What Is Shuttle Service in Moving?
Shuttle service is an accessorial charge that applies when the primary moving van cannot access the pickup or delivery location directly, requiring a smaller truck to shuttle items between the main van and the residence. This occurs with narrow streets, low-clearance bridges, weight-restricted roads, or buildings with loading dock restrictions. Shuttle fees typically range from $300 to $700+ depending on distance and number of trips.
$300–700+
Typical cost
Smaller transfer truck
What it is
Inaccessible address
Common trigger
Pre-move survey
Determined
On estimate
Must disclose
What Shuttle Service Is and When It's Needed
Shuttle service is triggered when the large moving truck — a standard 26-foot box truck or 48–53-foot semi — physically cannot reach the loading or unloading point. The mover parks the main vehicle at the nearest accessible location and uses a smaller truck (cargo van, 14–20-foot box truck) to ferry items back and forth.
This is one of the most expensive accessorial charges in moving — often $300–700+ per location — because it essentially doubles the handling of every item and requires an additional vehicle, driver, and fuel. For long-distance moves, shuttle at both ends compounds the cost further.
For moving companies, shuttle is also a significant operational variable. A job that wasn't quoted for shuttle and requires one on move day creates a customer relations challenge that proper upfront disclosure would prevent.
How Shuttle Pricing Works
Shuttle fees are typically structured as a flat charge per location served, with adjustments for distance between the main van and the residence and the number of shuttle trips required to complete the transfer.
Common Pricing Structures
- Flat rate per shuttle location: $300–500 regardless of shipment size
- Per-hundred-weight (cwt): $10–20 per 100 lbs shuttled
- Tiered by shipment size: small, medium, large shipment brackets
- Combined: base shuttle fee + per-trip charge for multiple runs
Interstate movers must publish shuttle rates in their tariff. Both the rate and the trigger conditions must be disclosed before the service is performed.
Common Situations Requiring Shuttle Service
Narrow residential streets
Historic districts, dense urban neighborhoods, and older suburbs often have streets that cannot accommodate a large moving van.
Gated communities
Community gates with height or length restrictions that prevent the primary truck from entering the property.
Low-clearance bridges or tunnels
Infrastructure with height limits below the truck's loaded height — common in older cities and coastal areas.
Weight-restricted roads
Seasonal or permanent road weight limits that prohibit fully-loaded moving trucks, particularly common in rural areas.
Loading dock restrictions
Commercial or high-rise buildings where the loading dock has a maximum truck length, height, or weight capacity.
How to Determine If You'll Need Shuttle in Advance
A pre-move survey — in person or via virtual video walkthrough — is the best way to identify shuttle requirements before move day. During the survey, the estimator should specifically assess truck access at both origin and destination addresses.
For residential addresses, checking satellite imagery on Google Maps is a fast preliminary screen — look for narrow road widths, tight turns, low bridges, and whether large vehicles are visibly present or absent in the neighborhood. Street View can show clearance issues that satellite view misses.
For high-rise buildings and commercial properties, call the building manager to confirm moving truck size limits, loading dock dimensions, and scheduling requirements before the estimate.
Including Shuttle Fees in Estimates
When shuttle is a likely requirement, it should appear as a named line item with a clear trigger condition. When it's possible but uncertain, include it as a conditional charge with a note explaining the scenario — for example: "Shuttle fee may apply if truck access is restricted at destination. Please confirm driveway clearance."
This transparency protects the mover legally and sets accurate customer expectations. Related: Accessorial Charges, Long Carry Fee, Bill of Lading.
Shuttle Service — FAQ
Common questions from moving company owners and customers.
Account for shuttle service before moving day
DriveSales flags potential shuttle requirements during the estimate process — no surprises for you or your customers.