What Is a Long Carry Fee?
A long carry fee is an accessorial charge applied when movers must carry items more than 75 feet from the truck to the residence — or vice versa. This occurs when the moving truck cannot park close to the building due to narrow streets, gated communities, long driveways, or building restrictions. Most moving companies charge $75–150 per 75-foot increment beyond the standard distance.
75 feet
Standard threshold
$75–150
Typical charge
per 75 ft
Per increment
Extended carry
Also called
On estimate
Must disclose
What a Long Carry Fee Is
Standard moving pricing assumes the truck parks within a reasonable distance of the building entrance — typically 75 feet. When that's not possible, movers face significantly more walking per trip, which translates directly into more time and physical effort per item moved.
The long carry fee compensates for that extra labor. It's charged per increment — usually per additional 75 feet beyond the standard threshold — so a truck parked 150 feet away triggers one increment, 225 feet triggers two, and so on.
For moving companies, this is a legitimate cost recovery mechanism — not a gotcha fee. The key is disclosing it upfront so customers aren't surprised at delivery. Also known as an extended carry fee or excess distance charge.
When Long Carry Applies
High-rise buildings
Loading docks may be located far from the passenger elevator, requiring a long carry through service corridors.
Narrow urban streets
The truck cannot double-park close to a brownstone or townhouse entrance and must stop at the nearest legal spot.
Long driveways
Rural homes or estate properties with driveways exceeding 75 feet where the truck cannot safely navigate.
Gated communities
Gate restrictions prevent the full-size moving truck from entering, requiring items to be carried from outside the gate.
Weight-restricted zones
Parking lots, bridges, or roads with weight limits that prevent the truck from reaching the loading point.
How Long Carry Is Priced
Long carry pricing follows a per-increment structure. The most common approach charges a flat fee for each 75-foot band beyond the threshold. For example, if the standard free zone is 75 feet and the truck is 200 feet away, the customer pays for one full increment (75–150 ft) and possibly a second partial increment.
Typical Rate Structures
- Flat fee per increment: $75–150 per each additional 75-foot band
- Weight-based: $0.10–0.25 per pound for excess distance
- Hourly add-on: extra hourly rate for extended carry time
- Hybrid: flat fee per increment plus a per-pound floor for heavy shipments
Interstate movers must publish long carry rates in their tariff filed with the FMCSA. Intrastate movers operate under state-level regulations, but the same principle applies: the rate must be documented and disclosed before the service is performed.
How to Estimate Long Carry Before Moving Day
The most reliable method is a pre-move survey. During the survey — in person or via virtual video walkthrough — the estimator should note the distance from the nearest legal parking spot to the entrance at both origin and destination addresses.
For urban apartments, check building rules for loading zones, time restrictions, and dock requirements. For suburban homes, note driveway length and whether the truck can enter or must stay on the street.
When long carry is likely but not certain, include it as a conditional line item on the estimate with a clear trigger explanation. This way the customer understands the charge may apply and can take steps — like pulling a parking permit — to avoid it.
Including Long Carry in Estimates
Long carry fees should appear as a named line item on every estimate where there's any possibility of restricted truck access. The line item should state the threshold distance, the rate per increment, and the trigger condition in plain language.
Good estimating software prompts the estimator to assess truck access during the survey and auto-populates the long carry line item when the answer indicates restricted access. This removes the reliance on individual estimators to remember an easily overlooked charge — and protects the company's margin on jobs where long carry is a genuine cost factor.
Related: Accessorial Charges, Stair Carry Fee, Shuttle Service.
Long Carry Fee — FAQ
Common questions from moving company owners and their customers.
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