Tips for Driving a Moving Truck for the First Time

December 10, 2019, 1:01

If you’re getting ready to drive a moving truck for the first time, it’s important to know the dos and don’ts. Moving trucks are unlike any other vehicle you have driven. They are bulky, wide, and frequently have an uneven weight distribution thanks to everything that’s inside. That being said, there’s no need to spend money on a moving team. Read these tips that will make moving to your new home a piece of cake, and rent a box truck from Marcus Allard Truck Rental today!

Get Familiar With the Truck

Before embarking, take some time to sit in the driver’s seat and look around. Adjust the seat and mirrors. Get familiar with the features, like the locations of the radio and the AC. You’ll probably have too much on your mind when your moving day comes, so doing this step beforehand will save you stress. 

Slow Down

One of the easiest ways to make your moving truck rollover is to take a sharp turn. Drive slower than you normally would at all times. With so much weight in tow, your truck cannot stop or turn as quickly as you can in your Prius. This is especially important if you’re driving in poor conditions. If the road is slick with rain or ice, be even more attentive to your speed. 

Safety First

You already know to drive slow, but we also want to emphasize safety in relation to other drivers. The average box truck weighs around 20,000 pounds, not including the weight of the items inside. With that in mind, take to the road cautiously. You can seriously hurt other drivers if an accident were to happen, so take measures to pause distractions and focus entirely on the road. Your destination will always be there, whether or not you’re a few minutes late. 

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Box trucks, as you likely have figured out, are large. At Marcus Allard, we rent box trucks that are 14 and 16 feet in length, respectively. Since these trucks take up so much space, you need to keep tabs on your surroundings at all times. While on the freeway, be very careful when changing lanes. In most cases, it’s best not to pass other cars at all. Not to mention, these trucks are tall! We suggest that you shouldn’t attempt to take your truck through a drive-thru. 

Pets Sit Up Front

You might be surprised to hear, but your pet is welcome—and highly recommended—to sit in the passenger section of a moving truck. Never put your pet in the back of a box truck, even if the pet is in a crate or cage. Your pet can get hurt by heavy objects shifting around in the truck. Not to mention that your pet would probably feel scared in the noisy darkness!  

Book a Moving Truck Now!

Now that you know all about moving truck etiquette get in touch with Marcus Allard Truck Rental! We’ll get you set up with a box truck that will easily haul everything from your old home to your new one. Simply give us a call to book a truck reservation.