Make Moving Easier with Split Dispatch and Split Return at U-Haul 

Moving comes with a lot of decisions and figuring out how to transport your vehicle, or extra belongings that don’t fit in a moving truck, doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re planning on towing a cargo trailer, utility trailer, or vehicle towing trailer, managing everything at once can feel overwhelming, especially during loading and unloading.  

To make your move smoother and less overwhelming, let U-Haul introduce you to split rentals. 

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• Key Takeaways  Split dispatch allows you to pick up a truck and trailer at different times or at different locations.  Split returns allow you to return your moving truck and trailer combo at different times, and after hours.  A U-Haul representative can work with you over the phone or in person to customize your moving experience with split dispatches and returns.  Split dispatch can be done with any viable moving truck and trailer combination.

 

Instead of picking up your moving truck and trailer at the same time, you can pick them up at different times and locations. Split dispatch makes moving easier because it allows you to focus on one part of the move at a time.  

We’ll guide you through how much of this process can be customized to fit your move. 

What Is Split Dispatch? 

Split dispatch, sometimes called a split rental, allows DIY movers to separate the pickup of their moving truck and trailer or towing equipment. Instead of managing both at once, you can first pick up your moving truck, complete the loading process, and then return later to have your trailer or towing equipment attached. 

Why Split Dispatch Makes Moving Easier 

Instead of trying to manage a moving truck and trailer at the same time, split dispatch allows you to focus on one part of the move before moving on to the next. 

For many moves, having a trailer or towing device attached while loading can make the process more difficult than expected. A trailer may limit the amount of space available in a driveway, apartment parking lot, storage facility, or neighborhood street.  

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• Important: Once your trailer is attached, you will no longer have access to your truck’s loading ramp. 
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Many U-Haul trucks, including the 15', 20', and 26' trucks, feature an EZ Load Ramp that slides out to make loading and unloading easier. However, once a trailer or towing device is attached, the ramp cannot be used unless the trailer is first disconnected. 

By picking up the truck first and adding the trailer or towing equipment later, you have more room to work, easier access to the truck, and a less stressful loading experience overall. Many customers find this approach simpler and easier to manage, especially in tighter spaces or busy areas where maneuvering a trailer may create added pressure. 

Split dispatch can be especially helpful during larger moves where customers need extra time and space to load carefully. Instead of working around a trailer the entire time, you can focus on organizing the moving truck, securing belongings properly, and completing the loading process before transitioning to the towing portion of the move.  

Split Dispatch for Secure Towing Connections 

Proper trailer attachment is an important part of secure towing. By avoiding unnecessary hooking and unhooking while loading and unloading belongings, you can reduce the risk of improper connections that could potentially lead to damage to your belongings, your vehicle, other vehicles on the road, or the trailer itself.  

Have a trusted U-Haul team member verify that your towing connection is good to go before embarking on your move. 

How It Works from Start to Finish 

The process is straightforward, even if it’s your first time moving. You begin by reserving both your moving truck and trailer or towing device together, either online, through the U-Haul mobile app, over the phone, or at a nearby U-Haul or neighborhood Dealer location.  

 

Pick the Right Truck 

Picking the right moving truck to tow your trailer or towing device is the most important part of this process. Trucks have specific towing capacities, which determine whether they can tow certain trailers or towing devices, as well as how much you are looking to haul. The U-Haul reservation process will not allow you to tow a trailer or towing combination that is incompatible with a moving truck. 

Learn more about How to Choose the Right Size Moving Truck Rental. 

Pick the Right Trailer or Towing Device 

U-Haul has 12 different cargo, utility, and vehicle towing trailers. This allows you to pick the perfect trailer or towing device to pair with your moving truck rental. 

Need a trailer to fully cover and enclose your belongings from all sides? You need a cargo trailer. U-Haul has four cargo trailers that can carry up to 2,480 lbs. of your belongings! 

Learn more about What Size Cargo Trailer You Need. 

Are you looking to maximize utility for your belongings and need something with an open top and multiple ramp options? The U-Haul utility trailer lineup is exactly what you need. There are seven different utility trailers you can pick from when making your reservation. From a small and sporty 4’ x 7’ trailer to a 6’ x 12’ trailer with a ramp, you’ll find the perfect trailer to tow behind your moving truck. 

Learn more about What Size Utility Trailer You Need. 

If you are towing a car or motorcycle, then you need a vehicle towing trailer. You’re in luck because U-Haul has four of them: a motorcycle trailer with a front-wheel chock and a ramp, a two-wheeled Tow Dolly for front wheel drive vehicles, an Auto Transport for sedans and crossovers, and an all-new Toy Hauler trailer built for towing large trucks, SUVs, and side-by-sides. U-Haul vehicle trailers can also accommodate your low-clearance vehicle. 

Too much to decide? Learn more with our vehicle towing guide: Towing My Vehicle: Tow Dolly, Auto Transport, or Toy Hauler? 

Follow These Next Steps After You Make Your Reservation: 

• Call 1-800-GO-U-HAUL 

• Speak with a U-Haul representative about making your reservation a split dispatch pickup and return 

• Discuss truck and towing options with a U-Haul representative 

Important: A U-Haul representative may also call you about making your reservation a split dispatch rental after you go through the reservation process. 

 

On moving day, you can first pick up the moving truck and complete the loading process at home. Once everything is packed and ready, return to that location or another (depending on your reservation) to pick up a cargo, utility, or vehicle towing trailer before beginning your trip. 

Truck and Trailer Return Options with Split Returns 

After arriving at your destination, split return options can help simplify the final part of your move. If you choose to return your trailer before your truck, you can continue unloading without needing to disconnect and reconnect the trailer later. Returning the trailer first can also make it easier to access the truck's loading ramp and maneuver the truck while completing your move. 

Once you're finished, you can coordinate separate return arrangements for your truck and trailer equipment, including returning them at different locations or times. Simply call 1-800-GO-U-HAUL for assistance with split return options. 

You can return a truck and trailer during business hours at any nearby U-Haul location or use Truck Share 24/7 through your mobile device when returning during or after business hours. 

 

A Smarter, More Flexible Way to Move with U-Haul 

At the end of the day, split dispatch and returns are all about making your move more efficient and allowing you to focus on getting to your new place. By separating the truck loading and hauling with a trailer, you’re giving yourself more control and space during your move.  

When you’re ready to move, you can reserve everything you need online or through the app to make your move easy and smooth from start to finish.