How they compare
| Shared load | Dedicated truck | |
|---|---|---|
| Other shipments on board | Yes | No |
| Relative price | Lower | Higher |
| Delivery window | Wider | Narrower |
| Stops along the way | More | Fewer |
| Risk of being transferred | Higher, depending on routing | Lower |
| Best fit | Flexible dates, smaller shipments | Fixed dates, larger homes, fragile items |
When shared load makes sense
- Your date is flexible by a week or more.
- You can stay in temporary housing or camp at home for a few days.
- You're moving a smaller home and want to reduce cost.
- You're on a busy line, where trucks fill faster. Busy lines from Chicago include Florida, California and Texas.
When a dedicated truck makes sense
- You have fixed closing or start dates at both ends.
- Your household is large enough to fill most of a truck anyway.
- You have many fragile or high-value items, and want less handling.
- You need delivery into a building with a tight elevator booking.
What to ask before you decide
- What delivery window will my paperwork state?
- Will my shipment change trucks or go through a warehouse?
- What happens if the truck misses the window?
- Who tells me the driver's arrival time, and how far ahead?
- What are the separate price differences on my actual route?
Federal rules make the delivery dates on your paperwork important, so don't rely on verbal promises. Read how it works for the steps in order.