Equipment every hauling driver should carry
Every hauling driver should carry ratchet straps, moving blankets, an appliance dolly, a tarp and work gloves. A starter kit runs roughly $250–$600. The full list is below, with rough costs.
The kit
| Gear | How many | Why | Rough cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ratchet straps (1 in, 10–15 ft) | 4–8 | Every load gets strapped | $20–$50 for a 4-pack |
| Moving blankets | 6–12 | Protect finishes and upholstery | $40–$90 a dozen |
| Appliance dolly with strap | 1 | Refrigerators, washers, safes | $100–$250 |
| Furniture dolly (4-wheel) | 1 | Dressers, boxes, long carries | $15–$40 |
| Tarp (8 × 10 ft or larger) | 1–2 | Rain and dust in an open bed | $15–$40 |
| Work gloves | 2 pairs | Grip and splinters | $10–$25 |
| Bungee cords or a bed net | 1 set | Loose small items | $15–$35 |
| Furniture sliders | 1 set | Moving across floors without scratching | $10–$20 |
| Ramps | Optional | Very heavy wheeled items | $100–$300 |
Prices are rough retail ranges.
[TODO: confirm required minimum gear for BoxHauls drivers]Tie-down basics
Strap tall items like refrigerators to the front of the bed, upright. Put heavy items low and forward. Run straps over the item and anchor to the bed’s tie-down points, not the tailgate. Check every strap after the first mile.
Back to Drive for BoxHauls.
Questions
What equipment do I need for hauling gigs?
At minimum: ratchet straps, moving blankets, work gloves and a tarp. An appliance dolly makes refrigerators and washers far safer to move.
How much does a starter kit cost?
Roughly $250–$600 for straps, blankets, a dolly, a tarp and gloves, depending on quality. Ramps add more.
Do I need ramps?
Not for most jobs. Ramps help with very heavy wheeled items, but most furniture and appliances go up by hand or on a dolly.