How To Calculate Mileage For Rental Moving Trucks

By Author: Michael Price
Total Articles: 114
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If you are moving, renting a truck is a lot less expensive than hiring movers. The rental company will charge you for the number of miles driven, so it pays to know how to keep track of mileage. You should do this yourself, not just take the rental agent's word on your total mileage. You can also maximize your savings by taking advantage of offers that give you an allotment of free miles. If you would like to hire movers, Terry Moving and Storage can help you with all of your moving needs.

Determine how far you're moving and what size of truck you need. Some rental agencies will charge a flat daily rate, including a determined amount of miles, while others will charge an inclusive rate. Know your mileage and size of truck you'll need before you start your research so you can shop around and compare prices.

Remember, your truck should be large enough to accommodate 10-15% more than what you own. This is just to ensure you're going to have enough room. Too much room is better than too little.

It's also a good idea to determine how long you'll need the truck (how many days), when you want to pick it up and ...
... whether it's a one-way or two-way move. Many companies charge a premium price for one-way moves; this is to cover the cost or retrieving the truck.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You'll Need:
Odometer readings
Fuel purchase receipts
Calculator

Instructions

1. Check the odometer reading when you pick up the moving truck. Verify that the rental agent has recorded the truck's total mileage accurately. The gas tank should be full before you accept the truck. While you use the truck, keep all your receipts for fuel purchases.

2. Record the mileage on the odometer when you return the truck. Again, verify that the rental agent accurately records the mileage. You should fill the gas tank just before turning in the truck. Otherwise, the rental company will fill the tank and charge you (usually more than a filling station will).

3. Subtract the starting odometer reading from the reading when you return the truck. This is the total mileage driven.

4. Calculate your miles per gallon (MPG) usage for a rental moving truck by dividing the number of miles driven by the number of gallons of fuel purchased. For example, if you drove 250 miles and bought 20 gallons of gas, MPG is 250 miles/20 gallons = 12.5 MPG.

5. Calculate mileage charges by multiplying the rental company rate by the miles driven. If the rate is 40 cents per mile and you are charged for 250 miles, this is $0.40 times 250, which equals $100.00

Tips & Warnings

-Check the EPA light truck fuel economy ratings before you rent. While your miles per gallon will vary, a vehicle with a good rating will normally use less than a low-rated model.

-Always inspect the truck and ask to see maintenance documentation. First of all, you want to make sure the truck is safe to drive. Plus, a well maintained vehicle is very likely to be more fuel efficient.

-When you have a choice, rent the newest model of the light truck the rental company has available. Newer vehicles are likely to be in better condition and give you better fuel economy.

Use Terry Moving and Storage for your relocation needs.

Read more at the source:
ehow dot com/how_5927841_calculate-mileage-rental-moving-trucks
Terry Moving and Storage has been at work since 1988. Terry Moving and Storage has been a leading relocation and moving company for more than 20 years.