Planning a move this Independence Day? Penske Truck Rental is encouraging movers to pack extra helpings of patriotism, picnic favorites and patience for the road.
This will be the most traveled Independence Day holiday weekend ever with about 44.2 Americans on the move, according to AAA . About 37.5 million drivers expected to hit the road from now until Tuesday, July 4 in order to make it to holiday destinations.
With this in mind, Penske is offering some tips – an Independence Day survival guide - to help ease the stress of moving during the holiday.
A National Retail Federation survey revealed that 88 percent of those surveyed planned to help America celebrate its 241st birthday by taking part in a cookout or picnic or attending a fireworks display or community celebration or travel.
AAA points to a robust economy and cheaper gas, air fare and car rental rates for the increase in holiday travelers.
“Combined, strong employment , rising incomes and higher consumer confidence bode well for the travel industry, in particular this Independence Day weekend,” said Bill Sutherland, AAA senior vice president, Travel and Publishing.
With so many additional vehicles on the road, remaining focused – and avoiding distractions - becomes even more important.
The roadways will be filled with more than just cars over the extended holiday travel period with commercial vehicles, vans and buses sharing the road.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has developed the “Our Roads, Our Responsibility” program featuring road sharing tips for passenger and commercial vehicle drivers.
Operating commercial vehicles, like rental trucks, requires special care around obstacles not found when driving a car.
Since trucks are taller than cars, drivers should pay special attention to overhead clearances. In many cases, trucks will not fit in close quarters, such as bank or fast-food drive-thru lanes or under some bridges.
Do you plan to stop overnight? Penske encourages renters to take some key precautions to stay safe during the journey.
Whether traveling across the country or across town, keeping fidgety kids occupied during the trip can be tricky for parents. Remember to keep plenty of snacks on hand as well as games.
Do your kids enjoy coloring and other activities? Before you hit the road, grab a set of crayons and download a few copies of Penske’s activity and coloring pages.
The country’s national parks provide a majestic backdrop to a cross-country move. A quick detour can provide an opportunity to stretch your legs and capture a few memories of your trip through photos.
What would the holiday be without a fireworks display? Just remember: Penske does not allow transport of fireworks in our vehicles. Just the smallest spark could cause severe harm to the renter and others.
Communities nationwide will host fireworks displays coordinated by professionals. Will you be in unfamiliar surroundings? A quick Google search will help you locate area fireworks displays in your area.
Do you have a favorite holiday travel memory? Share it with us in the comment section below.
Are you planning a summer move? Penske Truck Rental offersfree unlimited mileson all one-way truck rentals,discountsfor AAA members, college students and members of the military as well as packing supplies and 24/7 roadside assistance. Are you ready to make a reservation? Visit the Penske Truck Rentalwebsitefor more information.
By Bernie Mixon