wheel of a real truck, driving down the highway, with everything you own in the back. ‘That’s not just some escapist fantasy. It’s a great way to save time and money the next time you move.It can also be a grand adventure. Take the scenic route; fit a little “me time” in along the way. Become a tourist for a few days; expe- rience national landmarksorvisit long- lost relatives; let your relocation be a bit of a vacation. If you make your move an adventure, you can arrive at your destination more refreshed andlessstressed. To further reducestress, follow these dos and don'ts: Doplan ahead. When planning your trip, take into account the time of day youintendto travel and likely traffic patterns. Alwaysleavelots of extra time and be aware of possible bottlenecks along the way. Don’t pack problems. Most truck rental agreements say something like the language from the U.S. Department of Transportation that prohibits the “carrying or hauling of explosives and other dangerousarticles.” That means you cant pack paint, chemicals and cleaning materials, flammable solvents, propane, gasoline and the like. Check with your rental agent if you're not sure about a particular item. Do know about the “NO” zone. Trucks also have big blind spots, what the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration calls the “No-Zone.” You should know where these areas are, es- pecially when changing lanes or coming to a stop. Driving off with all your worldy goodsin the back ofa rental truck can be more than a move,it can be an adventure. Don’t load the truck until you know howtodriveit. Take a practice ridefirst. Makesure you can find and understand the use ofall the truck’s switches and gauges. Adjust the seat and side mirrors so they match your height and comfort zone. Dobe extravigilant. “Trucksaretaller, wider and may weigh up to 10 times more than the average car,” explained Don Mikes, senior vice president-rental, Penske. Don’t neglect to get insurance. “Most insurance and credit card companies wontcover truck rentals under existing policies,” Mikes added. Ifyour insurance company is among them, consider signing up for additional coverage options to protect yourself and your belongings. You may feel more confident knowing that his companyoffers free 24/7 emergencyroadside assistance. Learn More You can find other moving facts and tips at www.PenskeTruckRental.com and (800) GO-PENSKE.
