rental truck safety

Rental Truck Safety

Safety when doing a Do-it-Yourself move is vital.
Know what to look out for.

cross country movers

Rental Truck Safety


If your planning to use a rental truck for your move, there’s a few things to know before getting behind the wheel and driving to your new destination.

Renting And Driving The Truck


To rent a truck, no special license is required. All you need is your regular drivers license. This will make it easier if you’ll be sharing the driving time, or feel apprehensive about driving a truck, and need to ask a friend or family member to drive the truck.

Inspect The Truck


Inspecting the truck thoroughly before you drive off the lot of the rental company is essential. You want to make sure the truck is in good working order. You will want to check the tires, lights, signals and mirrors. Depending on the weather conditions, you will want to make sure the AC/heater is working.

Familiarize Yourself With The Rental Truck


Whoever will be driving the truck should spend a bit of time sitting in the drivers seat getting comfortable with the location of all the controls, such as: ignition, turn signals, gas, break pedals, mirrors, windshield wipers etc. and knowing what gas to use. It is a good idea to review the owner’s manual.

Load Safely


When deciding What Size Moving Truck Should You Use find out what the maximum weight for each truck is. This weight limit should never be exceeded. To properly load a truck to maximize your space read How to Load a Moving Truck.

Watch Your Speed


It is recommended to always follow the speed limit of the state/s you are driving through. However, driving slower than you would a car is advised at all times, around half the speed. Accidents in trucks can be reduced if driver’s slowdown and pay attention to the speed, especially when taking corners, turns and backing up.

Safe Distance


Trucks are heavy and the larger the truck, the heavier it’s going to be. It is crucial to provide enough space between you and other vehicles to allow a safe amount of time to brake, and if needed, come to a complete stop.

Braking Safely


If you find you need to stop suddenly for any reason, perhaps a flat tire, don’t slam on the breaks, slow down gradually and pull over. If you brake suddenly, this could cause the truck to become out of control.

Clearance Height


It’s important to know what the clearance height is when driving a truck. The Department of Transportation (DOT) has a set minimum height clearance of 14’ – 16’ on major roadways and interstates. Some bridges, overpasses, gas stations and tunnels do have a lower height clearance. Knowing the clearance height of your rental truck before setting off can avoid any potential damage to the truck. In most cases, you will be given advance notice and warning signs allowing you to exit before approaching a low clearance area. If it’s uncertain whether you have enough clearance, always stop immediately to assess if your truck can pass safely. Below is a guide to truck size and clearance height. Always double check with the truck rental company the height clearance of the truck you rent.

Truck size - Clearance height

10 ft              10’ 14 ft              10’ 16 ft              11’6” 17 ft              12’ 20 ft              13’ 22 ft              13’6” 24 ft              13’6” 26 ft              13’6”

When driving the rental truck, bear in mind that it handles differently when full or empty. Understanding the differences and how to maneuver the truck in each situation, grants you mastery of driving a moving truck!

Storage Locations

Los Angeles
5698 Bandini Blvd B.
Bell, CA 90201
P: 888-680-7200 Ext. 102
CA - NY Express Cross Country Movers Los Angeles
Movers from LA to NYC
San Francisco
745 85th Ave
Suite L. Oakland, CA 94621
P: 888-680-7200 Ext. 135
CA - NY Express Cross Country Movers San Francisco
Movers from SF to NYC
New York
210 Meadowlands Pkwy d,
Secaucus, NJ 07094
P: 888-680-7200 Ext. 131
CA - NY Express Cross Country Movers New York
Movers from NYC to SF & LA

Business Hours(PST)

Monday: 8am - 4pm
Tuesday: 8am - 4pm
Wednesday: 8am - 4pm
Thursday: 8am - 4pm
Friday: 8am - 4pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Shannon L.
Shannon L.
Jan 5, 2024

Movers who packed my things up in NY were great. I was also very impressed with how clear everything was, how fast the move coordinator Eric was with getting back to me. Read more testimonials

Danielle
Danielle Francisco
Feb 11, 2024

Terrific experience with Andres and his team. They were quick, efficient and very knowledgeable. Read more testimonials

Ria B.
Ria B.
Jan 10, 2024

Everything went smoothly with CA-NY Express Movers. They packed up my apt in NYC in no time, put it into storage for me while we found our new house. Read more testimonials

Back to top