Our important tips for U-Haul truck rentals will make your move easier. Find out how to make reservations, how to pack efficiently, and everything else you need to know for a smooth moving experience.
U-Haul is a well-known company that rents trucks and trailers in various sizes. It also offers a variety of other vehicles, including car carriers and tow dollies.
When packing your U-Haul truck, evenly distribute the weight and use extra padding on delicate items like mirrors and framed pictures. Aside from avoiding piling heavy objects on top of the burden, it would be beneficial.
5 Tips for U-Haul Truck Rental
U-Haul truck rentals are the easiest way to move things. Read our Essential Tips guide to learn how to choose the right truck, how to pack well, and how to handle your move with confidence and ease.
#1. Be Prepared
A U-haul truck rental Chardon is a practical and cost-effective solution for moving. However, there are some essential facts that customers should be aware of before renting a car.
For example, the company’s advertised per-day price often doesn’t include mileage, gas, taxes, or insurance. It also charges an environmental fee to fund environment-conscious fleet improvements.
Additionally, it’s best to load cumbersome items first and the lightest items last. This can lessen the need for additional padding and help avoid injury.
It’s also helpful to dismantle furniture and pack mattresses vertically rather than horizontally to save space. Lastly, customers should be sure to review the company’s cancellation policies before putting down a deposit that they may be unable to recoup in case of an unexpected change or delay.
#2. Plan Ahead
The best way to prepare for a local move with U-Haul is to call ahead to reserve a truck and make sure it’s available at your scheduled time.
In addition, check out the rental equipment options at your location to see what’s available for your move, such as furniture blankets, moving dollies, and lifting straps.
Additionally, research customer reviews to understand customer satisfaction better. Consider reviews regarding truck availability, hidden costs, and overall satisfaction. This information will help you determine the right choice for your move.
#3. Know Your Limits
The size of the U-Haul truck you rent will depend on the number of rooms in your home. Generally, the more bedrooms you have, the larger the car you’ll need.
U-Haul rates are based on the size of the truck, the point of origin, the destination, and the rental dates. They also include mileage fees.
Understanding the fine print of a U-Haul rental contract is essential before you sign it. For example, you may be required to provide a credit card at pickup.
Some locations offer a small (unspecified) grace period for unexpected delays. The company also imposes late fees for trucks and trailers that are returned later than the agreed-upon time. This can be a frustration.
#4. Be Prepared for Unexpected Events
U-Haul offers competitive prices and a wide range of rental vehicles and services. However, its sizeable network and nationwide availability can lead to miscommunications and unexpected fees.
For example, customers report credit cards being inappropriately charged or trucks not being available when reserved.
In addition, some U-Haul locations have experienced staffing issues, resulting in longer wait times or a failure to honor reservation guarantees. Fortunately, this issue has been resolved, as U-Haul now offers an improved reservation guarantee.
#5. Be Prepared to Pay for Damage
U-Haul has an extensive rental fleet, competitive base prices, and locations across the country. It also offers roadside assistance.
Rental truck companies offer insurance coverage to help drivers avoid liability for damage caused to their vehicles. Auto insurance usually excludes trucks and trailers, and credit card policies may provide limited coverage.
If the U-Haul truck you are renting gets damaged, it is essential to understand your options for filing a claim. Establishing causation, or demonstrating that a duty violation resulted in the accident, is the first step in the process.
For example, if a faulty brake caused the truck to rear-end another vehicle, your damages could include medical expenses and other quantifiable losses.