Interstate movers take 14-21 business days to deliver because they consolidate loads across multiple stops

Most interstate moving companies consolidate multiple customers' shipments onto a single truck to fill capacity, which means a move from New York to Los Angeles makes 3-7 intermediate stops to pick up and deliver other loads, stretching a 5-day direct drive into 14-21 business days. The customer is left sleeping on an air mattress, buying temporary kitchenware, and paying for hotel stays or short-term housing because the delivery window is a vague 'between day 7 and day 21.' This persists because exclusive-use trucks cost 40-60% more and most customers choose the cheaper consolidated option without understanding the delivery window implications, carriers face no penalties for delivering on day 21 of a 7-21 day window, and the bill of lading's delivery spread is technically honored even when the customer assumed it meant the earlier date.