If you move bees more than 8 feet and less than 1 mile, the field bees will return to their original site rather than to their new hive location. Bees orient to their hive by physical landmarks, not by some special radar. This can create problems for the colony that loses its field force and also for the beekeeper. Family members and neighbors may not appreciate having a number of disoriented bees nearby. If you must move the colony a short distance but moving 5 feet at a time isn't practical, the colony should be moved at least 1 miles away, left for a minimum of 10 days, then moved back to the desired location.
Many beekeepers move bees to pollinate various crops or to other locations to produce honey.
A truck with a relatively low flat bed is best for this. The hives should be placed so they butt up against one another, and be placed such that the hive frames are parallel to the length of the truck bed. Otherwise the frames may swing and bang against one another, greatly agitating and even killing bees. Tying down a load of bees securely is absolutely essential. Many prefer not to screen entrances for long moves.