If you don’t have experience driving large vehicles, then it can be intimidating to try and drive a U-Haul truck. These trucks move slower, turn wider, and are much more difficult to bring to a stop compared to a regular car.
If you want to make the trip a little safer and easier, or even if you just aren’t available to drive the thing yourself, then it might be a good idea to hire a driver for your U-Haul truck. There are a few options at your disposal if you want to go this route.
Does U-Haul Provide Drivers?
U-Haul does not provide their own drivers. However, they can help you locate moving companies in your area that can provide you with drivers for your U-Haul journey.
Keep reading to find information on hiring rental drivers, as well as general information on renting and driving U-Haul trucks.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Moving Truck Driver?
Drivers don’t come cheap. Qualified and experienced rental drivers are in high demand, and most of that labor pool can make more money in commercial transport compared to rental driving. However, there are some options if you’re looking for a moving truck driver.
It costs between 85 cents and 150 cents per mile to hire a moving truck driver. The cost will change depending on the vehicle, load, and distance involved. Some drivers also charge by the hour rather than per mile.
U-Haul runs an online marketplace for moving services called Moving Help. This network helps clients hook up with movers and drivers in their area that are qualified and experienced.
Moving Help requires you to input the date, time, and location in order to recommend local services to help you move. It’s best to plan your move well in advance so that you can ensure this information is as accurate as possible.
If you end up going with another independent moving company, it’s important that you make sure they are experienced and qualified. If you can’t find any customer reviews or feedback for a particular company, you may want to be wary of hiring them to help you move.
Do You Need Insurance to Rent a U-Haul?
Drivers on the road are generally required by law to have insurance. U-Haul does not require proof of insurance in order to rent their vehicles, but they do recommend damage coverage since trucks and trailers are not covered by most automobile insurance plans.
You do not technically need insurance to rent a U-Haul. However, most states require drivers to have some form of vehicle insurance. U-Haul offers optional damage coverage plans for its customers.
Even in states that do not have a liability insurance requirement for vehicles, drivers still require proof of financial responsibility in the event of an accident. U-Haul has a number of different coverage plans available that financially protect against various damages.
For more information on the damage coverage plans offered by U-Haul, you can visit the Damage Coverage FAQ page on the U-Haul website.
U-Haul Driver License Requirements
Since U-Haul trucks are large and heavy, some people might wonder if they need special licenses to drive them. Fortunately, since U-Haul vehicles are not classified as commercial vehicles, drivers only require a standard government-issued driver’s license.
That being said, if you are not experienced with driving large vehicles like moving trucks, then you may want to hire a professional driver to drive your U-Haul.
Read: Are U-Haul Trucks Air Conditioned?
How Many Miles Are Drivers Allowed to Drive Per Day?
Due to Department of Transportation regulations, freight and truck drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving per day. These regulations exist so that drivers are not fatigued or overworked while driving large and heavy vehicles.
Drivers are allowed to drive around 600 miles per day. This is the average number of miles that a truck driver will cover over the 11-hour driving period they are allowed each day. Drivers may be able to cover more or less ground depending on local laws.
If your trip is taking you across the border to Canada, then local laws may allow for longer driving times, allowing rental drivers to cover more miles in a single day. However, it is still important to make sure your driver is not overworked or fatigued while driving.
For more information on driving regulations, you can visit the Department of Transportation website.
Final Thoughts
Driving a U-Haul truck can be intimidating if you are inexperienced with large vehicles. Customers can save time and stress by hiring professional drivers. U-Haul does not provide its own drivers, but they do have a service for finding drivers in your area.
Professional drivers and movers are expensive. Most will charge by the mile, but some charge per hour depending on the exact services on offer. Services offered through U-Haul’s Moving Help network are all certified and vetted for good service.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask away in the comments section.