If you were hiring long distance movers you would likely spend a little time exploring and comparing your options. Well, this same care should be put into choosing a moving truck rental company. Now, if you live in a small city or town, you may only have one option available to you. However, if you live in a larger city you could have several to choose from. Below is a quick overview of the major truck rental companies, as well as a guide for what you should be looking for.
Popular Companies
- Budget – There are nearly 1,900 locations across the country with more than 30,000 trucks. Cargo vans are available for local moves, and 10, 16, and 24-foot trucks can be rented for local and one-way moves. In addition to your moving truck rental, you may need other amenities that Budget offers, such as hand trucks, furniture pads, car carrier or dolly, and Garmin® GPS.
- Penske – You can rent a moving truck here in 12, 16, 22, and 26-foot lengths for local and one-way destinations. Every one-way moving truck rental comes with free unlimited mileage, so you can go ahead and take the scenic route to your destination.
- Ryder – Of all the truck rental companies, Ryder probably has the most diverse selection of truck rental options. The Metro Van, City Van, and Straight Truck are most commonly rented, but they also have refrigerated options, tandem axle tractors, and a variety of trailers for moves with more distinct needs.
- U-Haul – Considering U-Haul has been around since 1945, it is no surprise that it is one of the most popular truck rental companies. You can rent a moving truck from U-Haul in pickup and cargo van sizes, as well as 10, 14, 17, 20, 24, and 26-foot lengths.
Considerations
- Truck Safety – Do not be afraid to ask to see the maintenance records for the moving truck rental you have been issued. This is especially true for a long distance, one-way move. You do not want to get on the road with a truck rental that has not been serviced. Before you leave the lot do a walk-around. Check that the lights and blinkers are working. Inspect the tire tread and make sure there is nothing leaking on the ground. If you are uncomfortable with a truck, ask for a different one or go elsewhere.
- GPS – You may think you can rely on your handwritten directions or map, but when you need to take a detour at the last second you will be happy you chose one of the truck rental companies that has GPS units available.
- Discounts – Sometimes, it just pays to ask for a discount. Why should a company offer a discount when they know you are ready to pay full price? Ask for one or tell them you are going to see what that “other place” down the road will charge, and see if they sweeten the deal a little.
- Requirements – The last thing you need is to have your entire move planned and friends on the way to your house to help while you are at the truck rental place discovering you don’t meet the requirements to take one off the lot. Find out exactly what you need to rent.
- Convenience – If you need to rent a moving truck, you will want to make sure you can pick it up in one location and drop it off in another.
Need to know how to pack a moving truck? Head over to this post and pack your truck like a pro.
