Freight Trailer Moving Companies: Compare Services, Benefits & Top Products
Best Freight Trailer Moving Services for Hassle-Free Long-Distance Moves
Moving across states or transporting large items over long distances requires reliable and cost-effective solutions. One of the most efficient options for such logistics needs is freight trailer moving. Whether you’re relocating your entire household or moving commercial goods, freight trailers offer flexibility, security, and significant cost savings compared to full-service moving companies.
Let’s explore what makes freight trailer moving a great choice, its major benefits, and top product examples to help you make the best choice.
What is Freight Trailer Moving?
Freight trailer moving refers to the use of a large semi-trailer or freight trailer that you partially or fully load yourself, after which a logistics company handles the transportation. Unlike traditional movers who do the packing and hauling, these trailers are dropped off at your location, giving you the freedom to load your items at your own pace.
This hybrid approach—DIY packing combined with professional transport—is particularly popular with people moving long distances, businesses shifting inventory, or individuals looking to save on moving expenses.
Benefits of Using Freight Trailer Moving Services
Choosing freight trailer moving over traditional moving companies or rental trucks comes with a range of benefits:
Cost-Effective for Large Moves
Freight trailers are usually priced by the linear foot of space used, making them ideal for larger moves. You only pay for the space you use, which can result in substantial savings, especially for long-distance hauls.
Flexibility in Packing and Loading
Unlike moving trucks with strict pickup and delivery schedules, freight trailers are often dropped off for several days, allowing you to load at your convenience. This is ideal for families and businesses that need time to organize.
Professional Transport Without Driving
You handle the packing; professionals handle the driving. This means no need for a commercial driver’s license or maneuvering a massive truck across highways—a major relief for many.
Secure and Weather-Protected
Freight trailers are designed to protect cargo from road conditions, theft, and weather. Many also include locking mechanisms for added security.
Top Freight Trailer Moving Products and Companies
Below are five real-world freight trailer moving services and solutions you can consider. Each offers unique features suited for different types of moves:
1. Pack ReloCube and Freight Trailer
U-Pack is a leading name in long-distance moving, offering both ReloCubes for smaller loads and full-size freight trailers for larger moves. Their pricing model is based on linear feet, making it extremely flexible for customers.
Details:
- Freight trailers are 28 ft long and can hold a standard 3-4 bedroom home.
- You have 3 business days to load.
- No driving required—U-Pack handles all transport.
Benefits:
- Cost savings from only paying for the space used.
- Safe and secure with tie-down points inside.
- Delivery to most locations across the U.S.
2. Old Dominion Household Services
Old Dominion offers professional freight trailer services tailored for residential moves. Their services are designed to help homeowners transport belongings with the same security as commercial freight.
Details:
- Customized freight trailer delivery to your residence.
- Use of protective equipment like bulkheads.
- Pay based on space used.
Benefits:
- High reliability from a commercial freight provider.
- Excellent customer service.
- Great for fragile or valuable goods.
3. Estes SureMove
Estes SureMove provides 28-foot trailers ideal for long-distance household moves. They are known for their reliable timelines and extensive freight experience.
Details:
- Self-load at your location within three days.
- Transport across 48 states.
- Online tracking system.
Benefits:
- Trusted freight network.
- Clear pricing based on linear feet.
- Great option for interstate moves.
4. Freightquote by C.H. Robinson
Freightquote connects users with a variety of freight trailer carriers. It’s more of a platform than a direct provider, giving you the ability to compare multiple freight trailer moving companies.
Details:
- Access to multiple freight companies.
- Tools for estimating costs and transit times.
- Real-time tracking available.
Benefits:
- Transparent comparison shopping.
- Ideal for business relocations or bulk freight.
- Helpful customer service and quote tools.
5. FreightCenter Residential Freight Shipping
FreightCenter specializes in freight logistics, including household freight trailer moves. They offer residential pickups and expert coordination with trusted carriers.
Details:
- Nationwide carrier network.
- Personalized freight broker support.
- Full-service shipping quotes.
Benefits:
- Great option for customized freight needs.
- Competitive pricing through carrier bidding.
- Detailed transit management.
Real-World Use Cases: Why People Use Freight Trailer Moving Services
Freight trailer moving services are highly versatile and cater to a wide variety of real-world scenarios. These services bridge the gap between cost-efficiency and convenience, making them a popular solution for different types of customers. Below are some of the most common and practical situations where freight trailer moving is the ideal choice.
Cross-Country Residential Moves
Families and individuals moving across state lines often choose freight trailer services to save money without sacrificing reliability. Instead of hiring full-service movers or driving a rental truck themselves, they can focus on packing while professionals handle the transport.
For example, a family moving from California to Florida can load their belongings over a weekend, and let the freight company transport everything. With no need to drive a large truck cross-country, they avoid fuel costs, tolls, and road fatigue, all while benefiting from secure and timely delivery.
Downsizing or Estate Liquidation
When managing estate sales, senior moves, or downsizing from a large home, freight trailers provide ample space to move large volumes of belongings. These services are especially helpful when coordinating with multiple family members or third-party estate managers.
In such cases, trailers are delivered directly to the property, where items can be sorted and loaded at a manageable pace. This allows for the efficient relocation or donation of furniture, personal effects, and heirlooms without the pressure of a tight moving window.
Long-Distance College Moves
Students moving long distances for college often accumulate more than what fits in a car. A freight trailer gives them the flexibility to take furniture, books, and personal items all at once.
Instead of multiple car trips or expensive full-service moving, a student can load a small portion of a trailer (and only pay for what they use), which is then shipped to their dorm or off-campus housing. This is especially helpful for out-of-state or international students with tight moving timelines.
Small Business Relocations
Freight trailer moving isn’t just for residential use. Small businesses relocating offices, inventory, or equipment can use these services for cost-effective transport. Whether it’s moving retail fixtures, IT systems, or documents, the trailer acts like a mobile warehouse during transition.
For instance, a growing eCommerce business moving from a home garage to a small commercial space can transport shelving units, boxes of inventory, and workstations without hiring an expensive moving crew. The ability to load on their own schedule makes it ideal for minimizing business downtime.
Military and Government Moves
Military families, who move frequently due to reassignments, often use freight trailer services for PCS (Permanent Change of Station) moves. These services align well with reimbursement programs and offer the flexibility to pack household goods independently.
Given the high frequency of moves, military members often prefer to handle packing themselves for both budget and personal reasons. Freight trailer moving offers an efficient, reimbursable solution that reduces stress and maximizes control during transitions.
How to Buy or Reserve a Freight Trailer Moving Service
Buying or reserving a freight trailer service is typically done online. Most providers offer instant quotes and allow you to schedule deliveries based on your move date.
To book, follow these steps:
- Get an online quote from a provider’s website.
- Confirm space needed and schedule the trailer drop-off.
- Load your items within the allotted time.
- Confirm pickup and delivery location.
Buy or Reserve Online from These Providers:
- <a href=”https://www.upack.com” target=”_blank”><button>Book with U-Pack</button></a>
- <a href=”https://www.olddominionfreight.com/solutions/household-services” target=”_blank”><button>Reserve with Old Dominion</button></a>
- <a href=”https://www.estes-express.com/suremove/” target=”_blank”><button>Get Quote from Estes SureMove</button></a>
- <a href=”https://www.freightquote.com” target=”_blank”><button>Compare at Freightquote</button></a>
- <a href=”https://www.freightcenter.com” target=”_blank”><button>Get Rates at FreightCenter</button></a>
Frequently Asked Question
1. How much does it cost to move using a freight trailer?
The cost depends on the space used in the trailer (usually priced by linear foot) and the distance of the move. Average long-distance moves can range from $2,000–$5,000.
2. Can I move a car in a freight trailer?
Most standard freight trailers aren’t designed for car transport, but some companies offer hybrid solutions or can recommend specialized carriers for vehicles.
3. Is it safe to use a freight trailer for fragile items?
Yes, as long as you use proper packing methods. Many services offer bulkheads and straps to protect your belongings during transit.
