Avoid Surprise Long Carry Fees: FMCSA Rules and Virtual Estimates

A long carry fee is an accessorial charge movers add when they have to walk your belongings an unusually long distance between the truck and your door. Most carriers start charging once that distance passes 50 to 100 feet, often in $75 to $150 bands per increment, according to DriveSales. Before you book, ask for a written estimate that lists this fee as its own line item, so there’s no surprise on move day.

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TL;DR:

• Most long carry fees apply when trucks cannot park within 50 to 100 feet from the entrance, costing $75 to $150 per additional segment.
• Common triggers include long driveways, private roads, narrow city streets, gated communities, and construction obstacles.
• Federal regulations require written estimates, clear disclosure of long carry thresholds, and published tariffs limiting charges to those listed.
• To prevent unexpected fees, measure access routes, obtain itemized estimates, and arrange permits or services that simplify the carry process before move day.
• Disputes arise if charges exceed the written estimate or tariff, especially when movers fail to disclose fees upfront or demand payment at delivery.

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