Can I Hire Someone to Drive My U-Haul?
Yes — Here's How It Works in 2026
You shouldn't have to white-knuckle a 26-foot truck across three states just because you're moving. Hire a professional, background-checked driver to deliver your loaded U-Haul door-to-door — while you fly, drive your car, or simply breathe.
The short answer: Yes, you can absolutely hire a professional driver to operate your U-Haul, Penske, or Budget rental truck. The driver must be added to your rental agreement as an authorized operator. Services like Moving Truck Driver provide vetted, insured drivers nationwide for $600–$1,800 depending on distance, with most cross-country moves completed in 2–4 days.
Can Someone Else Drive Your U-Haul Truck? U-Haul's Official Rules
This is the first question most people ask — and the answer is straightforward. Yes, someone else can drive your U-Haul truck, as long as they are listed on the rental agreement as an authorized driver. U-Haul does not charge extra for adding a second driver, and the process takes just a few minutes.
Here's what U-Haul requires for any driver — whether it's you, a friend, or a professional you've hired:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Must have a valid, government-issued driver's license
- Must be added to the rental agreement before driving
- No commercial driver's license (CDL) is required — U-Haul trucks are classified under 26,000 lbs GVWR
There is no limit to the number of drivers you can add. Each driver simply needs to meet the same requirements. This is the critical foundation for hiring anyone — professional or otherwise — to operate your U-Haul.
How to Add an Authorized Driver to Your U-Haul Rental (Online and In Person)
You have two straightforward options for adding a driver to your U-Haul reservation.
Adding a driver in person: When you arrive at the U-Haul pickup location, tell the representative that you'd like to add a driver. They will need to see the additional driver's valid government-issued driver's license. The representative adds them to the agreement on the spot at no charge. Both drivers will need to be present during pickup, or the additional driver can present their ID separately before taking the wheel.
Adding a driver online: Log in to your U-Haul account and open your reservation. Select "Manage My Reservation," then choose the option to add a driver. You will be asked to upload clear photos of the front and back of the driver's license. Approval is typically instant. Some professional driver services will handle this step for you — for example, Moving Truck Driver coordinates directly with U-Haul by calling 1-800-GO-UHAUL and having a driver link sent to the assigned driver's phone.
Add your driver to the rental agreement before the truck is picked up from the rental location. While it can be done afterward, adding the driver in advance ensures insurance coverage is active from the moment they get behind the wheel.
What Happens If an Unauthorized Driver Operates Your U-Haul?
This is where things get serious — and it's the number-one reason you should never skip the step of adding a hired driver to the agreement.
If someone who is not listed on the rental agreement drives the truck and an incident occurs, several consequences may follow. U-Haul's damage protection plans — including SafeMove and SafeMove Plus — only cover drivers who are authorized on the agreement. You, as the primary renter, become personally liable for any damage to the truck, other vehicles, property, or people. U-Haul also reserves the right to pursue legal action for breach of the rental contract. Your personal auto insurance is unlikely to cover a rental truck incident involving an unauthorized operator.
Never allow anyone — a friend, family member, or hired driver — to operate your U-Haul without being listed on the rental agreement. Even a short drive across town without authorization can void all insurance coverage and leave you exposed to thousands of dollars in liability.
Do You Need a CDL or Special License to Drive a U-Haul?
No. This is one of the most common misconceptions about rental trucks. U-Haul trucks — including the largest 26-foot model — are classified below the 26,001-pound GVWR threshold that would require a commercial driver's license. A standard U.S. driver's license is all that's needed.
That said, just because a CDL isn't required doesn't mean operating a 26-foot, fully loaded truck is easy. A loaded 26-foot U-Haul can weigh over 18,000 pounds. It handles nothing like your car: the braking distance is dramatically longer, blind spots are enormous, wind gusts can push the trailer, and backing up requires skills most everyday drivers simply don't have. This is exactly why thousands of people choose to hire experienced drivers who handle these trucks daily.
Does U-Haul Provide Drivers? Why You Need a Third-Party Service
No, U-Haul does not provide drivers. This is one of the most frequently misunderstood aspects of U-Haul's service. U-Haul is a vehicle rental company — they provide the truck, trailer, or towing equipment, but they do not provide anyone to operate it. When you rent a U-Haul, you are responsible for driving it yourself or finding someone else to drive.
U-Haul does offer a service called Moving Help, which connects you with local labor providers who can help with loading and unloading your truck. However, Moving Help providers do not drive the truck. U-Haul is explicit about this: their marketplace laborers are specialists in packing, loading, and unloading only.
What U-Haul's Moving Help Service Actually Covers (and Doesn't)
Understanding this distinction is important because it affects how you plan your move. U-Haul Moving Help provides labor for packing and unpacking, loading your truck at your origin, unloading your truck at your destination, and specialty item handling such as pianos and large furniture. What Moving Help does not provide includes driving the rental truck to your destination, any transportation or delivery services, long-distance driving or route navigation, vehicle towing or auto transport operation, and overnight or multi-day driving.
If you search "U-Haul movers" or "U-Haul drivers" online, most results will point you to Moving Help — which can be misleading. You need a completely separate service for the driving portion.
Why Rental Truck Companies Don't Offer Driver Services
The reason is primarily one of liability and business model. Rental truck companies like U-Haul, Penske, and Budget are designed around self-service: you rent the equipment, you operate it. Providing drivers would require them to maintain a nationwide workforce of CDL-qualified drivers, carry employer liability insurance, manage scheduling and dispatch, and fundamentally change their business from equipment rental to transportation services.
This gap in the market is exactly what professional driver services like Moving Truck Driver exist to fill. We operate as a bridge between the affordability of renting your own truck and the convenience of having someone experienced handle the drive.
U-Haul rents trucks. Moving Help loads trucks. Moving Truck Driver drives trucks. You need all three if you want a truly hands-off moving experience without paying full-service mover prices.
Three Ways to Hire a Driver for Your U-Haul, Penske, or Budget Truck
Once you've decided that hiring a driver is the right move, you have three main paths. Each comes with different trade-offs in cost, reliability, insurance protection, and peace of mind. Here's a transparent breakdown of all three so you can make the best decision for your situation.
Option 1: Hire a Vetted Driver Through a Professional Moving-Driver Service
This is what services like Moving Truck Driver, Rented Truck Driver, and Professional Drivers offer. You rent the truck yourself, load it yourself (or hire local labor), and then a professional driver picks it up and delivers it to your new address. The driver is background-checked and carries their own liability insurance on top of whatever rental truck coverage you've purchased.
Advantages
- Background-checked, experienced drivers
- Commercial liability insurance included
- Real-time GPS tracking on most services
- Direct door-to-door delivery in days, not weeks
- You maintain control of your schedule and belongings
- Driver handles route planning and weather decisions
Considerations
- Costs more than driving yourself or asking a friend
- Peak season (May–September) may require earlier booking
- You still pay for truck rental and fuel separately
Option 2: Hire an Independent Driver Through a Gig Platform
Platforms like TaskRabbit and CitizenShipper allow you to find independent contractors who may be willing to drive your truck. These drivers are not employees of a moving company and operate as freelancers. Pricing can be significantly lower, but the trade-offs in vetting and insurance are real.
Advantages
- Lower cost than professional services
- Nationwide availability through online platforms
- Flexible scheduling in some cases
Considerations
- You must independently verify their insurance
- No guaranteed experience with large trucks
- No liability — you may bear risk
- No GPS tracking or formal communication protocol
- Inconsistent quality — read reviews very carefully
Option 3: Ask a Friend or Family Member to Drive Your Rental Truck
The most budget-friendly option on paper. If you know someone with experience driving large vehicles, adding them to the rental agreement costs nothing. However, this approach comes with hidden risks that many people don't consider until something goes wrong.
Advantages
- Lowest out-of-pocket cost
- You know and trust the person
- Flexible timeline and communication
Considerations
- No insurance — personal liability if something happens
- Most friends lack experience with 20–26 ft trucks
- Relationship strain if something goes wrong
- You're responsible for their meals, lodging, and return travel
- No professional route planning or weather assessment
Which Option Is Right for Your Move?
The best choice depends on your priorities. If safety and reliability are your top concern — especially for a cross-country move with a fully loaded truck or a towed vehicle — a professional driver service offers the most protection for your belongings, your time, and your peace of mind. If you're on a tight budget and comfortable with doing your own due diligence on insurance and driver experience, an independent contractor could work for a shorter, simpler move. And if you have a trusted friend or family member who regularly drives large vehicles, that can be a great option for shorter distances — just make sure they're added to the agreement and you've purchased adequate coverage.
📋 Not sure which option fits your move? Get a free, no-obligation quote to compare.
Get Free Quote →How Much Does It Cost to Hire a U-Haul Driver? Real Pricing by Route
Cost is typically the deciding factor. The good news is that hiring a professional driver for your rental truck is dramatically less expensive than using a full-service moving company — and only slightly more than driving yourself once you factor in the costs of fatigue, risk, and time.
Here's what real pricing looks like across popular moving routes in 2026, based on a 26-foot U-Haul with standard loading.
Sample Pricing by Route and Truck Size
| 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 |
| Atlanta → Dallas | 780 mi | $700 – $1,000 | $4,000 – $7,500 | $3,000 – $6,500 |
| D.C. → Nashville | 660 mi | $600 – $900 | $3,500 – $6,500 | $2,500 – $5,600 |
Prices reflect 2026 estimates for a 26-foot truck. Actual pricing depends on route complexity, season, truck size, and towing requirements. Get your personalized quote for exact pricing.
What's Included in a Professional Driver Quote
When you receive a quote from Moving Truck Driver, the price covers everything related to the driver's service. A typical all-inclusive quote includes the professional driver from pickup to delivery, all driver travel expenses including flights to the origin city, meals, and lodging for multi-day trips, liability insurance coverage, route planning and optimization to avoid low-clearance bridges and truck-restricted roads, real-time GPS tracking throughout the journey, and pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections.
The rate you see is the rate you pay. There are no hidden fees added at delivery.
Additional Costs: Fuel, Tolls, Towing, and Rush Fees
While the driver service fee covers the driver, there are separate costs that you — as the truck renter — are responsible for.
Fuel: This is the biggest variable. A fully loaded 26-foot U-Haul averages 6–10 miles per gallon, depending on terrain and weight. For a 1,200-mile move, expect $250–$500 in fuel. Your driver service will provide an accurate fuel estimate before departure and supply itemized receipts at delivery. Most smaller trucks (10–17 feet) average 8–12 MPG and cost considerably less in fuel.
Tolls: Routes through the Northeast corridor, Pennsylvania Turnpike, and Florida Turnpike can add $50–$150 in tolls. Your driver will track and provide receipts for all tolls.
Car towing: If you're towing your vehicle behind the truck using a U-Haul auto transport or tow dolly, expect an additional $200–$400 for the driver service premium. This reflects the added complexity and skill required to operate a truck with a towed vehicle.
Rush booking: Moves booked within 7 days of the pickup date may incur a rush fee, typically $100–$200, due to the urgency of securing a qualified driver and arranging travel on short notice.
Truck return service: If you'd rather not drive the empty truck to the nearest U-Haul drop-off location after unloading, some services offer a return service for an additional fee.
Cost Per Mile: What to Expect for Short vs. Long-Distance Moves
As a general benchmark, professional driver services charge between $0.85 and $1.53 per mile, with the rate varying by truck size, towing requirements, and route difficulty. Shorter moves (under 500 miles) tend to have a higher per-mile rate because the driver's fixed costs — travel to the origin, lodging, return travel — are spread over fewer miles. Longer cross-country moves become more economical on a per-mile basis.
For a quick mental estimate, multiply your move distance by $1.00 per mile for a ballpark driver cost, then add $300–$500 for fuel and tolls. This gives you a reasonable starting figure before requesting a formal quote.
Insurance When Hiring a Driver: U-Haul SafeMove, SafeMove Plus, and Liability
Insurance is the area where most people feel the most uncertainty when hiring someone else to drive their truck. The good news is that when done correctly, hiring a professional driver actually gives you more insurance coverage than driving yourself — because you get both the rental truck insurance and the driver's own liability.
What SafeMove and SafeMove Plus Cover When a Hired Driver Is Behind the Wheel
U-Haul offers two tiers of damage protection. Both apply to authorized drivers listed on the rental agreement — which includes any professional driver you've properly added.
SafeMove ($14/day) provides supplemental liability insurance covering up to $1,000,000 in damage you cause to another person's property or person. It also includes cargo protection covering your belongings up to $15,000 against damage during transit, as well as medical and life coverage for the driver and passengers. However, it does not cover damage to the U-Haul truck itself.
SafeMove Plus ($28/day) includes everything in SafeMove plus a collision damage waiver (CDW) that covers damage to the U-Haul truck with a $0 deductible. This is the more comprehensive option and the one most professional driver services recommend if you want full peace of mind.
Your U-Haul SafeMove coverage remains fully valid when a hired driver operates the truck — as long as that driver is listed on the rental agreement. Adding a driver costs nothing. Not adding them voids everything.
Why Your Driver's Own Liability Insurance Matters
Beyond the rental truck's coverage, professional driver services carry their own liability insurance. This creates a second layer of protection that you wouldn't have if driving yourself or using an uninsured friend.
At Moving Truck Driver, every move is covered by our general liability policy. This means that in the event of a third-party claim — for example, damage to another vehicle caused by the truck — there are multiple insurance layers available to cover it. This is a significant advantage over hiring an uninsured independent contractor, where any incident not covered by SafeMove could fall entirely on your shoulders.
What Happens If a Hired Driver Gets Into an Accident
Accidents happen, even with experienced professionals. Here's the chain of events if your hired driver is involved in an incident:
The driver contacts emergency services if needed and ensures the safety of all parties. They immediately notify you and the driver service's dispatch team. The driver service coordinates with U-Haul and all relevant insurance providers. The rental truck insurance (SafeMove/SafeMove Plus) processes the claim for truck damage and liability. The driver service's insurance handles any remaining third-party claims. Your belongings in the truck are covered under the cargo protection of your SafeMove plan. The driver service manages all logistics, paperwork, and follow-up so you aren't left navigating insurance claims alone.
This is one of the strongest arguments for using a professional service over an independent contractor or friend. When something goes wrong 800 miles from home, having a company with established insurance relationships and incident protocols makes an enormous difference.
How We Vet Our Drivers: Background Checks, Safety Standards, and Qualifications
You're trusting someone with everything you own — your furniture, your family heirlooms, your children's belongings. We take that trust seriously. Every driver in our network undergoes a vetting process that goes far beyond a simple interview.
Background Checks, MVR Screening, and Driver Approval Standards
Before any driver is approved to take on a move with Moving Truck Driver, they must pass every step of our screening process.
Driving record (MVR) check: We pull a comprehensive motor vehicle report. Any driver with two or more moving violations in the past five years, any accidents in the past five years, or any DUI in the past five years is automatically disqualified.
Criminal background screening: We conduct nationwide database searches and county-by-county residential searches covering the driver's entire adult life. Sex offenses and felonies of any kind are automatic disqualifiers.
Experience verification: Drivers must have a minimum of five years of hands-on experience operating 10-foot to 26-foot box trucks. We verify this through previous employer references and operational testing.
Insurance verification: Every driver's personal liability insurance and, where applicable, coverage are verified as active before they are approved.
Towing certification: Drivers who handle moves with auto transports, tow dollies, or car trailers receive additional training and must demonstrate proficiency in hitching, load distribution, and safe towing practices.
Why We Reject 98% of Driver Applications
We're proud of this number, not because we enjoy turning people away, but because it reflects how seriously we take your trust. Out of every hundred driver applications we receive, roughly ninety-eight are declined. Common reasons include insufficient experience with large box trucks (many applicants have car or van experience only), one or more incidents on their driving record within our lookback window, inability to provide verified references from previous employers, incomplete or expired insurance documentation, and failure to pass our background screening criteria.
The result is a network of drivers who are genuinely among the best in the industry. When we assign a driver to your move, you're getting someone who has been vetted more thoroughly than most trucking companies require — and you'll receive their name, photo, phone number, and credentials 24–48 hours before your move.
24–48 hours before pickup, you'll get your assigned driver's full name, photo, phone number, email address, and license verification. You have the right to approve your driver or request a different one — no questions asked. On move day, you'll be added to a group text with your driver and our support team for real-time communication throughout the journey.
How It Works: Booking a Professional U-Haul Driver Step by Step
We've designed the process to be as straightforward as possible. You stay in control of your move — we just handle the hardest part: the drive. Here's exactly what happens from the moment you reach out to the moment your truck arrives at your new home.
Step 1: Request a Free Quote and Rent Your Truck
Start by submitting your move details — origin address, destination address, preferred move date, and truck size. Most customers receive a personalized, all-inclusive quote within two hours. Once you're comfortable with the pricing, you rent your U-Haul (or Penske, Budget, or Enterprise truck) directly. You choose the pickup location, truck size, and dates. We don't rent trucks — you maintain full control of the rental.
Step 2: We Assign Your Driver and Send Their Credentials
After you confirm your booking with a small deposit, we match you with a driver based on your route, dates, and any special requirements (such as towing). 24–48 hours before your move date, you'll receive your driver's full credentials — name, photo, phone number, and license verification. If you'd like a different driver for any reason, just let us know. We also coordinate with U-Haul to add the driver to your rental agreement.
Step 3: Load the Truck on Your Schedule, Then Your Driver Takes Over
Load the truck at your own pace. Use friends, family, or hire Moving Help labor — whatever works best for you. When you're ready, your driver arrives at the agreed time, completes a full pre-trip inspection (brakes, tires, lights, load security), and hits the road. You travel separately — fly, drive your car, or ride along if space permits and the driver agrees.
Step 4: Track Your Belongings With Real-Time GPS Until Delivery
Once the truck is on the road, you can follow its progress via real-time GPS tracking. Your driver will provide updates at major stops and is available via text throughout the journey. When the truck arrives at your new address, you (or someone you designate) meets the driver for delivery. Unload on your own timeline. The final balance is paid at delivery. You'll receive itemized fuel and toll receipts.
What to Expect After You Book (Communication, Timelines, and Ride-Alongs)
Communication: From the moment you book, you'll have a direct line to our support team. Before departure, you're added to a group chat with your driver and dispatch. Updates are provided at every major stop, and you can text your driver anytime.
Timelines: Most cross-country moves (1,000–2,500 miles) are completed in 2–3 days. Shorter regional moves are often same-day or next-day. Drivers typically drive up to 10–11 hours per day with mandatory rest. This is significantly faster than full-service movers (1–3 weeks) or container services (2–4 weeks).
Ride-alongs: Some customers prefer to ride in the truck with the driver. This is handled on a case-by-case basis — space permitting and with driver agreement. Most customers, however, prefer the freedom of traveling separately and meeting their truck at the destination.
U-Haul Driver Service vs. Full-Service Movers vs. PODS: A Side-by-Side Comparison
The moving industry gives you more options than ever. But the differences in cost, speed, and control are massive. Here's how hiring a professional U-Haul driver compares to the two most common alternatives, using a New York to Florida move (1,200 miles, 3-bedroom household) as our benchmark.
Full-Service Moving Company
- Packing, loading, transport, and unloading included
- Professional handling of all belongings
- Delivery takes 1–3 weeks
- Your belongings may share a truck with other customers' freight
- Limited control over schedule and timeline
- Hidden fees for stairs, long carry, heavy items ($500–$1,000+)
- Peak season surcharges common
- Risk of moving scams with less reputable companies
Professional Driver Service
- Delivery in 2–3 days (not weeks)
- Your belongings travel alone — no shared loads
- You control the schedule, packing, and loading
- Vetted and insured driver
- Real-time GPS tracking
- No hidden fees — flat-rate pricing
- Save $4,000–$8,000 vs. full-service
- You handle packing and loading yourself (or hire local labor)
- You pay for the truck rental separately
PODS / Container Service
- Flexible loading timeline — pack at your pace
- Storage option available if needed
- Delivery takes 2–4 weeks (often unpredictable)
- Container may sit in a warehouse during transit
- Monthly storage fees if delayed ($150–$200/month)
- You still load and unload yourself
- Limited control over exact delivery date
- Container sizes may require multiple units for larger homes
Delivery Speed: Days vs. Weeks
This is often the deciding factor for people with firm closing dates, lease start dates, or job start dates. Full-service movers typically quote 7–21 day delivery windows. PODS containers average 2–4 weeks. A professional driver delivers your truck in 1–4 days depending on distance. If you need your belongings to arrive on a specific date — and not "sometime during the week of the 15th" — a driver service gives you the most predictable timeline.
Privacy and Control: Who Handles Your Belongings?
With a full-service mover, strangers pack your belongings, load them onto a truck that may contain other families' possessions, transport them to a warehouse where they may be unloaded and reloaded onto another truck, and finally deliver them — sometimes with items missing or damaged. With a professional driver service, your belongings go from your old home to your new home in the same truck, untouched by anyone except you and the people you choose to help load and unload. No warehouse stops. No shared freight. No middlemen.
What Our Customers Say: Reviews From Real Cross-Country Moves
We've helped thousands of families, retirees, military personnel, and businesses relocate across all 48 contiguous states. Here's what some of them had to say.
"We moved 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. Our driver was incredibly professional and kept us updated the entire way. The truck arrived in 3 days. Worth every penny of the $1,750 we paid."
"I'm 67 years old and there was no way I was driving a moving truck from Chicago to Scottsdale. My kids found Moving Truck Driver and it was the best decision we made. The driver was courteous, careful, and arrived exactly when he said he would. I flew out and my furniture was waiting for me."
"Active duty military and PCS moves are stressful enough. Having a pro driver handle the truck while I flew with my family to our new duty station was a game-changer. Everything arrived intact. The GPS tracking gave my wife peace of mind that our stuff was actually on the way."
"Relocated my small business — office furniture, equipment, and inventory — from Boston to Raleigh. The traditional moving companies quoted me $9,000+. Moving Truck Driver did it for $1,400 including the driver, and I was set up in my new office within 4 days. Unbeatable value."
Alternative Moving Solutions If You'd Rather Not Hire a Driver
Hiring a professional driver isn't the right fit for every situation. Maybe your move is short-distance, you genuinely enjoy road trips, or your budget simply doesn't allow it. Here are the alternatives, with an honest assessment of each.
Drive the U-Haul Yourself: What to Know Before You Go
This is the most affordable option — and the most physically demanding. If you're moving under 500 miles, you're in good health, and you're comfortable with the idea of driving a vehicle that's two to three times the size of your car, doing it yourself is entirely viable. Before you commit, be honest with yourself about these factors: your comfort level with large vehicles, the number of consecutive hours you can safely drive, whether the route includes mountain passes or heavy urban traffic, and whether you'll be towing a vehicle. If you go this route, purchase SafeMove Plus for the fullest coverage, plan rest stops every 2–3 hours, avoid driving after dark in an unfamiliar truck, and check your route for low-clearance bridges and truck restrictions. Visit our U-Haul Truck Size Guide to understand what you'll be driving.
Hire a Full-Service Moving Company Instead
If budget is no concern and you want a completely hands-off experience — packing, loading, transport, and unloading all handled for you — a full-service moving company is the most convenient choice. Expect to pay $4,000–$14,000+ depending on distance and home size. The trade-offs are cost (significantly higher), speed (1–3 week delivery windows are standard), and control (your belongings may be combined with other shipments and stored in a warehouse during transit). Research any company thoroughly before booking — the moving industry unfortunately has a significant problem with scams, hostage loads, and bait-and-switch pricing.
Use a Portable Container Service (PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT)
Container services deliver a portable storage unit to your home. You load it, they pick it up and transport it to your destination. This is a good middle ground for people who want to pack and load on their own timeline but don't want to drive. The downsides are cost ($3,000–$7,000 for cross-country), speed (2–4 weeks is typical), and unpredictability — delivery dates can shift, and your container may sit in a warehouse between pickup and delivery. Storage fees add up quickly if your move-in date is delayed.
Ship Your Belongings With a Freight Service
For smaller moves or partial loads, freight services like ABF U-Pack or Estes SureMove allow you to load part of a trailer and pay only for the space you use. This can be cost-effective for 1–2 bedroom moves, but delivery timelines are similar to container services (1–3 weeks), and your belongings share a trailer with other freight. This option works best when time is not a critical factor.
Your Pre-Move Checklist: What to Do Before Your Driver Arrives
Whether you're hiring us or doing it yourself, a smooth move starts with preparation. Use this checklist to make sure everything is ready before your driver picks up the truck.
📦 2 Weeks Before
- Confirm your U-Haul reservation and pickup time
- Request your driver quote and confirm booking
- Start packing non-essentials
- Arrange mail forwarding and address changes
- Schedule utility disconnection and connection
📋 1 Week Before
- Finish packing all rooms — label every box
- Confirm your driver assignment (you'll receive credentials)
- Add your driver to the U-Haul rental agreement
- Purchase SafeMove or SafeMove Plus if you haven't already
- Book your own travel (flight, car, etc.) to the destination
🚛 Moving Day
- Pick up the U-Haul or have it delivered
- Load the truck (DIY or with hired labor)
- Secure all items — use straps, blankets, and padding
- Walk through your old home one final time
- Meet your driver, hand over the keys, and hit the road
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring a U-Haul Driver
Yes, completely legal. U-Haul allows any licensed driver aged 18+ to be added to the rental agreement as an authorized operator at no additional cost. Once a hired driver is listed on the agreement, they have the same rights and insurance coverage as the primary renter. There are no special permits, commercial licenses, or regulatory hurdles. The key requirement is simply that they are added to the agreement before driving.
In many cases, yes. Most U-Haul trucks have a two- or three-person cab with seatbelts for passengers. Whether you ride along is decided on a case-by-case basis between you and the driver. Most customers prefer to fly or drive their own car to the destination for maximum flexibility, but riding along is an option if you'd like to be present for the entire journey.
We understand that move dates shift — it happens frequently. If your date changes more than 7 days before the scheduled move, we'll reschedule at no charge. For changes within 7 days, we do our best to accommodate and will only charge a rebooking fee if it requires us to reassign a different driver. If we can't accommodate the change, your deposit is fully refundable.
Our drivers are specifically hired for driving — not loading or unloading. This keeps the service focused, affordable, and insured correctly. For loading and unloading help, we recommend booking U-Haul's Moving Help laborers (available at movinghelp.com) or hiring local helpers through platforms like TaskRabbit. Many customers use a combination: local labor for loading, a professional driver for the drive, and local labor again for unloading at the destination.
Yes. Many of our drivers are certified for towing and regularly handle moves that include a U-Haul auto transport (flatbed trailer) or tow dolly. Towing adds $200–$400 to the driver service fee because it requires additional skill, extends the overall vehicle length, and adds complexity to the route (wider turns, longer braking distance, more careful parking). When you request a quote, let us know you'll be towing and we'll match you with a tow-certified driver.
We recommend booking 2–3 weeks in advance for the best driver selection and scheduling flexibility. During peak moving season (May through September), 3–4 weeks is ideal. However, we handle last-minute bookings regularly — if you need a driver within the next few days, contact us and we'll do everything we can to accommodate you. A rush fee of $100–$200 may apply for bookings within 7 days.
You (or someone you designate) should be present at pickup to hand over the truck keys and complete the pre-departure walkthrough. At delivery, you or a designated person needs to be at the destination to accept the truck and sign off on the delivery. If you won't be available at either end, we can work with a trusted friend, family member, or property manager on your behalf — just let us know in advance.
Safety always comes first. Our drivers monitor weather conditions throughout the journey and are authorized to adjust their route or pull over and wait out severe weather. If a major storm or road closure causes a significant delay, your driver and our dispatch team will contact you immediately with an updated ETA. Minor weather (rain, light snow) typically doesn't affect the timeline. Any weather-related delays are at no additional cost to you.
Ready to Take the Stress Out of Your Move?
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