The Official Blog for Penske Truck Leasing, Truck Rental and Logistics

Truck Rental

Penske celebrates National Technician Appreciation Week Sept. 22 – 28 to spotlight and thank the force behind our fleet.

Please join us in celebrating the more than 11,000 skilled Penske technicians and customer service representatives (CSRs) who keep our customers – and our world – moving forward in the safest, most well-maintained fleet in the industry.

The expertise and commitment of our technicians and CSRs keep Penske’s fleet running and our supply chains and economy moving. Together, our team maintains over 445,000 vehicles from more than 1,000 locations across the country.

“From maintaining industry repair standards to supporting state-of-the-art sustainable technology and innovation, our technicians and customer service representatives are the industry’s experts,” says Gregg Mangione, executive vice president of maintenance at Penske Truck Leasing. “They truly are the force behind our fleet.”

Hear more from Mangione, along with, Art Vallely, president of Penske Truck Leasing, and Mike Duquette, senior vice president of maintenance field operations, in the video below.

Penske is proud to recognize its Inaugural Rental Associate Appreciation Week Sept. 8-14.

With the theme, “Your Effort Moves Us,” we celebrate the thousands of Penske Rental associates who help customers move through life’s biggest milestones, businesses navigate their busiest seasons and drivers handle their most hectic days.

We know that effort equals results, and it’s the effort of our exceptional Rental associates that truly move us.

“The summer months are some of the busiest of the year for our Rental associates, and we’re proud to take this week to thank them and their continued dedication to excellence,” says Kevin Malloy, senior vice president of rental at Penske Truck Leasing. “It is truly because of them that our customers continue to rent with confidence.”

“During Rental Associate Appreciation Week – and every day - we appreciate and thank you.”

The busy moving season is an attractive time for thieves who prey on unsuspecting consumers.

Many more moving trucks on the road, means more opportunities for thieves seeking to take advantage of unsuspecting motorists.

When a do-it-yourself move is not an option, Penske's security experts encourage consumers to be selective when hiring a moving company.

There are a wide array of scammers offering seemingly inexpensive moving services online. Many use online message boards, shell websites, social media, and other online listings.

Quite often, the prices are unclear, the quotes are unclear, and when the movers show up, they may be using unbranded trucks or trailers.

What can you do if you are the victim of theft or think you've been taken advantage of by a moving scammer?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates moving companies and provides consumers with helpful information to avoid moving scams and how to respond to them. Consumers may also see the mover's bill or rights and file complaints via this website.

If you need a full-service move, consider sourcing your movers from the American Moving and Storage Association.

Security Tips When Moving

  • Lock All Vehicle Doors
  • Secure the Rear Cargo Area with a Hardened Padlock
  • Park in Well-Lit Areas and Under the View of Security Cameras if Possible
  • Make Sure You Have Adequate Theft Insurance in Place with Your Homeowner's Insurance Company While You're Moving to Your New Location - Just in Case
  • Be Mindful of What You Post on social media
  • Consider Packing and Using "Tracker Tags" in Your Boxes
  • Take Photos of Prized Valuables While Packing for Your Insurance Records
  • Take Photos of the Vehicles the movers Are Using (Plates, Truck and Trailer Numbers)
  • Take Photos of the Rental Truck You are Driving (Plates, Truck and Trailer Numbers)

If you are the victim of theft or a scammer using a Penske rental truck, call the police immediately and contact the nearest Penske Truck Rental location. Provide the truck information, moving company, and any other details such as photos, truck plates, truck number, rental agreement number, etc.

High temperatures and humidity can be a challenging combination bringing with them the threat of heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

For do-it-yourself movers and professional truck drivers alike, experts recommend taking a few precautions to help beat the summer heat.

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Penske Transportation Solutions is taking part in this year’s Home Delivery World USA 2024 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia June 5 and 6 a Platinum Sponsor and exhibitor.

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A record number of travelers are expected to drive to Memorial Day holiday destinations to celebrate the unofficial start to summer.

Joining them will be thousands of do-it-yourself movers heading to new hometowns and professional truck drivers, working hard to keep the supply chain moving.

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Powering America’s Commercial Transportation (PACT)
, a coalition focused on education and advocacy for accelerating the construction of nationwide infrastructure for medium- and heavy-duty (M/HD*) zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), today announced the addition of Penske Truck Leasing as a Charter Member.

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Each year, Penske Truck Rental reveals the top 10 cities that people are moving to, based on one-way truck rental data. This year’s Top Moving Destinations list features a new addition and one surprising departure on the 14th annual list.

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With the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season just a month away, now is the time to get ready for potential storms, as preparation is key to keeping you and your property safe.

National Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 5-11, provides an opportunity to review your safety plans and make any changes long before a storm arrives.

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Road construction and maintenance projects are the keys to maintaining healthy roadways. Yet, these work zones can provide challenges to drivers.

New speed limits, traffic patterns and rights of way, as well as worker and vehicle movement, can all impact work zone safety.

National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 15-19, shines a spotlight on ways drivers can keep themselves as well as work zone workers safe.

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For millions of drivers – including many Penske DIY movers and professional truck drivers, anticipation is building for Monday’s first visible total solar eclipse in seven years.

During the solar eclipse, the daytime sky is set to darken in parts of the country as the Moon passes in front of the Sun and casts its shadow to fall on the Earth.

Yet, experts like AAA are urging drivers to take extra safety precautions and avoid the strong temptation to try and catch a glimpse of the eclipse while driving.

Fascination has long surrounded the dance of celestial bodies jockeying for position in the daytime sky.

The last total solar eclipse in the U.S. occurred in 2017 and was viewed by an estimated 215 million people – or 88% of the population, according to NASA.

With the solar eclipse’s path over North America estimated to be between 108 and 122 miles wide this year, the eclipse will pass over more cities and densely populated areas than in 2017, increasing the number of potential viewers.

Coming to a View Near You?

Weather permitting, the first location in continental North America that will experience totality is Mexico’s Pacific coast at around 11:07 a.m. PT, according to NASA.

The path of the eclipse will leave Mexico and enter the U.S. in Texas. From there it will travel through Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

The eclipse will enter Canada in Southern Ontario, and continue through Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. The eclipse will exit continental North America on the Atlantic coast of Newfoundland, Canada, at 5:16 p.m. NT.

Whether viewers are in the path of totality - where the Moon mostly blocks the Sun revealing just the outer atmosphere - or in locations revealing less of the eclipse, experts encourage everyone to take steps to protect their vision.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests wearing eclipse glasses with certified solar filters, making a pinhole viewer to watch the eclipse indirectly or viewing a live stream of the eclipse.

Driving During the Eclipse

Drivers are encouraged to avoid travel during the eclipse, but if you do plan to drive, AAA offers these tips:

  • Keep headlights on.
  • Put the sun visor down to block your view of the sun.
  • Do NOT wear eclipse glasses while driving.
  • Do NOT try to photograph or video the eclipse while driving.
  • Do NOT pull over to the side of the road, highway or interstate to view the eclipse.
  • Exit the roadway and park in a safe area away from traffic to view the eclipse.
  • Be mindful of pedestrians who may be walking around with their eyes on the sky.

If you miss out on Monday’s solar eclipse, take heart. The next total solar eclipse will be visible in Montana and North Dakota in August 2044. However, NASA predicts the next coast-to-coast total solar eclipse will not occur until 2045.

For more information about the total solar eclipse, visit NASA’s website.

By the Move Ahead Staff

Temperatures are not the only things expected to rise this spring and summer. Soon, more do-it-yourself movers will begin to share the road with professional truck drivers.

The added vehicles on the roadway are among the distractions all drivers face and challenge their ability to remain safe when behind the wheel.

April has been designated as Distracted Driving Month to educate drivers about distractions and how to practice good distracted-driving safety habits.

We have assembled tips from AAA as well as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to help keep motorists, movers and professional drivers safe when sharing the road.

Any situation that competes with a driver’s attention on the road can be considered a distraction to driving.Some examples include talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, adjusting the stereo, entertainment or navigation system.

AAA suggests drivers adjust things like seats, mirrors and climate controls before starting your journey. Avoid the temptation to reach for possessions that may roll around by storing them away.

Eat meals or snacks before you start your trip. If you decide to eat while driving, avoid messy foods that can take your attention away from driving.

If pets and children need your attention, pull over safely and resist the temptation to reach into the back seat, which can cause you to lose control.

For professional truck drivers, distractions can come from inside and outside their truck cabs.

While passing buildings or billboards, drivers could become distracted and suffer a momentary lack of focus.

Penske offers these additional distracted driving tips:

  • Turn off all unnecessary devices.
  • Plan ahead.
  • Don't multitask
  • Keep your eyes on the road.
  • Drive defensively

By taking steps to minimize driving distractions, no matter how small, you can help ensure your safety and the safety of other drivers on the road.

By Move Ahead Staff

Whether you are moving across town or across the country, navigating the logistics of a do-it-yourself move can be both a challenge and an adventure.

For some, a change in season inspires a change in surroundings, and for others, a growing family or career motivates a move to a new home.

Our new Penske Truck Rental website has tips and tools to help first-time and experienced movers alike make the most of their moving days.

“We recognize for some moving can be a stress-filled experience for families. Our Penske Truck Rental website has resources to manage the logistics of the move,” said Kevin Malloy, senior vice president, Penske Truck Rental.

“We have information to help you choose the perfect truck and tips to make sure your moving day is a great experience,” Malloy said.

Key features of our new website include:

An updated look and feel with your needs in mind.

A streamlined customer experience, making it easy to find content during each phase of the journey.

A more intuitive way to book a truck online in fewer steps.

Plan Your Move

Our interactive planning timeline provides a roadmap to help you make decisions at key time intervals to prepare for packing loading and driving your rental truck.

Determine the right truck size and view our truck videos, so you can select the perfect truck for your move.

Download our Penske Truck Rental App to access our Location Finder, receive a quote and complete your reservation in the app, access helpful how-to videos and loading guides and connect with our 24/7 roadside service team.

Penske Truck Rental offers free unlimited miles on all one-way truck rentals, discounts for AAA members, college students and members of the military as well as packing supplies and 24/7 roadside assistance.

Ready to make a reservation? Visit the Penske Truck Rental website for more information.

By "Move Ahead" Staff

Whether you’re heading over the river and through the woods or across town this Thanksgiving holiday, make sure to pack an extra helping of patience for the road.

Holiday travelers are expected to gobble up roadways, so if you are planning a DIY move over the Thanksgiving travel period, plan to pack an extra helping of patience along with tips from Penske’s moving experts.

More than 55 million travelers are expected to head 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period, which begins Wednesday and ends Sunday, according to AAA. It is the third-highest Thanksgiving travel forecast since 2000, when AAA began tracking holiday travel.

“For many Americans, Thanksgiving and travel go hand in hand, and this holiday, we expect more people on the roads, skies, and seas compared to 2022,” said Paula Twidale, Senior Vice President of AAA Travel. “Travel demand has been strong all year, and AAA’s Thanksgiving forecast reflects that continued desire to get away and spend time with loved ones.”

More than 49 million are expected to travel by vehicle to their holiday destinations.

Wednesday afternoon is expected to be the worst travel period, with average travel times as high as 80% over normal in some metro areas, according to INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights.

INRIX recommends leaving in the morning or after 6 p.m. to avoid the heaviest holiday congestion.

Tips for Holiday Travelers

If you’re moving or driving over the holiday:

Don’t Drink and Drive: Alcohol reduces brain function and impairs thinking, reasoning, and muscle coordination. All are essential to operating a vehicle safely.

Know the “No Zones” Near Trucks: On large trucks, blind spots are found around the front, back and sides of the vehicle – areas not captured on a truck’s side mirror. For safety, Know the “No Zones” before you hit the road.

Get Rest: Make sure you get plenty of rest before you start your trip, and schedule breaks to remain alert and avoid drowsy driving.

Pace Packing: The holidays sometimes come with stress. By packing and loading one room at a time, and taking small breaks between rooms, the more successful and enjoyable the prep will be.

Protection Plans: Take advantage of Penske’s many coverage options for personal moves.

Accessories: Having a hand truck and/or furniture pads to help ease the pressure of moving items.

Remember, the busy roadways will be filled with more than just cars over the extended holiday travel period with commercial trucks, 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.

Penske’s 24/7 Roadside Assistance will be available throughout the Thanksgiving holiday weekend to assist consumer renters and professional truck drivers as needed.

Are you planning an end-of-the-year move? Penske Truck Rental offers free unlimited miles on all one-way truck rentals, discounts for 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 PenskeTruck Rental website for more information.

By Bernie Mixon

With Tropical Storm Idalia expected to strengthen to a hurricane Monday evening and make landfall Tuesday in Florida, fleet operators are encouraged to take steps now to brace for the storm’s impact.

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The U.S. Department of Defense has formally recognized Penske Truck Leasing for its military-friendly policies. The company is a recipient of the Above and Beyond Award recently given by the Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The honor is provided to companies “for outstanding service and continuing support to the national defense.”

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It doesn’t matter if you’re a freshman in a shared dorm or a senior living off-campus with your own space – Penske has you covered with tips to ace your college move-in this year.

You’ve booked your Penske truck, so it’s time to prepare for the move to start or go back to life at college. Whether you’re driving in state or hours across the country, prepare in advance so your move-in day goes as seamlessly as possible.

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A DIY move requires a little extra planning with many factors to consider, including how to rent a truck, choosing the right truck, how to load your truck, where to stop along the way and where to return your truck once you reach your destination. And lucky for you, Penske Truck Rental already thought of (almost) everything for you.

Wherever your moving journey is taking you, these tips will help you to navigate safely, efficiently and with ease.

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When a sudden relocation becomes your only option, Penske Truck Rental has the tools to make a last-minute move the best move.

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