Don’t Get Stuck Renting A Truck

By Author: Damien Alcock
Total Articles: 143
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You may experience frustrating situations when hiring a truck, such as unexpected costs, mechanical issues, or poor customer service. In addition, you may be faced with the dilemma of choosing the right rental company for you or what kind of truck will meet your moving needs. 


To help you avoid these pitfalls, we’ve compiled a list of guidelines to follow to avoid getting stuck along the line and ensure a smooth rental experience.


Assess Your Needs
You may think all trucks are the same, so each truck should fit your needs, but that’s not true. Moving trucks come in various options, including pickup trucks, fully refrigerated trucks, and the 8-tonne flatbed, each serving different purposes. So you need to give the question of “What do I need?” much thought. 


Begin by evaluating the purpose of your rental — whether it’s moving furniture, hauling construction materials, or transporting goods for your business, the truck you hire must suit your particular purpose.


Where will you be transporting ...
... it, and how many trips will you need to make? You should also estimate the appropriate truck size and capacity to accommodate your load so you don’t end up with a truck that’s too small or overly spacious. The more detailed your specific requirements are, the likelier it will be to find a truck that’s right for you.


Research hire Truck Companies
Don’t just jump headfirst into hiring from any truck hire company – take the time to research and give yourself the best possible chance for a successful experience. We recommend starting with a list of reputable providers in your area and diving deeper from there. Look for companies with a long-standing reputation for success and check out customer reviews to get an unbiased look at the level of customer service and overall satisfaction.


It’s also important to consider the different rental packages and pricing each company offers. Don’t be fooled by seemingly low prices – keep your eyes open for hidden fees or extra charges that could sneak up on you later. And always remember to compare the variety of truck options available, so you can pick the perfect one to handle your specific moving needs.


Make a Reservation
Have you found a reputable truck hire company? It’s time to get your rental truck reservation locked down and secured. During peak seasons, rental trucks can go like hotcakes, so you must make your reservations well in advance. This guarantees you the size and pickup location that works best for your needs. Once you’ve got that reservation locked in, it’s vital to double-check all the details. Don’t let minor oversights cause massive headaches down the road. Check and recheck the dates, times, and any specific restrictions or requirements you must be aware of. Taking the time to confirm all the details will help you minimize the risk of any unwelcome surprises or unexpected unavailability.


Check Insurance and Liability Coverage
Insurance might not be the most exciting thing in the world, but when it comes to renting a truck, it’s super important. Accidents can happen, and the last thing you want is to be stuck dealing with a ton of liability. So when you’re renting a truck, you need to understand the rental company’s insurance options. But don’t stop there! You should also consider purchasing additional coverage to protect yourself in case of any damages or accidents.


It’s also crucial to double-check if your auto insurance policy covers rental trucks so you won’t be caught off guard. Don’t fret if you find out that your insurance doesn’t cover rental trucks; many rental companies offer additional insurance options that you can purchase for extra protection. Understanding your insurance options will give you peace of mind during the rental period. And who doesn’t love peace of mind, right?


Prepare for Pickup
After booking a truck from the rental company, prepare for pickup by gathering all the required documentation. We’re talking about your driver’s license, credit card, and other paperwork the rental company might request. The last thing you’d want is to forget anything and be stuck scrambling at the last minute.


That’s not all. If you need extra equipment or services, like dollies, blankets, or packing supplies, now is the time to arrange them. Don’t wait until the last minute; you don’t want to show up to the rental company only to find out they’re all out of dollies.


Inspect the Rental Truck
Do yourself a favor and thoroughly inspect the truck before heading out. Carefully examine the truck, inside and out, looking for any damages or malfunctions. If you notice any issues during your inspection, don’t wait! Notify the rental company promptly to avoid being held responsible for existing damage. Clear communication during the inspection process will protect you from any unwarranted charges or disputes.


Pro tip: take pictures or video footage to document the truck’s condition. That way, you’ll have concrete evidence of any pre-existing issues if they arise later.


Drive Safely
Before you hit the road, ensure you’re comfortable with your rental truck. As you start up your truck, take a moment to adjust your mirrors, get your seat in the proper position, and get familiar with the controls. Being comfortable and confident behind the wheel will help you avoid any unnecessary distractions on your journey.
Safe driving practices are a must. Keep a safe following distance from the car in front of you, always use your turn signals, and obey traffic laws. It goes without saying, but never drink and drive or use your phone while driving. Your focus should be solely on the road ahead.
And don’t forget; rental trucks have different dimensions and handling characteristics than your personal vehicle, so be extra cautious when maneuvering and always pay attention to your surroundings.


Return the Rental Truck
To wrap up your rental experience smoothly, make sure to meet the rental company’s return requirements and deadlines. Nobody likes to pay late fees, so return the truck on time!
Next, give the truck a good cleaning to avoid any extra charges. Take out any personal belongings or debris and get it looking as close as possible to how it was when you picked it up. Now, a little elbow grease can save you big time on your final bill.
Perform a post-rental inspection by comparing the truck’s condition to the documentation made during the pre-pickup inspection. This is crucial to avoid any disputes about damage or issues that may have occurred during your rental. And speaking of damage, if you notice anything new, report it promptly to the rental company to mitigate the risk of potential disputes or billing discrepancies.


Conclusion
Renting a truck can be a practical and efficient solution for various transportation needs. Follow the tips and guidelines in this article so you can confidently navigate the rental process, avoiding common pitfalls and frustrations.
Mobile Truck Rental also has moving accessories available, including trolleys, hydraulic lifts, and rope to help make the moving day safe and easy for you. For the best deal for hire a moving truck, Contact us today.