Moving Truck Rentals Compared: What Each Option Costs and Requires

The main moving truck rental companies and what they charge

The three largest truck rental chains are U-Haul, Penske, and Home Depot (which rents through U-Haul). Budget and Ryder also operate nationwide. Prices vary by truck size, distance, time of year, and local demand — a 10-foot truck might cost $30 to $50 per day locally, or $1,000 to $2,000 for a cross-country move. One-way rentals (picking up in one city, dropping off in another) cost more than round-trip rentals from the same location.

Each company sets its own rates and mileage policies. Some charge per mile after a daily allowance; others include unlimited mileage. Fuel is your responsibility — you return the truck with a full tank or pay their refueling charge, which is typically higher than gas station prices. Insurance, equipment (dollies, furniture pads), and late fees are separate line items that add up quickly.

Booking online usually shows you the lowest available rate for your dates and route. Prices can shift day to day based on local inventory. If you have flexibility on moving dates, checking a week earlier or later can sometimes cut costs significantly.

Key Takeaways

• U-Haul, Penske, and Home Depot are the largest national chains, but local rental shops and moving companies sometimes undercut them on specific routes.
• Truck size, distance, season, and whether you need one-way or round-trip rental all affect the final price, which can range from under $100 for a local move to several thousand for cross-country.
• You pay for fuel, insurance, equipment rentals, and mileage overage separately from the base rental rate, so get a full quote before committing.
• Booking several weeks ahead and checking multiple dates can lower your rate, especially during peak moving season (May through September).
• Damage waivers and insurance are optional but recommended; the company's damage deposit can be substantial if you decline coverage.

Truck sizes and what fits in each

Rental companies offer trucks in standard sizes: 10-foot, 15-foot, 20-foot, and 26-foot. A 10-foot truck holds roughly the contents of a one-bedroom apartment — a bed, couch, dresser, and boxes. A 15-foot truck fits a two-bedroom apartment. A 20-foot or 26-foot truck is for a three-bedroom house or larger.

The size you need depends on what you own, not just the square footage of your home. A sparsely furnished apartment might fit in a 10-foot truck; a packed house might need a 26-foot. Most rental companies let you reserve online and show you a visual estimate of what fits. If you underestimate, you can upgrade on moving day if a larger truck is available, though you may pay a premium.

Larger trucks cost more per day and use more fuel, but renting one truck instead of two saves money overall. If you are on the fence between sizes, err toward larger — the extra cost is usually less than the cost of a second trip or a second rental.

One-way versus round-trip rentals

A round-trip rental means you pick up and drop off at the same location. A one-way rental means you pick up in one city and drop off in another. Round-trip is cheaper per mile because the company can reposition the truck for its next customer anyway. One-way rentals carry a repositioning fee — the company's cost to move an empty truck back to where demand is higher.

For a local move within the same metro area, round-trip is almost always cheaper. For a move across state lines or to a different region, one-way may be your only option, or the price difference may be small enough that one-way makes sense if it saves you a return trip. Check both options when you book.

Some companies offer better one-way rates on popular routes (like California to Texas) because they have high demand in that direction. Less common routes (like rural Montana to rural Vermont) carry steep one-way fees because the company has to deadhead the truck back empty.

Insurance, damage waivers, and what happens if you damage the truck

Rental companies offer two types of coverage: a damage waiver (also called a loss damage waiver or LDW) and rental truck insurance. The damage waiver limits your liability if the truck is damaged — you pay a deductible (often $0 to $2,500) and the company covers the rest. Rental insurance works like car insurance and covers damage, theft, and liability. Both are optional, but the company will hold a damage deposit (typically $500 to $2,500) if you decline.

Your personal auto insurance may cover rental trucks, and your credit card may offer rental coverage. Before you buy the rental company's insurance, call your insurance agent and credit card company to ask what they cover. If you are already covered, you can decline the rental company's offer and use your existing coverage instead. If you are not covered, the rental company's damage waiver is cheaper than paying out of pocket for repairs.

Damage includes dents, scratches, broken mirrors, interior stains, and mechanical problems caused by misuse. The company inspects the truck before you take it and after you return it. Take photos of the truck's condition before you leave the lot, and document any existing damage on the rental agreement. Return the truck clean and on time — late fees and cleaning charges add up fast.

Mileage policies and fuel costs

Mileage policies vary by company and truck size. Some offer unlimited mileage; others charge per mile after a daily allowance (for example, 100 free miles per day, then $0.50 per mile). A cross-country move can rack up hundreds of dollars in mileage charges if you do not have unlimited mileage included.

Fuel is always your responsibility. You rent the truck with a full tank and must return it full, or the company charges you for the shortfall at a rate that is usually $1 to $2 per gallon higher than the local gas price. A 26-foot truck might use 8 to 10 gallons per 100 miles, so budget accordingly. Filling up at a gas station near the rental location before you return the truck saves money.

When you book, the quote should show whether mileage is included or charged separately. If it is charged per mile, calculate the total mileage for your route and add that cost to the base rental rate to see the true price. This is often where people find hidden costs after they have already committed to a rental.

Local rental shops and moving companies as alternatives

Independent truck rental shops and local moving companies sometimes offer lower rates than national chains, especially for moves within a region. They may have older trucks or less convenient locations, but the savings can be real. Search online for "truck rental near me" or "moving truck rental [your city]" to see what is available locally.

Local shops often have more flexible policies on damage and late returns, and you can negotiate on price if you are renting during their slow season. The trade-off is less predictability — a local shop might not have your preferred truck size available, or might close on weekends. National chains have consistent availability and policies across locations, which matters if your move is complicated or you need to make changes mid-trip.

Some moving companies include truck rental as part of a full-service package (they pack, load, drive, and unload). This costs more than renting a truck alone, but it eliminates the physical work and the risk of damage to your belongings. For a local move, a full-service mover might cost $2,000 to $5,000; for a cross-country move, $5,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on distance and volume.

How to get an accurate quote and avoid surprises

When you book online, enter your exact pickup and drop-off locations, your moving date, and the truck size you think you need. The quote will show the base rental rate, mileage charges (if any), and insurance options. Do not assume the quote includes fuel, equipment, or damage coverage — read the fine print.

Call the rental location a few days before your move to confirm your reservation and ask about any current promotions or discounts. Some companies offer discounts for military, AAA members, or corporate accounts. Ask whether the quote includes a dolly and furniture pads, or whether you need to rent those separately.

On pickup day, arrive early, inspect the truck with the attendant, and document any existing damage on the agreement before you drive away. Ask the attendant to walk you through the truck's features — where the spare tire is, how to operate the lift gate, what to do if you have a breakdown. Get the company's roadside assistance number and keep it with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special license to drive a rental truck?

For trucks under 26,000 pounds, a standard driver's license is sufficient in most states. Larger trucks may require a commercial driver's license (CDL). When you book, the rental company will tell you whether your license is valid for the truck size you are renting. If you need a CDL and do not have one, you will need to rent a smaller truck or hire a professional driver.

What if I return the truck late?

Late fees vary by company but typically run $40 to $50 per hour or a flat fee per day. If you are running late, call the rental location as soon as you know — some companies will waive or reduce the fee if you notify them in advance. Returning the truck on time is one of the easiest ways to keep your total cost down.

Can I rent a truck if I do not have a credit card?

Most national chains require a credit card for the security deposit and to hold the reservation. Some local rental shops accept debit cards or cash deposits. Call ahead to ask about payment options if you do not have a credit card. You will still need a valid driver's license and proof of insurance or willingness to purchase the company's damage waiver.

Is it cheaper to rent a truck or hire a moving company?

For a small, local move (one to two rooms), renting a truck yourself is usually cheaper — often $100 to $300 total. For a large or long-distance move, a full-service moving company may be competitive once you factor in your time, physical effort, and the risk of damage to your belongings. Get quotes from both and compare the total cost, not just the truck rental rate.

What should I pack first and last in the truck?

Pack heavy items (books, tools, kitchen equipment) first and low in the truck to keep the weight balanced. Pack lighter items (pillows, lampshades, clothes) higher and toward the back. Load furniture last so it does not shift during transit. Leave a small space at the front for items you might need during the move, like a phone charger or change of clothes.