moving truck rental

self service moving truck rentals

If you have decided not to hire the services of a professional moving company and wish to move yourself, one of the first things you need to do is to hire a truck, van or a trailer, depending on the volume of goods which you have to ship. Here are some points which you need to keep in mind when you start your research with self service moving truck rentals:

What is the Travel distance? A lot depends on the distance that you are traveling. While you prefer one way travel, truck rental agencies will look into the feasibility of letting their truck make the return trip empty or full. Again, depending on the availability and demand of truck rentals at your destination city, your one-way rental charges may alter. More often than not, one-way moving charges work out more than two-way trip. While most truck rental agencies will not mind a one-way trip for a short distance (next town or city) and will somehow accommodate your request, when it comes to traveling long distance, you have to negotiate the charges much in advance, to avoid frustration and tension at the last minute.

What should be your truck size? It all depends on what volume of goods that you would be transporting. For instance a 26 feet truck can carry goods of 4 bedrooms plus some more; a 10 feet mini truck comfortably accommodates goods of one small apartment. Here again it is always better to hire a truck which is slightly bigger. You avoid making several trips if you hire a bigger truck where all your goods can be accommodated in one go.

What is your favored date for moving? Truck availability can affect your rental charges which may also vary depending on the timing of your move and subsequent date of truck booking. From around mid May till end September, the period is considered to be ‘peak’ in the relocation industry. People also like to move towards the beginning or end of the month. Thus it is recommended that you book your truck at least 2 to 3 weeks in advance to avail of the right rate as well as get assured of its availability at the right date and time.

Find the truck that's right for you!
Capacity	1-2 rooms	1-2 rooms	3-4 rooms	5-8 rooms
Cubic Feet	309	380	800	1,380
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)	7,200 lbs.	8,600 lbs.	11,500 lbs.	25,500 lbs.
Payload Weight	2,200 lbs.	3,100 lbs.	3,400 lbs.	12,000 lbs.
Clearance	8 6"	9 0"	11 6"	13 6"
Interior (Length) (Width) (Height)	11 5 0" 4 4"	10 6 3" 6 0"	15 7" 7 5" 6 5"	24 7 5" 7 5"
Rear Door (Height) (Width)	4 0" 4 6"	5 5" 5 9"	6 5" 7 3"	7 0" 7 3"
Load Ramp Width	NA	NA	2 3"	2 4"
Load Ramps
Air Conditioning
Automatic Transmission
Power Steering
Power Brakes
AM/FM Stereo
No Wheel Wells
Dual Faced Mirrors
Tie Down Slats
Seat Belts / Seats	2	2	2	3
Fuel Tank	35 Gallon	35 Gallon	35 Gallon	55 Gallon
Lift-gate			Business use only	Business use only

If you are moving additional vehicles like a car, boat or bike, you might need a trailer, which can impact your rental charges by an additional $150 to $300. The best option is to talk to your truck rental agency well in advance regarding this additional financial load to avoid getting surprises at the end of the journey

Most truck rental agencies have strict guidelines regarding proof of identity of the renter if you are driving the truck your self. Any co-driver will also need proof of identity, and proof of age as documents.

You will have to think of insurance coverage. While the truck rental company will offer you their own policies, it is better to talk to your existing insurance company and Credit Card Company regarding any additional insurance coverage you may need, since you are driving the truck on the highway, carrying your goods.

When you pick up your truck you have to ensure that the gas tank is full. When you return the truck, you will also have to ensure that the tank is full. While mileage is built in to the rental, it is always good to ask what the total cost is likely to be, in case of extra mileage. Though it may seem small, when it all adds up, the amount may not be very small.