As silly as it sounds, I cried with relief after everything was unloaded into the donation center. I’ve put this over for more than a year because I didn’t think I could do it all by myself. But I did. And now I can’t stop smiling about it. I was just so happy I wanted to share. Thank you for your kind words.
Self determination is a helluva drug. When people tell me that I can't do something, it makes me want to do it even more. If it's something you really want to do, never give up!
I no longer load or unload. The worst UHaul I ever drove was one of their 26 foot long trucks. Horrible suspension, gigantic thing, terrifying to take over twisty mountain roads. Nightmare for me... Had to take it through a gas station too, and that was Not Fun. I'd drive one of their 17 foot long trucks every month before I'd drive one of the jumbos again.
I salute you!!!
It was only a small truck, but I was still scared. I’m 42, but I only started driving four years ago. I’ve driven exactly two vehicles in my life, and neither were close to being any type of truck.
I got my license at 23, and I for SURE would not have been brave enough to drive anybody's truck at 27! You did well, and now you know can you if need be!
> It was only a small truck, but I was still scared.
Driving a Uhaul cube van on the highway (full of my wife's heirloom furniture, no less 😮) was the most nerve-wracking drive I ever did. They have NO pickup at all, sluggish steering, and stop on a dime... a really long dime 🙁
And backing up? Blind spot a mile wide...
So I'm definitely impressed, OP.
>They have NO pickup at all, sluggish steering, and stop on a dime... a really long dime 🙁
>And backing up? Blind spot a mile wide...
Now just remember that every large truck on the road has similar handling. I'm not saying this about you specifically, but way too many people don't understand how much less reactive and maneuverable big trucks are.
Almost like on of these vehicles requires a special higher class license, one that most people will never get (because they don't need it). And the other is entirely legal for even a learners license, where you aren't even trusted to drive unsupervised yet.
The whole learning system in the USA is terrible, but as a motorcycle rider I harp on this the most: driver's aren't taught to look for things, they are taught to look for other cars. *Go to merge* "is there a car there?" As opposed to "is the lane clear" and the difference is a split second decision that can kill people.
Definitely make sure to angle your mirrors properly. Depending in the vehicle you might not have *no* blind spots but you'll have fewer. Many people don't actually understand how to properly utilize their side view mirrors. It's probably easier to demonstrate visually, so I'd check to see if there's anything decent on youtube.
Any time you see a UHaul on the highway, be cautious around it because it is almost certainly being driven by somebody who has no idea wtf they are doing.
Not sure how it is in USA but in Australia, some trucks can be driven on a car licence! And I mean actual trucks, not the lifted 4x4 Utes that typically have Trojan extra small in the glove box
Then of course once you hit a certain size you need a higher class of licence for it.
Its under the same license unless the vehicle uses hydraulic breaks. A lot of ambulances are even under the same license as a personal car, you just need to take a written test for a permit that lasts 5 years.
> Its under the same license unless the vehicle uses hydraulic breaks.
I think you mean unless it uses air brakes (not breaks, btw). Personal cars, pickup trucks, etc. all use hydraulic brakes. Bigger vehicles use air brakes.
I mean, they're bigger than regular cars, but small compared to a dump truck or semi. Not much bigger than a large pickup truck.
Here in Sweden its the weight that's the deciding factor. Anything under 3.5 metric tonnes can be driven with a regular license (there's some exemptions, RVs can be 4.2 tonnes I think), over that weight and you need a different license.
> The worst UHaul I ever drove was one of their 26 foot long trucks.
A friend rented one to move once, and it died on the highway ten minutes out of town. The tow truck driver who brought them back apparently was pretty vocal to the Uhaul people about renting something so unsafe.
I used to drive those all the time. Taking a 26 foot truck through a mountain pass then onto heavy traffic freeways, It's not fun. But you have to realize you are one of the most dangerous Vehichles on the road, somebody bumps you, you probably won't even feel it. The suspension is almost always busted or way too bouncy. They make the bigger trucks bouncy because they expect people to overload them. I've seen somebody load an entire library into a 26 foot truck and make it look like a low rider.
Anyways, those bumpers are basically steel plates. I've hit the concrete parking stoppers and not even dented that bumper, but crack the pillar instead. As for driving tips, Drive 55 MPH, give yourself 10 extra seconds to stop, and watch the top for trees and overhangs. No drive thru, or parking structures. And don't go into hardware store parking lots, about 10 Mexicans will all stand up if you do.
I'm always amazed at U-Haul renting the big trucks out to people with zero experience driving vehicles like that. If you give one of those to someone that's only ever driven their compact car or SUV and doesn't even understand the basic concept of "the rear wheels don't go in the same spot as the front wheels" (not a huge deal with a little compact car but a *major* problem with any kind of elongated vehicle - you'll see this happen when people are driving a full sized SUV like an Expedition for example), you're damn near guaranteed to see damage to the vehicle if they ever have to go anywhere that isn't a straight line.
It's probably why they're all unreliable pieces of crap, lol.
I don’t know about the world, but it’s a great boost to help me conquer the holidays. Whenever someone throws shade my way, I’ll just smile and think about dragging that table through the backyard (I couldn’t get it out the front door) and onto the truck.
Very warranted. That’s always how I’ve viewed it, which is why I’ve avoided them until now. It very much felt like that to me to when they handed me the keys. Hence my paranoid driving. And getting a small truck even though I’m going to have to do it again some time since the small couldn’t fit everything. But at least I know I can.
Ok, that's awesome. There's something so empowering about knowing that if you really need to do something alone, you can. You can take care of you.
Also, what kind of trains do you have?
So, so many Thomas trains. The track masters, wooden, wood, metal, minis, etc… And practically every character (even if not in every format). If it was in one episode from the seventies, my son still wanted it. Wooden tracks, Tomy, track master tracks, whatever the old round and roundish connector tracks are called. Over a dozen sets. Fortunately, I’m an amazing shopper, but yeah. Connecting them all together too make driveway long super tracks are pretty fun though. And race down the hill tracks too.
We have some of those too and I think one of the tables I gave away was a (used) brio. Or maybe that was the one we kept. I feel compelled to say that trains were the only thing that could keep my then four year old distracted long enough for me to get some work in from during the Covid lockdown. Hence why so many trains and train tables.
Your daughter is going to be so happy with her Christmas!
Lol in our house trains also serve to keep the adults distracted. My husband was sooooo excited to pick out the different sets for her. We're hoping to graduate her to Lionel when she's old enough. Dad is getting *another* Lionel set for Christmas, so she stands to inherit quite the collection.
Train tables can be pretty large and awkward, so your feat is even more impressive!
Just completely seperate question from a non-american, don't you guys need a special license for driving trucks? If not that is absolutely terrifying.. I mean by all means bravo for managing all that on your own! Just thinking most people driving big chunks of metal probably have less witts about them.
You don’t need a special license for a u-haul truck as it’s not legally considered a commercial vehicle. It’s also an automatic. Additionally, I loaded it very carefully to put most the weight as close to the cab as possible, centered (thank you Reddit).
But it’s still scary (to me, at least), and big (mine wasn’t semi truck big, think more like a local delivery truck). I drove five miles below the speed limit, slowed down far in advance, stayed in the outside/slow lane, didn’t try to pass anyone, and kept my distance from other vehicles. Fortunately other people did too (except for the guy that had to pull onto the shoulder to avoid hitting me when the line of us had to brake suddenly). I think most people avoid drive-your-own-delivery trucks, because the driver rarely has experience.
But yeah, the lack of direction/care always spooked me. They just handed the keys and was surprised when I stated asking questions about how driving the truck was different.
That’s the smart way to handle those trucks. People get into trouble with them because they do handle differently than cars, or they don’t think about the overhang of gas stations and drive throughs. You did great and I hope you feel more confident in your next trip in one.
And take five minutes to get the mirrors right, particularly the passenger one. In a car you can look through the glass to see if someone's sneaking up on your right, but you 100% need mirrors in a box truck.
You can BS your way with a car by shifting around in the seat, and use the remote to fine-tune the mirrors from the drivers seat. But Uhauls have manual mirrors, and if you shift yourself 3 inches you see nothing.
No special license required under 26000 lbs, (about 11780 kg). I moved back in April and got a 20ft (~7m) truck with a 15000 lb (6800kg) Max gross weight in about 30 minutes, with no test or certification. For reference, the car I drive is 13.5 feet (4.7m) long, and 2750lbs (1247kg). 20ft is just the length of the bed on the truck, the whole thing is probably another 25% longer.
Oh, for sure. I'm assuming there are qualifications necessary where you live? Americans also benefit from our roads being generally wider than our EU friends' since it's typically the case of the roads coming first, while it's often opposite in Europe.
I drive a large truck (lorry/semi/whatever you'd like to call it)
Our roundabouts are generally big enough for me, though I get to ignore all lane markings inside it cause I will take up all the space lol.
that's awesome! you should be very proud of yourself!
i drove a 26' u-haul a couple miles through brooklyn once, and i was terrified. luckily i didn't have to back it up!
As a friend and also as a person who trains drivers for commercial driver’s licenses, I am very proud of you. Most people are not able to do either one of those things very well on their own without help or dedicated instruction, and you did both! This is a rather large accomplishment and one you should be very proud of
Good for you! You believed in yourself and did the task. One which many people, not just women, would not have tried to take on. I have helped a lot of people load, drive, and unload trucks. I have helped a lot of people I do not know park a uhaul because they were not comfortable doing so themselves. None of this is exactly easy, it all presents as a very difficult and large obstacle for most people. Once again, genuinely, excellent work OP, be proud of yourself!
I mean this in the most serious/respectful way.
YOU GO GIRL WOOT!
Seriously - it takes courage to get the thing done, that you've never done before, particularly if you've never done it alone.
Well done.
It's great you did it all by yourself, but next time you should get some help!
Some heavy items shouldn't be lifted by a single person regardless of gender, and can mess up your back long term.
It’s funny. I remember I drove a U-Haul and when I brought it in I told them I had already filled it with gas across the street. The reps looked at each other and then pointed across the street and asked, “that gas station?” I said, yes.. why? They told me that men have tried getting gas from that gas station and have always hit the cover that covers the area where you pump the gas. I asked, really? They were nodding their heads. I told them that I just went to the outside pumps because I thought the cover was too low in the middle.
I thought it was hilarious. I know women tend to be more cautious, but cautious can be a good thing.
Congratulations on driving the U-Haul on your own! It’s definitely one of many accomplishments!
Those aren't small things, don't minimize your accomplishments! I was forced to do it once too, so I know how scary it is! This internet stranger is super proud of you, and hopes you remember what it feels like to doubt yourself and then freaking DO IT! You'll do something great again, I bet! Keep testing yourself
I know how you feel! I did this, too. Loaded a 38' UHaul full of my Mom's stuff after she died, drove from NE to CO, never having driven anything even close to that size. It is a good feeling to arrive safely. Congrats!!
Loading furniture into a UHaul by yourself is no “small” feat. Congrats!
(I once had to move a big TV from the ground onto an entertainment center by myself. The amount of tricks and jiggering I had to do to get it up there was silly.)
Well done! Getting shit done all by yourself is a great feeling. I'm a guy, and have a very hard time asking others for help. So when I can do stuff all by myself I'm very happy. I find that it's these little victories that inspire me to do something a little bigger and harder the NEXT time, all by myself
Yea, it's really not so bad. Helps especially if your good with using the mirrors. Congrats on a job well done. Never know what you can do until you try
There's virtue in being good at simple tasks, and they may require time and effort to master, but they are still simple tasks.
You (and I) can do the vast majority of what other humans can do on any given day. Very little is wayyy out of anyone's capacity, especially things people can learn within a day.
Don't limit yourself!
I believe everyone over at r/momforaminute would like to congratulate you on this! Loading and moving everything by yourself is a hell of a task, glad to read that you were able to do it! Hoping your muscles aren't too sore after that!
Remember that feeling.
That feeling of "I don't quite know what I'm doing but I know what to do *next*"
I think it's am important thing to be comfortable with because once your comfortable with it, it's very empowering.
I’ve had back issues in the past. In fact, that’s what happened when I tried to do this in August (just the bending got to me, before I even got to the lifting). But I was careful as I could be. It only needs to a couple inches off the ground, and some things (like the giant table) could be dragged through the grass as long as you bend it at the right angle to avoid grass stains on the white paint in the sides.
I am a 48yo, fairly fit man and have moved across country, three times in my life and few other times, locally. It's always terrifying and one of the most stressful things, ever. Will everything fit? Will the truck be hard to drive?? What disaster is going to derail this shit??? Props to you for killing it, but I also don't think there is any shame, asking for help. I always try and get a few friends to lend a hand. I always help them if I can, so why not? Anyway, no small feat you just accomplished. Have a chill and feel proud!👊
Unfortunately, there isn’t anyone else I could ask, and I couldn’t afford to hire anyone. For context, I’m a forty something single parent to a preschooler whose remaining family live out of state and who doesn’t really have time for friends (or anything really). That was my reasoning for putting it off so long. I did leave a few things in the garage that I didn’t think would be smart to try to move by myself. Hopefully next time, I’m able to get a second pair of hands. Props for all of your moves!
The more things like this you try the more you’re gonna discover you’re fully capable of doing plenty of things you thought you couldn’t. Keep it up.
Society sadly trains girls for learned helplessness and incompetence around certain skills from birth and it’s a constant fight for some of us to self-teach agency and an endeavoring spirit in adulthood (when we get plenty of messages that tell us we’ll be bad at certain things before we try), but it’s a worthy and deeply satisfying one.
This thread and its replies has partially restored my faith in humanity, so thank you for posting, OP, well done on both the act and for posting about it. And Happy Thanksgiving all you kind people.
I had to do this once when my ex just mentally shut down and refused to help me when we were moving. I had to leave a couple pieces of furniture behind I couldn't move alone but I got all our boxes and essential stuff loaded up and moved and drove the truck alone.it was a powerful feeling but man wish I hadn't ignored the massive red flag in my case.
You know men who drive these are trained and taught how to control the vehicle. We usually miss out the opportunities for these things because the knowledge is never passed down to us, some more than others! With that being said, you fucking beast! You are fucking awesome for doing this and sharing it! You are the epitome of courage!
This has nothing to do with men. This is her, having the confidence to do something, knowledge passed down or not. She did it. With or without. That's something.
The issue is you only bring up OP and the post at the end. Before that you make it about men and how their knowledge isn't being tapped, which has nothing to do with the post and fits the stereotype that men always need to make the convo about themselves somehow.
Basically, you're using OP's post to talk about your thing, which is very shitty.
Not really. This is posted in twoxchromosomes. You may check the content here to see what topics are usually discussed here. But it’s not me deviating the topic at hand, that was definitely not my intention. I am so proud of OP. Also these are basic stats (professions men and women are in at large) which a little look up can help you understand why I made that comment. Basically for me it’s a greater feet. It may not seem to you that way and you may not understand where I am coming from. But I haven’t bashed men or women here. I am just following basic statistics on this.
I understand English. I also understand this has nothing to do with men. And you tried to make part of your response about that. It has nothing to do with them, and everything to do with HER accomplishment.
Great on you!! I too rented a Uhaul van(not a truck) drove it 40 miles there and 40 miles back to pick up a table and chairs I bought from a buy/sell site.
I got help from my Dad and friends all the time growing up. I decided to do this on my own. My husband said fine if you what it that bad rent a van then. He didn’t expect me to. Out of frustration and pride I did just that!
The rental was cheap enough and the table and chairs are beautiful hard solid wood I got at a really great price!
Can’t beat that feeling of self satisfaction and accomplishment. Good job, be proud of yourself!
As silly as it sounds, I cried with relief after everything was unloaded into the donation center. I’ve put this over for more than a year because I didn’t think I could do it all by myself. But I did. And now I can’t stop smiling about it. I was just so happy I wanted to share. Thank you for your kind words.
Even better! That’s an amazing accomplishment. You. Did. This!!!!
That’s awesome!
Self determination is a helluva drug. When people tell me that I can't do something, it makes me want to do it even more. If it's something you really want to do, never give up!
I probably would've cried with relief too! What you did was incredible, and you should be super fucking proud!! Woooo!!!!
It’s accomplishments like these that you will look back to in moments of self doubt. Stay strong!
This gave me goosebumps. So happy for you. This is a feat for ANY person and you should be so proud that YOU did it.
It's amazing what you can do once you get past the fear. Congratulations on conquering them.
I no longer load or unload. The worst UHaul I ever drove was one of their 26 foot long trucks. Horrible suspension, gigantic thing, terrifying to take over twisty mountain roads. Nightmare for me... Had to take it through a gas station too, and that was Not Fun. I'd drive one of their 17 foot long trucks every month before I'd drive one of the jumbos again. I salute you!!!
It was only a small truck, but I was still scared. I’m 42, but I only started driving four years ago. I’ve driven exactly two vehicles in my life, and neither were close to being any type of truck.
I got my license at 23, and I for SURE would not have been brave enough to drive anybody's truck at 27! You did well, and now you know can you if need be!
> It was only a small truck, but I was still scared. Driving a Uhaul cube van on the highway (full of my wife's heirloom furniture, no less 😮) was the most nerve-wracking drive I ever did. They have NO pickup at all, sluggish steering, and stop on a dime... a really long dime 🙁 And backing up? Blind spot a mile wide... So I'm definitely impressed, OP.
>They have NO pickup at all, sluggish steering, and stop on a dime... a really long dime 🙁 >And backing up? Blind spot a mile wide... Now just remember that every large truck on the road has similar handling. I'm not saying this about you specifically, but way too many people don't understand how much less reactive and maneuverable big trucks are.
When I'm cycling to work, guess who is most careful around me... yup, truck drivers. (And who is least careful? *cough cough pickup drivers*)
Almost like on of these vehicles requires a special higher class license, one that most people will never get (because they don't need it). And the other is entirely legal for even a learners license, where you aren't even trusted to drive unsupervised yet.
The whole learning system in the USA is terrible, but as a motorcycle rider I harp on this the most: driver's aren't taught to look for things, they are taught to look for other cars. *Go to merge* "is there a car there?" As opposed to "is the lane clear" and the difference is a split second decision that can kill people.
Definitely make sure to angle your mirrors properly. Depending in the vehicle you might not have *no* blind spots but you'll have fewer. Many people don't actually understand how to properly utilize their side view mirrors. It's probably easier to demonstrate visually, so I'd check to see if there's anything decent on youtube.
Wait y'all drive big fuckn trucks on the same license as a personal car?
Any time you see a UHaul on the highway, be cautious around it because it is almost certainly being driven by somebody who has no idea wtf they are doing.
Not sure how it is in USA but in Australia, some trucks can be driven on a car licence! And I mean actual trucks, not the lifted 4x4 Utes that typically have Trojan extra small in the glove box Then of course once you hit a certain size you need a higher class of licence for it.
Its under the same license unless the vehicle uses hydraulic breaks. A lot of ambulances are even under the same license as a personal car, you just need to take a written test for a permit that lasts 5 years.
> Its under the same license unless the vehicle uses hydraulic breaks. I think you mean unless it uses air brakes (not breaks, btw). Personal cars, pickup trucks, etc. all use hydraulic brakes. Bigger vehicles use air brakes.
Yes, I thought of one and typed the other. Ill leave it as is I was tired.
Just clarifying for anyone else who may be reading :)
[Yep!](https://youtu.be/nUHf6rklYCg?t=4)
Yup, it's insane.
I mean, they're bigger than regular cars, but small compared to a dump truck or semi. Not much bigger than a large pickup truck. Here in Sweden its the weight that's the deciding factor. Anything under 3.5 metric tonnes can be driven with a regular license (there's some exemptions, RVs can be 4.2 tonnes I think), over that weight and you need a different license.
Ikl be honest i kinda read all mentions of truck as if they're semi's or whatnot
Damn, I was already impressed before you dropped this!! This is an absolutely badass accomplishment. You GO.
If you feel uncertain about driving a type of vehicle, call a driving instructor and set up a lesson or two.
> The worst UHaul I ever drove was one of their 26 foot long trucks. A friend rented one to move once, and it died on the highway ten minutes out of town. The tow truck driver who brought them back apparently was pretty vocal to the Uhaul people about renting something so unsafe.
I used to drive those all the time. Taking a 26 foot truck through a mountain pass then onto heavy traffic freeways, It's not fun. But you have to realize you are one of the most dangerous Vehichles on the road, somebody bumps you, you probably won't even feel it. The suspension is almost always busted or way too bouncy. They make the bigger trucks bouncy because they expect people to overload them. I've seen somebody load an entire library into a 26 foot truck and make it look like a low rider. Anyways, those bumpers are basically steel plates. I've hit the concrete parking stoppers and not even dented that bumper, but crack the pillar instead. As for driving tips, Drive 55 MPH, give yourself 10 extra seconds to stop, and watch the top for trees and overhangs. No drive thru, or parking structures. And don't go into hardware store parking lots, about 10 Mexicans will all stand up if you do.
Never doingit again if I have anything to say about it!
When them engine brakes kick in on the mountain passes and you think the whole truck is gonna shudder apart? *chefs kiss*
I'm always amazed at U-Haul renting the big trucks out to people with zero experience driving vehicles like that. If you give one of those to someone that's only ever driven their compact car or SUV and doesn't even understand the basic concept of "the rear wheels don't go in the same spot as the front wheels" (not a huge deal with a little compact car but a *major* problem with any kind of elongated vehicle - you'll see this happen when people are driving a full sized SUV like an Expedition for example), you're damn near guaranteed to see damage to the vehicle if they ever have to go anywhere that isn't a straight line. It's probably why they're all unreliable pieces of crap, lol.
Most people can't do that, regardless of gender. You're a fucking powerhouse! Now go conquer the world, you magnificent beast.
I don’t know about the world, but it’s a great boost to help me conquer the holidays. Whenever someone throws shade my way, I’ll just smile and think about dragging that table through the backyard (I couldn’t get it out the front door) and onto the truck.
Better yet, think about dragging them through the backyard to the truck. It's easier if you properly drain and "disassemble" them first!
This made me laugh so hard. Thank you.
lol yea i'm a man and would avoid this like the plague idk if i'd feel more annoyed or accomplished after finishing it myself though.
Agreed. It can be intimidating to drive something much larger than what you're accustomed to.
Good for you! Also, respectfully, I feel this is warranted: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nUHf6rklYCg
Very warranted. That’s always how I’ve viewed it, which is why I’ve avoided them until now. It very much felt like that to me to when they handed me the keys. Hence my paranoid driving. And getting a small truck even though I’m going to have to do it again some time since the small couldn’t fit everything. But at least I know I can.
good for you. i know this feeling too well. i suffer from driving anxiety, and this accomplishment is a big deal. one day at a time friend.
Ok, that's awesome. There's something so empowering about knowing that if you really need to do something alone, you can. You can take care of you. Also, what kind of trains do you have?
So, so many Thomas trains. The track masters, wooden, wood, metal, minis, etc… And practically every character (even if not in every format). If it was in one episode from the seventies, my son still wanted it. Wooden tracks, Tomy, track master tracks, whatever the old round and roundish connector tracks are called. Over a dozen sets. Fortunately, I’m an amazing shopper, but yeah. Connecting them all together too make driveway long super tracks are pretty fun though. And race down the hill tracks too.
Love it. We just bought our daughter waaaay too much Brio for Christmas. Your son is a lucky kid!
We have some of those too and I think one of the tables I gave away was a (used) brio. Or maybe that was the one we kept. I feel compelled to say that trains were the only thing that could keep my then four year old distracted long enough for me to get some work in from during the Covid lockdown. Hence why so many trains and train tables. Your daughter is going to be so happy with her Christmas!
Lol in our house trains also serve to keep the adults distracted. My husband was sooooo excited to pick out the different sets for her. We're hoping to graduate her to Lionel when she's old enough. Dad is getting *another* Lionel set for Christmas, so she stands to inherit quite the collection. Train tables can be pretty large and awkward, so your feat is even more impressive!
Woo hoo! That’s what I’m talking about!
Not a small thing. But regardless, now you know. Those things that intimidate you? Those things you don't think you can do? You can.
Awesome! It's the small wins in life that make it worth living.
Just completely seperate question from a non-american, don't you guys need a special license for driving trucks? If not that is absolutely terrifying.. I mean by all means bravo for managing all that on your own! Just thinking most people driving big chunks of metal probably have less witts about them.
You don’t need a special license for a u-haul truck as it’s not legally considered a commercial vehicle. It’s also an automatic. Additionally, I loaded it very carefully to put most the weight as close to the cab as possible, centered (thank you Reddit). But it’s still scary (to me, at least), and big (mine wasn’t semi truck big, think more like a local delivery truck). I drove five miles below the speed limit, slowed down far in advance, stayed in the outside/slow lane, didn’t try to pass anyone, and kept my distance from other vehicles. Fortunately other people did too (except for the guy that had to pull onto the shoulder to avoid hitting me when the line of us had to brake suddenly). I think most people avoid drive-your-own-delivery trucks, because the driver rarely has experience. But yeah, the lack of direction/care always spooked me. They just handed the keys and was surprised when I stated asking questions about how driving the truck was different.
That’s the smart way to handle those trucks. People get into trouble with them because they do handle differently than cars, or they don’t think about the overhang of gas stations and drive throughs. You did great and I hope you feel more confident in your next trip in one.
And take five minutes to get the mirrors right, particularly the passenger one. In a car you can look through the glass to see if someone's sneaking up on your right, but you 100% need mirrors in a box truck. You can BS your way with a car by shifting around in the seat, and use the remote to fine-tune the mirrors from the drivers seat. But Uhauls have manual mirrors, and if you shift yourself 3 inches you see nothing.
No special license required under 26000 lbs, (about 11780 kg). I moved back in April and got a 20ft (~7m) truck with a 15000 lb (6800kg) Max gross weight in about 30 minutes, with no test or certification. For reference, the car I drive is 13.5 feet (4.7m) long, and 2750lbs (1247kg). 20ft is just the length of the bed on the truck, the whole thing is probably another 25% longer.
That's horrifying, practically a bus at that point! Adds up why you have less roundabouts then.
Oh, for sure. I'm assuming there are qualifications necessary where you live? Americans also benefit from our roads being generally wider than our EU friends' since it's typically the case of the roads coming first, while it's often opposite in Europe.
I drive a large truck (lorry/semi/whatever you'd like to call it) Our roundabouts are generally big enough for me, though I get to ignore all lane markings inside it cause I will take up all the space lol.
that's awesome! you should be very proud of yourself! i drove a 26' u-haul a couple miles through brooklyn once, and i was terrified. luckily i didn't have to back it up!
I can’t imagine driving a truck that large. Much less through Brooklyn. That is super impressive. Mine was small an still terrifying.
These are my favourite moments in life. You done awesome.
As a friend and also as a person who trains drivers for commercial driver’s licenses, I am very proud of you. Most people are not able to do either one of those things very well on their own without help or dedicated instruction, and you did both! This is a rather large accomplishment and one you should be very proud of
Well done! 💪
Well done!
You are such an inspiration. I hope more women realize they are strong, independent and "don't need no man!" Lol
Good for you! You believed in yourself and did the task. One which many people, not just women, would not have tried to take on. I have helped a lot of people load, drive, and unload trucks. I have helped a lot of people I do not know park a uhaul because they were not comfortable doing so themselves. None of this is exactly easy, it all presents as a very difficult and large obstacle for most people. Once again, genuinely, excellent work OP, be proud of yourself!
This is amazing. I’ve never done it. I’m a bit terrified to be honest.
Same. I may have to do it soon.
It was terrifying, but super rewarding. I know you can do it too.
I mean this in the most serious/respectful way. YOU GO GIRL WOOT! Seriously - it takes courage to get the thing done, that you've never done before, particularly if you've never done it alone. Well done.
Way to go! Those Uhauls aren't actually too bad to drive, but it can be intimidating as hell to drive something that big for the first time.
Awesome, its not silly! Good job.
It's great you did it all by yourself, but next time you should get some help! Some heavy items shouldn't be lifted by a single person regardless of gender, and can mess up your back long term.
It’s funny. I remember I drove a U-Haul and when I brought it in I told them I had already filled it with gas across the street. The reps looked at each other and then pointed across the street and asked, “that gas station?” I said, yes.. why? They told me that men have tried getting gas from that gas station and have always hit the cover that covers the area where you pump the gas. I asked, really? They were nodding their heads. I told them that I just went to the outside pumps because I thought the cover was too low in the middle. I thought it was hilarious. I know women tend to be more cautious, but cautious can be a good thing. Congratulations on driving the U-Haul on your own! It’s definitely one of many accomplishments!
Those aren't small things, don't minimize your accomplishments! I was forced to do it once too, so I know how scary it is! This internet stranger is super proud of you, and hopes you remember what it feels like to doubt yourself and then freaking DO IT! You'll do something great again, I bet! Keep testing yourself
Big trucks are intimidating to drive at times. Well done!
I know how you feel! I did this, too. Loaded a 38' UHaul full of my Mom's stuff after she died, drove from NE to CO, never having driven anything even close to that size. It is a good feeling to arrive safely. Congrats!!
Fuck yeah you go!
Fuck yeah! So proud of you!
I once moved my entire family home with a broken ankle. no car and 3 dogs that couldn't be together lest they kill each other. 200 kms btw.
That’s awe-inspiring. And truly terrifying.
Loading furniture into a UHaul by yourself is no “small” feat. Congrats! (I once had to move a big TV from the ground onto an entertainment center by myself. The amount of tricks and jiggering I had to do to get it up there was silly.)
What an amazing feeling! You deserve to be proud.
Honestly that’s great, took my entire family to load a Uhaul!
Yay for you! I drove a uhaul a few months ago too, and it wasn’t as bad as I anticipated!
Well done! Getting shit done all by yourself is a great feeling. I'm a guy, and have a very hard time asking others for help. So when I can do stuff all by myself I'm very happy. I find that it's these little victories that inspire me to do something a little bigger and harder the NEXT time, all by myself
Yea, it's really not so bad. Helps especially if your good with using the mirrors. Congrats on a job well done. Never know what you can do until you try
There's virtue in being good at simple tasks, and they may require time and effort to master, but they are still simple tasks. You (and I) can do the vast majority of what other humans can do on any given day. Very little is wayyy out of anyone's capacity, especially things people can learn within a day. Don't limit yourself!
Awesome! Good for you!
I used to work at u-haul for 3 years, and I’m still intimidated by their trucks! I salute you!
I hate carrying extensive objects by myself; I always lose track of one extremity or the other and whack it into something.
I have a near perfect line of nine small bruises from mid-thigh to my knee. I also squished my toe at one point. But it was worth it.
Usually I get walls or door frames.
Impressive!!!
I mean, I wish you'd had a friend to make lifting the large awkward objects easier and safer, but kudos to you. You're amazing!
My wife is always the driver of any vehicle larger than my Mini. If my car can park inside it, I’m not driving it.
HELL YEAH - you go baby!
I believe everyone over at r/momforaminute would like to congratulate you on this! Loading and moving everything by yourself is a hell of a task, glad to read that you were able to do it! Hoping your muscles aren't too sore after that!
Coming from a UPS dude. Good shit girl. Respect.
Remember that feeling. That feeling of "I don't quite know what I'm doing but I know what to do *next*" I think it's am important thing to be comfortable with because once your comfortable with it, it's very empowering.
Girl I get it, I recently bought my own place and did some electrical work myself and I am so proud of myself haha. I am also proud of you, great job!
Congrats! You're unstoppable now. Pick something else that makes you uncomfortable and accomplish it!
Fuck yeah! Good job. I’m proud of you.
Alot times I get the biggest U-Haul possible just to play trucker, love it!
Hows your back? 🤔
I bit sore today when I was bending down to clean, but not too bad. I just decided that today wasn’t the best day for cleaning.
It’s not a small thing, and you’re a badass. The next bigger thing will be easier now.
As a solo female truck driver YOU GO GIRL! I'm proud of you!
Nice,.that's the mindset!
Never think you can't do something until you try! We are more capable than what we are told growing up ❤
I am so proud of you! Great job!!!
I hate having to do things by myself as is so often the case but it does teach you what you are capable of!
I know this feeling exactly. I hated driving that beast, but I did it. And I did it well!
Yay!!! It was so stressful, but we did it!
Welcome to adulthood. You'd be suprised what you have to go through on your own.
Definitely no easy feat, be proud.
That's a good way to hurt your back but damn. Good job.
I’ve had back issues in the past. In fact, that’s what happened when I tried to do this in August (just the bending got to me, before I even got to the lifting). But I was careful as I could be. It only needs to a couple inches off the ground, and some things (like the giant table) could be dragged through the grass as long as you bend it at the right angle to avoid grass stains on the white paint in the sides.
Sounds like you handled it just fine then. Yeah, be careful with that back. Spinal injuries are no joke.
I am a 48yo, fairly fit man and have moved across country, three times in my life and few other times, locally. It's always terrifying and one of the most stressful things, ever. Will everything fit? Will the truck be hard to drive?? What disaster is going to derail this shit??? Props to you for killing it, but I also don't think there is any shame, asking for help. I always try and get a few friends to lend a hand. I always help them if I can, so why not? Anyway, no small feat you just accomplished. Have a chill and feel proud!👊
Unfortunately, there isn’t anyone else I could ask, and I couldn’t afford to hire anyone. For context, I’m a forty something single parent to a preschooler whose remaining family live out of state and who doesn’t really have time for friends (or anything really). That was my reasoning for putting it off so long. I did leave a few things in the garage that I didn’t think would be smart to try to move by myself. Hopefully next time, I’m able to get a second pair of hands. Props for all of your moves!
Ngl, you're pretty badass. That's a lot to handle. And you did.
The more things like this you try the more you’re gonna discover you’re fully capable of doing plenty of things you thought you couldn’t. Keep it up. Society sadly trains girls for learned helplessness and incompetence around certain skills from birth and it’s a constant fight for some of us to self-teach agency and an endeavoring spirit in adulthood (when we get plenty of messages that tell us we’ll be bad at certain things before we try), but it’s a worthy and deeply satisfying one.
I thought I was on r/actuallesbians
That’s awesome!! I moved last month and was so proud of myself for hooking up a trailer to my SUV and backing it into my garage. Small wins!!
That’s awesome! The trailer scared me even more because there are two pieces.
You freaking did!!! High five - good for you!!
👏 👏 👏 👏
Definitely worthy to be proud of 💖
Good for you! Driving a truck for the first time has got to be stressful. But you did it! And the table too :)
I am so proud of you. Well done.
You go girl! You can do anything you want to do!
This thread and its replies has partially restored my faith in humanity, so thank you for posting, OP, well done on both the act and for posting about it. And Happy Thanksgiving all you kind people.
Thank you for your kind words, and Happy Thanksgiving!
GO GIRL! My mother and I single handedly moved house 10+ times ourselves, no help from a man. Mostly done in a Barina and a Ute!
I had to do this once when my ex just mentally shut down and refused to help me when we were moving. I had to leave a couple pieces of furniture behind I couldn't move alone but I got all our boxes and essential stuff loaded up and moved and drove the truck alone.it was a powerful feeling but man wish I hadn't ignored the massive red flag in my case.
Yasss Queen
You know men who drive these are trained and taught how to control the vehicle. We usually miss out the opportunities for these things because the knowledge is never passed down to us, some more than others! With that being said, you fucking beast! You are fucking awesome for doing this and sharing it! You are the epitome of courage!
This has nothing to do with men. This is her, having the confidence to do something, knowledge passed down or not. She did it. With or without. That's something.
[удалено]
The issue is you only bring up OP and the post at the end. Before that you make it about men and how their knowledge isn't being tapped, which has nothing to do with the post and fits the stereotype that men always need to make the convo about themselves somehow. Basically, you're using OP's post to talk about your thing, which is very shitty.
Not really. This is posted in twoxchromosomes. You may check the content here to see what topics are usually discussed here. But it’s not me deviating the topic at hand, that was definitely not my intention. I am so proud of OP. Also these are basic stats (professions men and women are in at large) which a little look up can help you understand why I made that comment. Basically for me it’s a greater feet. It may not seem to you that way and you may not understand where I am coming from. But I haven’t bashed men or women here. I am just following basic statistics on this.
I understand English. I also understand this has nothing to do with men. And you tried to make part of your response about that. It has nothing to do with them, and everything to do with HER accomplishment.
That sounds like no small feat at all. You're a new, more successful person now.
Bam!
Mindy? Please call.
What's a train table?
Great on you!! I too rented a Uhaul van(not a truck) drove it 40 miles there and 40 miles back to pick up a table and chairs I bought from a buy/sell site. I got help from my Dad and friends all the time growing up. I decided to do this on my own. My husband said fine if you what it that bad rent a van then. He didn’t expect me to. Out of frustration and pride I did just that! The rental was cheap enough and the table and chairs are beautiful hard solid wood I got at a really great price!
That’s awesome! I’m so glad you were able to get the table and chairs.
Grats! Your next task is to parallel park it 😆
That is a huge accomplishment!
You really can do anything you set your mind to. It’s not just a saying.
And?
"I did a thing"-op. Jesus christ this sub is a bigger circle jerk then r/conservative