RENTING A TRUCK ANYWAY?… THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR!

 

Common truck rental schemes:

 

■ Before signing anything, ask about the extra charges policy.

e.g.: the truck rental company will charge you up to $20.00 for a gallon of gas, that was “not showing on the gage”, or an extra day for being late only an hour with the return.

■ Make sure you inspect the truck you’re renting very carefully (both inside and outside); note any pre-existing condition on the acceptance form. Some rental companies will try to get you for a dent or a scratch that was already there when you return the truck. Then the rental company accepts the truck back from you.

■ Get a 24 hr. phone number to call in case of a break-down. The truck rental company does choose it’s own servicing companies, and if you tow the truck on your own, you will not get reimbursed for this additional expense.

■ During busy periods, the truck rental companies do rent out trucks that are older, and not as reliable as the newer models. Test drive your truck around the block; if the breaks are squeaking, tires are worn out, or the engine doesn’t sound right request another truck.

■ When fueling, make sure you put diesel or gasoline, depending on the engine type. Read instructions on the dashboard/tank lid, as well as those at the pump. Diesel pumps are usually green. Putting diesel on a gasoline engine, or gasoline on a diesel engine will result in costly breakdown. Keep in mind that diesel is not always available on all gas stations. Always save your receipt, even if it is only for a dollar. This is a proof that you did fill up the tank upon the truck return.

 

Driving a truck on your own (a few of the most important things):

 

■ Watch out for “NO TRUCKS” or “TRUCKS EXIT HERE” signs. These signs usually precede a low clearance spot, or a bridge that does not support the weight of the truck. Potentially, major fines, accidents and traffic jams could result if not following these signs.

■ Know the weight and the height of the truck you are driving, and watch the respective signs. As opposed to driving a car, when driving a truck you’re in danger not only from what’s around you, but also of what’s above or below.

■ On the highway, trucks are NOT allowed in the left (fast) lane. If the highway has four (4) lanes, trucks are NOT allowed in the two (2) left lanes. Trucks are usually NOT allowed on parkways, residential areas, and drive-throughs.

■ At toll plazas, trucks are NOT allowed in the automatic ticket machine lanes, nor the exact change lanes. Those are usually for “CARS ONLY”, and the rates on the tolls are different. Drive into the lanes to the right, behind other trucks, and deal with a toll both person.

■ Weigh Stations on major highways require that all commercial vehicles stop for an inspection. If the weigh station is open, you must pull in.

■ Always wear your seat belts. In Massachusetts, you can not get pulled over just for not wearing your seat belt in your car. However, when driving a truck (van, or commercial vehicle) you can get pulled over for that. In trucks, seat belts are required, enforced, and constitute a reason for being pulled over. Besides, it is a common sense to do that anyway.

■ Always have someone help you out when backing up. The visibility of what’s behind the truck box to a large degree is limited, and an extra set of eyes can prevent stupid accidents.

■ You must be an experienced and confident driver do drive a truck. Trafic lanes seem not as wide, the turns must be taken wider, and the rear end of the truck tends to swing in the opposite direction when taking sharper turns. Keep an eye in the mirrors constantly for cars trying to sneak in from both sides. Keep an eye on everything, drive slowly and defensively, and good luck!