Game day can be very stressful, especially when you need to transport gear. Getting your team’s gear from point A to point B without damage, delays, or missing equipment takes real planning. This can look like:
- Organize your equipment by sorting and inventorying gear before you pack
- Choose the right vehicle based on the size of your team and the amount of gear
- Secure items properly to prevent shifting, tipping, or damage in transit
- Prepare for the trip with a pre-departure checklist and route planning
Our team at Marcus Allard Truck Rental is happy to help you determine the best solution that gets your team’s gear to your away game location safely. Contact our team today to examine our rental options.
How Should You Organize Team Gear Before Loading It?
It’s important to take inventory of everything your team needs, whether you need helmets and pads or first aid kits and water coolers. Then, you can group items by category so similar gear loads and unloads together. A few practical tips include:
- Label everything with the team’s name and the player’s number or name
- Use bins or duffel bags to keep smaller items contained and easy to keep track of
- Pack heavier items first, so they sit low in the vehicle and don’t shift onto lighter gear
- Set aside items you’ll need immediately upon arrival, like water, snacks, and warm-up equipment, and keep them accessible near the back
A pre-trip inventory checklist is worth the 10 minutes it takes. It saves you from arriving at a field two hours away only to realize someone’s cleats are still sitting in the locker room.
What Type of Vehicle Works Best for Transporting Team Gear?
While personal vehicles can work for small squads, most teams need something with cargo capacity. The right choice depends on how much gear you’re moving and how many people are coming along. A few vehicles you should consider include:
- Cargo vans are great for gear-only trips with moderate equipment loads; up to 149 cubic feet of storage
- Box trucks are best for large teams with bulky equipment like goals, nets, or field gear; 14- and 16-foot options are available
- Passenger vans work well when you need to move both players and a reasonable amount of gear together
- Pickup trucks are solid options for smaller equipment loads, especially with a bed cover to protect gear from the elements
Renting a vehicle sized for your team is a smarter move than cramming gear into whatever’s available. Marcus Allard Truck Rental has served teams, church groups, and organizations throughout Northwest Indiana since 1958, with a well-maintained fleet that covers everything from cargo vans to large box trucks.
How Do You Secure Team Gear So It Doesn’t Get Damaged in Transit?
Loading a vehicle is one thing. Loading it so nothing moves, tips, or gets crushed is another. Unsecured gear shifts during turns and braking, which can damage equipment and create unsafe conditions in the cargo area. To keep everything in place:
- Use cargo straps or bungee cords to anchor items like equipment bags and coolers
- Fill gaps with softer items like towels or clothing to prevent gear from sliding
- Stack items with the widest, heaviest base at the bottom
- Avoid blocking rear visibility if you’re driving a vehicle where that applies
- Close and latch all containers before loading them into the vehicle
If you’re using a box truck with a lift gate, take your time loading. A lift gate makes loading heavy equipment much easier, but rushing the process leads to mistakes.
What Should You Do to Prepare for the Trip Itself?
Once the gear is loaded and secured, the trip still needs some preparation. A breakdown or a wrong turn on game day adds stress nobody needs. Before you leave:
- Confirm your route and check for road closures or construction delays
- Share the departure time with all drivers and chaperones so nobody gets left behind
- Check the vehicle’s fuel level, tire pressure, and mirrors before pulling out
- Bring contact information for your destination, including the facility address and a point of contact on-site
- Know what to do if something goes wrong
If you’re driving a larger vehicle than you’re used to, allow extra time for wider turns, longer stopping distances, and parking at the venue.
Marcus Allard Truck Rental Can Help
Marcus Allard Truck Rental has been helping teams, organizations, and businesses across Northwest Indiana and the Chicago area find the right vehicle for the job since 1958. Their modern, well-maintained fleet is ready when you are, and their team will help you pick the right size vehicle for your group and gear. Contact Marcus Allard Truck Rental today to reserve your vehicle for your next away game.
