Moving trucks typesFor every move the type of moving truck is important – it should match you needs so that your relocation will be completed fully up to your requirements. This is of course if you are going to make a DIY move or the so called “you pack, they drive” option that is also available. If you will be hiring the mover for the entire move then the company will select the right truck and you have nothing to think about. On the other hand, if you are not going to ask for a full move then you should acquaint yourself with the types of moving trucks in order to make the best choice for you. Of course, after you get a quote from the movers they should be happy to explain to you the specifics of the relocation process and will assist you in finding the right truck for your move. Here are the types of moving vehicles you have the option to select from for your relocation.

Types of Moving Trucks

  • Pickups – the pickup is available if you are moving small loads, for a partial move or if you want to move just a few specific items. It is going to be helpful for you if you are on to make any home improvements as well.
  • Cargo Van – this type of vehicle is good for small living places like a studio or one-bedroom apartment.
  • 10 foot truck – this type of moving vehicles is good again for small apartments and you can move a larger studio with this truck. It can be very economic in its gas consumption and has amenities for easy loading. From this point onward you will read about moving trucks with extra space.
  • 14 foot truck – this truck is appropriate for a bigger apartment for example with two bedrooms and has also a low deck that makes loading and unloading easy. In this case it is good to think about hiring dollies as well – depending on the specifics of your move it is recommended to use a dolly even for your stacks of boxes rather than move them by hand and injure your back. Save your strength and use the amenities that are available anyway. Especially if you are going to move large pieces of furniture the dollies are a must. 12 to 15 feet trucks can carry up to about 3,000 pounds.
  • 17 foot truck – this kind of moving vehicles is good to be used for a 2-bedroom house and a larger apartment. Another moving truck with extra space – should you need it.
  • 20 foot truck – it is a vehicle that is appropriate for larger houses with 3 bedrooms.
  • 24 foot truck – this truck is very large and can take up the belongings of a 4-bedroom house.
  • 26 foot truck – and in case the 24 foot truck is still not large enough for your home you have one more option. This type of moving vehicles is again appropriate for a 4-bedroom house and larger homes. This one of all the types of moving trucks is the largest possible to rent.

In case you wish to hire a smaller vehicle and save on costs it is recommended to plan on downsizing. Moving less things will mean also less money for packing supplies, less time to spend packing and unpacking and on the overall a more economical relocation. Depending on the amount of items you have the movers you contact will advice you on the type of moving vehicle you should hire. At the same time not all moving companies offer all the kinds of moving trucks so ask them what vehicles they have. This is just the variety that is possible to be offered.

Movers with movers trucks
If you have never tried to drive a truck before perhaps it is good to consider hiring a driver as well.

Tips for Moving Trucks Types

Also if you are going to drive the truck yourself make sure that your driver license allows you to do it. After all trucks are a different type of vehicle and the requirements to follow in order for you to be allowed to drive one may also differ in the different states. If you’ll be taking your belongings with a truck consider reserving a parking space – in cities with larger traffic like New York such a move is a must – otherwise you may be fined. Of course if you let a moving company complete your move they should take care of that as well. All you need to do is make sure that the truck will be able to enter the street and go close to your new home. If you are going to live in a house that can be reached only on a narrow road the truck may not be able to pass and you’ll have to use a smaller vehicle to additionally move your things for the last segment of the road.

Another thing you should also plan when searching for the types of moving vehicles you can rent is insurance. If you hire a driver the insurance will be lower because the vehicle will be handled by a person who is acquainted with it rather than if you do the driving. Ask for all the possibilities available from the moving company and don’t hesitate to ask them something if you don’t understand a clause. It is better to ask and be informed about the details related to renting different moving trucks types. At the same time trucks are heavier and thus driving is a bit more different and difficult – you need to leave more space between you and the other vehicles on the road, you should follow road signs more strictly because high speed is very dangerous when speeding with a truck and so on. There are many specifics you should consider before hiring a truck and driving it yourself and for reasons of safety it is advisable to do so. If there is something you don’t understand or you wish to have more information you can ask the moving experts a question on this link – it’s free.

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Posted on Wednesday, November 14, 2012, Last updated on October 15, 2018

Pamela Smith

As an experienced specialist in the relocation industry, Pamela Smith is dedicated to finding the major problems that people most often encounter when moving and proposing the best possible solutions. She has published numerous useful moving resources, relocation guides, moving industry news and in-depth analysis on almost any kind of moving-related topic one can imagine.

During her career, Pamela wrote for multiple moving industry blogs including MyMovingReviews, The Moving Blog and others.

Pamela is a recognized author of two relocation books one of which is Relocating Without Breaking A Sweat - Your Personal Handbook For A Perfect Move that was well received by the users as well as featured in main stream news outlets as Business Insider.

Contact Pamela at: pamela@mymovingreviews.com

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