Which U-Haul Truck Size Do You Really Need? A Professional Driver's Guide
Quick Truck Size Snapshot (Real-World Guide)
Practical “what actually fits” estimates (typical DIY packing). Specs below can vary by location and truck model.
| Truck size | Best for | Real-world usable capacity | Hard-to-drive | Driver quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo Van | Studio / small 1BR, dorm moves, small local moves | ~200–350 cu ft (≈ 25–40 medium boxes + small furniture) | 1 / 5 | Get driver quote |
| 10’ | Studio / small 1BR, minimal furniture | ~400–500 cu ft (≈ 40–70 medium boxes + mattress + small sofa) | 2 / 5 | Get driver quote |
| 15’ | 1–2BR, small dining set, a few large items | ~650–750 cu ft (≈ 70–110 medium boxes + sofa + queen + appliances) | 3 / 5 | Get driver quote |
| 20’ | 2–3BR, heavier furniture, longer moves | ~900–1,050 cu ft (≈ 110–160 medium boxes + multiple large pieces) | 4 / 5 | Get driver quote |
| 26’ | 3–4BR / big household, full rooms + garage items | ~1,300–1,600 cu ft (≈ 160–220 medium boxes + full furniture set) | 5 / 5 | Get driver quote |
Cargo Van
1 / 510’ Truck
2 / 515’ Truck
3 / 520’ Truck
4 / 526’ Truck
5 / 5After driving over 1,000 U-Haul trucks across 48 states, I can tell you this: 60% of people rent the wrong size truck. They either pay for space they don't use, or worse, realize mid-load that nothing fits and have to upgrade on moving day.
U-Haul's website shows you dimensions and capacity. That's helpful, but it doesn't tell you:
- Why a 15' truck handles completely differently than a 20' on mountain passes
- Which truck sizes have the most mechanical issues on long-distance trips
- How an extra 5 feet of length affects your fuel costs and parking options
- What ACTUALLY fits when you account for odd-shaped furniture and wasted space
- Which truck is hardest to drive for someone who's never operated a large vehicle
This guide gives you what U-Haul doesn't: real-world experience from someone who's packed, driven, and delivered every truck size they make.
Whether you're driving yourself or hiring a professional driver, choosing the right truck size is the difference between a smooth move and a disaster.
Let's break down each size - not just the specs, but what you actually need to know.
The 3-Factor Method Professional Drivers Use to Choose Truck Size
Forget U-Haul's recommendation tool. It asks bedroom count, but that's too simplistic.
Here's how we actually determine the right truck:
FACTOR 1: Actual Cubic Footage of Furniture (Not Bedrooms)
A 2-bedroom apartment with minimal furniture ≠ a 2-bedroom house with a garage full of tools.
Pro Tip: If you have:
- Full-size appliances (washer, dryer, fridge) = add 150 cubic feet
- Full garage or workshop = add 200-300 cubic feet
- Outdoor furniture/equipment = add 100-200 cubic feet
FACTOR 2: Loading Skill Level
Professional movers can pack 30% more in the same truck than DIY movers because we know:
- How to stack without crushing
- Tetris-style spatial optimization
- Weight distribution for safe driving
If you're loading yourself: Add 1 size up from what you calculate.
FACTOR 3: Drive Distance
For trips over 500 miles, bigger isn't always better:
Smaller trucks (10'-15'): Better fuel economy, easier to handle, but may require perfect packing
Larger trucks (20'-26'): More forgiving packing, but harder to drive long distances if inexperienced
We've seen people rent 26' trucks for 10-hour drives and regret it by hour 3. The extra space isn't worth the stress if you're not comfortable driving large vehicles.
Get Your Exact Price & Driver Availability
Share your route + move date. We’ll email a personalized quote—often within 2 hours. No phone calls required.
How it works: You rent the truck → you load it → we drive it safely to your destination.
You’ll receive a quote by email. No obligation.
Cargo Van: The Overlooked Option for Small Moves
The Specs
Bullet List:
- Interior: 9'6" L × 5'7" W × 6'1" H
- Max load: 3,100 lbs
- Capacity: 244 cubic feet
- Fuel: Regular unleaded, ~18 MPG
- Best for: Dorm rooms, studio apartments, furniture delivery
What Professional Drivers Know
DRIVING CHARACTERISTICS:
The cargo van is essentially a large passenger van without seats. It drives like a regular vehicle — no special skills needed. You can park it anywhere, navigate city streets easily, and won't stress about clearances or tight turns.
The biggest advantage? Fuel economy. At 18 MPG, it's nearly 50% more efficient than any other U-Haul option. For a 1,000-mile move, that's $200-300 in fuel savings.
COMMON MISTAKE WE SEE:
People assume "cargo van" means "tiny." Not true. These vans hold more than you think. I've packed entire studio apartments into them, including:
Bullet List:
- Full bed (mattress, box spring, frame)
- Small couch or futon
- TV and stand
- 20-30 boxes
- Desk and chair
The key is vertical stacking. The 6'1" height lets you go up, not just out.
THE CARGO VAN IS PERFECT FOR:
Bullet List:
- ✓ College dorm moves
- ✓ Minimalist studio apartments (under 400 sq ft)
- ✓ Furniture pickup from IKEA, Craigslist, estate sales
- ✓ Moving just bedroom furniture (no appliances)
- ✓ Local delivery jobs
THE CARGO VAN IS WRONG FOR:
Bullet List:
- ✗ Any move with full-size appliances
- ✗ Moves with couches longer than 7 feet
- ✗ Full 1-bedroom apartments
- ✗ Anything requiring a mattress larger than queen size
PRO DRIVER TIP:
If you're moving locally and have time, consider making 2 trips with a cargo van instead of 1 trip with a 10' truck. The fuel savings and ease of driving often make up for the extra time. Plus, if you're loading yourself, it's less overwhelming to pack in two stages.
HIRING A DRIVER FOR A CARGO VAN:
Most professional drivers charge less for cargo van moves because they're easier to drive and less physically demanding. Expect $300-500 for local moves, $500-800 for long distance.
However, many drivers prefer not to take cargo van jobs over 600 miles. The lack of cruise control and comfort features makes long drives exhausting. If your move is 600+ miles, consider upgrading to a 10' truck for driver comfort and safety.
Typical cost to hire a driver for cargo van: $300-800 depending on distance.
Get Free Professional Assessment + Driver Quote
Get exact pricing for your cargo van move
Get Free Quote →10' Truck: The Studio/Small 1-Bedroom Specialist
The Specs
- Interior: 9'11" L × 6'4" W × 6'2" H
- Capacity: 402 cubic feet
- Max load: 2,850 lbs
- Fuel: Regular unleaded, ~12 MPG
- Best for: Studio or small 1-bedroom
What Professional Drivers Know
DRIVING CHARACTERISTICS:
The 10' is the easiest truck in the U-Haul fleet for first-time large-vehicle drivers. Why?
- Turning radius similar to a full-size pickup
- No extended mirrors needed beyond standard door mirrors
- Low deck height (no ramp needed — step up is only 18")
- Fits in most residential driveways and parking spots
I've driven these through downtown San Francisco, Chicago, and Manhattan. If you can drive an SUV, you can handle a 10' U-Haul.
COMMON MISTAKE I SEE:
People underestimate how much space furniture actually takes. A king mattress + box spring + frame alone uses 60 cubic feet. Add a full sofa and you're at 130 cubic feet. That's already 1/3 of this truck's capacity.
The problem isn't length or width — it's HEIGHT. At only 6'2", you can't stack as high as you think. Furniture with odd shapes (L-shaped couches, armchairs, dining tables) wastes 20-30% of the space through awkward gaps.
THE 10' IS PERFECT FOR:
- Minimalist studio or dorm room
- Partial moves (bedroom only, office equipment)
- Local moves where you can make 2 trips
- Furniture delivery from IKEA or estate sales
- Moves with minimal or no appliances
THE 10' IS WRONG FOR:
- Full 1-bedroom with appliances and outdoor items
- Any move with a couch + queen/king bed + dining table
- Long-distance moves (fuel savings don't offset stress of tight packing)
- Moves with washing machines, dryers, or full-size refrigerators
PRO DRIVER TIP:
If you're on the fence between 10' and 15', always go 15'. The price difference is ~$20-30, but the stress difference is massive. I've seen dozens of people realize mid-pack the 10' won't work. U-Haul charges $50+ to upgrade day-of, plus you've wasted hours repacking.
The 15' gives you breathing room. The 10' requires perfect Tetris skills.
HIRING A DRIVER FOR A 10' TRUCK:
Most professional drivers prefer NOT to drive 10' trucks long-distance. Why? The load shifts more in a smaller truck, there's no suspension to speak of, and 8 hours in a 10' cab is brutal. The seats aren't designed for long-haul comfort.
If your move is over 300 miles, consider upgrading to 15' for driver comfort (which means safer driving). A tired, uncomfortable driver is a dangerous driver.
Typical cost to hire a driver for 10' truck: $400-700 depending on distance.
Get Free Professional Assessment + Driver Quote
Get exact pricing for your 10' truck move
Get Free Quote →15' Truck: The Sweet Spot for Most Moves
The Specs
- Interior: 15' L × 7'8" W × 7'2" H
- Capacity: 764 cubic feet
- Max load: 6,385 lbs
- Fuel: Regular unleaded, ~10 MPG
- Best for: 2-bedroom apartments, small homes
What Professional Drivers Know
DRIVING CHARACTERISTICS:
The 15' is the most popular size for a reason — it's the perfect balance of capacity and drivability.
Key differences from the 10':
- Extended mirrors are now essential (truck is wider than your field of vision)
- Turning radius requires more planning (can't whip into tight parking lots)
- Higher deck means you'll use the loading ramp (about 3 feet off ground)
- Noticeably heavier steering and braking
That said, it's still manageable for most people. I'd estimate 80% of DIY movers can handle a 15' truck comfortably after 30 minutes of practice. The real challenge isn't driving — it's parking and backing up.
COMMON MISTAKE I SEE:
People underestimate how much the extra 5 feet matters. The jump from 10' to 15' isn't just 50% more length — it's nearly DOUBLE the capacity (402 cu ft → 764 cu ft) because you gain height and width too.
The mistake? People who should rent a 15' rent a 20' "to be safe." Then they spend $200 extra on fuel, struggle to drive it, and still have 30% empty space.
THE 15' IS PERFECT FOR:
- 2-bedroom apartments (80% of the time)
- Small 3-bedroom homes with minimal furniture
- Moves with 1-2 large appliances
- Long-distance moves where fuel economy matters
- Moves where you're driving yourself without professional help
THE 15' IS WRONG FOR:
- Full 3-bedroom homes with garage/basement
- Moves with 3+ large appliances
- Moves with extensive outdoor furniture or equipment
- Situations where you're towing a car (15' + trailer is hard to maneuver)
PRO DRIVER TIP:
The 15' has the best power-to-weight ratio in the U-Haul fleet. It accelerates reasonably well, handles highway speeds comfortably, and doesn't struggle on steep grades like the larger trucks do.
If you're driving through mountains (Rockies, Appalachians, Sierra Nevada), the 15' is the sweet spot. The 20' and 26' trucks crawl uphill at 35 MPH and overheat in summer heat.
HIRING A DRIVER FOR A 15' TRUCK:
This is the most common size we drive. It's large enough to handle most moves but small enough that driver fatigue isn't a major issue on long trips. Most drivers are comfortable doing 10-12 hour days in a 15' truck.
Expect most professional drivers to have extensive experience with this size. It's the "standard" truck in the industry.
Typical cost to hire a driver for 15' truck: $600-1,000 depending on distance.
Get Free Professional Assessment + Driver Quote
Get exact pricing for your 15' truck move
Get Free Quote →20' Truck: The 3-Bedroom Standard
The Specs
- Interior: 20' L × 7'8" W × 7'2" H
- Capacity: 1,016 cubic feet
- Max load: 5,700 lbs
- Fuel: Regular unleaded, ~10 MPG
- Best for: 3-bedroom homes, larger apartments
What Professional Drivers Know
DRIVING CHARACTERISTICS:
The 20' is where things get serious. This is a REAL truck. It drives like a small commercial vehicle, not an oversized van.
What changes:
- Wide turns are mandatory (you WILL hit curbs if you cut corners)
- Backing up requires someone spotting you (or lots of practice)
- Highway merging is slower (this truck doesn't accelerate well)
- You can't see the ground within 12 feet of the front bumper
- Wind affects you significantly (crosswinds will push you around)
I've seen confident DIY movers get in a 20' truck and panic within 5 minutes. If you've never driven something this large, practice in an empty parking lot before hitting the highway.
COMMON MISTAKE I SEE:
People rent 20' trucks for 2-bedroom apartments "just to be safe." This is almost always wrong. You're paying $40-60 more, burning 20% more fuel, and making the drive significantly harder — for space you'll never use.
The 20' makes sense when you have:
- 3+ bedrooms worth of furniture
- Multiple large appliances (washer, dryer, fridge, freezer)
- Significant garage/basement/outdoor items
- Items that don't stack well (sports equipment, tools, lawn furniture)
If you don't have those things, you don't need a 20' truck.
THE 20' IS PERFECT FOR:
- 3-bedroom homes with standard furnishings
- 2-bedroom apartments with extensive storage items
- Moves where you're combining households
- Moves with workshop/garage equipment
- Situations where you need the extra weight capacity (not just space)
THE 20' IS WRONG FOR:
- Anything smaller than a full 3-bedroom
- First-time large vehicle drivers on long-distance moves
- Urban moves with tight streets and limited parking
- Solo drivers who aren't comfortable with commercial-size vehicles
PRO DRIVER TIP:
The 20' truck has a much higher center of gravity than the 15'. This matters on highway curves and emergency maneuvers. Take curves 10 MPH slower than you think you need to. I've seen loads shift (and trucks nearly tip) when DIY drivers took exit ramps too fast.
Also: If you're moving in summer through hot climates (Southwest, Deep South), the 20' and 26' trucks overheat more frequently than smaller sizes. Plan for longer breaks, keep the engine RPMs moderate, and don't push it uphill.
HIRING A DRIVER FOR A 20' TRUCK:
Professional drivers charge more for 20' trucks for good reason — they're more physically demanding to drive and require more experience. Expect $800-1,300 depending on distance.
Most good drivers can handle a 20' truck comfortably, but this is where you start seeing quality differences. An inexperienced driver in a 20' truck is significantly more dangerous than an inexperienced driver in a 15'.
Typical cost to hire a driver for 20' truck: $800-1,300 depending on distance.
Get Free Professional Assessment + Driver Quote
Get quotes from experienced 20' truck drivers
Get Free Quote →26' Truck: The Full House / Long-Distance Specialist
The Specs
- Interior: 26' L × 8'1" W × 8'3" H
- Capacity: 1,682 cubic feet
- Max load: 10,000 lbs
- Fuel: Regular unleaded, ~8-10 MPG
- Best for: 4-5 bedroom homes, full houses
What Professional Drivers Know
DRIVING CHARACTERISTICS:
The 26' U-Haul is essentially a commercial box truck. If you don't have experience driving commercial vehicles, this will be the hardest thing you've ever driven.
Reality check:
- Length: You need 60+ feet to make a turn
- Height: You WILL forget about the 13' total height and hit something
- Visibility: Blind spots are massive, mirrors are everything
- Braking: You need 2-3x the distance you think
- Parking: Good luck — you're looking for commercial lots or street parking
- Mountains: You'll crawl uphill at 25-30 MPH, and downhill braking is terrifying
I've been driving trucks for 15 years, and the 26' still demands my full attention. For a first-time driver? It's borderline dangerous, especially on long-distance trips.
COMMON MISTAKE I SEE:
People rent 26' trucks "to be safe" without realizing the nightmare they've created. Unless you're moving a full 4-5 bedroom house, you almost certainly don't need this size.
I've done hundreds of 3-bedroom moves in 20' trucks with room to spare. The 26' is for:
- Large families with 4+ bedrooms
- Combining two households into one truck
- Moves with extensive outdoor/garage/workshop equipment
- Commercial moves (office equipment, inventory)
THE 26' IS PERFECT FOR:
- 4-5 bedroom homes with full furnishings
- Combining two full apartments into one truck
- Moves with extensive workshop/garage equipment
- Commercial/business relocations
- Situations where you're hiring professional loading AND driving
Large households typically need a 26-foot U-Haul moving truck.
THE 26' IS WRONG FOR:
- Anything smaller than a full 4-bedroom home
- First-time large vehicle drivers (seriously, don't do it)
- Urban moves with narrow streets
- Solo DIY moves where you're loading and driving alone
- Anyone who "just wants to be safe" without actually needing the space
PRO DRIVER TIP:
The 26' truck's biggest danger isn't driving straight, it's THE HEIGHT. You're 12'6" to 13' tall depending on which 26' model you get. That means:
- Most residential streets: Fine
- Most parking garages: NO (they're 7-8 feet)
- Most drive-throughs: NO
- Many gas stations: Careful (canopy height varies)
- Underpasses: Check every single one
I've seen people rip the entire roof off a 26' truck by hitting a 10' underpass. U-Haul will charge you $10,000+ for that mistake.
If you're driving a 26', buy a pool noodle and duct tape it to the top front edge of the truck. When the pool noodle hits something, you know to STOP.
HIRING A DRIVER FOR A 26' TRUCK:
This is where you want an experienced professional driver. The 26' requires:
- CDL-level skills (even though CDL isn't technically required)
- Experience with weight distribution and load shifting
- Confidence in backing up and tight maneuvering
- Physical endurance (power steering is minimal, braking is manual)
Expect $1,000-1,800 for long-distance moves with a 26' truck. This is not the place to save money by hiring the cheapest option.
Typical cost to hire a driver for 26' truck: $1,000-1,800 depending on distance.
Get Free Professional Assessment + Driver Quote
Get quotes from experienced 26' truck drivers
Get Free Quote →U-Haul Truck Size Comparison: Quick Reference
| Size | Capacity | Dimensions | Fuel Economy | DIY Difficulty | Driver Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo Van | 244 cu ft | 9'6" × 5'7" × 6'1" | ~18 MPG | Easy ⭐ | $300-800 | Dorm, minimal studio |
| 10' Truck | 402 cu ft | 9'11" × 6'4" × 6'2" | ~12 MPG | Easy ⭐ | $400-700 | Small 1-BR, local moves |
| 15' Truck | 764 cu ft | 15' × 7'8" × 7'2" | ~10 MPG | Moderate ⭐⭐ | $600-1,000 | 2-BR, most popular |
| 20' Truck | 1,016 cu ft | 20' × 7'8" × 7'2" | ~10 MPG | Hard ⭐⭐⭐ | $800-1,300 | 3-BR, long distance |
| 26' Truck | 1,682 cu ft | 26' × 8'1" × 8'3" | ~8-10 MPG | Very Hard ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | $1,000-1,800 | 4+ BR, full house |
DIY Difficulty Rating Explained
Easy: If you can drive a pickup truck, you can handle this. No special skills needed.
Moderate: Requires caution in tight spaces, extended mirrors essential. Manageable with 30 minutes of practice.
Hard: Significant size/weight, highway driving is taxing, parking is challenging. Requires confidence and experience.
Very Hard: Only attempt if you have experience with large vehicles or commercial driving. Dangerous for first-timers.
Still unsure which truck fits your move? Our Smart Move Advisor calculates the right size for your exact situation.
Driver Cost Range Explained
Based on typical 800-1,500 mile cross-country move. Shorter distances reduce cost, longer distances increase it. Towing a car adds $200-400 to driver cost.
Prices include:
- Professional driver
- Safe transport from point A to point B
- Basic insurance coverage
- Fuel calculations (you pay fuel separately to U-Haul)
Get Your Exact Price & Driver Availability
Share your route + move date. We’ll email a personalized quote—often within 2 hours. No phone calls required.
How it works: You rent the truck → you load it → we drive it safely to your destination.
You’ll receive a quote by email. No obligation.
Real Moves, Real Lessons: Which Truck Size Worked (and Which Didn't)
CASE STUDY 1: The Upgrader
Route: Seattle to Austin (2,100 miles)
Original rental: 15' truck
What happened: Family packed Saturday, realized Sunday their garage equipment wouldn't fit. Upgraded to 20' on pickup day.
Extra cost: $85 truck upgrade + $200 driver rate increase + 4 hours of wasted packing time
Total damage: $285 + stress + time
Lesson: Always add 15% buffer to your space estimate. If it's close, size up. The $30 difference in rental cost is nothing compared to the $300+ cost of upgrading day-of.
CASE STUDY 2: The Over-Estimator
Route: Boston to Miami (1,500 miles)
Original rental: 26' truck
What happened: Young couple moving from 1-BR apartment rented largest truck "to be safe." Truck was 60% empty, driver struggled with size for 2 days.
Extra cost: $300 in unnecessary fuel, $200 in higher driver rate, enormous stress
Total damage: $500 + 2 days of white-knuckle driving
Lesson: Bigger isn't always better. Match the truck to the load. If you're not filling 80% of the space, you rented too much truck.
CASE STUDY 3: The Perfect Fit
Route: Los Angeles to Phoenix (400 miles)
Rental: 15' truck with car trailer
What happened: Customer sent detailed inventory, we recommended 15' instead of their planned 20'. Loaded perfectly with 10% room to spare, saved money, driver made trip in single day.
Result: Happy customer, $200 saved vs. original plan
Lesson: Professional assessment before renting saves money and stress. The 10 minutes spent on a phone consultation prevented a $200 mistake.
CASE STUDY 4: The Height Disaster
Route: Denver to Dallas (800 miles)
Rental: 26' truck
What happened: DIY driver hit a 12' underpass exiting a parking garage. Ripped the entire roof off the truck. U-Haul charged $11,000 in damages.
Total damage: $11,000 + destroyed belongings + trauma
Lesson: If you're driving a 26' truck, you MUST be obsessively aware of height clearances. GPS won't save you. Visual awareness will. This is why we recommend professional drivers for 26' moves.
CASE STUDY 5: The Fuel Reality Check
Route: Miami to Seattle (3,300 miles)
Rental comparison: 15' vs 26' truck
What happened: Customer debated between 15' (tight fit) and 26' (comfortable fit).
Fuel difference: 15' truck: 330 gallons × $3.50 = $1,155 | 26' truck: 413 gallons × $3.50 = $1,445
Result: Customer chose 15', packed tighter, saved $290 in fuel alone
Lesson: Fuel costs add up FAST on long-distance moves. If you can make a smaller truck work, the savings are significant. $300 in fuel savings buys a lot of patience in Tetris-style packing.
Common Truck Size Questions (From 1,500+ Moves)
Still Have Questions?
Submit your quote request and we'll provide personalized answers for your specific move, plus exact pricing for your route.
Get Personalized Quote →Not Sure Which Size? Get a Professional Driver's Assessment
Here's what we do differently:
Instead of relying on U-Haul's bedroom-count estimator, send us:
1. Photos of your largest furniture items (couch, bed, appliances)
2. Rough inventory list (we have a template we can send you)
3. Your route and move date
Within 2 hours, we'll send you:
✓ Recommended truck size with reasoning — Not just "15' truck" but WHY that size makes sense for your specific situation
✓ Estimated packing strategy — How we'd load it, what goes where, potential challenges
✓ Driver cost estimate for your specific route — Exact pricing, not ranges
✓ Whether DIY driving is realistic — Honest assessment of whether you should drive yourself or hire a driver
This consultation is free, even if you decide to drive yourself.
Why do we offer this?
Because 40% of the support calls we get are from people who rented the wrong size and are now panicking. Preventing that problem costs us less than fixing it.
We'd rather spend 15 minutes helping you choose right than spend 2 hours troubleshooting your oversize/undersize nightmare.
What happens after the assessment?
You get a detailed email with:
- Recommended truck size
- Driver quote (if you want one)
- Tips for DIY packing (if you're doing it yourself)
- No pressure, no commitment
If you decide to hire us, great. If you decide to drive yourself, that's fine too. Either way, you'll know you're renting the right truck.
Get Your Exact Price & Driver Availability
Share your route + move date. We’ll email a personalized quote—often within 2 hours. No phone calls required.
How it works: You rent the truck → you load it → we drive it safely to your destination.
You’ll receive a quote by email. No obligation.
Why Hire a Professional Driver?
You might be thinking: "I can drive a truck. Why would I pay someone?"
Here's the reality from 1,500+ moves:
It's Not About Ability — It's About Risk
Yes, you CAN drive a 20' truck across the country. Many people do it.
But here's what they don't tell you:
- Hour 6: Your back hurts, your hands are cramping, you're exhausted
- Hour 8: You're making poor decisions from fatigue
- Hour 10: You're actively dangerous on the highway
- Mountain passes: You're terrified going downhill, overheating going up
- Bad weather: You have zero experience driving a large truck in rain/snow/wind
- Tight parking: You've now hit 3 curbs trying to park at a rest stop
- Backing up: You gave up and parked a quarter-mile away from your destination
Professional Drivers Save You:
Time: We drive 10-12 hours straight comfortably. You'll need overnight stops.
Stress: We've done this 100+ times. Your belongings are safe with us.
Money: Our experience prevents $500-2,000 in damage from amateur mistakes.
Safety: We know how to handle large trucks in all conditions. You're learning as you go.
When DIY Makes Sense:
- Local moves (under 100 miles) — You can take your time, make multiple stops
- You have commercial driving experience — You already know what you're doing
- Short-distance moves with small trucks — 10' or 15' truck, under 300 miles
- Budget is extremely tight — You're willing to accept the stress to save money
When Hiring a Driver Makes Sense:
- Long-distance moves (500+ miles) — Safety and fatigue become real issues
- Large trucks (20' or 26') — These require real skill and experience
- You've never driven a large vehicle — Why learn on your most important possessions?
- You have kids/pets — Focus on them, let us handle the truck
- Time-sensitive moves — We won't take 2 days for an 800-mile trip
Many customers choose to hire a driver for their U-Haul truck for long-distance moves.
Get Free Professional Assessment + Driver Quote
Get a quote to hire a professional driver
Get Free Quote →