It is a required practice for licensed movers handling hourly-rated local moves under state regulations.
Double drive time refers to a rule where movers charge for twice the actual driving time between the origin (pickup location) and destination (drop-off location). For example:
- If the drive from your old home to your new one takes 20 minutes, they bill for 40 minutes at their hourly rate.
- This does not include the time for the movers to drive to your pickup location from their office or back afterward—you’re not charged for those trips.
The total billable time is typically: loading time + double drive time + unloading time.
Is It Required by Law?
Yes, this is mandated by California regulations (overseen by the Bureau of Household Goods and Services and formerly the CPUC). Licensed household goods movers must follow Maximum Rate Tariff 4, which states that for hourly moves, charges are based on loading/unloading plus double the driving time from origin to destination.
This rule applies to all licensed moving companies in California for qualifying moves (primarily local, hourly-rated ones). It’s designed to:
- Protect consumers from hidden or excessive travel fees.
- Compensate movers fairly without charging for their commute to/from the job.
- Standardize pricing and prevent scams.
When Might It Not Apply?
- Flat-rate moves or long-distance/interstate moves (these often use different pricing models).
- Exceptions in the tariff, such as multiple trips between the same locations (only the first trip gets double drive time; additional trips may use actual time).
- Some unlicensed or informal movers (e.g., “friends with a truck”) might ignore the rule, but that’s not legal for regulated companies.
- Very short-distance moves (under ~5 miles in some interpretations) might have variations, though the rule generally applies.
Bottom Line
If you’re hiring a licensed professional moving company in California for a local hourly move, yes—they are required to charge double drive time for the drive between your locations. This is standard and actually benefits you by preventing extra charges for the movers’ travel to/from your home. Always ask for a written estimate that clearly explains how travel time is handled, and check the company’s license status on the Bureau of Household Goods and Services website.
