More Than 61 Million Independence Day Travelers Expected to Share the Road
AAA predicts 61.4 million motorists will share the road with do-it-yourself movers and professional truck drivers over the Independence Day travel period, which begins this Saturday and ends Sunday, July 5.
Drivers are encouraged to adjust routes to holiday destinations to avoid congestion, to pack a heaping helping of patience before taking the wheel and to keep safety a priority.
Penske Truck Rental has assembled some tips to help do-it-yourself movers make the most of their moving day.
Nearly 72 million people are expected to travel more than 50 miles from home to Independence Day destinations, according to AAA. The prediction is slightly higher than 2025. In all, 85% are expected to travel to holiday destinations by car.
“For many Americans, traveling the week of July 4th is tradition,” said Stacey Barber, Vice President of AAA Travel. “The 9-day travel forecast includes travelers who are vacationing all week and people just getting away for the long holiday weekend. While the overall number of Independence Day travelers appears to be plateauing, we’re still expecting record volumes this year.”
INRIX, a provider of transportation data and insights, says the second weekend of the holiday period will be the busiest on the roads, starting Thursday, July 2.
In some areas like Boston, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia, peak congestion is expected on Saturday, June 27. Drivers looking to avoid the heaviest traffic should leave early in the day or consider traveling on Monday or Tuesday.
Tips for a Successful Moving Day
While fireworks are staples of Independence Day celebrations, their incendiary nature place them among the hazardous cargo prohibited from Penske rental trucks.
Penske reminds consumers that under its rental agreement flammable, explosive or otherwise hazardous materials may not be transported in its rental vehicles.
Whether moving across town or across the country, we have tips for a successful moving day:
- Pack up early so loading can begin as soon as you pick up your truck.
- Give yourself enough travel time to account for potential delays, including road construction.
- Make sure you have snacks and drinks ready for the road.
- For cross-country movers, plan breaks and do a little sightseeing along the way.
- After you arrive at your destination, make sure you allow enough time to unload.
- If you are looking for a change of scenery and need some inspiration, check out our 2025 Top Moving Destinations list.
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 Penske Truck Rental website for more information.