Can You Ride with Your Movers?

The short answer is: no, you normally can’t ride with your movers in their truck. Most moving company policies prevent it because of liability concerns and insurance limitations.

Also, many moving trucks only have enough seats for the professional team, and if there’s no room, you won’t be able to ride in the cargo area either. Plenty of states have laws prohibiting passengers in cargo areas.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) states that you can only ride in a cargo area if it’s designed to protect passengers in the event of a crash. Because moving truck cargo areas typically don’t have seats, seat belts, or other protections, it’s not legal—or safe—to ride in them.

What Are Moving Company Policies on Passenger Travel?

Most moving company policies prohibit passenger travel. There are several reasons why this policy is in place, including:

• Increased liability risk: Moving companies already take on a pretty high liability risk. They may cover costs related to property damage that occurs in transit, including in an accident. For example, if the box truck overturns in a wind gust, the moving company may cover the cost to replace or repair your items. However, taking on a passenger adds another layer of risk—the company could be held liable for any injuries that the passenger might sustain. To avoid this and the expense that comes with it, company policies often prohibit passengers.
• Insurance doesn’t cover it: Your moving service’s insurance company may not cover passengers at all. In such a case, allowing a passenger could put the moving company at risk of having claims denied.
• Not enough room: Many moving trucks are only designed to hold a few people. All seats secured by seat belts may be taken up by the moving team.
• Potential distraction for the driver: Businesses might not allow you to ride in a moving truck because untrained passengers might be seen as a potential distraction. That could increase the risks of an accident during transport.

In very rare cases, especially for local moves or when using an independent moving service, the company might allow a passenger, but only with prior approval. Always confirm the policy directly with your mover before moving day.

Are There Safety and Insurance Considerations?

Yes, there are critical safety and insurance factors to consider before you opt to ride with your movers, even if they allow it.

“The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) states that you can only ride in a cargo area if it’s designed to protect passengers in the event of a crash.”

First, consider your own safety. If there isn’t an option for sitting in the cab of the truck, you might eye the cargo area. But riding in the cargo area increases your chance of injury, even if the truck isn’t involved in an accident. Here’s why it’s especially dangerous:

• No seats or seat belts: There are likely no seats and seat belts, creating a legal issue as well as a safety concern.
• Jostling and falls: You could fall or be jostled around as the moving truck navigates curves and turns.
• Shifting cargo: Boxes and other items might fall on you or slide into you.

Second, consider the insurance implications. Many moving companies have insurance that covers your belongings, but not you. The policies are often designed only to cover injuries to the employed moving team should an accident occur. If you choose to ride in the moving truck anyway and are injured, you might be on the hook for your own medical expenses.

Are There Any Special Circumstances and Exceptions?

Moving truck passenger rules vary with location and company. If you’re making a local move with a small team, you might find a company willing to let you ride in the moving truck. However, this is very rare. If riding along is important to you, be sure to ask about the company’s policy before you book—and get written approval, ideally via email.