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A one-way truck rental from Route 66 Auto Repair in Upland starts at our Upland lot, a few minutes from the I-10 and the 210, and ends at a U-Haul location near your new home. The miles are the real challenge. This page covers driving a loaded truck over long grades and across the desert, and how to hand it off cleanly.
What makes leaving the Inland Empire hard in a truck?
Almost every route out climbs. The 15 over the Cajon Pass, the 10 through Banning, and the 58 toward Bakersfield all mean long grades with a heavy box. Then comes desert heat. A loaded truck slows on climbs, and brakes work hard on the way down.
None of that is a reason to worry. It is a reason to plan.
How do you drive a loaded truck on grades?
- Stay in the right lane and let the truck find its pace uphill
- Watch the temperature gauge on long climbs
- Downshift before the descent instead of riding the brakes
- Leave extra space ahead in wind or construction zones
- Pull over safely if a warning light comes on
Build a simple road plan
Break the drive into legs of two to three hours. Choose fuel stops with room to pull through, since backing a truck at a busy station is stressful. Start early to cross the desert before the afternoon peak. Keep water, snacks and a phone charger in the cab. If you are also towing a car, read the combined truck and trailer rental page, since every grade tip matters twice.
From our lot to your drop-off
Step 1: Book with a destination
Reserve on uhaul.com with Upland pickup and your new city as drop-off.
Step 2: Pick up and photograph
We walk the truck and photograph fuel and the empty box.
Step 3: Drive in legs
Stop every few hours, check the gauges, and rest.
Step 4: Drop off and document
Photograph fuel, odometer and cargo area at the destination before leaving the keys.
What's included at one-way truck pickup
Included on the work order
- 01Contract check with drop-off location confirmed
- 02Walk-around and damage notes
- 03Fuel and cargo photos you can reference later
- 04Orientation on mirrors, lights and hazards
Is your own car making the trip too?
If a family member is driving your car behind the truck, give it the same attention. A paid vehicle safety inspection looks at brakes, tires and cooling, with a written estimate that marks each item need-now or need-later. See one-way rentals for trailers and dollies going one-way.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my one-way drop-off location?
It is on your U-Haul reservation. Check the address and hours before you leave Upland, and call ahead if you will arrive late.
What should I do if the truck's temperature gauge climbs?
Ease off, turn off the AC, and pull over safely if it keeps rising. Contact U-Haul using the details on your contract rather than driving on.
Do I need photos at the destination?
Yes. That location has never seen the truck. Photograph the fuel gauge, odometer and empty cargo area so they can be compared with our checkout photos.