Hi all,

I am about to transport a large load of 8', 10', and 12" lumber over a couple hundred miles. My question is: how do us "hobbyists" accomplish this (i.e., those of us that don't do this regularly and don't have a special setup like a trailer to do so)?

I have a shortbed truck which works fine for 8' lumber. Even 10' lumber can work if the load isn't too heavy - just tie it down and flag the extra 4' off the end of the truck and AFAIK it's all legal and safe. But 12' lumber is too long, especially for a long distance. Regardless, my particular load is about 1,500 lbs and exceeds the payload capacity of my truck.

Enterprise rentals offers Ford Transit and Dodge ProMaster vans. These both have 10' cargo lengths and about 3,000 lb payload. Rental rates are very reasonable: about $70/day and unlimited miles.

Ryder rentals offers Sprinter vans with 12' cargo lengths. But for these vans you pay per mile, making them unaffordable for longer trips.

Any advice?