The automotive industry has taken a bold step towards freedom and accessibility with the launch of U-Haul's new 29-foot Peterbilt truck rental. This massive vehicle is now available to anyone without a commercial driver's license (CDL), marking a significant shift in the way people approach long-distance moving and hauling. The lack of a CDL requirement may seem daunting, but U-Haul claims that the truck is user-friendly and intuitive, designed to fit everyone behind the wheel.
The Peterbilt box truck boasts an impressive 2,057-cubic-foot cargo area, perfect for fitting belongings from 4- to 6-bedroom homes. The spacious interior also features a comfortable cab seating three people comfortably, with U-Haul emphasizing the importance of having extra sets of eyes to avoid accidents while driving such a massive rig.
The engine of this behemoth is powered by a turbocharged 6.7-liter gasoline-powered motor, producing 300 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque. While not diesel, the gas motor seems designed to mimic its diesel counterpart, with U-Haul's Truck Product Director Jeremy Donohue stating that their goal was to 'remove the adversity' for inexperienced drivers.
The truck's features are reminiscent of everyday vehicles, with an eight-speed automatic transmission, hydraulic brakes, air conditioning, and even cruise control. This intuitive design is aimed at making the driving experience accessible to everyone, regardless of experience level.
U-Haul has set a gross vehicle weight rating of 25,999 pounds, which may seem daunting but falls short of the minimum CDL requirement of 26,000 pounds. The company's decision to make this massive truck available without a CDL is likely to raise eyebrows among safety experts and driving enthusiasts alike.
The EM, or 'Easy Mover,' as U-Haul has dubbed it, launches in the Greater Los Angeles and Philadelphia markets initially, with plans to expand to other areas soon. The rental process is now available on the company's website, allowing anyone to rent this massive truck for a starting price of $49.95 plus mileage.
The dimensions of the Peterbilt are truly impressive, measuring 29'2
This new offering may increase safety concerns for inexperienced drivers.
