What is Double Drive Time? Moving Company Costs Explained

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How Double Drive Time Affects Your Moving Costs

Calculating double drive time is straightforward once you understand the formula. Moving companies multiply the actual driving time between your old and new homes by two, then multiply that figure by their hourly rate.

For example, if you hire 2 movers at a rate of $170 per hour and the drive between locations takes 40 minutes, you'll pay for 80 minutes (1 hour and 20 minutes) of drive time, which amounts to approximately $227 in drive time charges alone.

Most companies round to the nearest 15-minute increment, though some may round up to the next quarter hour. This detail matters—a 31-minute drive could become either 30 minutes or 45 minutes of billable time depending on the company's rounding policy. Always ask about this when getting quotes, as it can significantly affect your final cost.

If multiple trips are required, then only the first trip should be doubled, while all other trips would be calculated as straight time.

Impact on Local vs. Long-Distance Moves

For local moves, double drive time often accounts for a significant portion of your total bill. A move across town might involve only 2–3 hours of loading and unloading, but it adds an hour or more in double-drive time charges. This is why getting multiple quotes is especially important for local moves. Variations in starting locations can substantially affect drive time calculations.

Long-distance moves over 100 miles don't use double-drive-time calculations. Instead, they're priced based on weight or volume plus a fixed transportation fee.

Your Moving Day: What to Watch For on Time Sheets

California's double drive time law prevents movers from charging arbitrary or unverifiable travel fees to customers.

Beware of companies that charge double drive time but also add separate "travel fees" or "fuel surcharges" that effectively charge you twice for transportation costs. Similarly, question any drive time calculations that seem significantly longer than what mapping applications indicate for your specific route.

Another warning sign is when companies start their drive time clock before they've finished loading at your origin address or continue charging after they've begun unloading at your destination. Legitimate drive time should include only the time spent traveling between locations with your belongings.

If your moving company changed drivers or crews between locations, verify that you're not being charged for any additional transportation time related to crew switches. The double drive time charge should solely reflect the direct route between your origin and destination addresses.

How to Save Money Despite Double Drive Time Charges

While you can't eliminate double drive time charges when using professional movers in regulated states, you can take steps to minimize their impact on your total moving costs. 

The most effective way to reduce drive-time costs is to schedule your move during off-peak hours, when traffic is lighter. Early-morning or midday weekday moves typically encounter less congestion than weekend or evening moves, resulting in faster transit times and lower double-drive time charges. 

For particularly complex moves involving multiple pickup or delivery locations, try to consolidate stops when possible. Each additional location typically incurs its own double-drive-time calculation, increasing your total costs. If you need items picked up from both your home and a storage unit, consider whether it's cheaper to bring everything to one location first.

Comparing Moving Quotes With Double Drive Time

Professional movers handle loading and unloading, while double drive time covers their transportation between your addresses.

When gathering quotes from multiple moving companies, pay close attention to how each one calculates and presents drive time charges. Some companies might offer a lower hourly rate but estimate longer drive times, resulting in a higher total cost than competitors with higher hourly rates but more efficient routing.

A reputable moving company will provide a binding estimate that includes all applicable fees, including double drive time. This documentation protects you from unexpected charges on moving day and offers concrete figures to compare across companies.

When comparing quotes, remember that the lowest hourly rate doesn't always translate to the lowest total cost. A company with slightly higher hourly rates might have more efficient operations, better route planning, or more accurate traffic predictions, resulting in lower overall drive time charges. Focus on the bottom line, not just the hourly rate, when making your decision.

Manage Moving Costs with Got2Move

Relocating within California comes with its challenges—that’s why we at Got2Move have dedicated almost two decades to perfecting a moving approach designed exclusively for the state. This extensive experience influences every aspect of how we serve our customers.

Honest, transparent pricing forms the foundation of our business model. Rather than presenting artificially low estimates that inflate with hidden charges, we deliver comprehensive quotes that reflect the actual job requirements. Local moves benefit from our hourly rate and a "Not to Exceed" price—though final costs may adjust if conditions at pickup or delivery differ from the initial assessment (such as parking availability, walking distance, or stairs)

At the same time, our flat-rate structure for long-distance moves more than 100 miles within California ensures that your quote aligns with your final payment.

Got2Move specializes in California relocation with transparent pricing and no hidden drive time fees.

We conduct moves 7 days a week from 8:00 AM to midnight, and our office is accessible daily between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM for quotes and inquiries. Our consistently strong ratings and positive reviews on Yelp, BBB, and Google since 2006 stem from our prioritization of core principles: transparent quotes, professional service, and exceptional customer care.

Our experienced crew members work efficiently without sacrificing attention to detail, often completing moves ahead of schedule. As a fully licensed and insured California mover (CAL-T 191707), we have built our reputation on reliability, professionalism, and genuine care for your belongings, all at competitive rates.

Get Your Free Moving Quote Now →

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is double drive time a legal requirement everywhere?

No, double drive time is primarily a California regulatory requirement for licensed movers. However, many moving companies throughout the United States have adopted similar practices as an industry standard. 

In states without specific regulations, companies may use different terms or calculation methods for travel time charges. But the principle remains similar: compensating movers for both the trip to your destination and their return journey.

Can I refuse to pay double drive time charges?

If you're moving within California, double drive time is a legal requirement that cannot be waived or negotiated away. Licensed moving companies must comply with this regulation, and attempting to avoid these charges could put both you and the mover in a difficult legal position. 

In other states where it's not legally mandated, you might find companies willing to structure their fees differently, but most will incorporate travel costs into your bill in some form.

How do moving companies calculate the actual driving time?

Professional moving companies typically use mapping software that accounts for distance, speed limits, and average traffic conditions to calculate drive times. Some more technologically advanced companies may use real-time traffic data on moving day to ensure accurate billing. 

The calculation should be based on the most direct practical route between locations, not necessarily the shortest distance if that route involves significant traffic delays.

Will traffic jams affect my double drive time charges?

Yes, traffic conditions affect your double drive time charges. If your movers encounter unexpected traffic jams, construction, or accidents, the increased drive time will be reflected in your final bill. This is one reason why scheduling your move during off-peak hours can result in substantial savings. 

Some companies base their estimates on typical traffic patterns for your scheduled day and time, while others might adjust the final bill based on actual conditions experienced during your move.

How does Got2Move handle double drive time in their quotes?

At Got2Move, our estimates detail the hourly labor rate and double drive time calculated between your origin and destination addresses (when locations are 5+ miles apart), in full compliance with BHGS requirements. 

You'll never encounter surprise fees or undisclosed charges. Just straightforward pricing and professional service you can trust.

*Note: Prices are approximate only and may vary based on factors like distance, weight, volume, home size, seasonality, and specific services requested. Final billing may also include additional charges such as fuel surcharges, stairs, long carries, or other service-related fees. For an exact, binding quote, please contact Got2Move directly.