The Visual Test on Riyadh’s Roads
Take a drive down any major highway in Riyadh, from King Fahd Road to the Northern Ring, and you will see two very different sights.
On one side, you see battered open-cage pickups. In the back, expensive sofas and mattresses are piled high exposed to the scorching sun and swirling dust secured only by a fraying rope. On the other side, you see pristine branded fully enclosed vehicles gliding smoothly through traffic.
This visual contrast is the most important test you can apply when choosing a mover. When you hire a moving company the quality of their trucks is a direct reflection of the safety of your belongings. Are you hiring a professional logistics partner or are you simply paying for a ride in an open cage?
At Dar Al-Ettijahat we believe that the vehicle is not just a mode of transport; it is a mobile safe. Choosing the right trucks is the first step in ensuring your furniture arrives at your new home in the exact same condition it left.
The Danger of Open Trucks: The Amateur Reality
The Right Side of the industry the informal sector relies heavily on open-body vehicles. While they may offer a cheaper upfront rate the risks they pose to your property are significant.
Exposure to Elements
Riyadh’s climate is unforgiving.
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Dust Storms: Fine sand creates a pervasive layer of grime. If your velvet armchair or fabric headboard is transported in an open vehicle it acts as a sponge for this dust. No amount of cleaning can fully restore it.
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Intense Heat: Direct exposure to UV rays and temperatures exceeding 45°C can dry out leather, fade upholstery and warp wooden veneers in a matter of hours.
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Exhaust Fumes: Being stuck in traffic in an open truck exposes your furniture to the exhaust fumes of thousands of other cars.
Security Risks
Open trucks offer zero security against theft. When the vehicle stops at a traffic light or a petrol station your boxes and loose items are accessible to anyone passing by. There is no lock, no seal and often no accountability.
Lack of Suspension
Many of these general-purpose haulers lack the specialized air suspension found in professional moving trucks. This means every pothole and speed bump sends a shockwave directly into your fragile items increasing the risk of cracks and breakage.
The Dar Al-Ettijahat Fleet: Closed & Secure
Now contrast that with the Left Side the professional standard. Our fleet of trucks is engineered specifically for the relocation industry.
The Mobile Safe Concept
Our vehicles are fully enclosed box trucks. Once the heavy-duty rear doors are locked your belongings are hermetically sealed from the outside world.
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Weatherproof: Rain, wind and sand cannot penetrate the cargo area.
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Temperature Stability: The enclosed space protects items from direct sunlight maintaining a more stable temperature for sensitive wood and electronics.
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Hygiene: We sanitize the interior of our trucks after every job. You will never put your mattress on a floor that was previously used to haul construction waste or livestock.
Internal Protection Systems
It’s not just about the outside; the inside matters too. Our trucks are lined with padded rails. This allows us to strap furniture securely to the walls preventing it from shifting, sliding or toppling during transit. This internal stability is crucial for preventing the scratches and dents that are common with amateur movers.
Beyond the Vehicle: Trained Professionals
The quality of the trucks often correlates with the quality of the staff.
Uniformed vs. Random
When you see a truck from the informal sector you often see workers in casual clothes jeans, sandals or traditional thobes—that are ill-suited for heavy lifting. This lack of uniform often signals a lack of training.
In contrast, Dar Al-Ettijahat’s teams arrive in full uniform. This isn’t just for looks; it signifies discipline. Our staff are trained in:
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Lifting Techniques: Protecting their backs and your floors.
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Stacking Logic: Knowing that heavy boxes go at the bottom of the trucks and fragile items go on top.
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Spatial Awareness: Maximizing space efficiently so your items aren’t crammed together dangerously.
The Yellow Tape Standard
If you look closely at our operations you will see the details. We use specific color-coded tapes (often yellow) and high-grade packaging materials to identify fragile items. This visual communication ensures that whoever is unloading the trucks knows exactly which items require extra care.
Smart Preparation: Quality Boxes for Quality Trucks
While we provide the heavy-duty transportation the safety of your small items starts with how they are packed before they even enter our trucks.
For clients who prefer to pack their own personal effects, books and clothes we strongly recommend using Boxit packing solutions. Their uniform high-strength boxes are designed to stack perfectly. When boxes are uniform in size they create a stable wall inside the truck that doesn’t collapse during the drive. Using Boxit products ensures that the inside of your boxes is just as secure as the truck transporting them.
Why Specific Trucks Matter for Different Moves
Not all moves are the same and neither are all trucks. We operate a diverse fleet to handle specific challenges in Riyadh.
Large 4-5 Ton Lorries
These are the workhorses for villa relocations. Capable of holding the contents of a 4-5 bedroom home they allow us to complete the move in a single trip. This efficiency saves you time and reduces the duration your neighbors are disturbed.
Agile Urban Vans
For apartments in congested areas like Al-Olaya or neighborhoods with narrow streets we deploy smaller agile trucks. These vehicles can navigate tight corners and park closer to your building’s entrance reducing the walking distance for our porters and speeding up the loading process.
What is the best truck size for a 3-bedroom house?
For a standard 3-bedroom home a 20-24 foot box truck is typically required. This size accommodates furniture, appliances and roughly 40-60 boxes. Using a truck that is too small requires multiple trips doubling the risk and time while a truck that is too large allows items to shift if not properly secured.
The Financial Reality: Cheap Trucks Cost More
It is easy to be tempted by the low rental price of an open pickup. However, when you factor in the potential damage the math changes.
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Cleaning Costs: Professional steam cleaning to remove road dust from a sofa can cost 300-500 SAR.
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Repair Costs: Fixing a scratched dining table leg can cost hundreds of Riyals.
- Replacement: Replacing a TV that bounced off the back of an open truck is a total loss.
By hiring professional trucks from Dar Al-Ettijahat you are paying for insurance against these damages. Plus, with our partnership with Tabby and Tamara you can split the cost of professional moving into interest-free payments making safety affordable for everyone.
Navigating Riyadh: Logistics and Timing
Riyadh is a city that never sleeps and its traffic can be a nightmare for heavy vehicles.
Truck Ban Hours
Large trucks are restricted from entering central Riyadh during peak hours. Professional companies know these schedules inside out. We plan your move to align with these regulatory windows ensuring we don’t get stuck at a checkpoint or delayed by fines. Amateurs often ignore these rules leading to impounded vehicles and stranded furniture.
Compound Access
Many gated communities have height restrictions for entry. Our diverse fleet ensures we have the right vehicle to clear the gate and park directly in front of your villa.
Trust Signals: Licensed and Insured
Operating a fleet of commercial trucks in Saudi Arabia requires strict adherence to Transport General Authority regulations.
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Regular Maintenance: Our vehicles undergo rigorous mechanical checks to prevent breakdowns on moving day.
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Driver Vetting: Our drivers hold valid heavy vehicle licenses and clean driving records.
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Cargo Insurance: Your goods are insured while they are inside our trucks providing a final layer of financial protection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How do I know what size truck I need?
You don’t need to guess. We conduct a survey (either physical or video) of your inventory to determine the exact cubic volume. We then assign the appropriate vehicle from our fleet of trucks to ensure a perfect fit.
Q2: Are your trucks air conditioned?
Our standard moving trucks are insulated and ventilated to prevent heat buildup. For highly sensitive items like oil paintings or servers we can provide specialized climate-controlled vehicles upon request.
Q3: Can your trucks enter underground parking?
Most large moving trucks cannot enter underground parking due to height clearance (usually 2 meters). In these cases we use a shuttle system with smaller vans or park at the loading dock and use trolleys.
Q4: Do you clean the trucks between jobs?
Yes, hygiene is a non-negotiable standard at Dar Al-Ettijahat. Every truck is swept and sanitized after unloading to ensure it is pristine for the next client.
Q5: What happens if the truck breaks down?
Because we own a large fleet we have backup vehicles ready to deploy immediately in the rare event of a mechanical issue ensuring your move stays on schedule.
Conclusion: Don’t Transport Your Life in a Cage
Your furniture represents your hard-earned money and your family’s comfort. It deserves better than being tossed into the back of a dirty open pickup truck.
The choice is simple. You can gamble with the elements and untrained labor or you can choose the security of Dar Al-Ettijahat’s closed trucks and professional team.
Choose Safety. Choose Professionals.
Don’t wait until moving day to realize you made the wrong choice. Contact Dar Al-Ettijahat today to book the safest trucks in Riyadh and guarantee a move that offers total peace of mind.