How to Ship a Car Through U-Haul
U-Haul is a rental company that provides economical, self-service options for transporting a vehicle from one place to another. Unlike traditional transport companies, U-Haul does not provide drivers. Instead it supplies trucks and trailers for rent to those who want to tow a vehicle themselves, using either their own truck/SUV or one provided by U-Haul. The company offers both one-way and in-town rentals, depending on your needs.
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Instructions
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One-Way vs. In-Town Rentals
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Assess your reasons for transport. If you're moving to a new location or transporting a car that you've bought or sold, a one-way rental is right for you. With one-way rentals, you pick up the equipment in one city and return it in your destination city.
U-Haul will rent towing equipment one-way without a truck rental, if your own vehicle has proper towing capacity to do the job. During the reservation process (either online or by phone) you can select "U-Haul Truck Towing Your Vehicle" or "Your Vehicle Towing Your Vehicle." A step-by-step process helps you determine if your towing vehicle is sufficient for your towing needs. One-way quotes are for 7 days of use with a specific mileage allowance. -
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Consider the alternative to one-way rentals. With an in-town rental you pick up equipment from and return it to the same location. People who choose round-trip transport include those attending a car show or traveling on vacation in a motor home.
For in-town rentals, the "U-Haul Truck Towing Your Vehicle" option is not available. You must use your own vehicle for transport. Rates are charged per 24-hour period. -
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Find the U-Haul locations closest to your departure and destination cities. Their proximity and accessibility may influence which type of rental you choose.
Equipment
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Select your rental truck size. Trucks range in size from 10 feet to 26 feet. All have ball hitches and towing capacity.
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Determine the best trailer for your needs. A car trailer/hauler keeps all wheels of your vehicle off the ground. This is considered the best choice for long-distance moves. Car trailers have a maximum weight of 4,000 pounds. The U-Haul website includes a page with guidelines for the vehicle being towed as well as the towing vehicle, when applicable (see link below). It also contains PDF links to user instructions and safety tips and guidelines.
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Consider a car dolly. The U-haul car dolly keeps only the front wheels of the towed vehicle off the ground. This is a lower-cost option for front-wheel drive cars. Guidelines state that your towing vehicle must weigh at least 750 pounds more than the vehicle being towed and have a Class 2 tow hitch.
Reservations
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Have your budget and travel dates in mind when you start the reservation process. Rental cost is based on equipment size, point of origin, destination and travel dates. A deposit may be required when you pick up your equipment.
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Decide whose name will appear on the rental contract, and who will drive the towing vehicle. The person who signs the contract is ultimately responsible for the equipment. The person driving should feel comfortable with basics such as stopping, passing, making turns and backing up with a trailer in tow.
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Review your personal auto insurance policy. If it does not cover rental trailers, you may choose to purchase insurance through U-haul. The Safetow towing protection package covers damage to your vehicle and to the rented equipment.
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Tips & Warnings
You must be 18 years old and have a valid driver's license to rent from U-haul. If you wish to purchase a hitch to install on your own vehicle, U-haul describes itself as the world's largest seller and installer of hitches and towing systems. Price quotes and reservations are available online or by calling (800) 468-4285.
Some vehicles are too heavy for U-Haul towing equipment.
