UHaul Driving Cross Country

Driving A UHaul Cross Country

Vehicle Choice and Inspection

Selecting the right size UHaul truck is critical. For a cross country move, you'll want enough space for your belongings while ensuring the vehicle is manageable for you to drive. Before departure, a thorough inspection of the truck is crucial. This includes checking tire pressure, fluid levels, brakes, lights, and the functionality of the loading ramp and door.

Route and Schedule Planning

Mapping out your route across the country is more than just plotting a course from Point A to Point B. Consider factors such as road conditions, construction areas, mountain passes, and toll roads. Identify rest areas and plan your stops for refueling, eating, and resting. It's wise to avoid peak traffic times around major cities.

Accommodations and Breaks

For cross-country moves, you'll likely need overnight accommodations. Plan this in advance very carefully, ensuring that the locations you choose have adequate parking for your UHaul and security. Taking regular breaks is essential, not just for your personal comfort but to remain alert and safe on the road.

Legal and Safety Considerations

Different states may have specific requirements for large trucks. This could involve permits, tolls, or restrictions on travel times in certain areas. Ensure that you're aware of these before you enter each state. Additionally, keep safety equipment such as a first aid kit, flashlights, and reflective vests accessible.

Packing and Weight Distribution

How you pack the UHaul will significantly affect its handling. Distribute weight evenly and secure all items to prevent movement. Heavy items should be placed at the bottom and towards the front of the truck, near the cab. This stabilizes the load and makes driving more manageable. Additionally, many bridges have weight restrictions, which can make routing exceptionally challenges in some geographies.


Benefits of Hiring a UHaul Driver for Cross Country

If your asking yourself, is it hard to drive a UHaul? The answer is yes, it can be very challenging to drive a UHaul. In particular with a vehicle in tow or in reverse. Perhaps both at the same time. Hiring a UHaul driver can make a significant impact on the moving process, transforming what is typically considered a demanding and stressful task into a more manageable and even pleasant experience. Here are the highlighted benefits:

Flexibility in Scheduling

Hiring a UHaul driver provides the flexibility to schedule your move at a time that is most convenient for you, offering a significant advantage over the rigid timings that might come with other moving solutions.

Variety of Truck Sizes

The option to choose from various truck sizes ensures that you can select the vehicle that best fits your moving needs, whether you're moving a few items or an entire household.

Availability of Extra Equipment

Access to additional equipment for towing and handling heavy items can greatly simplify the moving process, making it easier to transport large or awkwardly shaped belongings.

Added Comfort and Ease

The ability to entrust the transportation of your belongings to a reliable driver allows you the comfort and ease of focusing on other aspects of your move, perhaps even allowing you to travel to your new destination by more convenient means like flying.

Transforming the Moving Experience

By removing the need to drive a large moving truck yourself, the service provides a level of convenience and safety that can significantly enhance the overall stress and experience of relocating, making it a smoother and more enjoyable process.

Hiring a UHaul driver can offer a comprehensive solution to many of the challenges associated with driving a UHaul cross country. It not only simplifies logistics but also provides peace of mind, knowing that your belongings are being handled professionally and with care. This service can be especially beneficial for those who are moving long distances, have a lot of heavy furniture, or simply prefer to avoid the stress and physical exertion involved in moving.

If you're considering renting a UHaul for your upcoming move our team at Cross Country Driver specializes in operating UHaul trucks for our clients daily. We are committed to supporting individuals in all aspects of their moving journey, with a particular focus on UHaul rentals. 








Understanding UHaul 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 UHaul truck.
  • UHaul Age Requirement: 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 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. UHaul 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: UHaul 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 UHaul 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 UHaul 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 for your UHaul Cross Country 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 UHaul 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 UHaul Cross Country

Starting a cross-country move? Imagine this: Your belongings are securely loaded into a UHaul, 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 UHaul cross country yourself can be a difficult decision. To help you make an informed decision, we've put together a list of 10 crucial tips for anyone considering driving a UHaul 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.


Tips for Driving a UHaul Cross Country

  • A quarter tank of gas is not equal to a quarter of the miles. When traveling in a UHaul cross country, fully loaded, you can expect approximately 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 UHaul 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 UHaul cross country. Unless you want to make your trip even longer, there simply is not enough room for it safely.
  • 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. UHaul 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 UHaul. It is without question, the hardest part of driving a UHaul 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 UHaul 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 UHaul 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. UHaul 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 UHauls, 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 UHaul Cross Country


Planning Your Cross Country Journey

When driving a UHaul cross country, meticulous planning is necessary for a successful and stress free move. The logistics involve navigating through different states, which means understanding and complying with a variety of traffic laws, handling changing such as mountains or driving in reverse, and being prepared for weather conditions that can vary dramatically from one region to another.