10 Tips for Driving a Moving Truck Long Distance

Moving long distance can be an exciting experience! People usually make such a journey because of a major life change, like moving for a new job, being closer to family, going to school, or just wanting a fresh start. But before you can officially start your new life, you need to get there first. One of the most affordable and flexible ways of moving cross country is renting a moving truck and driving yourself.

If the thought of driving a box truck hundreds, even thousands of miles makes you a bit anxious, fear not. Our moving trucks are designed to be easy to drive for anyone. But since going long distance can make things slightly more complicated, we’ve put together this guide that offers 10 simple tips for driving a U-Haul moving truck long distance.

1. Choose the Right Size Truck

First things first – make sure you rent the right size truck. The reason being a larger truck can be trickier to maneuver, use more gasoline, and have wider blind spots. Use our helpful truck size guide to find the right size for your belongings. If your move calls for our 26-foot Super Mover®, don’t worry – even with its large size, rest assured it’s still easier to drive than many of competitors’ similarly sized moving trucks!

2. Pack Your Truck Like a Pro

Did you know that how you pack your moving truck can play a significant role in keeping your things free from damage during the long ride? No matter how far you’re going, we recommend packing and loading your moving truck strategically.

A few quick tips:

• Pack items in tiers
• Tie each tier off using twine and the rub rails inside the truck
• Pack heaviest items (appliances, furniture, etc.) near the back of the cargo area
• Stack boxes from heaviest to lightest
• Minimize shifting – use moving blankets and boxes to keep things secure

3. Plan Your Route Ahead of Time

You're probably going to use a GPS app for directions. But you should go the extra mile and plan your route when driving a moving truck cross-country. Take the time to check for road conditions, construction updates, and traffic reports. Consider alternative routes that may be less congested or offer scenic views to make your drive more enjoyable. Stick to the highway when possible and try to avoid windy, mountainous roads.

4. Drive with Care

There are plenty of simple, yet crucial habits you can adopt when driving a U-Haul moving truck long distance:

• Keep a Large Space Cushion – It's never a good idea to tailgate. But when you’re driving a moving truck, it’s even more important to keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you. The truck won’t stop as quickly as a standard vehicle. Give yourself plenty of space cushion (five vehicle lengths or more).
• Go Easy on the Brakes – U-Haul trucks can weigh up to 13,140 lbs. empty and over 20,000 lbs. when full. Suffice it to say, they don’t come to a stop easily. Start braking earlier than you normally would and do so gradually. Slamming on the brakes can cause your things to shift in the back and could be dangerous.
• Accelerate Slowly – Like braking, we recommend you accelerate gradually. “Flooring it” is bad for the engine, terrible for fuel efficiency, and could also cause also lead to cargo shifting. When driving a moving truck cross country, you want to keep things steady.
• Keep the Pace Low – If you’ve read the previous driving tips, then this one isn’t much of a surprise– keep your speed low. A truck that’s going too fast will be harder to stop and control. Stick to the posted speed limit and consider going slower than the speed limit in bad weather, on bumpy roads, or on windy roads.
• Take Wider Turns – Moving trucks often require a bit more space when making tight turns. As such, try to give yourself more space by taking slightly wider turns than you normally would, especially when turning right. Go as slow as necessary to avoid hitting curbs, other cars, or causing your load to shift.

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5. Take Plenty of Breaks

Resist the temptation to drive for a prolonged period. When you're behind the wheel of a big vehicle like a moving truck, it's important to be extra cautious and attentive. Make sure to take regular breaks every few hours to stay focused and alert. Not only will this help prevent fatigue but it also gives you the chance to enjoy the journey and explore new places along the way. Remember, U-Haul intentionally gives you plenty of hours and days on one-way rentals, so there’s no need to rush!

6. Watch for “Low Clearance” Signs

You’ve probably seen those signs on overpasses, fast-food drive-thru lanes, gas stations, and other awnings that say “low clearance.” In a standard passenger vehicle, it’s typically not anything to worry about. But when you’re driving an oversized vehicle, you need to pay attention. U-Haul trucks require from 9 to 12 feet of clearance, depending on the model. Keep this in mind throughout your trip to avoid any mishaps.

7. Choose Truck-Friendly Gas Stations

Re-fueling is inevitable on a long drive. When the time comes, do your best to choose a fueling station that is designed for large vehicles, like a truck stop (Love’s, Flying J, Pilot, etc.) They offer more space near the pumps for increased maneuverability and feature awnings that are designed for higher clearance vehicles.

8. Keep an Eye on the Fuel Level

Speaking of re-fueling, be sure to pay attention to your gas gauge during your drive. Although U-Haul trucks are generally more fuel-efficient than other moving trucks out there, they still require more stops at the pump than a standard passenger vehicle. Use online mapping tools or apps to locate fuel stations along your journey and be sure to top-off your truck before any long stretch (100 miles or more) without a gas station.

9. Keep on Eye on the Forecast

You can’t help the weather, but you may be able to avoid it! Use mobile apps to check the weather forecast before embarking on any long stretch of your journey. You may be able to navigate around rain or a snowstorm, or simply wait it out.

10. Lean On U-Haul for Assistance

Finally, remember that you’re not alone. U-Haul Roadside Assistance is available 24/7 to help with a variety of mechanical issues you may experience, including:

• Flat tire
• Dead battery
• Mechanical issues
• Lost or broken keys
• And much more

Note that some services, such as key issues, are available at an extra cost. This article outlines the services that are included with Roadside Assistance free of charge and the services that have a fee. For maximum peace of mind during your move, you can purchase Safetrip, which provides additional coverage for a low cost.

We also recommend taking time before you leave your pick-up location to inquire with a U-Haul team member about any questions or concerns you may have. We’ll be happy to help adjust your mirrors or provide any general guidance on operating your moving truck!

Hit the Road

When you’re ready to embark on your long distance moving journey, U-Haul is here to help you find the right equipment for the right price. In addition to one-way moving truck rentals, we also offer trailers and towing equipment to help you get to your destination. Find your long distance moving rental today!

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