is needed, it should be included in the original estimate. Surprise shuttle fees at delivery are a frequent customer complaint.
To potentially avoid shuttle fees: check whether your street can accommodate a large truck before booking, inform the mover about access challenges upfront, and see if temporary parking arrangements (a loading zone or closer street) are possible.