Question 1

Can I hire someone to drive my U-Haul or moving truck for me?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can hire a professional, background-checked driver to drive your U-Haul or rental truck for local, one-way, and long-distance moves in the 48 continental states.

You rent the truck, you load it, and a trained driver delivers it safely to your destination. The driver is added to your rental contract as an authorized driver; see who can drive your rental truck for each company's rules.

For a personalized moving strategy, use our Smart Move Advisor decision tool.

For the full details, read our guide to hiring someone to drive your U-Haul.

Question 2

Can I add another driver to my U-Haul rental?

Accepted Answer

Yes. U-Haul says it doesn’t charge extra for additional drivers. Each driver must meet the same requirements as the renter: a valid driver’s license, at least 18 years old, and a second form of ID. Authorized drivers are listed on the rental contract. If you’d rather not drive at all, hire a professional driver: you rent the truck in your name and our driver drives it to your new home.

Question 3

How do I hire a truck driver for moving long-distance?

Accepted Answer

Request a free online quote, reserve your rental truck, and book your driver. We coordinate all details, including pickup, route planning, and door-to-door delivery—so you can travel separately and meet your belongings at your destination.

Question 4

Do rental trucks have to stop at weigh stations?

Accepted Answer

Generally not. Because rental trucks are classified below commercial thresholds, weigh-station stops are rarely required.

Question 5

Does U-Haul provide drivers?

Accepted Answer

No. U-Haul only rents vehicles, and its Moving Help crews load and unload but are not permitted to drive your truck. You can hire a truck driver for moving through Moving Truck Driver to operate your rental safely and professionally.

See does U-Haul provide drivers? for every way to get a U-Haul with a driver.

Question 6

Will U-Haul movers drive the truck?

Accepted Answer

No. U-Haul says its Moving Help service providers do not drive your rental equipment, for insurance and safety reasons; they are there for loading and unloading only. To get your U-Haul to your new home, you drive it yourself or hire a professional driver through Moving Truck Driver.

Question 7

Can I ride in the truck with the driver?

Accepted Answer

We do not carry passengers. Most customers fly or drive their own car and meet the truck.

Question 8

Do I need to tip the driver?

Accepted Answer

Tipping isn't required or expected. Our pricing already pays drivers fairly, so tip only if you want to.

Question 9

How far in advance should I book a U-Haul driver?

Accepted Answer

Recommended booking timeline:

PEAK SEASON (May-September):

3-4 weeks advance: Ensures driver availability on your preferred dates
2-3 weeks advance: Usually okay, but popular routes (FL, TX, CA) book up
1-2 weeks advance: May work, but limited driver selection
Less than 1 week: Last-minute bookings sometimes available (call us)

OFF-SEASON (October-April):

2-3 weeks advance: Plenty of availability
1-2 weeks advance: Usually no problem
Last-minute: Often can accommodate

The constraint isn't usually our drivers — it's U-Haul truck availability. During peak season, one-way rentals book up fast. We recommend:

Reserve your U-Haul truck first
Then book your driver immediately after

Last-minute moves: We maintain a network of drivers who can take short-notice jobs. If you're in a bind, contact us. We can often help on short notice.

Question 10

How do I find a reliable truck driver for moving near me?

Accepted Answer

Moving Truck Driver connects you with vetted professionals across the 48 continental states, each with a clean driving record and verified experience. All drivers are licensed and insured.

Question 11

What should I consider when hiring a truck driver for moving?

Accepted Answer

Look for proper licensing, active insurance, transparent pricing, and verified reviews. Our drivers are licensed and insured.

Question 12

How experienced are your moving truck drivers?

Accepted Answer

Every driver has at least 5 years of experience driving 10′–26′ box trucks, and drivers with two or more moving violations are disqualified.

Question 13

Do you perform background checks on all drivers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All drivers undergo background checks and motor vehicle record screenings. All drivers are licensed and insured.

Question 14

What safety protocols do your drivers follow?

Accepted Answer

Drivers complete pre-trip inspections, obey speed restrictions, and track weather conditions to ensure a safe delivery every time.

Question 15

How much does it cost to hire a truck driver for moving?

Accepted Answer

Driver prices typically range from $600 to $2,500 depending on distance. Every quote covers the driver's time and travel; fuel and tolls are paid at cost, and towing a car may add a fee. See the full cost breakdown.

Question 16

Are there any hidden costs or surprise charges?

Accepted Answer

No. Every quote includes travel expenses, and our drivers are licensed and insured. The rate you receive is the total cost with the exception of fuel and tolls.

Question 17

How does payment work when hiring a moving-truck driver?

Accepted Answer

Once you approve your quote, we collect a small deposit to reserve your driver. The remaining balance is due at delivery, and you receive a detailed cost breakdown in writing before confirming.

Question 18

Who pays for the truck’s fuel?

Accepted Answer

The truck renter covers fuel costs, but we track mileage and receipts transparently so you know exactly what’s used.

Question 19

How do you estimate fuel costs for my move?

Accepted Answer

We calculate average MPG by truck size and distance, providing an accurate estimate before departure.

Question 20

Are hotel or travel expenses for the driver included?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all driver travel and lodging expenses are pre-included in your flat-rate quote, so there are no post-trip add-ons.

Question 21

What if I can't afford to hire a driver?

Accepted Answer

Honest answer: If budget is extremely tight, driving yourself is the cheaper option.

Our service isn't free, and we don't want to pressure anyone into spending money they don't have.

However, consider these hidden costs of DIY driving:

DRIVING YOURSELF (NJ to FL example):

Your time: 16-20 hours behind the wheel (2-3 days)
Hotels: $200-300 (2 nights)
Meals: $100-150
Wear and tear on your body (stress, fatigue, risk)
Risk of accident (potential thousands in liability)
REAL COST: $300-450 + 3 days of your life + substantial stress

HIRING A DRIVER:

Driver fee: $1,200–$1,600
Your time: 0 hours driving
You fly or drive separately in comfort
Professional handles all risk
REAL COST: $1,200–$1,600 but you get your time and sanity back

Budget options we can offer:

Shorter routes (regional moves vs. cross-country)
Flexible timing (if you're not date-locked, we can sometimes find cheaper availability)

Alternative if you truly can't afford a driver:

Ask U-Haul about their "U-Box" service (like PODS but cheaper), or check if a friend/family member with commercial driving experience can help.

We want to help, but only if it makes financial sense for you. No hard sell here.

Question 22

Is it cheaper to hire a driver or use a full-service moving company?

Accepted Answer

Hiring a driver typically means substantial savings compared with a full-service mover.

The trade-off: You do the packing and loading/unloading yourself. But you maintain total control over your schedule.

When a full-service mover makes sense:

You physically can't pack/load (health issues, age, etc.)
You value time more than money
Corporate relocation with company paying
High-value items needing white-glove service

For most moves? Hiring a driver is the smart financial choice.

Question 23

How many hours per day do drivers work?

Accepted Answer

Drivers drive up to 10–11 hours per day with required rest periods for safety.

Question 24

How long does a long-distance move take?

Accepted Answer

Most trips are delivered in 1–3 days depending on distance; we confirm the window when we quote.

Question 25

Can I request a specific delivery date or custom route?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We plan routes around your preferred schedule and can accommodate specific rest stops, timing, or delivery windows.

Question 26

When will I receive my driver’s information?

Accepted Answer

You’ll receive your driver’s name, phone number, and pickup details 24–48 hours before your move date.

Question 27

What happens after I book a driver?

Accepted Answer

We finalize your driver assignment, confirm your truck details, and send a step-by-step moving itinerary with contact information and updates.

Question 28

Can you drive my U-Haul if I'm towing a car behind it?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Car towing is one of our most common requests.

Our drivers are experienced with:

U-Haul auto transports (flatbed trailers)
Tow dollies (front wheels up)
Towing behind various truck sizes

REQUIREMENTS:

You must rent the towing equipment from U-Haul (or compatible provider)
Your driver checks the trailer hookup and tie-downs at pickup
Additional cost: Towing a car may add a fee; we include it in your quote.

WHY IT COSTS MORE:

Towing a car behind a moving truck:

Requires more driving skill and attention
Increases fuel consumption
Limits speed (we follow U-Haul's 55mph towing limit)
Adds complexity to parking, backing up, navigation

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

Not all U-Haul trucks can tow. Generally:

10' trucks: Can't tow cars
15' trucks: Can tow (up to 10,000 lbs)
20' and 26' trucks: Can tow

Your vehicle must be properly secured (we inspect before leaving
Towing adds 1-2 hours to long-distance trips (due to speed limit)
Some routes have towing restrictions (mountain passes, certain tunnels)

You load your car onto the trailer and connect the trailer, with U-Haul's help if needed.

WHAT WE HANDLE:

Pre-trip inspection of trailer connection
Proper weight distribution check
Towing, navigation, and delivery
Monitoring throughout trip (we check connections at every stop)

Most common setup: 26' U-Haul with auto transport trailer. This is our drivers' sweet spot, we've done this combination hundreds of times.

Can You Hire Someone to Drive a U-Haul? Your Questions Answered

Hire Someone to Drive My U-Haul (Most Asked)

Can I hire someone to drive my U-Haul or moving truck for me?

Can I add another driver to my U-Haul rental?

How do I hire a truck driver for moving long-distance?

Do rental trucks have to stop at weigh stations?

Does U-Haul provide drivers?

Will U-Haul movers drive the truck?

Can I ride in the truck with the driver?

Do I need to tip the driver?

How far in advance should I book a U-Haul driver?

Request a Moving Quote

How We Vet Our Drivers

How do I find a reliable truck driver for moving near me?

What should I consider when hiring a truck driver for moving?

How experienced are your moving truck drivers?

Do you perform background checks on all drivers?

What safety protocols do your drivers follow?

U-Haul Driver Costs & Payment

How much does it cost to hire a truck driver for moving?

Are there any hidden costs or surprise charges?

How does payment work when hiring a moving-truck driver?

Who pays for the truck’s fuel?

How do you estimate fuel costs for my move?

Are hotel or travel expenses for the driver included?

What if I can't afford to hire a driver?

Is it cheaper to hire a driver or use a full-service moving company?

See Your Exact Cost

How the Process Works

How many hours per day do drivers work?

How long does a long-distance move take?

Can I request a specific delivery date or custom route?

When will I receive my driver’s information?

What happens after I book a driver?

Can you drive my U-Haul if I'm towing a car behind it?

Insurance, Safety, and Problem Scenarios

How does insurance work when hiring a truck driver for moving?

Do you offer coverage for towing or car haulers?

What happens in the event of an accident or delay?

Can you drive my U-Haul in bad weather (snow, ice, storms)?

Get Your Exact Price & Driver Availability

U-Haul Truck & Rental Specifics

Do I need a commercial license to hire or drive a moving truck?

What type of fuel do U-Haul or rental trucks use?

How fuel-efficient are rental trucks?