Can you share moving truck space?

Quick answer: Yes, you can share moving truck space to get a lower price. Long-distance moving companies often consolidate multiple moves into one truck, a practice known as “backhauling” or “backloading,” which helps reduce costs.

Interstate movers that didn’t backload would have very high prices or go out of business. So, the pricing you see from most moving services almost always include discounts for truck sharing.

By opting for a shared truck, you can significantly cut down on moving expenses, especially for smaller moves. Read on to learn about the different options for truck sharing and the benefits and downsides to doing so.

Not using an entire moving truck?

If you’re not using an entire truck, you can share some cubic feet of the moving truck space with another family or individual. Many companies offer shared-truck and peer-to-peer services where two or more people can rent a single truck to split the rental cost.

When you use this option, it’s important to:

• Ensure all parties have a signed agreement so everyone knows what they are responsible for and how the rental costs will be split. Getting a detailed moving quote instead of a ballpark figure is essential.
• Before committing to the shared truck rental, you should also discuss who will take care of fuel, tolls, and any other additional fees associated with the move, especially if it’s a cross-country move.
• When considering sharing a moving truck, it’s important to remember that not all movers offer this option and that some companies may require an additional fee if two or more people use their truck.
• Research different companies and review their policies before deciding which one is right for a shared moving truck.
• Additionally, to ensure the safety of yourself and your belongings, it’s important to get comprehensive moving insurance coverage when renting a moving truck – no matter who is renting it.

Affordable truck sharing

There are still several ways to make smaller long-distance moves affordable:

• Move cost calculator: Given that haulers will likely already consolidate your move. How much will it cost? Get an instant idea of your move cost using our cost calculator.
• Best options for small moves: Here is a list of companies specializing in small moves.
• Best moving container companies: You load, they drive. A great, more affordable option for people who don’t mind doing a little work without having to drive the truck.
• Rental trucks like U-Haul and U-Haul competitors: Generally, renting a cargo van is the most cost-effective way but requires the most work, including driving.

Other cheap alternatives for interstate moves

Find the best options for small moves and determine what works best. Regardless of your choice, research and work with a reputable company that provides comprehensive insurance coverage.

And remember that while shared truck space can be an affordable way to move, it’s important to read all the logistics beforehand, stay organized, and communicate with everyone involved. This will help ensure your moving experience is as stress-free as possible.

Take these steps to decide whether you want to share a moving truck or go with another affordable route:

1. Read our cheap box shipping guide for shipping 30–40 boxes.
2. Moving containers are a cost-effective alternative to full-service haulers if you move boxes and furniture. You load, they drive. For a quick idea on pricing, check out our post on PODS cost.
3. You can also compare moving and storage pods vs. moving truck rentals. Although, if you have a small move, this option is usually not worth the hassle once you factor in gas and hotel costs.
4. You should also check out our cheapest ways to move out-of-state guide for additional ideas and ways to save.

Every move is different, and no obvious solution will be the cheapest for your move. The best way to ensure you save as much as possible on your move is to compare as many moving options as possible.

If you want to hire a professional mover, try to find a backhaul

“Backhaul” is the moving industry term for a return load, and it’s a great way to save money. Many movers offer discounted rates for backhaul trips, which can add significant savings to your move. It may also be worth checking whether any moving companies you’re considering offer discounts if you request a shared truck rental with another customer.

By comparing your options for moving truck rentals and being flexible with your plans and moving date, you should be able to find the best solution for your budget and needs.

Let me explain. When a New York-based moving company performs a move out to California, one of its biggest expenses is getting that empty trailer back to New York.

This is where backhaul or backloading comes into play. Haulers often offer significant discounts on return trips to fill up empty pickup truck space.

How do you find backhaul situations?

This is the tricky part.

Many companies claiming to have backhaul rates are moving brokers who tend to offer low-ball estimates and work with very low-quality moving companies. We recommend avoiding these guys.

The best way to find a backhaul opportunity is to contact moving companies directly and ask if they offer backhauling state-to-state services. Many do, and you can often take advantage of their discounted rates.

You can also use online directories to compare the cost estimates of multiple moving companies at once and ensure you get the best deal possible to get your pieces of furniture to the new location.

Did I mention we have a list of our highest-rated interstate moving companies?

You can also be more flexible around your pickup and delivery dates to increase the chances of another move coming your way. The wider the dates and the more companies you contact, the better your odds of finding a cheap backhaul moving rate.

In addition, it’s worth checking whether any moving companies you’re considering offer discounts if you request a shared truck rental with another customer. This could save money on both ends by splitting the moving costs between two parties rather than having each one rent an entire truck for themselves.

Is backloading the same as backhauling?

The two terms are often used interchangeably, but technically they’re not the same. Backloading refers to loading items onto a truck and transporting them in one direction only. The truck would be empty on its return trip. Hence the term, “backload.”

Backhauling, on the other hand, is more like a typical moving job where both pickup and delivery are required. The goods may also have to be unloaded at an intermediate stop before being loaded again for delivery. This type of moving service typically involves multiple customers and a larger amount of goods than backloading.

When securing insurance coverage for your move, read all the fine print carefully to understand your rights and responsibilities. It’s always a good idea to ask questions if anything is unclear, as it could affect the coverage you receive in the event of an incident.

Pros and cons of sharing a moving truck

Pros

• It can significantly reduce the cost of your move. You only pay for the portion of the truck you use, meaning you don’t have to foot the bill for an entire trailer rental.
• It reduces carbon emissions since fewer vehicles are on the road. This makes it an eco-friendly choice and helps protect the environment.

Cons

• You may experience delays if something goes wrong or one customer takes longer than expected to load their items onto the truck.
• There’s no guarantee your belongings won’t be damaged during transit due to rough handling by other customers or inexperienced haulers.

Get moving and share a moving truck space

Backhauls are great options for those looking to move on a budget while guaranteeing quality service. It’s important to remember that finding backhaul opportunities can be tricky, so it’s essential to research and contact multiple companies before committing to one.

Consider whether backloading or backhauling would be more suitable for your needs, and check carefully for any insurance coverage details before signing up for a service.

FAQ

How do I share my moving truck?

If you’re moving out of state and your move is quite small, chances are, the professional mover is already planning on sharing your truck space with another move. That being said, the mover you pick wants your service. Ask them what you can do to lower your price. If you have flexibility on your dates, this can help.

What is the cheapest way to move one way?

The upfront cost of a self-service truck rental is the lowest. However, other options may be worth considering when you factor in labor, hotels, gas, and drop-off charges for a long-distance move.

See the cheapest ways to move.

How much does it cost to hire a local mover?

Local moves of a one-bedroom home can cost roughly $400, while the range for a two- to three-bedroom home is $900–$1,400. For four-bedroom homes or larger, local moves may cost from $1,800–$3,000.