With a cross-country, self-service move, a professional driver drives your truck rental vehicle. Read our tips to give you piece of mind during the long haul.
If you're moving cross-country and you happen to choose a self-service method of moving, it's important that you develop a plan so that the move goes smoothly. After all, in a big move such as a cross-country move, a lot could go wrong from the time you load your truck rental until the time it arrives at your new place 3,000 miles away. There are a few things that you can do to give yourself some piece of mind that your belongings will arrive on time and in one piece.
Take out the proper insurance
In order to protect yourself in case of theft or damage during transit, it's recommended that you take out a cargo insurance policy. This type of policy will protect you against any theft or damage along the way. And when the truck rental's driver is traveling over 3,000 miles, there are a lot opportunities for things to go wrong.
Insist upon an experienced driver
Before choosing a truck rental company, find out how long their drivers have been on the job. If the company only employs drivers who have only been with the truck rental company a short period of time, go on to the next company. And when you do find a company with an experienced driver, ask for recommendations from previous clients.
Request the driver's contact numbers
In order to keep in contact with the truck rental driver throughout the trip, request their cell phone number. That way you'll be able to know where the driver is at all times. And tell the company that you want the driver to call you on a daily basis. If they tell you that it's going overboard, then choose another truck rental company.
Find out approximate arrival details
Ask the rental company when the driver is expected to arrive. Just be aware, however, that the arrival date and time might change depending upon extenuating circumstances such as a snowstorm or heavier than usual traffic. Once that date and time is confirmed closer to the date, make sure that you will be home to meet the truck rental driver. Check your belongings for any theft or damage before the driver leaves. You won't be able to unpack and check everything, but at least you can casually see if everything is in one piece and accounted for.
