Want to move long distance? If you’re planning a cross-country move, you should be aware of how costly and complicated it can be.
The good news is that you can now find freight moving companies that offer an affordable method of moving, which doesn’t require you to haul all your belongings down the road, a process that could take several days or even weeks.
This hybrid DIY move allows you to save money, especially on long-distance moves. Plus, you don’t have to bear the burden of all the work. However, before booking a schedule with a freight moving company, here are some important things you need to know.
What Does a Freight Moving Company Do?
Although rules and regulations may vary from one company to another, the way freight moves are handled is much the same. First, you have to call the company to schedule a delivery time.
Then, the movers will arrive at your home with a 28-foot freight trailer, also known as a semi-trailer. Additionally, they will bring essential moving equipment such as partitions, ramps, etc. From the day of delivery, you’ll have at least three business days to load your stuff onto the freight trailer.
It’s your job to pack the trailer. Furthermore, you only pay for the space you use within the trailer. So, if your estimate is less or more than what you actually need, there’s no problem at all. The freight moving company will give you a ballpark estimate of the actual space you’ll need.
After loading all your stuff into the freight trailer, you need to put up a partition to isolate your belongings from others’. After loading your items onto the trailer over three days, the company will pick up the trailer and deliver it to your destination. Typically, you’ll have three days to unload your stuff from the trailer.
How Much Does It Cost?
Moving with a freight trailer is generally used for long-distance moves, like cross-country relocations. Typically, renting a space in a freight trailer for a long-distance move will cost approximately $2,000 or more. For local moves, the cost is usually around $1,500. However, this method of moving is not highly recommended for short distances because you need to manage the size of your haul to stay within your budget.
It might be surprising to learn that this is much cheaper than choosing a full-service moving company. When using a full-service moving company for a long-distance move of 1,000 miles, the average cost is $4,890—more than double the cost of using a DIY freight trailer.
If you choose a freight company for your move, the price will be based on the number of linear feet your belongings occupy inside the trailer. In contrast, when using a full-service mover, the cost is based on the weight of your items.
When you pay for freight moving, what does the cost include? You can expect to pay approximately $2,000 or more for renting a certain amount of space in a freight trailer for a long-distance move. In addition to paying for the linear feet your belongings occupy within the trailer, the cost covers gas, mileage, tolls, ramps, the driver’s compensation, and partitions.
How Much Space Do You Need?
You might be wondering about the significance of a linear foot when choosing a freight moving company. Simply put, a linear foot equals one foot or 12 inches, extending in a linear line. When using a freight trailer for your long-distance move, the cost will be based on the number of linear feet you require inside the trailer.
The benefit of paying by linear foot is that you only pay for the space occupied by your belongings inside the trailer. This differs from using a moving container or truck rental, where you’re required to pay for the entire space, even if it’s not all filled up.
To determine how many linear feet you need for your move, you can consult with a representative from a freight moving company. They can help estimate the space you require based on the number of belongings you have.
So, how many linear feet should you reserve? It depends largely on the volume of items you’ll be moving, a matter you should discuss with a freight moving company. For instance, if you’re moving from a studio apartment of 600 square feet or less, you’ll likely need about six linear feet, equivalent to 360 cubic feet. This space can accommodate up to 120 medium boxes and at least five medium-sized furniture items, although it won’t fit a king-sized bed or a piano.
For a small home move of about 1,000 square feet, you might need seven linear feet, or 432 cubic feet, capable of holding up to 200 medium boxes and at least eight furniture items. A medium home move, up to 1,500 square feet, might require 13 linear feet or around 864 cubic feet, accommodating up to 350 medium boxes and ten furniture items.
Lastly, for a large household move, between 1,500 to 1,800 square feet or more, you may need up to 17 linear feet, equivalent to 1,152 cubic feet. This space can fit around 450 medium boxes and up to ten furniture items.
Who Should Use a Freight Moving Company?
While this method is suitable for moves of any size, freight trailers are particularly practical for large moves. With the ample space available in these trailers, individuals can move their four- to five-bedroom households efficiently. In fact, this method often provides a better deal compared to using a full-service moving company.
If you’re comfortable with a bit of do-it-yourself work and some heavy lifting, then using a freight trailer might be the best option for you. This method of relocation is also known as a hybrid DIY move since you’ll be responsible for loading and unloading items from the trailer, while the freight company handles transportation to your destination.
Unlike a truck rental where you handle all aspects of the relocation, in freight moving, the company manages transportation. Typically, freight moving is perfect for those moving long distances. While not suitable for local moves, it’s beneficial for those moving across the country. You’ll appreciate that the driving aspect is handled by the freight moving company, alleviating the exhaustion of a cross-country move.
As mentioned, freight trailers are not ideal for local moves. While it’s possible to rent space in a freight trailer for a local move, it’s not highly recommended. Most freight moving companies will advise against it because it’s not a cost-effective method for local relocation and should be reserved for long-distance moves.
Trojan Horse Truck Services can assist you with your relocations. To learn more about the options available, contact us at 602-332-0877 or email us at trojanhorseaz@gmail.com.
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