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What You Should Know About Renting A Moving Truck

What's in this article?
  1. Determining Truck Size
  2. Truck Cost
  3. Obtain Several Estimates
  4. Have Proper Tools & Materials
Budget Movers

One of the best ways to save a bit of money on your move is by doing it yourself. This usually means renting your own moving truck. Even still, if you are considering this, you will need to do some research and a bit of careful planning. Here is what you need to know to be successful in this process.

Determining Truck Size

This is the most logical place to start when renting a moving truck. Obviously, this will depend on the amount of stuff you actually have in your home, but the following is a general estimate:

  • 10 Foot Truck: Smallish one bedroom apartment
  • 14 Foot: Truck: 1-2 bedrooms
  • 17 Foot Truck: 2-3 bedrooms
  • 24 Foot Truck: 3-4 bedrooms
  • 26 Foot Truck: 4 or more bedrooms

Truck size can also be determined by calling a rental company and giving them your inventory list. However, this can be a trick and more problematic, as most people tend to forget some things.

Truck Rates

Truck Cost

There are several factors which contribute to the overall cost of the truck rental, including:

  • Truck size
  • Number of days the truck is needed
  • Time of the year you are moving (busy season versus off-season)
  • Distance you will be traveling
  • One-way rental (a long distance move) or a local, round trip rental

You will also need to pay for the fuel costs along the way. Most companies will also require you return the truck with at least half a tank of fuel, or more. Always inquire about any possible extra charges that could be imposed.

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Obtain Several Estimates

Before actually making a final decision, it is important to shop around and obtain at least two or three estimates. This will also help you to compare moving services in addition to the costs. Be sure to also ask a number of questions:

  • What is included in the price?
  • Is there a per mile charge?
  • What size truck would you recommend for this move?
  • Are there any available discounts?
  • Is it more expensive for a one-way move?
  • How much gas needs to be in the tank upon return?
  • Are there any cancellation fees?
  • Do you require a deposit?
Cheap Moving Services
Have Proper Tools & Materials

While the truck may have some special features for helping out with a move, make sure you have other items to help protect and safely load your things onto (and off of) the truck. This can include a dolly or hand truck for help actually moving your items around. Pads and Blankets are also beneficial in protecting furniture and other items from damage while on the truck.

The final step of the process is to inspect the truck, sign your documents and then take your truck.

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Joe Webster always knew the auto transport industry would be a great career option. And with decades of experience, Joe is now an established consultant for A1 Auto Transport.

Joe was born in Santa Cruz, California. During high school, Joe worked as a mechanic; a job continued to work part-time during his bachelor's degree.

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A-1 Auto Transport is a disclosed agent for the following shipping companies:

Trans Global Auto Logistics, Inc.
3401 E Randol Mill Rd
Arlington, TX 76011
NO. 018191NF
CFR Rinkens
15501 Texaco Avenue
Paramount, CA 90723
NO. 013055NF
ABC Worldwide LLC
2840 NW 2nd Ave #105
Boca Raton, FL 33431
NO. 025472F
CSI Logistics
435 Division Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
FMC 22206
Intl Cargo
45 Campus Drive
Edison, NJ 08837
NO. 17858N
ShipYourCarNow LLC
1160 South Rogers Circle Suite 1
Boca Raton, FL 33487
NO. 025646
Merco Air & Ocean Cargo, Inc.
6 Fir Way
Cooper City, FL 33026
NO. 021869F
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