Moving Between Queens and Brooklyn: The BQE, New Truck Routes and Building Types
Moving between Queens and Brooklyn? Which roads moving trucks can use, the October 2026 truck route changes near Maspeth and Ridgewood, and building tips.
Updated October 11, 2026
Many Queens families move east to Nassau or Suffolk County for more space. The distance is modest, but Long Island has its own rules for trucks, and a house move is planned differently from an apartment move.
Moving trucks stay off the parkways
In the City, NYC DOT closes the Cross Island Parkway, the Belt Parkway, the Jackie Robinson Parkway and the Grand Central Parkway, except the stretch between the Robert F. Kennedy (Triborough) Bridge and the western leg of the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway to commercial vehicles. On Long Island the New York State parkways are closed to them too. NYSDOT puts it plainly: “No Commercial Vehicles, No Tractor Trailers on New York State’s Parkways – It’s the law!” The parkways were designed for cars, and NYSDOT says some low stone bridges have clearances as low as 6 feet 11 inches. A box truck is far taller, so moving trucks use the Long Island Expressway and other truck routes.
Who licenses a move inside New York State
A move from Queens to Nassau or Suffolk stays in New York State. For those moves the license that matters is the Authority to Transport Household Goods, which the New York State Department of Transportation issues. Ask any mover for its NYSDOT number; ours is NYSDOT 34875. Federal interstate rules (and the U.S. DOT number) come in when a move crosses a state line.
From an apartment to a house
Leaving a Queens apartment is about elevators, COIs and curb space. Arriving at a Long Island house is about driveways, front steps, longer carries and more rooms to set up. Tell us about the driveway, steps at the front door, a basement or attic, and anything heavy such as a piano, safe or gym equipment. If you are buying, confirm the closing date and the key handover time before you lock in the move date.
Timing the drive
The Long Island Expressway is busy at rush hours in both directions. A morning load in Queens and an early afternoon delivery usually works well. If the house needs work before you move in, a move with a short storage stop may be easier than moving twice; ask us about storage when you request the estimate.
A short checklist
Get your Queens building’s move rules and COI sample. Measure doors and stairs at the new house. Decide what you will not take and get rid of it before the move. Pack a first-night box: bedding, towels, a kettle, chargers, basic tools and medicine. Update your address with the DMV, your bank and your employer.
Common questions
Can a moving truck use the Northern State or Southern State Parkway?
No. NYSDOT does not allow commercial vehicles on New York State parkways; some bridges are as low as 6 feet 11 inches. Trucks use the Long Island Expressway and truck routes.
Is a Queens to Long Island move interstate?
No. It stays inside New York State, so the mover needs NYSDOT authority to transport household goods.
What is your NYSDOT number?
NYSDOT 34875. Our U.S. DOT number for interstate moves is 967970.
Can you store our things between the apartment and the house?
Yes, ask about storage when you request your written estimate.
Get your written estimate
Call (718) 782-0272 or send the quote form on our home page with both addresses, the floors, elevator or stairs, your date and your main items. You get a written estimate before moving day. Astoria Queens Movers is part of A & A Alliance Moving Inc, a family business since 1999; licenses and history are on our company facts page.
Rules, tolls and city services change. The facts on this page come from the official sources listed below (checked October 11, 2026); confirm on the linked page before you book.
Official sources
- NYC DOT: Parkway truck restrictions
- NYSDOT: Parkway restrictions brochure
- NYC Business: Authority to Transport Household Goods (issued by NYSDOT)
- NYC DOT: Trucks and commercial vehicles
