A Practical Guide to Freight Trailer Moving: Separating Fact from Fiction

Debunking common myths about freight trailer moving

Freight-trailer moving companies like U-Pack® often offer the most budget-friendly option for relocating out of state. However, some people are reluctant to use the service based on misunderstandings. 

Not only is the service affordable, but it’s also practical and flexible. Let’s examine some common myths about freight trailer moving so you can make an informed decision for your upcoming move. 

6 misconceptions about freight trailer moving

Here are some things you might have heard about freight trailers and the truth about the services.

1. Only businesses can use a moving semi-trailer

Trailers are an excellent option for shipping household goods. Residential moving services typically use pup trailers, which are approximately 28’ long, 8’ wide and 9’ tall.  

This equipment is shorter than the 53’ length of traditional semi-trailers you might see hauling for businesses, but you’ll still need to ensure there’s enough clearance to park. Consider the equipment's length, width and height when looking for parking space on a driveway or the street. 

Learn more about U-Pack moving trailers. 

2. Freight moving companies make you pay for the whole trailer, even for small moves 

Full moving trailers typically hold belongings from a 3- to 4-bedroom home (or close to 1,950 cubic feet of loading space), but the equipment works for moves of all sizes.  

By choosing a freight service like U-Pack, you’ll only pay for the space you use in the trailer, down to a minimum of 5 linear feet, which is perfect for studio apartments. 

The usable space inside freight trailers is taller than in most rental trucks (at least 9’ tall), so you can take advantage of the vertical space. This helps you get the most value for your money since prices are usually based on the horizontal space used, and you’re less likely to run out of space than with a rental truck.  

3. Trailers aren’t safe for household goods 

Some people might worry about transporting fragile belongings in a freight trailer, but the equipment is designed to ship all sorts of items. Follow professional packing advice to protect things during transit. 

Are you concerned about your shipment getting mixed up with others? U-Pack provides a lockable bulkhead (divider wall) that separates your things from any commercial goods we transport in the extra space if you’re not using the full trailer. We never mix household goods shipments. 

Note: Some companies may transport several households in one trailer without dividers, which could cause delays or mixed-up shipments. Before choosing a provider, ask how your stuff will be handled. 

4. Freight service moves are complicated

Setting up a move with U-Pack is as easy as filling out our free online instant quote form or calling 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a helpful moving consultant. From there, customers can navigate every aspect of the process through our customer dashboard or by reaching out over the phone.  

The best benefit of a freight service is you get self-moving advantages (control over packing, savings on moving labor, etc.) without having to drive a bulky rental truck.  

Typically, the moving company delivers equipment for you to load over a set number of days. Later, a professional driver picks up the equipment and transports it to your new home, where you’ll unload it. Where companies differ is how the shipments and belongings are handled during transit. 

5. Loading the equipment is difficult 

It’s true that trailers can be up to 4’ off the ground, but a ramp makes it easy to load your things safely and comfortably. U-Pack includes a sturdy ramp that’s simple to set up and use with our moving equipment.  

Other helpful tools are an appliance dolly or hand truck, moving blankets and straps for securing items for transit. 

Need help loading or unloading? U-Pack can refer you to affordable local moving crews. 

6. Freight trailer moving companies are expensive

Trailer moving is often cheaper than full-service movers because you handle the moving labor and can benefit from reduced pricing through an efficient transportation network.  

And you’re not stuck paying out-of-pocket fuel costs along the way like you would with a rental truck since transportation is already included in your price. 

Plus, unlike traditional moving companies, freight moving services don’t typically charge based on the weight of the shipment. A full load of household goods rarely exceeds 13,000 lbs., but most trailers can legally haul twice that much weight. That means if you have a lot of heavy furniture, you can save money using a freight service that doesn’t charge based on weight. 

Note: U-Pack trailer moving costs are figured by the space used inside the equipment, measured in linear feet. That means the less stuff you move, the lower the price. 

Ready to check your moving price with U-Pack? 

Get a free, no-obligation quote online today or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant.  

If you have questions about trailer moving or U-Pack services, let us know in the comments. We’re here to help! 

Is a trailer move not for you? U-Pack also offers ReloCube® moving containers.