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Moving Trucks - Frequently Asked Questions

Posted By:
Becky Google+
2:19 PM

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Moving Trucks

Well, at least almost everything. After 16+ years of moving household goods, we’ve answered a lot of questions about moving trucks—some unique, and some very common. For your reading pleasure, we've compiled a list of those asked most frequently.

  1. 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
  2. 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.
  3. How much do moving trucks weigh?
    • 10 ft. truck weighs approximately 5,790 lbs. empty
    • 14 ft. truck weighs approximately 7,860 lbs. empty
    • 17 ft. truck weighs approximately 8,120 lbs. empty
    • 20 ft. truck weighs approximately 8,895 lbs. empty
    • 24 ft. truck weighs approximately 11,500 lbs. empty
    • 26 ft. truck weighs approximately 12,600 lbs. empty
  4. 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.
  5. 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. (If you have more than 3 passengers, see question 14).  
  6. 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.
  7. 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 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 offers helpful guidelines to reduce the chance of trailer sway.
  8. 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 may be held financially responsible.
  9. Is a Class C driver's license required to drive a Penske, Budget or U-Haul moving truck?
    While you must be a licensed driver, because rental moving trucks are not considered commercial vehicles, a special license is not required. (If you are not a licensed driver, see question 14.)
  10. 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).
  11. What is the biggest 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.
  12. How do I know what size moving truck to use?
    Great question! Use a moving space estimator to calculate 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.
  13. Do I have to buy insurance if I rent a moving truck to drive myself?
    In most cases, purchasing insurance from the truck rental company is optional, but if you choose not to purchase it, it’s important to check with your auto insurance company and/or renters/homeowners insurance company to verify coverage. Note that most do not cover damage to a moving truck – even if the coverage extends to a rental car.  
  14. Are there alternatives to renting a truck and driving it myself?
    Yes! If you like the idea of a low-cost move, but can’t afford a full-service mover, a “you pack, we drive” service is a great choice. With this type of service, you pack & load, but let professionals do the driving. U-Pack is an affordable “you pack, we drive” option.  
  15. 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.
  16. What are the perks of moving with U-Pack (compared to traditional moving trucks):
    • The price is comparable to truck rental (get a free moving quote to see).
    • You don't have to drive. Our moving trucks are driven by experienced drivers.
    • Transit time averages 2-5 business days.
    • You pay only for the space you use.
    • You don't have to pay a down payment or deposit. 
  17. 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.

After all these years, one thing we’ve learned is that no move is exactly the same. So, if you have questions about moving trucks that we haven’t answered, please ask, and our experts will get busy finding the answer.

If you need to know more about U-Pack, call us at 800-413-4799, or leave a comment below. We’re happy to help!

Category: Moving Tips

3801 Old Greenwood Road  |  Fort Smith, Arkansas 72903

Toll Free: 800-413-4799