What is Double Drive Time and Why Do I Have To Pay It?

If you are moving anywhere within the state of California, you might be hearing about a strange charge that will show up on your moving bill. The charge is called double drive time. If you’re confused about moving double drive time (and most people are), let us clarify.

Why double drive time?

The metropolitan areas in California are very large. The Bay Area alone is more than 10,000 square miles. Add to that the fact that Bay Area traffic is notoriously awful. If moving customers paid for all the time their moving company is on the road, let’s just say it can add hours. That’s why the State of California Public Utilities Commission mandated double drive time. Any move within the state not charge for the time getting to you and getting back. Instead movers must charge double drive time.

What is the Double Drive Time Law?

Double drive time is the time it takes for getting to the point of origin to the point of destination, and then back. In other words, if you move one block away, you will be charged for that one block ride, twice. On the other hand, if you are moving from San Jose to Oakland, you’ll pay for that drive twice.

Is double drive time cheaper?

In most cases, double drive time is cheaper, and in all cases, it protects the customer. You have no way of knowing what time a truck leaves the garage or what time it returns there after your move. In fact, in many cases, your movers may be coming from another move or going to another move afterwards. With double drive time, you know exactly how long it took to get from your point of origin (your original moving address) to the point of destination (the address you’re moving to). Move time (packing, loading and unloading time), any materials used, and double drive time shall be the total of your move charges. That’s not all. Double drive time frees you up to hire your favorite mover, no matter where they are. If you live in San Diego, for example, you can hire a mover from Los Angeles and you won’t have to pay for all the drive time it takes to get to you, if the Los Angeles mover services your area.

Do all moves charge double drive time?

All moves within the State of California charge double drive time. The double drive time law does not apply to moves outside the state of California. If you have questions about double drive time, you can call us. Our moving consultants know all about it.