Introduction to U-Haul Rental and Driving Assistance

If you're considering renting a U-Haul for your upcoming move, you've arrived at the right destination. Our team at Cross Country Driver specializes in operating U-Haul trucks for our clients daily. We are committed to supporting individuals like you in all aspects of their moving journey, with a special focus on U-Haul rentals. Below, you'll find a structured guide, complete with links to vital information required for a seamless U-Haul driving experience.


Understanding U-Haul Rental Requirements

  • Valid Driver’s License: The primary driver, as well as any additional drivers, must present a current driver's license. This is the first step in verifying your eligibility to drive a U-Haul truck.
  • Age Criteria: Renters and drivers need to be at least 18 years old. This age requirement is in place to guarantee that drivers have a basic level of maturity and driving experience.
  • Payment Method: A major credit card in the name of the renter is essential at the time of pickup. This serves as a security measure and for the convenience of transactions.
  • Insurance Proof: Having valid insurance is mandatory. U-Haul offers various coverage options to protect you and your belongings during the move.


Choosing the Right Truck Size

Selecting the appropriate truck size is crucial for a cost-effective and efficient move. Consider the following to make an informed choice:

  • Inventory List: Create a detailed list of all items you plan to move. This will help in estimating the space required and choosing a truck that best fits your needs.
  • Truck Options: U-Haul offers a wide range of truck sizes, from smaller cargo vans suitable for a studio apartment move to large 26-foot trucks capable of moving a 3-4 bedroom house. Evaluate your needs against the size and capacity of each option.
  • Consult with Professionals: If you're unsure about the size needed for your move, consult with our team. We can provide insights based on our extensive experience with U-Haul trucks and customer moves.


Familiarizing Yourself with the Truck

Before departure, take some time to familiarize yourself with the vehicle:

  • Vehicle Inspection: Conduct a thorough inspection of the truck with a U-Haul representative. Note any existing damage to avoid any responsibility for pre-existing issues.
  • Understanding Controls: Ensure you're comfortable with the truck's controls, including lights, windshield wipers, and mirrors. Adjust the seat and mirrors to your preference for optimal comfort and visibility.
  • Practice Driving: If possible, take the truck for a short test drive to get accustomed to its size and handling. Practice parking, reversing, and navigating through tighter spaces.


Planning Your Route

  • Height and Weight Limitations: Be aware of the truck’s height and weight when planning your route. Avoid roads with low clearance bridges or weight-restricted roads and bridges.
  • Rest Stops: Plan for regular rest stops, especially for long-distance moves. This not only helps in staying alert and rested but also provides opportunities to check on the security of your load.


Through diligent preparation for your U-Haul rental, you set the stage for a confident and assured move, equipped with the knowledge that all necessary precautions have been taken to facilitate a secure and streamlined relocation. At Cross Country Driver, we stand ready to assist you in this process if needed.

10 Tips For When You Are Driving a U-Haul Cross Country

Starting a cross-country move? Imagine this: Your belongings are securely loaded into a U-Haul, but instead of navigating this massive vehicle yourself, you've opted for a smarter, stress-free solution—hiring a long-distance driver. This choice means no worrying about endless hours behind the wheel or the difficult task of maneuvering a bulky truck through unknown territories. Your journey becomes simpler. While your possessions safely make their way across states in the capable hands of a cross country driver, you're free to travel comfortably by plane, train, or in your car. This setup isn't just about moving stuff; it's a strategic move to ensure peace of mind, focusing on the excitement of what's waiting at your destination, not the complexities of getting there. With a hired driver, your cross country move transforms from a task to tackle into a transition to look forward to, making the road to a new chapter smoother and more enjoyable.

We understand that deciding between hiring a driver or driving a U-Haul cross country yourself can be a tough call. To help you make an informed decision, we've put together a list of 10 crucial tips for anyone considering driving a U-Haul across the country. These tips cover everything from managing your fuel to finding your way, providing you with the essential knowledge and tactics you need for a smooth journey. Each piece of advice tackles the typical challenges you may face, offering sensible solutions and proactive steps to avoid them. As you gear up to traverse the nation's roads, consider these tips your guide to a safer, more effective, and ultimately more enjoyable relocation.


Recommendations for Driving a U-Haul Cross Country

  • A quarter tank of gas is not equal to a quarter of the miles. When traveling across the country in a U-Haul, typically a large, loaded U-Haul truck can ride 250 miles on a full tank of gas. However, once the gas meter reads 1/4, Our recommendation is to seek gas immediately as many times you will not be able to ride an additional 50 miles without running out of fuel.
  • Bring lubricant for eyes. Many drugstores sell a lubricating eye drop that is excellent in keeping eyes feeling fresh. Driving a U-Haul cross country is exhausting on the eyes - we recommend putting a few drops of this product into your eyes every time you fill your gas tank.
  • Never plan for putting more than two people in the cab on the truck when driving a U-Haul cross country. Unless you want to make your trip even longer, there simply is not enough room for it.
  • Wash the windshield. Certain areas of the country can be extraordinarily buggy. Especially at night. We recommend cleaning your windshield every time you fill your gas tank.
  • Don't swerve suddenly for small animals. This may sound harsh, but you are not driving a small car. U-Haul or Penske trucks, when loaded, are very large and heavy vehicles. Swerving suddenly can cause the shifting of weight inside the truck and potentially cause the truck to flip or swerve radically out of control.
  • Reverse is the tricky part of a long distance move with a U-Haul. It is without question, the hardest part of driving a U-Haul cross country. There is no rear mirror, and the total length can be quite deceiving. Also, If you are pulling an additional vehicle behind the truck, this creates a pivot point on the truck making reverse extremely difficult. We would recommend hiring someone who has experience driving a U-Haul cross country at this time.
  • Check tow straps. When towing another vehicle, we recommend you check your tow straps, at minimum, each and every time you fill your gas tank... they can become loose while riding long distances, or in inclement weather.
  • Check the weather. Often when driving a U-Haul cross country, there are multiple routes you can take to get from point A to point B. When choosing which route to take, consider whether one of your top decisions influences. You don't want to be driving a 25,000lb vehicle in the rain, snow, or high winds.
  • Minimize city driving. When driving long distances, avoid downtown city routes. U-Haul trucks are large and are often difficult to drive within city streets limits. We recommend you use the highway loops that are available in these cities.
  • Potential GPS Issues: There are many highways, bridges, and tunnels throughout the United States that do not allow large trucks, like U-Hauls, on them. We recommend that you use a model GPS that is designed for trucks to avoid these situations. These specialized GPS systems are preprogrammed to avoid areas that may be against the law, or unable to accommodate a large truck.

Driving A U-Haul Cross Country