Hiring someone to drive a U-Haul might be on your mind. U-Haul doesn’t provide drivers directly, but you can hire a rental truck driver on your own. The cost ranges from $400 to $2,000 for one-way moves. This helps people who don’t feel comfortable behind the wheel of large vehicles.
Rental truck drivers must follow specific rules and requirements. Department of Transportation’s regulations allow drivers to work only 11 hours per day. Most drivers stick to 10-hour schedules that include breaks. You should know that drivers can’t go beyond 600 miles daily. A fully loaded truck’s fuel efficiency drops to about 6 miles per gallon.
This piece covers everything about hiring a U-Haul or Budget truck driver. You’ll learn about costs, insurance needs, and safety measures to think over during your move.
Understanding U-Haul Driver Services
Professional rental truck drivers are skilled experts who handle your U-Haul move’s driving responsibilities. These specialists have passed full background checks and bring years of experience in safely driving large vehicles over long distances.
What is a rental truck driver?
Moving truck drivers excel at operating U-Haul vehicles of all sizes. These professionals work in teams of two and follow Department of Transportation guidelines. Their daily driving limit ranges between 500-600 miles. They stick to strict schedules that ensure on-time delivery without compromising safety.
Types of U-Haul driving services
U-Haul provides several driving service options. Transport drivers balance fleet distribution by moving inventory between rental locations. Shuttle drivers take care of short-distance transfers between nearby facilities. Delivery drivers bring vehicles straight to customer locations.
The scheduling flexibility stands out as a key feature. Professional drivers work around your schedule and let you choose to:
- Ride along in the truck’s passenger seat
- Fly to your destination while they drive the vehicle
When to hire a U-Haul driver
A U-Haul driver proves beneficial in several situations. You should think about professional help when:
- Your move covers long distances with lots of highway driving
- Large vehicles make you uncomfortable
- You need to tow a car behind the truck
- Flying to your destination seems more appealing than driving
Professional drivers offer advantages beyond just transportation. These experts know proper vehicle inspection protocols and have complete knowledge of safety procedures. Their expertise covers trucks of all sizes, from cargo vans to the 26-foot truck that fits belongings from a 3-5 bedroom home.
Note that all U-Haul rental agreements need drivers to be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license. The rental contract holder remains responsible for any damages during the rental period.
Driver service fees typically range from $400 to $2,000. These costs cover the driver’s services, but expenses like fuel are separate. Drivers handle their own accommodations throughout the experience. They map out the best routes and plan necessary stops carefully.
Each professional driver goes through detailed background checks. The process includes nationwide database searches, county-by-county residential checks, and complete driver license verification. This thorough screening ensures your belongings stay safe with capable, trustworthy professionals throughout your move.
How to Hire a U-Haul Driver: Step-by-Step
Finding a reliable U-Haul driver needs good planning and attention to detail. U-Haul’s Moving Help® marketplace connects you with local, independent service providers who offer moving services of all types.
Finding reliable driver services
U-Haul’s Moving Help® platform maintains a database with over 2.2 million unedited customer reviews. This marketplace lets you:
- Compare prices and read customer feedback
- Sort providers based on overall ratings
- Select services that match your specific needs
Your chosen service provider will contact you within 24 hours to discuss your move’s details.
Checking driver credentials
Driver credentials are a vital step in the hiring process. Professional driving services run background checks that include:
- Three nationwide database searches
- County-by-county residential searches covering the driver’s entire adult life
- Social security number verification
- Complete driver license checks
After selecting a driver, you’ll get detailed information about them, including their name, contact details, and professional biography. A few days before pickup, you’ll join a group chat with your driver and the support team to track progress and handle any concerns.
Getting quotes and estimates
Understanding costs will help you plan your budget better. Uhaul rental costs aside, professional driver services usually charge between 85 cents to 153 cents per mile, based on truck size. Your quote will include:
- Base driver fees
- Fuel expenses
- Driver’s return travel costs
- Hotel accommodations throughout the experience
Most services give instant quotes that stay valid for seven days. Driver airfare and ground transportation costs range from $350 to $650 when booked three weeks ahead.
U-Haul’s Moving Help® marketplace shows clear pricing, and service providers set their own rates. Current market rates include:
- Two-person crews start at $85 per hour
- Premium services go up to $220 per hour
- Most providers need a minimum two-hour booking
You’ll receive a unique payment code after finalizing your selection. This code works as a security measure – you only share it with the service provider after they finish the job to your satisfaction. This approach will give a quality service and protect your investment throughout the moving process.
Cost Breakdown of Hiring U-Haul Drivers
Knowing the financial aspects of hiring a U-Haul driver helps you plan your move. The total cost combines several elements that range from simple fees to extra expenses during your trip.
Base driver fees
The basic cost of hiring a rental truck driver changes based on distance and vehicle size. Professional drivers charge between 85 cents to 153 cents per mile. Driver services for cross-country moves cost anywhere from $400 to $2,000.
U-Haul’s Moving Help marketplace shows these pricing tiers:
- Standard services start at $85 per hour
- Premium services go up to $220 per hour
- Two-person crews require minimum two-hour commitments
Additional expenses to think about
Your total moving expenses go beyond the base fees:
Transportation Costs
- Driver’s airfare and ground transportation: $350-$650 when booked three weeks ahead
- Return travel expenses for the driver
- Extra transportation fees for multiple locations
Accommodation and Daily Expenses
- Hotel stays throughout your trip
- Driver’s meals and necessities
- Extra hotel charges for early arrival or delayed departure
Fuel and Vehicle-Related Expenses
- Fuel costs (loaded trucks get 6-12 miles per gallon)
- Environmental fees from $1-$5
- Local tax rates of 6% to 10% on rental cost
Insurance Requirements
- Basic liability coverage comes with rental
- SafeMove package: $14-$20 daily for local moves
- SafeMove Plus gives up to $1,000,000 in supplemental liability coverage
Potential Extra Charges
- Additional mileage fees: $0.40 to $1.00 per extra mile
- Refueling charges if tank returns below agreed level
- Equipment rentals like furniture pads ($5-$10 each)
- Specialty ramps: $15-$25 daily
One-way moves come with a designated mileage allowance and set number of days. Extra miles cost $1.00 per mile, and additional days cost $40.00 each.
A $100 security deposit applies with credit card payments. You get this amount back when you return the truck in its original condition and follow the rental agreement terms.
Here’s how to keep unexpected costs low:
- Book driver services early for better rates
- Calculate fuel expenses based on distance and truck size
- Factor in toll charges along your route
- Plan loading times well to avoid waiting charges
Insurance and Legal Requirements
Getting proper insurance coverage is crucial when you hire someone to drive your U-Haul. Personal auto insurance policies won’t cover rental trucks because of weight restrictions and vehicle size limitations.
Required insurance coverage
U-Haul has two main protection packages:
- SafeMove: Has damage waiver, cargo coverage, and medical-life protection
- SafeMove Plus: Gives you $1 million in liability coverage along with basic SafeMove benefits
Credit card companies usually don’t cover U-Haul trucks due to size and weight restrictions. You’ll need to get appropriate coverage through U-Haul to protect your vehicle and belongings.
The coverage options give you:
- Damage waiver with $0 deductible for SafeMove Plus
- Protection against vandalism whatever the fault
- Coverage for tire damage and overhead collisions
- Loss of use compensation
Adding drivers to rental agreement
U-Haul has specific rules for adding a rental truck driver to your agreement. Additional drivers must be 18 or older and have a valid government-issued driver’s license. U-Haul won’t charge extra fees to add drivers to the rental agreement.
Here’s how to add a professional driver:
- Show the driver’s valid government-issued license to U-Haul
- Complete the additional driver documentation
- Make sure the driver meets all U-Haul requirements
Liability considerations
You need to pay close attention to liability protection since U-Haul has limited responsibility for accidents caused by rental drivers. Most claims can only be filed against the driver, not U-Haul directly.
Here are the key liability factors to think about:
Insurance Coverage Layers:
- Your personal auto insurance policy
- The rental truck coverage you get through U-Haul
- U-Haul’s liability policies
Legal Responsibilities:
- The primary renter is responsible for damages during the rental period
- Mechanical damage exclusions apply if you operate the vehicle improperly
- Overhead damage has a $250 deductible unless you have SafeMove Plus
SafeMove Plus will give you detailed coverage that has:
- $1 million in supplemental liability protection
- Complete damage waiver with zero deductible
- Medical and life coverage
- Cargo protection for personal belongings
Standard rental policies don’t cover certain types of damage. This includes mechanical issues from improper operation and damage from hitting overhead objects. Talk to your U-Haul representative about coverage details to get the right protection for your move.
Safety Measures and Best Practices
Safety protocols are the foundations of successful U-Haul moves, particularly with professional drivers. A smooth moving experience depends on proper background checks, detailed vehicle inspections, and clear communication channels.
Driver background checks
U-Haul follows strict screening procedures for rental truck drivers. The company runs detailed background checks through multiple nationwide databases and county-by-county residential checks that cover the driver’s entire adult life. The company reviews past felony convictions case by case and thinks about factors such as:
- Time passed since the conviction
- Nature and severity of the offense
- Connection to driving responsibilities
Vehicle inspection protocols
U-Haul uses a multi-tiered inspection system to keep vehicles safe. These checks fall into distinct levels:
Level 1 Inspection: Staff performs this check when vehicles return:
- External light verification
- Dashboard system review
- Quick visual inspection under the hood
- Tire pressure check
- Simple cabin cleaning
Level 2 Inspection: A more detailed review that covers:
- Multiple fluid level checks
- Battery and belt condition assessment
- Individual light testing
- Detailed tire pressure monitoring
Level 3 Inspection: The most detailed examination that ensures government compliance and addresses tire alignment issues
U-Haul has boosted its inspection frequency. Computerized tracking systems now create daily lists of vehicles that need thorough examinations. This change has led to timely inspections for 80% of trucks and 42% of trailers.
Communication guidelines
Clear communication between drivers and clients plays a vital role throughout the moving process. These protocols help maintain clarity:
- Pre-trip Communication
- Drivers must check vehicles and report statuses to management teams
- Weather and road condition updates need quick sharing
- During Transit
- Regular progress updates
- Quick notification of delays or issues
- Clear documentation of inspection results
- Emergency Protocols
- Drivers must park safely off the roadway
- Activate emergency flashers
- Help all occupants exit the vehicle safely
- Contact emergency services if needed
Drivers follow strict operational guidelines to ensure safety. They maintain proper following distances and avoid distractions like mobile phone usage while driving. They also perform detailed pre-trip safety inspections that focus on critical parts like tires, brakes, and fluid levels.
Conclusion
U-Haul drivers provide a practical solution for long-distance moves or situations where you’re not comfortable with large vehicles. U-Haul’s Moving Help marketplace connects you with qualified professionals who pass detailed background checks and follow strict safety protocols, though they don’t directly employ drivers.
Professional drivers definitely make moving easier, but good planning remains key. The total cost goes beyond the base fee, so you’ll need to think over expenses like fuel, accommodation, and insurance coverage. SafeMove Plus protection gives you peace of mind with detailed coverage and liability protection.
Your move’s success relies on picking the right driver and knowing your role. You should verify credentials, check insurance requirements, and set up clear communication channels. Book your driver at least three weeks ahead to get the best rates and availability.
It’s worth mentioning that you’re still responsible for the rental agreement, even though professional drivers handle the road. A detailed review of all documentation and proper insurance coverage before starting your trip will help create a smooth, stress-free moving experience.