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    Keeping Safe in Your Moving Truck

    Looking to save money on your move? One of the best ways to do it is by renting and driving your own moving truck. Moving trucks are very large and can be somewhat difficult to drive if you have never had experience with one previously. Before you go and pick up your moving truck, here are some tips for keeping safe behind the wheel. That way you and the contents of your home will make it to your new home in one piece.

    Give It the Once Over

    Before driving your rental truck off of the lot, give it a good once over. Take a look at the tires and make sure they are inflated properly. Look to see if there is any damage to the truck that might cause it to function improperly. Make sure that the lights, horn, steering and turn signals are all working.

    If you find any problems with the truck, report them immediately to the rental office. Do not drive away with a truck that is not in 100% working order.

    Obey the Weight Limit

    Don’t be tempted to overload a smaller truck just to save a few dollars. Moving trucks have very specific weight limits, and they are in place for a reason. Overloading a moving truck can compromise the ability of it to perform and put you and any passengers in danger.

    Also remember to obey the proper weight distribution of the back of the truck. Typically larger trucks want 60% of the load towards the front.

    Keep a Safe Traveling Distance

    A large moving truck takes much longer to bring to a stop than a car. You want to make sure that you leave enough room between yourself and the cars in front of you to come to a stop, even if the car in front of you jams on the brakes. A good rule of thumb is to maintain double the normal distance between you and traffic in front of you than you normally would.

    Beware Bad Weather

    A large truck handles differently in bad weather than what you may be used to. You want to pay special attention to the speed limits in the area and remain about 10 kph below them to stay safe. Leave even more space between you and the traffic around you. If the weather gets too bad, pull over and wait for it to pass. It is much better to wait out a storm and pay some extra when you turn the truck in than to get into an accident.

    Leave Yourself Enough Time

    Your GPS might give you the right directions, but don’t trust the time estimate. GPS devices are geared for use in cars. Trucks, particularly loaded moving trucks, need to move much slower. Give yourself plenty of time and don’t rely on the GPS ETA.

    Hire Professional Movers in Castlegar

    Save yourself the stress of driving your own truck by having Kootenai moving do the heavy lifting for you. Contact us today.