Driving a Moving Truck Cross Country

Jump to the moving truck driving info you’re looking for:

• Is it hard to drive a moving truck?
• How do you drive a moving truck safely?
• Getting to know your truck
• What should you check before driving a moving truck?
• Parking and maneuvering
• Driving in challenging conditions
• What are the legal requirements for driving a rental truck?
• Moving truck rental insurance
• How do you plan a long-distance moving truck trip?
• What are the most common mistakes when driving a moving truck?
• Tips for driving a moving truck confidently
• Quick reference checklist
• FAQs

• On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
• When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
• If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.

• Choose the right size: Rental moving trucks come in sizes between about 10 and 26 feet long. The bigger ones are more difficult to handle, use more fuel, and cost more, so picking the right size is important. Small trucks in the 10- to 12-foot range are generally sufficient for moderately furnished one-bedroom apartments.
• Drive slower than you think you need to: Trucks are heavy, especially when loaded. Slow down in unfamiliar areas and during bad weather to give yourself time to react.
• Allow extra following distance: Leave at least four seconds between you and the vehicle ahead, double what you’d use in a car. Add more space on wet or downhill stretches.
• Brake early and gently: Start slowing down sooner and apply steady pressure to avoid sudden stops and shifting cargo.
• Accelerate gradually: Easing onto the gas helps prevent your load from shifting and keeps the truck stable.
• Take wide turns: Swing wider than you would in a car and watch your mirrors for pedestrians, cyclists, curbs, and signs.
• Mind your blind spots: Big blind spots exist along both sides and directly behind the truck. Check your mirrors, signal early, and move deliberately.

• Find the lights, wipers, turn signals, hazards, and horn: Know exactly where everything is before you drive, including dimmer and fog light switches.
• Test the parking and emergency brakes: Ensure they hold firmly and release smoothly before leaving the lot.
• Understand the gear selector: Most rentals are automatic, but if you have to drive a manual, review the shift pattern and practice in a safe area first.

• Check your truck’s height, width, and length: Dimensions are usually posted on the dash, door, or rental paperwork. Write the height on a sticky note and put it on the dash where you’ll see it.
• Watch for low bridges and parking garages: Don’t guess on clearance. Know your numbers before entering any structure or drive-thru.

• Exterior damage: Note dents, scratches, and cracked lights on your contract with photos before you accept the vehicle.
• Tires: Check pressure and tread depth and look for bulges or cords showing.
• Lights and signals: Test the headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazards.
• Fluid levels: Confirm there’s plenty of oil, coolant, and washer fluid.
• Safety equipment: Verify a fire extinguisher, reflective triangles, and jack are onboard.
• Doors and locks: Test all the locks, including the cargo door. Bring a sturdy padlock.

• Load heavy items first: Place them against the cab wall to keep the center of gravity low and forward.
• Distribute weight evenly: Balance left to right and keep heavy items low to maintain stability.
• Stack lighter items on top and at the rear: Fill from front to back so weight doesn’t shift during braking.
• Secure everything with straps and padding: Tie down large furniture, appliances, and stacked boxes to anchor points.
• Double-check before closing up: Loose cargo can damage your belongings and affect handling.

• Uphill: Turn wheels away from the curb, let the truck roll back gently to rest against the curb, then set the brake.
• Downhill: Turn wheels toward the curb and allow the tire to touch the curb lightly before engaging the brake.
• Always set the parking brake: On manuals, leave it in gear. On automatics, shift to Park after the brake is set.

• Choose pull-through spots: Avoid backing when possible, especially in crowded lots.
• Skip tight garages: Watch for low clearance and narrow ramps. Open lots are usually safer.

• Use a spotter: Ask a friend to guide you from outside in crowded areas.
• Agree on hand signals: Establish clear “go,” “slow,” and “stop” signals before you start.
• Go slow and check mirrors: Creep backward and monitor both sides continuously.
• Remember G.O.A.L.: Get Out And Look whenever you’re unsure of space or obstacles.

• Stay calm: Expect impatient drivers and narrower lanes. Don’t let others pressure you into unsafe moves.
• Watch for low bridges: Know your truck’s height and check posted clearances on parkways and older overpasses.
• Plan your route: Avoid downtown congestion and tight streets when you can and use your GPS to route around truck-restricted roads.

• Use lower gears on hills: Engine braking helps control speed and reduces brake fade on long descents down big hills.
• Apply steady brake pressure: Avoid riding the brakes. If they overheat, pull over safely to let them cool.
• Increase following distance: Give extra space on curves and slick roads to protect yourself.
• Pull over in bad weather: If conditions feel unsafe, wait it out at a safe, well-lit location.

• Speed limits: Some states set lower limits for trucks. Always follow posted signs and ask your rental company about any state-specific restrictions before you leave.
• Lane restrictions: Certain highways keep trucks in the right lanes. Use left lanes to pass only where allowed.
• Weigh stations: Most rental trucks used for personal household moves are exempt, but rules vary by state. Ask your rental company and follow posted instructions at each station.

• Personal auto insurance often doesn’t cover moving trucks: Standard auto policies typically exclude vehicles above a certain weight or classified for commercial use. Call your insurer before your rental to ask directly whether moving trucks are covered under your policy.
• Credit card coverage usually doesn’t apply either: Most credit card rental protections are designed for passenger vehicles, not moving trucks. Check with your card issuer before assuming you’re covered.
• Rental company protection plans are your most reliable option: U-Haul offers Safemove and Safemove Plus plans, which cover damage to the truck and can include cargo protection. Penske offers similar coverage options. Read what’s included, specifically the deductible and any exclusions, before signing.
• Renters or homeowners insurance may cover your belongings in transit: Some policies include coverage for cargo during a move. Ask your provider about limits, deductibles, and whether a moving truck qualifies as a covered scenario.
• Cargo coverage is separate from truck damage coverage: The rental company’s collision damage waiver typically protects the truck itself, not your furniture and boxes. If you’re moving valuable items, confirm whether cargo protection is included or available as an add-on.

Pro tip: Before pickup day, call your auto insurer and credit card company to ask one direct question: does my coverage extend to a rental moving truck? The answer takes two minutes to get and could save you hundreds if something goes wrong.

• Plan your route: Avoid low bridges, tunnels, or truck-restricted roads. Most GPS apps have a truck mode that routes around low clearances.
• Book overnight stops in advance: During peak moving season (May through September), reserve hotels that can accommodate large trucks.
• Confirm truck parking at hotels: Call ahead to check clearance, security, and lighting at your overnight stop.
• Bring a high-quality padlock: Secure the cargo door and avoid leaving valuables in the cab overnight.
• Park in well-lit spots near entrances: Extra visibility deters theft and makes loading easier.

• Driver’s license and insurance documents: Plus your truck rental contract and registration.
• Phone and charger: A 12V adapter helps when USB ports are limited.
• Snacks, water, and medications: Staying fueled and hydrated keeps you focused on the road.
• Road atlas or backup GPS: Cell service can be spotty. Don’t rely on a single app for a long trip.
• Emergency kit: First aid, flashlight, basic tools, and reflective triangles.
• Weather gear: Warm layers, blanket, and ice scraper as needed for your route.

• Overloading or uneven loading: This makes the truck harder to control and increases rollover risk. Balance the weight and respect the truck’s capacity limits.
• Not securing cargo: Unsecured loads can damage your belongings and affect handling. Use straps and fill the gaps with moving pads.
• Ignoring height and weight limits: Know your truck’s dimensions to avoid costly collisions with low clearances.
• Underestimating stopping distance: A loaded moving truck needs significantly more room to stop than a car. Start braking earlier than feels natural.
• Turning too tightly: Take wider turns and check your mirrors for swing and tail clearance.
• Skipping the inspection: Small issues become big problems on the road. Do a walk-around before you accept the vehicle.
• Letting nerves take over: Practice in a quiet lot, breathe, and build confidence before hitting the highway.

• Practice in an empty parking lot: Get used to braking, turning radius, and mirror checks before hitting the highway.
• Switch drivers if you can: If you have a travel buddy, rotate in shorter shifts to avoid fatigue.
• Take regular breaks: Tension tires you out faster. Stop to stretch, hydrate, and reset every couple of hours.
• Remember the odds: Thousands of people drive moving trucks safely every day. With patience and prep, you will too.

• Moving cost calculator: Get instant ballpark pricing for DIY, container, and full-service moves.
• U-Haul review: Pros, cons, and tips before you rent.
• Penske review: How it compares for long-distance DIY moves.