There are a number of factors involved in determining the delivery dates of your goods when you’re doing an interstate or long distance move. For starters, there are personal reasons such as the closing date of your new home and relocation travel times.

Your moving company will consider a number of factors when they give you expected dates of delivery. For example, the size of your shipment, the number of travel days that they will need to legally drive to the new location (the government has set maximum hours per day that a driver can operate a truck), and if they will have other pick-ups or deliveries en route to make good logistical planning. Expect the movers to allow reasonable dispatch time to ensure the safety of the moving crew and your goods. These are some of the main reasons why most movers establish a window of delivery dates for their customers.

Mileage determines travel days

Depending on the shipment distance and time of year, your window of delivery may range from one to several days. For instance, a shipment going 500 miles or less would probably need only one travel day, while a shipment of 1,000 miles, would need two days. An extra day would likely be added for each additional 500 miles. Normally, the mover may also add another day or two to allow for unforeseen setbacks such as weather, mechanical problems and other factors. Seasonal problems may add days to your delivery window. In the summer, when more people move, your delivery window can be much wider due to a mover’s busy schedule. Each company will have their own method of determining this delivery window. You should understand how a mover will determine a delivery window before committing to any one company. Some movers will be able to adjust their schedules to your needs.

Let a mover know about your preferred delivery dates at the beginning of your negotiations so you can receive a more satisfying timetable. Generally, a mover will be able to tell you approximately when they plan on delivering your goods, as they probably have their trip planned at this point. However, the mover is legally obligated to follow the promised delivery window specified in the written estimate. Be informed about a company’s policy for handling its failure to meet dates. A mover should reimburse you for extra lodging and meal costs or give you some sort of monetary compensation when delivery is late.

Some moving companies offer a guaranteed delivery date at a premium rate. While not all movers provide this service, it’s worth inquiring about availability and cost if you anticipate specific needs at the time your goods are delivered. Most movers will make every effort to meet your delivery needs. However, it’s always wise to be completely informed about all possibilities and to make sure that the mover clearly understands your needs and expectations.