How to Drive a Moving Truck

Is driving a moving truck right for you?

When planning to relocate to another state, there are multiple options for moving your belongings to the new place. If you’re confident about choosing a DIY service, you might consider renting a moving truck. But with that comes the task of driving one.  

Operating a moving truck isn’t as easy as driving a personal vehicle, so we’ve gathered some tips to help you know what to expect. We’ll also share a comparable alternative with no truck driving required. 

How to drive a U-Haul® and other rental trucks

The first step to driving a rental is knowing what you’re signing up for. Here are some tips to help you on the road: 

Familiarize yourself with the truck

Whether renting from U-Haul or another company, make sure you understand how the truck works. Like personal vehicles, the dashboards of truck models can differ. Take time to find all these essential controls before setting off: 

• Controls for adjusting mirrors, seats and the steering wheel 
• Emergency brake 
• Fuel gauge 
• Heat and air conditioner (test them!) 
• Ignition 
• Lights and turn signals (have a friend help outside the vehicle) 
• Locks and window controls 
• Radio 
• Speedometer 
• Transmission and windshield wiper controls 

Inspect the vehicle for damages

Document and photograph the condition of the rental (including the tires), noting any interior or exterior damage so you won’t be charged for it upon return. If you find any issues, alert management immediately. 

Note: Check your car insurance policy to see if you have rental truck coverage. If not, consider purchasing coverage through the rental company. 

Plan the route

Planning the route is helpful for any trip, but it’s imperative when driving a rental because the vehicle's large size can make navigating some areas challenging. If possible, stick to highways and major roads since some backroads may be difficult to pass in larger vehicles.  

Note: Don’t forget to check if you must stop at weigh stations in any states you’ll drive through. 

Allow extra travel time 

Remember that driving a heavily loaded truck, towing a car or traveling through mountains can add time to the trip since you’ll need to travel more slowly. 

Protect your belongings

Properly load your things to avoid damage during transit. Evenly distribute the weight and tie down belongings inside the truck with ropes or straps to keep everything from shifting during travel. Avoid overloading, which could cause problems while driving.  
 
During stops, lock the cab and secure the loading area with a padlock. If possible, park the truck where you can see it. 

Obey traffic laws

Moving trucks are subject to the same laws as passenger vehicles, so be sure to observe all road signs and traffic signals. 

Drive slowly and keep your distance 

When driving a bulky moving truck, you might have to go slower than the posted speed limit, especially during bad weather. Some moving trucks have governors to prevent driving above a certain speed. Check with the moving company to see if your vehicle will be governed. 

Moving trucks have a lot of mass and take longer to stop than smaller cars. Therefore, keeping enough space between you and other drivers is essential. Allow plenty of room to brake gradually and only pass someone if you have enough time and space to overtake the vehicles. 

Suggested reading: How Fast Can I Drive a U-Haul Truck? 

Be aware of the vehicle’s size and mirror limitations 

Know the height and width of the truck (including the side mirrors) to help avoid obstacles. Pay special attention to overhead clearance signs near underpasses, train tracks and drive-through windows to make sure the rental will fit.  

Stay aware of your surroundings and use the mirrors (and a spotter if possible) to check blind spots when parking, backing up and turning (especially right turns). 

Note: Moving trucks have side mirrors but are not equipped with rearview ones. 

Park with care, especially on hills 

If possible, find a pull-through parking space made for RVs and buses so you won’t have to back up and always set the emergency brake.  

When parking on a hill, turn the wheels away from the curb when facing uphill and toward the curb when facing downhill to help anchor the truck and prevent rolling. 

Take frequent breaks 

Operating a rental can be harder than driving a passenger car because of its size and (sometimes) lack of power steering. Stretch your legs every couple of hours when you stop for fuel. Resting is critical to avoid fatigue and stay alert behind the wheel.  

Would you like to move without having to drive a moving truck?

If a moving truck sounds too complicated to mess with, we hear you. By choosing U-Pack® instead, you’ll have all the benefits of a DIY move without the hassle of driving a bulky rental. With U-Pack, you handle the packing, loading and unloading, and then we transport your things — all at a comparable price!  

Call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant or get a free online quote. Let us know if you have questions about driving a moving truck or moving with U-Pack! 

U-Haul® is a registered trademark of U-Haul International, Inc. Use of third-party trademarks or registered trademarks does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by such third-party.