Moving Trucks - Frequently Asked Questions

We're moving into peak moving season (typically May through September), so it's a great time to repost these frequently asked questions about moving trucks. If we haven't addressed your question here, make sure to leave a comment below, or use the Ask the Experts tool! We look forward to helping.  

Five perks of moving with U-Pack (compared to traditional moving trucks) are:

1. The price is comparable to truck rental (get a free moving quote to see).
2. You don't have to drive. Our moving trucks are driven by experienced drivers.
3. Transit time averages 2-5 business days.
4. You pay only for the space you use.
5. You don't have to pay a down payment or deposit. 

Sounds great, doesn’t it? But since the “you pack, we drive” concept is relatively new, we understand that you still may have questions, and you still may want to spend time comparing the perks of letting someone else do the driving with renting a moving truck and driving it yourself. So, to help you out, we’ve compiled a list of some of the questions we get asked most often when customers are comparing U-Pack to moving truck rentals. 

Questions Most Frequently Asked About Moving Trucks:

How many miles per gallon do rental moving trucks get?

• 10 foot truck:   30-35 gallon tank. 6-12 mpg
• 12 foot truck:   35 gallon tank. 6-10 mpg
• 14 foot truck:   40 gallon tank. 10 mpg
• 16 foot truck:   35-37 gallon tank. 6-10 mpg
• 17 foot truck:   40 gallon tank. 10 mpg
• 20 foot truck:   40 gallon tank. 10 mpg
• 22 foot truck:   50 gallon tank. 8-12 mpg
• 24 foot truck:   55-60 gallon tank. 8-10 mpg
• 26 foot truck:   50-57 gallon tank. 8-12 mpg

How much will it cost to fuel a moving truck for my move?
The rental truck fuel calculator is a great tool for estimating how much fuel you'll need in a rental truck.

Do I have to pay for fuel if I reserve a U-Pack moving truck?
No. Since U-Pack does the driving, fuel is included in your U-Pack quote. You also don't have to worry about additional charges for taxes or road tolls.

I'm moving with a baby. Can you travel in rental moving trucks with a car seat in front?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the safest place for all children under 13 is in the back seat. Since a back seat is not available, our recommendation is to avoid traveling with infants and children in rental moving trucks. U-Pack is a great solution for families traveling with children on a truck rental budget. You still save money by loading and unloading, but U-Pack drives, so you can travel safely in your own vehicle.

How many people can fit into a moving truck's cab?
Most rental moving trucks have safety restraints available for up to three passengers – though some smaller 10, 12 and 16 foot trucks have only bucket seating for two.

Do rental moving trucks have to stop at weigh stations?
In some states rental trucks carrying household goods are required to stop at weigh stations. If you know your route ahead of time, we recommend checking with the state's Department of Transportation before you begin your journey. You can often find this information online. If in doubt, stop.

How fast can you drive on the interstate with an auto trailer attached to a moving truck?
For safety reasons, the maximum recommended speed if you are towing a vehicle behind a rental moving truck is 55 mph. If you determine that towing a vehicle behind a rental truck is the best option for you, please make sure you are aware of the safety precautions you should take when towing a vehicle or trailer at high speeds.   The California DMV has helpful guidelines to reduce the chance of trailer sway.

Can someone else drive a moving truck I have rented?
In most cases, yes – but normally you will be required to pay extra to add additional drivers. For instance, according to Penske's website, if you rent a Penske moving truck, you can add up to three additional drivers for $10 each (family members are no additional charge). Additional drivers normally have to meet a minimum age requirement and provide one or two forms of identification. Just remember that the person who signs the contract is usually the person responsible for the equipment. So if someone else is driving the moving truck and has an accident, you will likely be held financially responsible.

Is a Class C driver's license required to drive a Penske, Budget or U-Haul moving truck?
Since rental moving trucks are not considered commercial vehicles, a special license is not required.

How old do you have to be to rent a moving truck?
With U-Haul and Penske you must be at least 18 and have a valid driver's license (Penske requires two forms of identification). With a few exceptions, most Budget moving truck rental locations require you to be at least 24 years old to rent. In some locations they will rent to customers 21-23 years old with two forms of ID (including a driver's license) and an $18 per day underage surcharge. (There are exceptions for military members with travel orders).

What can I do if I need to rent a moving truck, but I can't drive, I'm not old enough or I don't have a driver's license?
This is where U-Pack becomes a great option! If you're moving long-distance the price is actually very similar to truck rental (when you add in fuel, taxes and insurance) – but you don't have to drive! Basically, we deliver a moving truck or moving container right to your door. You load. We drive it to your new home. You unload. And getting a free moving quote is easy! Just call or click.

What is the largest moving truck I can rent?
The 26-foot U-Haul truck is the largest rental moving truck that you can drive yourself. If you're searching for do-it-yourself moving solutions that involve someone else doing the driving, U-Pack offers a 28-foot commercial trailer – and customers love that their price is based on the space used in the trailer. If you don't need it all, you don't pay for it all!    To compare, the full 28-foot U-Pack truck is similar in size to a 26 foot rental truck plus a 10 foot rental truck. So, whether you're moving a large home or a small home, U-Pack is a convenient way to move.

How do I know what size moving truck to use?
Great question! I think you'll find U-Pack's space estimators are easy to use and great for calculating what size moving truck you'll need. I recommend starting with the Room-by-Room Space estimator. Then once you estimate how much liner footage you need, simply use the Truck Rental Conversion tool to compare to a rental truck.
  
If you have other questions about moving trucks, call us at 800-413-4799, or leave a comment below. We’ll be happy to help!