Things you should know before driving a moving truck

Driving a moving truck is way different than driving your own personal vehicle.  It takes a lot longer to get from point A to B.  Allow yourself more time and space for reaction.  If you’ve never driven a moving truck before, here are some things you should know:

Turning the truck:  Trucks make wider turns than smaller vehicles do, make sure you know where curbs are.

Height of the truck:  It is important that you know the height of the vehicle you are driving before heading out on the road.  There are obstacles you might face for instance: bridges, underpasses, drive thrus, gas stations, communities with low branches, etc.  Make sure you know where you are traveling before you get yourself in trouble (or cause damage to the vehicle).

Backing Up the vehicle:  Have someone guide you when it comes to backing up the truck.  There is window you can look out of behind you, and backing up using your mirrors takes some practice.

Stopping the Vehicle:  Always allow yourself more time to brake.  Trucks need more time to brake than a personal vehicle does.

Required licensing:  Certain trucks sizes require certain license requirements.  Make sure you have the correct license to drive the rental truck prior to your move.

Safety:  Always obey all traffic laws, whether Its using turn signals, obeying the speed limit, turning on headlights, using safety belt, etc.

Parking the vehicle:  Make sure you know where you can and cannot park to avoid getting a ticket. Certain places will not allow truck parking.

Insurance coverage;  Know what your personal insurance policy will cover in regards to your truck rental.  If the rental facility offers additional insurance (and they will) take it out if your personal insurance doesn’t cover your rental truck.  You don’t want to pay for an accident out of pocket.

Again allow yourself enough time when moving. It’s a good idea to have someone with you, especially if you’ve never driven a moving truck before.  Get to the rental facility early, and make sure you have all of your documentation, insurance coverage, license, etc ready and on hand.