Transit Time
Definition
The number of days between when the mover picks up your shipment and when it is delivered. Local moves are same-day. Long-distance moves range from 2 to 21 business days depending on distance.
Transit time covers the actual transport period from pickup to delivery. It is a component of the delivery spread but is not the same thing - the delivery spread includes the first available date and scheduling flexibility.
Typical transit times by distance: under 500 miles (1-3 business days), 500-1,000 miles (3-5 days), 1,000-2,000 miles (5-10 days), 2,000+ miles (7-14 days). These are for consolidated (shared truck) shipments.
Dedicated truck service reduces transit time significantly: any distance can be covered in 2-5 days since the truck travels directly to your destination without other stops.
Factors that extend transit time: peak season congestion, weather delays, truck breakdowns, driver hours-of-service regulations (drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours per day), and routing efficiency (your destination may not be directly on the driver's route).
To track transit: ask the driver or dispatch for updates. Some movers offer GPS tracking. If you have not received an update by the midpoint of your delivery window, call the company's customer service department.