Money
Hidden moving fees
As of September 2026, the extras that break a cheap quote are still stairs, long carry, shuttle, packing, storage, fuel, and waiting time. They are not hidden if you ask.
Haulest data team · Desk opened official pages 17 September 2026. Editorial.
Accessorials to find on the paper.
| Fee | What it is |
|---|---|
| Long carry | Truck cannot sit at the door |
| Shuttle | Small truck after a trailer that will not fit |
| Stairs / flight | Walk-up time |
| Waiting time | Keys, elevator, booth |
| Packing | Labor plus materials |
| SIT | Storage because the house is not ready |
| Fuel | Diesel line on long-distance |
Not a surprise if it is on the survey
If the estimator saw the hill, the shuttle should be on the paper. If they quoted from a bedroom count, you bought the surprise.
Country notes
US interstate: 110% rule on some non-binding estimates. UK: waiting time and ULEZ. Canada: elevator overtime and GST/HST.
Before you hire
Four checks before a deposit
Written estimate after a look
Interstate movers must give the booklet and a written estimate after a survey or a full description. A $499 ad is not an estimate.
FMCSA Protect Your MoveLegal name matches SAFER
USDOT on the paper, the truck doors, and the census. A different name is the walk.
USDOT / Companies House lookupWalk from cash and blank paper
FTC: unregistered interstate, huge deposit, cash only, or a blank contract. Photograph and leave.
FTC: hiring a mover110% on a COD non-binding job
Pay up to 110% plus agreed extras and they must hand over the load. Not a cap on extras you signed.
US interstate rules
Reviewed September 2026 by the Haulest desk. Numbers on this page carry their own dates; the official pages below are the sources.
Sources
Links go to the publisher. Haulest does not add findings. Checked September 2026; if the live page moved, believe the agency.
Ask out loud
Questions people ask
- Is fuel a scam?
- A labeled fuel line on a long-distance job is common. An unlabeled cash add-on on the driveway is not.
- Shuttle vs long carry?
- Shuttle is a second truck. Long carry is walking. Both cost. Ask which one your street forces.
- Can I refuse a shuttle?
- You can refuse. The trailer still will not fit. Then you are stuck.
- Where are city examples?
- Austin heat, NYC permits, London waiting time, Toronto elevators. Open the city pages.
Next steps
Next
Keep going
Call for a free quote
From, then To. Date and home size after that. A person on the phone is faster if you already know the dates.
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Haulest is a research desk and quote line. We are not a carrier.