Performing a DIY move is always difficult, but when moving long distance, the challenges increase tenfold – and in addition to all the risks and hardships, time becomes a major concern as well.
You may need to drive your rental moving truck for days in order to take your belongings to your new home – and that’s a lot of time to spend on the road. You need to know exactly how long you’re going to be behind the wheel, so you can make your plans accordingly.
Driving time equals the distance of travel divided by the average driving speed. Since you already know the distance to your new location, it will be quite easy to figure out the transportation time – you just need to find out the speed at which you will be traveling.
So, how fast do moving trucks go? How fast can you drive a U-Haul, Penske, Budget, or any other rental moving truck?
Read on to find out and estimate the time of your move:
How fast can you drive a moving truck?
Many modern trucks can go over 100 mph, but that doesn’t mean that you can drive that fast. Just like for any other vehicles, there is a speed limit for moving trucks:
- The maximum speed limit for trucks in urban residential areas is 25 mph;
- The moving truck speed limit on highways is 55-65 mph, depending on the state. This limit, however, applies only when the total weight of the loaded truck does not exceed 26,000 lbs. Otherwise, the maximum recommended speed on highways is 40 mph.
Keep in mind that when driving a heavy truck, it is always better to drive slower than faster – to ensure your safety, the safety of your passenger(s), and the safety of your belongings, as well as the safety of other vehicles and drivers on the road.
Bonus tips for determining your driving speed:
- Always follow the posted speed limits;
- Drive more slowly when moving in adverse weather conditions (rain, snow, fog, high winds, etc.) or when the road conditions are dangerous (wet roads, icy roads, snow drifts, wind-blown debris, etc.);
- Slow down when going downhill (be sure to shift to a lower gear);
- Remember that trucks need more stopping space and more time to brake than passenger cars – so, when driving a moving truck, you need to leave extra space between you and the vehicle ahead of you and to brake earlier than you would when driving a regular car. (Fast-moving heavy objects are harder to slow down than fast-moving lighter objects, so a heavily loaded truck will take longer to come to a stop than a car – and it will be impossible to stop suddenly when going at a high speed. You’re, therefore, strongly advised to reduce your speed when anticipating a stop.);
- Avoid passing – when driving a large truck, you will need a lot of time and distance to overtake another vehicle, so it’s best not to try it. If you deem it necessary to overtake, choose the place with care – avoid hills, curves, and narrow roads. Do not attempt to pass a vehicle that’s moving faster than 40 mph, never tailgate, and never use the far left lane on an interstate highway because many states have laws against this.
See also: How to drive a moving truck
What is the speed limit for towing a trailer?
The same rules and speed limits that apply to driving a moving truck, apply to trailers as well – the maximum legal speed for towing a trailer or an auto transport in the United States is 55 mph. Depending on the type of the trailer and the state laws, you may be able to speed up to 60-65 mph in some states.
The recommended speed when driving with a trailer is 45-50 mph.
See also: How to tow a car with a truck when moving
Why are there speed limits for moving trucks and trailers?
Speed limits for moving trucks and trailers exist to ensure the safety of everyone on the road (including the driver of the moving vehicle, any passengers in the moving vehicle, and all other road users), as well as the safety of the load.
The slower you drive, the safer it is for everyone – and for your items, too. At lower speeds, you have better control over the vehicle and more time to react, so the risk of accidents – and, therefore, the risk of damages and injuries – is much smaller.
This is especially true for trailers:
- Most trailers don’t have brakes, so stopping them will be extremely difficult at a high speed;
- Maneuvering curves and turns, as well as descending hills with a trailer, will be very dangerous at higher speeds;
- High speeds can cause trailer sway – and even whipping – which can easily result in an accident.
In addition to ensuring safety, reducing your speed when driving a moving truck helps reduce fuel consumption too!
Good to remember: If you exceed the moving truck speed limit, you put your life and the life of others at risk. You also increase the risk of damage to your belongings (which may necessitate costly repairs or replacements), as well as the risk of damage to the moving vehicle (which will cause you a lot of trouble and will result in an extra damage fee) and to other vehicles on the road (which you may be liable for, depending on your insurance coverage). (Related: Costly self-moving mistakes)
Besides, failure to comply with the set speed limits will lead to fines and penalty points (1 penalty point for exceeding the maximum speed limit by up to 12 mph, 2 penalty points for exceeding the limit by 12-18 mph, 3 penalty points for speeds 18-25 mph above the maximum allowed speed, and 4 penalty points for speeds 25-30 mph above the limit). If you exceed the moving truck speed limit by more than 30 mph, your driver’s license will be suspended. (Related: Do you need to update your driver’s license after moving)
To sum it all up:
- How fast can you go in a U-Haul, Penske, Ryder, Budget, or another rental truck? – In most states, the speed limit for moving trucks is 65 mph.
- How fast can you drive with a U-Haul trailer or any other moving trailer? – The maximum speed when towing a trailer is 55 mph. (This applies to all U-Haul trailers, regardless of their size or whether they’re towed behind a moving truck or a personal vehicle.)
Anyway, in order to ensure safety when moving, you’ll need to travel at a lower speed. It will take you longer to drive a heavy truck across the country than it would take to drive your personal vehicle – so, when planning your DIY cross-country move, you need to plan for additional time.
