Hire a Professional U-Haul Driver for Your Long-Distance Move
You rent the truck. You pack it your way. We provide a licensed, insured, background-checked driver to deliver your belongings safely — door to door, coast to coast.
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Why Hire a Professional U-Haul Driver Instead of Driving Yourself?
Moving 1,200 miles in a 26-foot U-Haul isn't like driving your sedan. It's 10–12 hours per day behind the wheel of a vehicle that weighs over 10,000 pounds when loaded — through unfamiliar highways, mountain passes, and unpredictable weather.
Maintaining constant alertness while piloting a 26-foot vehicle through highway traffic. Navigating mountain passes where a loaded truck handles completely differently than on flat ground. Backing into tight driveways — often with a car trailer attached. Managing driver fatigue across 2–3 consecutive days of 10+ hour drives. Dealing with mechanical issues 500 miles from home with everything you own in the back.
Professional drivers know which routes avoid low-clearance bridges, how to recognize when brakes are overheating on mountain descents, when weather conditions make it unsafe to continue, and how to properly secure a towed vehicle so it doesn't come loose at highway speed. This knowledge comes from thousands of hours of experience — not a YouTube video you watched the night before.
A single accident in a rental truck can cost thousands in liability for damage to other vehicles, loss or damage to your belongings, potential injury to yourself or passengers, and insurance deductibles starting at $1,000 — if you purchased coverage. Our drivers handle this daily. They've navigated every major interstate and solved every problem that can arise on a cross-country move.
How Our Professional U-Haul Driver Service Works
We keep it simple. You handle your move your way — we handle the hardest part. Our process puts you in complete control of your timeline, your belongings, and your budget.
You're in Control — Rent, Pack, Load
Rent your U-Haul, Penske, or Budget truck directly — you choose the size, pickup time, and location. Pack and load on your own schedule with no strangers in your home and no rushed timeline. This is your move, not a moving company's schedule.
- Choose your preferred rental truck company and size
- Pack at your own pace — take days or weeks
- Load the truck yourself or hire local labor
- Set your pickup date and delivery deadline
Your Professional Driver Takes the Wheel
Your assigned driver meets you at the rental location. You'll receive their credentials — name, photo, license verification, and direct contact info — 24–48 hours in advance. They complete a full vehicle inspection (brakes, tires, lights, load security) before departure, then drive your loaded truck directly to your destination.
- Pre-trip vehicle inspection before departure
- Direct drive — no warehouses, no shared freight, no detours
- Real-time GPS tracking throughout the journey
- You travel separately in your car, or fly to your destination
Your Belongings Arrive Safely
Your truck is delivered directly to your new address. You unload on your own timeline — or hire local labor if you prefer. Most cross-country moves are completed in 1–3 days, which is significantly faster than freight-based moving companies that often take 2–4 weeks.
- Door-to-door delivery — straight to your new home
- Unload whenever you're ready
- Optional truck return service available
- Driver provides updates at major stops and is available via text throughout
Have questions about the process? Visit our complete FAQ page where we answer 40+ of the most common questions customers ask.
U-Haul Driver Pricing: What to Expect
The cost to hire a professional U-Haul driver depends on distance, route complexity, truck size, and whether you're towing a vehicle. Below are real-world pricing examples to help you budget your move.
Sample Pricing by Route
| Route | Distance | Driver Cost | Full-Service Mover | Your Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York → Florida | 1,200 mi | $900–$1,300 | $6,000–$10,000 | $4,700–$8,700 |
| California → Texas | 1,400 mi | $1,100–$1,500 | $7,000–$12,000 | $5,500–$10,500 |
| Chicago → Phoenix | 1,700 mi | $1,300–$1,800 | $8,000–$14,000 | $6,200–$12,200 |
| Seattle → Denver | 1,300 mi | $1,000–$1,400 | $6,500–$11,000 | $5,100–$9,600 |
| Boston → Miami | 1,500 mi | $1,200–$1,600 | $7,500–$13,000 | $5,900–$11,400 |
| Dallas → Austin | 850 mi | $500–$800 | $3,500–$6,000 | $2,700–$5,200 |
Compared to full-service moving companies for the same route and load
Side-by-Side Cost Comparison (New York → Florida, 3 Bedroom)
- Packing included
- Loading & unloading included
- Hidden fees ($500–$1,000 common)
- Belongings on shared truck
- Unpredictable delivery window
- Strangers handling your items
- You pack at your pace
- Storage fees if delayed ($300–$800)
- Container sits in your driveway
- Long, unpredictable transit
- No driver communication
- Limited size options
- Professional driver included
- Direct delivery — no warehouses
- Real-time GPS tracking
- Full control over timing
- Transparent pricing — no hidden fees
- Your belongings stay on one truck
What's Included in Your Quote
What You Pay Separately
Your U-Haul, Penske, or Budget truck rental (booked directly by you). Fuel costs — we provide upfront estimates, typically $200–$600 for cross-country. Tolls, which are tracked and itemized with receipts provided. Optional services like truck return, car towing (+$200–$400), or last-minute rush booking fees.
Need to tow your car? Learn more about our U-Haul with car trailer service, including auto transport vs. tow dolly options, pricing, and what to expect.
See Exactly How Much You'll Save
Get a personalized quote for your exact route. Most customers save $3,000–$7,000 compared to traditional moving companies.
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Why Families, Retirees, and Businesses Trust Our Professional Drivers
Every driver in our network undergoes extensive vetting before being approved. We reject over 80% of applications because your belongings — and your peace of mind — are on the line with every single move.
Every driver must pass a comprehensive motor vehicle record (MVR) check, carry a minimum of 5 years experience operating 10'–26' box trucks, complete specific training in towing auto transports, trailers, and dollies, maintain active general liability insurance (verified), and clear a criminal background screening before approval. We are extremely selective because every move is our reputation on the line.
Every move is backed by general liability coverage. Your driver completes a pre-trip vehicle inspection covering brakes, tires, lights, signals, and load security — along with a post-trip condition report. You also maintain the rental truck insurance through U-Haul (SafeMove), Penske, or Budget, providing additional coverage layers. Multiple levels of protection, every trip.
You receive your driver's credentials 24–48 hours before pickup — name, photo, license verification, and direct contact info. You have the right to approve or request a different driver, no questions asked. You'll get direct communication with your assigned driver plus real-time GPS tracking throughout the journey. No bait-and-switch, no hidden costs, no last-minute substitutions.
Whether you're moving from Manhattan to Miami, Seattle to San Diego, or anywhere in between — we have experienced drivers who know your route. Our network spans every major metropolitan area with knowledge of every major interstate, truck-specific restrictions, low-clearance bridges, and optimal rest stops. Over 1,000 vehicles delivered coast to coast.
4.9 out of 5 stars
Based on 387 verified customer reviews
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What Our Customers Say
Real stories from real customers. We earn trust through performance — not promises.
"The $1,750 we paid was worth every single penny."
We needed to move our entire 3-bedroom house from San Diego to Orlando — 2,700 miles with a car on a trailer. I was terrified of driving a 26-foot truck myself, especially through the Arizona desert in August. Our driver Mike handled a tire blowout in New Mexico without breaking a sweat, sent GPS updates every 4 hours like clockwork, and called ahead when weather was going to delay delivery by 3 hours. Everything arrived perfectly secure, nothing damaged.
"Way easier than driving ourselves, and honestly way safer too."
My wife and I are both in our 60s, and the idea of driving a 20-foot truck from Dallas to Austin was not appealing. The driver showed up exactly on time at both ends, gave us updates along the way, and was professional throughout. The pricing was totally fair. We've already recommended this service to three of our friends who are relocating.
"The peace of mind alone was priceless."
I was nervous about hiring a U-Haul driver online — the concept was totally new to me. But MovingTruckDriver.com exceeded every expectation. The booking process was simple, they sent me my driver's credentials two days before pickup, and communication was excellent throughout. I flew from Phoenix to Tampa and my belongings were already there waiting. 100% would use again.
"Belongings arrived a full week faster than any moving company could have done."
We moved from Chicago to Phoenix in January. I didn't want to deal with winter driving through the mountains in a loaded truck. The driver navigated mountain passes and winter conditions like it was nothing — because for him, it literally was nothing. He does this every week. Total cost was about a third of what Allied quoted us.
"The team made the hardest move of my life as easy as possible."
After my husband passed, I needed to move closer to family in North Carolina. I couldn't drive a big truck by myself. The team handled everything with compassion and professionalism. My driver checked in regularly, was patient with my timeline, and treated my belongings like they were his own. I don't know what I would have done without this service.
Want verification before booking? Request a quote with your specific route and we'll connect you via email with a past customer who completed a similar move. Ask them anything — no pressure, no sales pitch.
Our Professional Moving Truck Driver Services
We provide experienced drivers for every type of rental truck move — from cross-country relocations to same-day local deliveries. Every service includes the same rigorous driver vetting, insurance coverage, and real-time communication.
Long-Distance & Cross-Country U-Haul Driver Service
Our most popular service. You rent the truck, you pack it, and we provide a professional driver to deliver it directly to your new home — anywhere across the 48 continental states. Most cross-country moves are completed in just 1–3 days, compared to 2–4 weeks with traditional freight movers.
Long-distance moving is where professional drivers deliver the most value. Highway driving in a loaded 26-foot U-Haul is demanding work that requires sustained concentration, knowledge of truck-specific routes, and the ability to handle unexpected situations hundreds of miles from home. Our drivers do this every week — it's not a once-in-a-lifetime stressful event for them, it's their profession.
Every long-distance assignment includes pre-trip vehicle inspection, optimized route planning that avoids low-clearance bridges and unsafe mountain descents, real-time GPS tracking so you always know where your truck is, and driver updates at every major stop. You travel separately in your own vehicle or fly and meet your belongings at your new home.
Popular long-distance routes include New York to Florida, California to Texas, Chicago to Phoenix, Boston to Miami, and Seattle to Denver — though we serve every route across all 48 states.
U-Haul with Car Trailer — Towing Your Vehicle Behind the Truck
Need to tow your personal vehicle behind the moving truck? Our drivers are experienced with all towing configurations including U-Haul auto transports (flat-bed, all four wheels off the ground), tow dollies (front wheels off the ground), and motorcycle trailers.
Towing a car behind a 26-foot truck adds a significant layer of complexity. The total vehicle length increases to nearly 50 feet, braking distances increase dramatically, and turns require wider clearances. Backing up is essentially impossible without experience. These are skills our drivers have developed over years and thousands of miles of professional driving.
Car towing typically adds $200–$400 to the driver cost depending on your route. For a detailed breakdown of auto transport options, towing equipment, and pricing, visit our U-Haul with car trailer page.
Drivers for Every Truck Size — 10' Cargo Vans to 26' Box Trucks
Our drivers operate all major rental truck sizes: 10-foot cargo vans (ideal for studio and 1-bedroom moves), 12-foot trucks (1–2 bedrooms), 15-foot trucks (2 bedrooms), 17-foot trucks (2–3 bedrooms), 20-foot trucks (3 bedrooms), and 26-foot trucks (4+ bedrooms or full household moves).
Not sure which size you need? Every truck size handles differently, and choosing the right one impacts both cost and safety. A too-small truck means making multiple trips or dangerous overloading, while a too-large truck wastes money on fuel and is harder to maneuver. Visit our U-Haul Truck Size Comparison Guide for detailed breakdowns of each size.
We also drive Penske, Budget, and Ryder trucks. The process is identical regardless of which rental company you choose — you rent the truck, we provide the driver.
Winter Moving & Adverse Weather Driving
Moving during winter months? Don't risk driving a loaded truck through snow, ice, or freezing rain. Our drivers have extensive experience navigating winter conditions across every northern and mountain state. They know when chains are required, when to stop and wait out a storm, and which alternate routes avoid the worst conditions.
Winter moving is one of the highest-risk times for inexperienced truck drivers. A loaded U-Haul on icy mountain roads is extremely dangerous without proper training and experience. Our drivers treat winter conditions with the respect they deserve — prioritizing your safety and the safety of your belongings above speed. Read our full guide on driving a U-Haul in the snow to understand the unique risks and how professionals handle them.
Specialized & Oversized Moves
Moving high-value or oversized items? We work with customers transporting grand pianos, hot tubs, antique furniture, motorcycle trailers, and other specialty cargo. Our drivers understand the extra caution required for these items — from load distribution to securing techniques that prevent shifting during transit.
For specialized moves, we match you with a driver who has specific experience with your type of cargo. Pricing varies based on the item and route, but we always provide a transparent quote before you commit.
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Who Hires a Professional U-Haul Driver?
Our service is designed for anyone who wants the cost savings of a DIY move without the risk and exhaustion of driving a large truck across the country.
You've got enough on your plate coordinating a family move. Hiring a driver means one parent can fly with the kids while the other drives the family car — and the truck arrives on schedule without either parent behind the wheel of a 26-foot vehicle.
Moving to be closer to family or downsizing? A multi-day drive in a large rental truck is physically demanding. Let a professional handle the highway hours so you can travel comfortably and arrive refreshed at your new home.
Can't take 3 days off work to drive a truck? Our driver handles the logistics while you fly to your new city or keep working remotely. Your belongings arrive on schedule, and you don't miss a beat.
First big move? A rental truck is intimidating when you've never driven anything bigger than an SUV. Our experienced drivers take the stress and risk out of the equation so you can focus on starting your next chapter.
Relocating an office, warehouse, or inventory? Professional drivers handle commercial moves with the same care and precision. Equipment, files, inventory — delivered safely on your timeline.
Moving during winter months or through mountain passes? Don't risk driving a loaded truck through snow and ice yourself. Our drivers have thousands of miles of adverse-weather experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a U-Haul Driver
Here are the questions we hear most often. For complete answers to 40+ questions, visit our full FAQ page.
Yes. You can hire a professional, licensed, insured, and background-checked driver through MovingTruckDriver.com to drive your U-Haul, Penske, or Budget rental truck anywhere in the continental United States. You rent the truck in your name, pack and load it yourself, and our driver handles the driving from pickup to delivery. For a complete breakdown, visit our guide on hiring someone to drive your U-Haul.
The cost typically ranges from $400 to $2,500 depending on distance, truck size, route complexity, and whether you're towing a vehicle. A New York to Florida move costs approximately $900–$1,300 for the driver alone. This is typically 60–75% less than hiring a full-service moving company for the same route. All pricing is transparent and upfront — no hidden fees at delivery.
No. You rent the truck using your regular driver's license. Our professional driver operates it under their own credentials and insurance coverage. You are the renter, they are the driver — it's that simple.
During peak moving season (May–September), we recommend booking 3–4 weeks in advance for best availability, especially for popular routes to Florida, Texas, and California. During the off-season (October–April), 1–2 weeks advance notice is usually sufficient, and last-minute bookings can often be accommodated. Pro tip: the constraint is usually U-Haul truck availability, not our drivers — so reserve your truck first, then book your driver.
When you hire through a reputable service like MovingTruckDriver.com, absolutely. Every driver undergoes criminal background screening, a comprehensive motor vehicle record check, and active insurance verification. Drivers must have a minimum of 5 years experience with box trucks. You receive driver credentials before pickup, real-time GPS tracking during the trip, and you can approve or request a different driver at any time.
In some cases, yes, space permitting. Ride-along availability depends on the truck cab configuration (some seat 2, some seat 3) and driver preference. This is discussed and confirmed during the booking process. If a ride-along isn't possible, most customers either drive separately or fly to their destination.
Your driver handles all issues and keeps you informed immediately. For mechanical problems, the driver coordinates with the rental company's roadside assistance at no additional cost to you. For weather delays, safety always comes first — the driver stops and waits with no extra charge. In the rare event of an accident, the driver secures the scene, contacts authorities, notifies you immediately, and coordinates with insurance providers. You're never left in the dark.
Yes. Our professional drivers are experienced with all major rental truck brands including U-Haul (all sizes, 10'–26'), Penske (all sizes), Budget (all sizes), and Ryder (commercial models). The process is identical regardless of which company you rent from.
The right size depends on how many rooms you're moving. As a general guideline: studio to 1 bedroom = 10'–12' truck, 2 bedrooms = 15'–17' truck, 3 bedrooms = 20' truck, and 4+ bedrooms = 26-foot truck. For a detailed comparison of each size including cubic feet, weight capacity, and fuel costs, visit our U-Haul Truck Size Comparison Guide.
Tipping is not required or expected, but it's appreciated for exceptional service. Industry standard if you choose to tip is $50–$100 for a smooth long-distance move. Our pricing already includes fair compensation for drivers — unlike some services, we don't underpay drivers and expect tips to make up the difference. Tip if you want to, don't if you don't — either way you'll receive the same professional service.
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