Updated: March 06, 2025
Everything you need to know It's time to move and suddenly the thought arises, is it worth renting a U-Haul truck? Just imagine the amount of work you have to do. Packing, loading, and coordinating the move is no easy task as it is, and driving a large, unfamiliar truck over long distances is added to it. Or you just don't have time for an independent trip.
The short answer: You can hire someone to manage the U-Haul, but there are some important points to consider before doing so. Now we'll tell you everything you need to know, from understanding the official U-Haul rules to hiring the right driver, comparing costs, and securing insurance coverage.
We will also answer questions such as:
- Can someone else legally drive your U-Haul?
- How much does it cost to hire a driver?
- How do I find a safe and reliable U-Haul driver?
- Are there better alternatives?
Can someone else drive your U-Haul truck?
You will not need a commercial driver's license (CDL) to drive U-Haul trucks because they are not considered commercial vehicles. A valid, government-issued driver's license is all that's required. U-Haul Rental only requires that you be 18 years of age or older. You must have a valid driver's license. You can also add another driver to your rental agreement. The requirements are the same.
How to add another driver to a U-Haul rental agreement
There are two ways to add a driver: in person or online. To add a driver in person, you must notify a U-Haul representative when you pick up your U-Haul. You will need to show a valid government-issued driver's license and the representative will add the driver at no additional charge.
To add a driver online you will need to log into your account and select your reservation. Next, you need to click on “Manage My Reservation” and select the option to add a driver. Next add clear photos of the driver's license on both sides and wait for approval, it is almost always instantaneous.
What happens if the U-Haul is driven by an unauthorized driver?
Your insurance will more than likely be canceled, U-Haul insurance policies (SafeMove, SafeMove Plus) only cover approved drivers. You will also be fully liable in the event of an accident or any other incident. U-Haul reserves the right to go to court for breach of rental agreement.
Hire a professional driver for your U-Haul
Driving a U-Haul truck is a tough task. So let's break down what options there are for hiring a driver. There are 3 options that we will familiarize you with. Keep in mind that - your choice affects cost, insurance coverage, and the safety of your property.
Option 1: Hire a U-Haul driver from a moving company
The most expensive and reliable option. Moving companies offer professional drivers for U-Haul trucks. In this case, you can be sure that you will get full insurance and your driver has passed all the necessary background checks. In addition they are highly experienced. Of the disadvantages would be the price and limited availability of drivers during peak moving seasons, usually in the summer.
Option 2: Hiring an independent driver
If you're looking for a cheaper option, you can hire an independent driver through platforms like TaskRabbit or CitizenShipper. On these platforms, you can find a sufficient number of experienced movers or drivers who are not bound by obligations with moving companies. The advantages of this option include more affordable prices than those of a full-service moving company. They are also available across the country through online platforms and as soon as possible.
One of the disadvantages here is the need for an independent insurance check, because he may not be insured. Not all employees have experience driving large trucks if you have a lot of stuff. U-Haul itself may also have questions, which may not recognize the driver as authorized, which may lead to the cancellation of insurance.
Option 3: Ask a friend or family member to drive.
You can also look for a driver among friends or family members if they have experience driving large trucks. Of course, this will be the most budget-friendly option, and it will also be easier to control schedules and logistics with them.
On the downside: Your U-Haul insurance may not cover them. You need to add them to the contract. It follows that if an accident occurs, you may be personally responsible.
Important: If you choose this option, add them to the U-Haul rental agreement as an authorized driver to make sure they are legally insured.
If you need a driver for a U-Haul truck, here's what's important to consider.
First, decide where to look. If you need a driver with full insurance, it is better to contact a professional moving company. It's more expensive, but more reliable. If you want to save money, you can find an independent contractor, for example, through gig platforms. And if you have a friend who can drive such cars, you can ask him.
After that, check the driver's experience and insurance. Make sure that he has a clean driving record and has commercial insurance. If you're looking online, check out the reviews. Before you hire, ask some important questions. Find out if he has driven large trucks before, if he has transportation experience, what insurance he has, and if he can provide recommendations.
The price of such services depends on the distance, the size of the truck, the type of transportation, as well as additional costs such as fuel and insurance. Therefore, specify all the details in advance to avoid unexpected expenses.
Tip: If the driver doesn't show his license or insurance, he doesn't have any reviews or recommendations, or he demands the entire payment in advance, it's better to look for another one.
Base cost: How much do U-Haul drivers charge?
The cost of hiring a U-Haul driver is usually charged in one of three ways:
| Pricing Model | Average Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Per Mile | $1.50 – $3.50 per mile | Long-distance moves |
| Flat Rate (One-Way Trip) | $400 – $2,000+ | Fixed-cost budgeting |
| Hourly Rate | $50 – $100 per hour | Short-distance moves |
The cost of U-Haul driver services depends on several factors:
First, the moving distance is important. If the crossing is short, less than 50 miles, drivers usually work at an hourly rate that ranges from $50 to $100 per hour. For long—distance trips over 100 miles, the cost is most often calculated for each mile - from about $1.50 to $3.50, or a fixed amount is set, which can start from $1,000 and higher, depending on the distance.
Secondly, the size of the truck plays a role. The bigger the car, the more difficult it is to drive, and the more fuel it consumes, which affects the cost of services. For example, drivers usually charge from $400 to $800 for a 10-foot truck, from $600 to $1,200 for a 15-ft truck, from $800 to $1,500 for a 20-ft truck, and from $1,000 to $2,000 or more for a 26-ft truck.
Third: There is a big difference in cost between hiring a licensed moving company and using the services of a freelancer.
| Hiring Option | Average Cost | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moving Company Driver | $1,500 – $3,500+ | Fully insured, vetted drivers | Expensive |
| Freelance Driver (TaskRabbit, LoadUp) | $500 – $1,500 | More affordable, flexible schedules | May not be insured |
| Friend or Family Member | Free – $300 (gas money) | Cheap, personal connection | Not covered by U-Haul insurance |
Most U-Haul trucks get 6–10 miles per gallon. You must cover fuel costs, which can add up fast.
| Truck Size | MPG (Miles Per Gallon) | Fuel Cost Per 500 Miles (@ $3.50/gallon) |
|---|---|---|
| 10-ft truck | 10 MPG | $175 |
| 15-ft truck | 8 MPG | $220 |
| 20-ft truck | 6 MPG | $290 |
| 26-ft truck | 6 MPG | $290 |
| **** | **** |
Additional costs to consider
Keep in mind that U-Haul's SafeMove Plus insurance adds $100-$150 to the cost of the rental. Also keep in mind that you may need to pay for hotel accommodations ($100+ per night) for long hauls. Also, some routes require truck tolls, which are higher than for regular cars.
Which hiring option will save you the most money?
If you want to save money, the cheapest option is to hire an independent driver through a service like TaskRabbit or ask someone you know with experience. It's important to get his or her name on the U-Haul rental agreement, or there could be liability issues.
For example, for a 500-mile move, costs might look like this: driver - about $750, fuel - $290, lodging if needed - $200, and insurance - $120. This would add up to about $1,360.
If reliability is more important, it's worth going with a moving company. It's more expensive, but you'll have a guarantee that the driver is experienced and insured. In this case, for the same 500-mile move, the costs will increase: driver services will cost $2,000, fuel will cost $290, and lodging and insurance are already included. The total will be about $2,290.
Another important consideration is insurance. Renting a U-Haul is a convenient and affordable option, but what if an accident happens? It's important to check ahead of time to see if your rental is covered by your personal insurance or if additional coverage will be required. If you hire a driver, make sure he or she has insurance that covers potential risks.
Below we'll cover U-Haul insurance policies, personal insurance limits, accident liability and how to protect yourself financially when hiring a driver.
U-Haul SafeMove vs. SafeMove Plus: what's covered?
U-Haul offers two main insurance options:
| Coverage | SafeMove | SafeMove Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Damage Waiver (Covers U-Haul Truck Damage) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Cargo Coverage (Covers Your Belongings) | ✅ Yes (Limited) | ✅ Yes (Higher Limits) |
| Medical & Life Coverage | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Liability Coverage (Covers Damage to Others) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (Up to $1M) |
| Towed Property Coverage (If Towing a Vehicle) | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Overhead Collision Damage | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Best Choice? If you’re hiring a driver or towing a vehicle, SafeMove Plus is the safer option because it includes liability and collision damage coverage.
Most personal auto insurance policies do not cover U-Haul truck rentals. This is because these vehicles weigh more than 10,000 pounds, and standard insurance policies often don't cover large vehicles. So check your policy before renting: check to see if there are limits on the size of the truck, if liability is covered in the event of an accident, and if the insurance will cover potential damages. If your policy isn't enough, you can take out additional protection, such as SafeMove or SafeMove Plus.
If a U-Haul driver is involved in an accident, the first step is to make sure everyone is safe and call 911 if necessary. Then it is important to document the accident: take photos of the damage, record the details of everyone involved and report the incident to the police. After that, it's a good idea to contact U-Haul customer service right away and file a claim with your insurance company, if you have the proper insurance. However, even if the driver was hired, the renter is still responsible for the truck unless the driver has his or her own policy.
If the hired driver damages the truck, it is important to understand who will pay for the repairs. If his name is not on your rental agreement, insurance may not cover the damage, and if he is self-employed without insurance, the cost may fall on you. If the driver works for a moving company, their insurance should pick up the cost. To avoid unpleasant situations, make sure the driver is insured in advance: add his name to the rental agreement, ask for proof of insurance, or simply use a company where drivers are already fully insured. Failure to do so could mean that in the event of an accident, even if you have SafeMove insurance, all your losses could fall on your wallet.
Basic safety issues when hiring a U-Haul driver
Hiring someone to drive your U-Haul is as much about convenience as it is about safety. Unlike regular cars, rental trucks require specialized driving skills. An inexperienced driver may not be able to handle braking, load shifting, and traffic laws, putting your property (and other road users) at risk.
When hiring a driver for a U-Haul, it's important to remember that driving such a truck requires experience. Unlike a regular car, it is heavier, takes longer to brake, and requires special skills when turning and driving with a load. If the driver is not experienced enough, it can lead to damage to the load or even an accident. To make sure he or she really knows how to operate such a vehicle, it's worth checking ahead of time to see if he or she has driven similar vehicles before, understands how to brake properly, and knows how to enter corners safely.
Some states require U-Haul trucks to stop at weigh stations, especially if they weigh more than 10,000 pounds. Most often, this rule applies to commercial hauling, but in some regions, it applies to rental trucks as well. It's best to check these requirements ahead of time to avoid fines or delays.
There are also restrictions on driving time. To reduce the risk of accidents due to fatigue, drivers should not drive a truck for more than 11 hours a day, and they need to take a break every 8 hours. If you plan to hire a driver for a long-distance move, make sure he or she follows these rules.
How the cargo is stacked in the truck bed is also important. Poorly secured items can shift, causing the truck to become unstable, damaging the cargo and even tipping over. To avoid this, you should distribute the weight evenly, secure furniture with straps, and check to make sure things haven't shifted before departure. An experienced driver will pay attention to this.
Alternative solutions for moving if you don't want to hire a driver
If you don't want to drive the U-Haul yourself or hire a driver, you have other options for moving. One of them is to contact a full-service moving company. This is convenient for those who don't want to spend effort and time organizing transportation. Professionals will pack things themselves, load them into a truck, transport them to the right place and unload them.
This option eliminates the need to drive the car and do the loading, and also reduces the risk of damage to things, because everything is done by experienced movers. In addition, muving companies often provide insurance for things transported. However, it costs a lot more than renting a U-Haul and moving independently, and you will also have to adjust to their schedule, as the company itself appoints a convenient time for its transportation.
Costs:
| Move Distance | U-Haul Rental Cost (DIY) | Full-Service Movers |
|---|---|---|
| Local (Under 50 miles) | $150 – $500 | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Medium (250 – 500 miles) | $500 – $1,200 | $3,000 – $7,000 |
| Long-Distance (1,000+ miles) | $1,200 – $3,500 | $7,000 – $15,000 |
If you need to move things a long distance but don't want to drive a truck yourself, you can use a freight moving service such as PODS or U-Pack. This is a convenient option that is cheaper than a full service mover.
The idea is that you are brought a special container where you load your stuff. Then the company itself transports the container to the desired location, and you are there to unload it. The disadvantages include the time of delivery, in any case, it will take longer than renting a truck. On average, the time of such delivery is 5-10 days. Also this option is certainly not suitable if there is no possibility or desire to pack and unpack things yourself.
Costs:
| Move Distance | Freight Moving Cost (PODS/U-Pack) |
|---|---|
| 500 miles | $2,000 – $3,500 |
| 1,000 miles | $3,500 – $6,000 |
| 2,000+ miles | $5,000 – $8,500 |
Step-by-step Guide to Hiring a U-Haul driver
1. When you decide to hire a driver for U-Haul, the first step is to determine how much you are willing to spend and what exactly you need. The lower price range can range from $400 to $2,000, depending on the distance you need to travel and the level of service you need. Think about whether you need a driver to help you pack and load things, or just a driver is enough.
2. There are three main ways to hire a U-Haul driver:
| Hiring Option | Best For | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Moving Company Driver | Full-service moves, insurance coverage | $1,500 – $3,500+ |
| Freelance Driver (TaskRabbit, LoadUp, CitizenShipper) | Budget-conscious, flexible scheduling | $500 – $1,500 |
| Friend or Family Member | Low-cost, trusted individual | Free – $300 (for gas and expenses) |
3. Before hiring a driver, make sure that he has a valid license and insurance. Make sure that the driver has experience in driving trucks, as they are different from regular cars. If the driver refuses to show the documents or asks for an advance payment, this may be a cause for concern.
4. It is very important to add the driver to the U-Haul rental agreement so that in case of problems, the company will cover the damage. This can be done right on the day of the rental, and it's free.
5. Do not forget to agree on the price in advance and specify who will pay for the fuel, as well as how long it will take to move. If you hire a driver through a freelance platform, payments go through the website, which protects you from fraudsters.
6. Before moving, make sure that the truck is in good condition. Make sure everything is working, especially the brakes and mirrors. Pack the items so that they cannot move and secure them with straps. If the driver is driving a trailer with a car, make sure that everything is securely fastened.
FAQ: Hiring a U-Haul driver
Below are the most frequently asked questions about hiring a U-Haul driver. If you are interested in towing restrictions, fuel costs, liability for accidents, or driver reliability, we are ready to answer all your questions.
Safety Tip: If you hire a driver to tow a car behind a U-Haul, make sure they understand how braking and turning the trailer works to avoid accidents.
Fuel costs depend on:
- The size of the truck (Larger trucks consume more gasoline).
- Distance (More miles = higher fuel cost).
- Fuel price per gallon (depends on location).
Fuel cost calculator:
| U-Haul Truck Size | MPG (Miles Per Gallon) | Fuel Cost per 500 Miles (@ $3.50/gallon) |
|---|---|---|
| 10-ft truck | 10 MPG | $175 |
| 15-ft truck | 8 MPG | $220 |
| 20-ft truck | 6 MPG | $290 |
| 26-ft truck | 6 MPG | $290 |
Tip: Conduct a short interview with the driver to make sure he or she is experienced and reliable before hiring.