How to Rent a Cargo Van

If you are moving to a new location or helping a friend move, you may want to consider renting a cargo van instead of a moving van. Items are easier to load in and out of a cargo van, and the van is much easier to drive than a moving truck. Moving vans are box like trucks where the box for loading is separate from the driving area. They are also larger in size than cargo vans, which do not have a separate compartment for loading items. The cargo van also has a better chance of being clean, which will keep your items in good condition during the move.

Things You'll Need

• Driver's license Moving dates Credit card

Instructions

1. Locate a company in your area that rents out cars and vans. If you don't know of any off hand, you may want to check out Enterprise or Avis (see resources). Their websites will help you locate a center near your home.

2. Determine the dates that you will need the cargo van. There is no point in calling to make a reservation if you are unsure of when you will need the van.

3. Check for any coupons before you make your reservation. Often there will be a coupon in the phone book. You can search online for the company name and add the words "promotion code." Finally, you can get a coupon for the rental company if you belong to a service such as AAA. Just call or visit your local AAA and ask for the coupon.

4. Call and make your reservation. You will need to give them your credit card information to reserve the cargo van. You will also need to make sure the dates and times are good, meaning that they will be open for you to pick up the van or drop it off. Some places are closed on Sunday. Finally, they will want your driver's license information.

5. Pick up the cargo van. When you get to the rental agency you will need to provide them with your credit card and driver's license. They will make copies of these and they will then have some documents for you to sign. These documents state the price of the rental as well as any taxes and fees. It will also inform you that you will be charged extra if you go over a certain amount of miles. Make sure you understand the document before you sign it.

6. Use the van and return it by the designated time. You don't have to return the van at the site you picked it up if you are moving to another location. Make sure you know ahead of time where you can drop the van off.

7. Find out whether your rental company requires you to fill up your gas tank before you return it. Some companies don't require this and just charge you for the gas you used. It might be cheaper to fill the gas up yourself than allow the company to charge you its own set fee.

Tips & Warnings

• Compare companies to see which one is the cheapest. Make sure you know where the insurance and registration documents are in case you get pulled over by a police officer.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car
• Avis