I Got my CDL just to move my family across 4 states - I have questions

Definitely an opportunity you should take advantage of.

 

I would like to give a little advice. I mean absolutely no disrespect in any way. Just please hear me out. You say your obligated to drive the wife the final trip. Want lasting memories with your 11 year old. That I can appreciate and can relate to. I'm assuming your gonna rent a sleeper truck not a day cab for everyone to fit. They seem roomy but you get confined quick. Kids can be rowdy and if your wife is high strung that can make a bad situation worse. (Not knocking her I am high strung myself)
I would memorize the route exit numbers etc. Don't rely on GPS. Also run at night and stay off the scales. No need inviting petty trouble lol.

 

I feel kinda silly lol.

 

Allow me to add some more things to consider:

Are you moving to or from a suburban neighborhood? If so, your 53 footer and sleep most likely won't fit. You will have to park somewhere like a shopping center and rent u-hauls then load the truck from the shopping center.

Also, each state requires certain permits based on what you are hauling. Taking any alcohol? You will need an alcohol permit for most states. Plus, each state has their own gun laws.

You will have to go across any scale house that is open and know what to do when you get there.

If you end up on toll roads the rates are a lot more expensive for a truck.

Get a Rand McNally trucker's atlas. Laminated. $30 at any truckstop or can order online. In it it has the weight restrictions for each state, bridge law, and low clearences. DO NOT RELY ON GPS. Also, once loaded you will want to ecale your load to makes sure your within legal limits.

Make sure that any meds you are on are dot approved.

If your kid is riding with you you will need passenger insurance and cargo insurance.

Im sure I will think of more later.

 

Also, logbooks....if you load the stuff yourself you must log that as on duty.

Plus you have to have logs for the last 7 dsys you worked, even if it was not driving a truck and those hours count aganist your clock as well, so be well versed in that. Park at Wal-Marts or huge truck stops. It is one thing to back up between two trailers at school, but to back in between two trucks that are no absolutely straight while blocking traffic in a small truck stop can and will be intimidating.

 

Silly question...
I seen you got prices from Penske and Ryder. Did you inform them you will be renting it with no experience? Last time I looked, I could not find any place that would rent a cmv to someone without any experience, or their own authority for that matter. They may do a long term lease, but for a week rental no way.

Find that out by talking to someone, not just looking on their website. Also, I do have a hard time believing this is the most economical way to go. What with insurance, rental, etc.. I see two trips in a box truck as being better. Convince the wife to simply follow in the car. What with cell phones and blue tooth, you two can be taking to each other all trip. And since it's a convoy if either of you want to stretch the legs, or to switch the kids out, just pull to the nearest rest area.
When I moved from Texas to MI, I drove the U-haul (well Budget, as I like the flat floors better) pulling my car, while my wife drove her car. Talked the whole time on the headset and time flew past.

Then there are the little things like it's doubtful your boy can ride with you in the rental truck. He will not be allowed as too young by the rental place. Or they don't allow passengers at all.
Also unloading a 53' box truck full of furniture without a ramp is not going to be fun. Remember you have to do it in a reasonable amount of time or the neighbors will start to get pissed. Of course you can build a ramp, but how would you attach it to the truck?
No, renting a CMV may look good on paper, but the practical reasons to not try it are likely not worth the effort..