What is a moving company shuttle fee?
Fact Checked by: Here’s the quick answer: Moving companies charge a shuttle fee if they can’t park their large moving trucks close enough to your home. This fee pays for a smaller truck to shuttle your belongings from your home to the moving truck, and vice versa.
Moving company shuttle fees are typically based on how much your shipment weighs, and our 2025 data shows that these fees range from $0.08 to $0.12 per pound, with a minimum fee of about $200.
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What is a moving shuttle service?
A shuttle service is when a moving company uses a smaller truck (the “shuttle”) to move your belongings between your home and the main moving trailer. Movers use this service when the larger truck can’t access your home directly due to narrow streets, steep driveways, low-hanging branches, or parking restrictions.
Why does this matter? If your pickup or delivery location is tricky to access, shuttle service may be required, which means extra labor and additional fees.
How are moving company shuttle fees calculated?
Shuttle fees aren’t flat-rate. Moving companies may use several methods to calculate them, and most movers will apply minimum charges regardless of load size.
- Per pound: $0.08–$0.12 per pound of your shipment, usually with a $200–$400 minimum.
- Per cubic foot: $1.50–$3.00 per cubic foot, commonly used for container or small-volume moves.
- Per hundredweight (CWT): $8–$12 per 100 pounds, another method for bulk pricing.
Even small moves can trigger several hundred dollars in shuttle costs due to these minimums.
Sample shuttle fee calculations
Here’s a breakdown of some sample shuttle fees based on the size of your move:
| Move Size | Per Pound | Per Cubic Foot | Typical Fee Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio (2,000 lbs / 300 cu ft) | $160–$240 | $450–$900 | $200–$900 |
| 2–3 bedroom (7,000 lbs / 1,000 cu ft) | $560–$840 | $1,500–$3,000 | $800–$3,000 |
| Large home (15,000 lbs / 2,100 cu ft) | $1,200–$1,800 | $3,150–$6,300 | $1,500–$6,000 |
Important: If you need a shuttle at both your pickup and delivery spots, you might pay twice.
What factors affect shuttle fees?
Several variables will impact the final cost of shuttling your stuff:
- Size and weight of your shipment: Heavier or bulkier loads increase labor and fuel usage.
- Distance from main truck to home: The farther the movers have to carry your stuff, the higher the charge.
- Site access obstacles: Narrow streets, steep driveways, or overhead obstructions complicate loading and unloading.
- Municipal regulations: Some cities limit truck size or require special permits, making shuttles mandatory.
- Seasonal demand: Peak season (summer, weekends, and the end of month) can push rates higher.
When is a moving shuttle service required?
You might need a shuttle if your location poses access challenges. Here are a few common scenarios:
- Narrow streets or alleys: Tight fits in cities like Boston, New York City, or San Francisco can require a shuttle.
- Steep, winding, or unpaved driveways: Large trucks can’t navigate these streets.
- Gated communities or apartment complexes: Some communities have rules that restrict truck sizes or require special access.
- Obstructions: Low bridges, tree limbs, or power lines can prevent trucks from getting close enough to your home.
Moving vans need parking permits in cities like San Francisco. We had to factor that in and be ready for the possibility that a shuttle would be required. —Christian T., Brooklyn to San Francisco
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Are shuttle fees included in moving estimates?
Not always. Some moving quotes leave out shuttle fees until a site survey is completed, or until the truck arrives and any access issues are discovered.
To avoid surprise charges:
- Ask your mover upfront: Try to find out if your address requires shuttle service.
- Request a site survey: In-person or virtual walkthroughs can identify access issues early.
- Get fees in writing: Make sure any potential shuttle charges are documented in your contract.
I didn’t realize long-carry fees might apply. It’s always worth asking about every potential extra fee in advance. —Kelly D., Houston to Denver
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Can you avoid or negotiate shuttle fees?
Shuttle fees can drive up the cost of your move. Whether you’re planning ahead, negotiating with your mover, or finding creative ways to improve access, it pays to know your options. Here are a few ways you can potentially bypass shuttle fees on your upcoming move.
Option 1: Self-shuttle
Some movers allow customers to rent their own small truck or van to transport items to or from a location that’s accessible by the main truck. It takes more effort but can reduce costs.
Option 2: Negotiate
- Ask for a seasonal discount: Movers may have lower fees during slower months.
- Split the charge: If a shuttle is only necessary at one end of your move, you could negotiate partial coverage.
- Check if the fee is already included: In high-shuttle areas, some movers build this into their base price.
Option 3: Coordinate alternate access
- Use a nearby lot: If you can get permission, have the truck park at a friend’s or public lot and move items yourself.
- Talk to building managers: They may help arrange temporary access or parking passes.
How shuttle fees compare to other moving surcharges
| Extra service | Typical fee range | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Shuttle service | $200–$3,000+ | Large truck can’t access location |
| Stairs fee | $50–$150 per flight | Moving in or out of upper floors without elevator |
| Long carry | $75–$200 per 75 feet | Distance from truck to door exceeds 75–100 feet |
| Elevator fee | $75–$125 | When elevator use is required |
| Parking permit | $50–$300 | Urban areas where street parking needs reservation |
Estimate your shuttle fee
Want to see if shuttle fees apply to your move? Use our moving cost calculator to get personalized quotes and see how potential add-ons could impact the cost of your move.
How Much do Movers Cost?
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- Small moves (under 3,000 lbs): $200–$600
- Medium moves (3,000–7,000 lbs): $600–$1,200
- Large moves (7,000+ lbs): $1,000–$3,000+
Bottom line on shuttle fees
- Shuttle fees cover the cost of transferring items between a small vehicle and the main truck when access is limited.
- They’re common in dense cities, gated communities, or rural areas with tight driveways or roads.
- Ask early, confirm in writing, and explore options to avoid or reduce the cost.
With the right knowledge and prep, shuttle fees don’t have to catch you off guard or break your budget.
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