Two men load a sofa into the back of a moving truck.
Two men load a sofa into the back of a moving truck.

No matter how much you might plan and prepare for moving day, sometimes the unthinkable happens: your movers are late.  

Maybe it’s because of traffic or issues with the truck, but for whatever reason, your movers haven’t arrived on time. You’ve paid a lot for moving services, and now there’s a hiccup. Your schedule is thrown off, and you’re beginning to stress. 

Don’t panic! Believe it or not, you have options. There are steps to resolve the issue, minimize delays, and even get back on track. Let’s talk about what to do if movers are late.

Movers Are Late for Pickup

If your movers are late for pickup, it can be an inconvenience but not an immediate catastrophe. You might chalk a 30-minute delay up to something like traffic or another job that’s run over. For something much longer, however, you’ll want to take action.  

If your movers are late (and haven’t communicated that information to you), take the following steps:

  1. Contact the moving company for an update. If they haven’t actively contacted you, call the company’s dispatcher for an update. The dispatcher should generally know your truck’s ETA and their situation.
  2. Review your moving contract for terms regarding delays. One important question to ask movers is what happens if they’re late. You should have this information handy ahead of time. Your contract should specify what steps to take and what remedies you have for late movers.
  3. Take some extra time to double-check packing or finish last-minute preparations. This extra time can be a gift to complete any last-minute prep work or packing you need to do. Do another walkthrough (or two) of your home to ensure you’ve emptied all closets and cabinets. Check labels on boxes. Account for all your important documents like passports, insurance documents, etc.
  4. Consider a last-minute option, like hiring a local or last-minute mover. If there’s a major problem, you’ll need to pivot and hire last-minute movers. This will probably be expensive, but if you need be out of your apartment or house by a certain time, you may not have a choice. A moving broker might be able to help you find these last-minute services.

Movers Are Late for Delivery

If your movers are late delivering your belongings, that’s another problem entirely. Late delivery can hamper your ability to settle into your home at best and cause real problems if you’re running low on things like clean laundry or need to cook. 

Here’s how you can effectively handle this situation: 

  • Contact the movers directly. Call the moving company for real-time updates on your delivery’s status. Clear and open communication can help you understand the cause of the delay and get an estimated delivery time.
  • Escalate the issue. Don’t be afraid to escalate your concerns to a higher-level representative or manager or to emphasize the urgency of this issue.
  • Review your contract. Check your contract for clauses related to delivery timelines and associated penalties. Some may offer compensation for delays beyond specific windows.
  • Document communications. Keep detailed records of every interaction with the moving company. Save emails, take notes on phone calls, and document any promises or updates. This is important for filing a later claim or seeking later compensation. 


Late deliveries can disrupt your plans, but staying proactive and organized can make the situation much more bearable. Clear communication and thorough documentation when dealing with
residential moving services providers can help resolve your issue efficiently.

Delay Times: What to Do for Short and Long-Term Delays

Delayed by Hours

Experiencing an hours-long delay can be frustrating, but use it as an opportunity to finalize any tasks. Check your essential documents, contracts, inventories, and contact lists are complete and accessible. 

If you run out of things to do, call your moving company to confirm updated arrival times and resolve any potential misunderstandings. If your delay creates logistical challenges, you may need local help from another moving company to bridge the gap and keep the schedule on track.

Delayed by Days

A days-long delay requires a more strategic approach. Depending on your flexibility, you may need to secure temporary housing for yourself and your family. Your belongings, meanwhile, might need to go into short-term storage to stay organized and protected from the elements. 

Like a shorter delay, contact your movers to stay updated on the situation and any anticipated timelines. If necessary, evaluate your moving plans and discuss potential solutions with the moving company to minimize further disruptions.

Dealing with Longer Delays

Extended delays can feel like a trainwreck that disrupts your entire moving plan. But, like other delays, you have steps to mitigate them. 

Review your contract to look for compensation policies or guarantees for late deliveries. At this point, you’re probably well beyond the point of apologies. If your movers have yet to take possession of your belongings, consider seeking alternative services, such as last-minute long-distance movers. You may need to pay extra for the expedited service. 

No matter what happens, document all communications and issues to support potential claims. In extreme cases, you may even need legal advice to resolve the dispute and ensure compensation for significant disruptions.  

Remember the first rule of moving: be proactive in your problem-solving. It applies here just as much as it does when planning for your move in the first place.

Know Your Rights

As a moving customer, you have specific rights, especially when delays occur. If your movers are late, the first step is to review your contract. Reputable companies include policies for handling delays, such as compensation or rescheduling options. Advanced knowledge of these details can help you navigate unexpected setbacks. 

If your movers fail to meet their contractual obligations, take immediate action. Document all communications. Should the need arise, you can also file a formal complaint with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This government agency protects consumers in the moving industry and provides resources and guidance on dispute resolution. They can even help recover compensation for significant delays.

Of course, the best way to avoid these issues is to identify and work with a reliable moving company. Research their reputation and ensure contracts are clear, comprehensive, and easy to understand. Empowering yourself with knowledge ensures a smoother moving experience, even when challenges arise.

How Long Does a Moving Company Have to Legally Deliver?

While there’s no universal answer to this question, federal regulations provide general guidelines. The FMCSA requires moving companies to include delivery windows in their contracts. These timelines can vary based on your move’s distance, weather conditions, and state regulations. 

For most long-distance moves, delivery can take a few days or weeks. Movers have a legal obligation to meet the timeframe specified in the contract unless unforeseen circumstances arise. If a delay occurs, movers should notify you promptly and explain their reasons. 

Carefully review the terms of moving contracts before signing since they outline the company’s obligations and your rights as a customer.

Handling Moving Delays with Confidence

Delays are frustrating, but you can manage them and any other aspect of your move with the right steps. It requires flexibility, attention to detail, and the willingness to communicate closely with your movers.

Choosing reliable long-distance moving services is one of the biggest ways to reduce the risk of these complications. A moving broker can help you vet movers for their reliability and point you toward the most trusted providers for your unique moving needs. Contact Safe Ship today for more information or your free moving quote.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if movers don’t show up?

If your movers don’t show up, contact them immediately to determine the cause. Document all communications and review your contract for cancellation or rescheduling policies. If the delay is egregious, file a complaint with the FMCSA and explore alternative options to reduce delays.

Your moving process depends on distance, volume, and logistics. Local moves can take one or two days, while long-distance ones might take days or weeks. Review the movers’ timeline in the contract to set realistic expectations for delivery.

A late movers strategy involves being proactive by maintaining open communication with the moving company. Document all delays, review the delay policy in your contract and explore temporary options like storage or alternative movers. If delays persist, you may need to seek compensation or file a formal complaint to protect your rights.