Should You Drive a Rental Truck Yourself or Hire a Driver?

When renting a truck, one of the biggest decisions you'll face is between driving the truck yourself or hiring a professional driver. While both options have advantages, the right choice depends on factors like cost, convenience, and your comfort level with driving a large vehicle.

In this blog, we’ll break down the key differences between driving the rental truck yourself and hiring a driver, so you can make an informed decision for your next move.

DIY Driving vs Hiring a Moving Truck Driver

Let’s understand in depth:

1. Cost Considerations

• Driving Yourself: The most straightforward and often affordable option is to drive the rental truck yourself. The only costs you’ll need to consider are the rental fee for the truck, gas, insurance, and any additional fees for mileage or late returns.

  While you won’t pay for a driver, you are responsible for the entire journey, including driving time, rest stops, and potential delays. Some companies offer flexible rental plans where you can rent the truck by the hour or by the day, depending on your needs. This can help keep the cost down, especially if you’re only moving a short distance.

• Hiring a Driver: When you hire a rental truck driver, you’ll need to factor in the cost of the driver’s fees, which can vary widely based on the distance, time, and experience of the driver. Depending on the company, the price of hiring a professional driver can be relatively high, especially for long-distance moves.

  The total cost includes their hourly rate, mileage, and possibly a daily fee. However, this can still be a worthwhile option for those who want to avoid the stress of driving or have a tight schedule.

2. Convenience and Time

• Driving Yourself: If you choose to drive the truck yourself, you’re in control of the schedule. You can take breaks when needed, stop for meals, and adjust your route based on your preferences. However, keep in mind that large rental trucks can be difficult to drive, especially in heavy traffic, narrow streets, or on highways.

  If you’re not used to driving large vehicles, it could slow you down or cause unnecessary stress. On the other hand, if you're driving a short distance or know the roads well, driving yourself might not be a huge issue.

• Hiring a Driver: It allows you to focus on other important tasks, such as managing your move or running errands. A professional driver is likely more experienced in handling large trucks, which means they’ll be able to navigate traffic, tight spaces, and difficult weather conditions more easily.

  Professional drivers know the best routes to take, and their experience allows them to avoid potential delays or obstacles. However, you’ll need to work around the driver’s schedule, which may be less flexible than your own.

  If you hire a moving truck driver for a long-distance move, you'll also avoid the hassle of long hours on the road, and you won’t have to deal with the exhaustion that comes from driving for an extended period.

3. Skill and Comfort Level

• Driving Yourself: Not everyone is comfortable driving a rental truck, especially if it’s much larger than a typical car. If you’re not experienced in operating trucks, you might feel uneasy about handling a vehicle that requires more attention, especially when parking, turning, or dealing with blind spots.

  If you feel confident and have experience driving big vehicles, you’ll likely be fine driving yourself.

• Hiring a Driver: If you’re not comfortable with the idea of driving a rental truck, hiring a professional driver can put your mind at ease. They know how to handle large vehicles, making your move or transport safer and smoother.

  Additionally, if you're in a rush or have tight deadlines, they can help you stay on track. If you need to hire a rental truck driver for a particularly difficult job, such as navigating steep hills or urban areas, you should rely on the driver’s expertise.

4. Insurance and Liability

• Driving Yourself: When you drive the rental truck yourself, you are generally responsible for any damage to the vehicle, accidents, or injuries caused during the trip. Most companies offer insurance packages for an extra fee, which can help cover these risks.

  Be sure to check if your policy covers rental trucks, as this could save you money. It's important to consider what your insurance covers in case of an accident, especially when driving a larger vehicle that you're not familiar with.

• Hiring a Driver: This could give you peace of mind knowing that you're covered in case of an accident. However, hiring a moving truck driver may come with a higher cost than driving the truck yourself.

  If you're leasing the truck or using a third-party company for your rental, be sure to understand the terms of the insurance coverage offered, as this could impact your decision.

5. Distance and Type of Move

• Driving Yourself: If you’re only moving a short distance or don’t have a lot of items to haul, driving the rental truck yourself might be the most convenient and affordable choice. Shorter trips mean you can likely handle the job without much difficulty.

  Hiring a Driver: If your move involves a long-distance drive or you have heavy or fragile items to transport, you should hire a rental truck driver.

  Professionals are experienced in handling complex moves and navigating longer trips, ensuring your items arrive safely and on time. They can also help ensure that your belongings are packed securely, reducing the risk of damage during transit.

Tip: In many cases, it's best to rely on a rental truck driver, as discussed above. Van Lines Move is renowned for providing top-notch moving services across the USA. If you need truck rental services, we’re just a call away. Compare multiple quotes to find the best deal.

Contact us today!

Key Factors to Consider Before Choosing

• Distance of the Move
• Experience with Large Vehicles
• Budget Considerations
• Time and Energy
• Insurance Coverage Policies

Related Articles

• Rental Truck Insurance Guide: Stress-Free Moves
• How to Pick the Right Truck Size for Your Moving Needs
• How to Negotiate a Relocation Package?

Deciding between DIY rental truck driving and hiring a professional driver depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Take time to evaluate factors like cost, convenience, skill, insurance coverage, and the distance of your move before making a decision.

No matter which option you choose, ensuring a smooth and efficient move will be your ultimate goal. Weigh the pros and cons, and select the option that best fits your unique situation.