The costs of a traditional, full-service long-distance move are high due to the price of fuel, labor and insurance. In response, many people have begun moving away from the all-in-one moving model.

Instead, they rent a small truck for furniture and ship personal belongings through parcel carriers and less-than-truckload (LTL) freight.

This shift marks a new demand that parcel and LTL companies can capitalize on.

Why Traditional Moving Has Become Untenable for Many

Traditional truck moving costs have risen in the last few years, making them an unattractive option for hauling belongings. The operational costs associated with traditional truck moving, such as labor and fuel, have been steadily rising.

In fact, private workers’ compensation rose by 0.7% during the last three months of 2025. Costs like these are unavoidable, but consumers end up shouldering much of the burden.

The final cost of a long-distance move is based on distance and weight, along with other special factors such as professional packing, custom crating, assembly and disassembly and managing access issues.

Mover’s insurance premium is also calculated based on the total value of the belongings inside the truck. Since inflation has increased the replacement value of objects, a full move is more expensive to underwrite.

A Shift from Full-Service to DIY Logistics

With all the new costs of moving, people have shifted to a hybrid approach. Clients are now acting as their own logistics managers by dividing their belongings and coordinating small trucks with parcel carriers.

Through this route, they end up saving, thanks to minimal to no professional labor and large truck capacity – the most expensive components of traditional moves. Additionally, many households are decluttering and downsizing their belongings to save more on moving costs.

Companies have now introduced a specialized residential freight category, allowing carriers to serve people packing their own belongings at a fraction of the cost.

Greater access to technology supports this shift to DIY logistics. Digital freight platforms help consumers instantly get LTL freight quotes and compare different carriers.

Additionally, people can print labels at home for dozens of different boxes. Mobile applications also allow them to maintain full control and visibility of their deliveries. They can check real-time locations, reschedule deliveries and route parcels for pickup at distinct locations. This unparalleled convenience demonstrates the advantages of parcel carriers when hauling household goods.

Impact on the Parcel and Logistics Network

To understand the scale of the opportunity, consider that the logistics industry in the United States accounts for $2.3 trillion, or about 8.7% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. Capturing even a tiny fraction of such a massive market is a significant advantage. The growing demand from DIY movers represents a valuable, untapped segment ripe for logistics professionals to serve.

Companies need to dedicate more resources to make this avenue more efficient and attractive to people. One option is to alter parcel profiles to accommodate heavier and more awkwardly shaped objects. Instead of standardized e-commerce packages, consider adding 30-50 lb boxes, the perfect sizes for a move.

Another issue to consider is that moving does not follow a seasonal and geographical pattern. There can be an unforeseen rise in demand between two points, straining local delivery networks. This presents an opportunity to become a leader in the industry, one that offers integrated solutions. Additional services can be offered, such as materials, multi-box shipping labels and pickup scheduling.

Navigating Insurance and Liability in Hybrid Moves

This new flood of high-value personal belongings into networks designed for commercial goods creates new challenges, most notably in insurance and liability. This issue is compounded by the fact that logistics companies have also been seeing rising operating costs in the last few years. For example, the Producer Price Index for transportation equipment increased by 2.3% year over year, leading to higher transportation service costs. This pressure from both rising operational costs and new liability risks makes finding an efficient solution a critical business priority.

One of the most important issues for this growing service is the gap between the declared value and the insurance limit. Liability for the standard carrier is minimal, even if consumers pay a fee to declare a higher value for their parcels. In the event of loss or damage, they must go through a complex claims process that may not result in a favorable outcome. Additionally, insurance does not typically cover high-value and sentimental items.

When not properly addressed, the arduous claims process can lead to consumer frustration and a high rate of denied claims, deterring them from seeking the service again. However, there is an opportunity to provide an insurance product that solves these issues and needs. The policy should focus on the workarounds of a hybrid move, covering essential items such as a rental truck, LTL shipment and parcel shipments. This would be a highly valuable addition for DIY movers.

Adapting to the Future of Personal Relocation

Consumers have been turning to DIY options amid rising traditional moving costs. However, logistics professionals can turn this shift into a permanent service for carrier parcels. While it comes with its own risks, especially regarding insurance and liability, these can be solved through a dedicated insurance policy for the service.

Providers who recognize this change in consumer behavior and act on it can lead the industry and develop a whole new market segment.

Dylan Berger is a logistics and supply chain writer whose work has appeared in Global Trade Mag, BOSS Magazine and other industry publications.