Budget is a national truck rental company owned by Avis Budget Group
Budget Truck Rental operates pickup trucks, cargo vans, and moving trucks through a network of franchised locations across the United States and Canada. You rent by the day, week, or one-way, and you pay for the truck, mileage (on some rentals), fuel, and optional coverage. Budget is one of the three largest truck rental chains alongside U-Haul and Penske, and it competes primarily on location density and pricing rather than fleet size.
The company does not own most of its locations — franchisees do. This means availability, pricing, and customer service can vary significantly between one Budget location and another, even in the same city. A Budget franchise in a suburban area may have different truck availability and rates than a Budget in a downtown commercial district.
Key Takeaways
- Budget charges by the day or week, plus mileage on local rentals, and offers unlimited mileage on one-way moves.
- You can reserve online or by phone, but calling your local franchise directly often reveals better pricing and truck availability than the national website.
- Budget requires a valid driver's license, credit card in your name, and proof of insurance; some locations ask for a second form of ID.
- Damage waivers and additional coverage are optional but cost $15 to $30 per day and are not included in the base rental rate.
- Budget's truck sizes range from 10-foot cargo vans to 26-foot moving trucks, and availability depends on location and season.
How Budget's pricing structure works
Budget charges a base daily or weekly rate plus mileage on local rentals. For a local one-day rental, you might pay $30 to $60 for a cargo van or $50 to $100 for a 10-foot truck, then an additional 59 cents to $1.50 per mile depending on truck size and location. Weekly rates are lower per day but still include mileage charges unless you book a one-way move.
One-way rentals (moving from one city to another) include unlimited mileage but cost more upfront — typically $200 to $600 for a 10-foot truck moving 200 to 400 miles, depending on direction and demand. Budget charges more for moves from rural areas to cities and less for the reverse. Prices also spike during peak moving season (May through September) and around month-end when many people relocate.
The base rate does not include fuel, damage coverage, or equipment like dollies and furniture pads. Fuel is your responsibility — you return the truck with the same fuel level you rented it with, or Budget charges you for the difference at a premium price. A damage waiver (sometimes called Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) costs $15 to $30 per day and covers collision and theft damage up to the truck's value.
What you need to rent from Budget
You must present a valid driver's license, a credit card in your own name, and proof of insurance. Budget accepts most major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and does not require a debit card, though some franchises may accept one with additional documentation. The credit card is used to authorize a security deposit, typically $100 to $300, which is released after you return the truck undamaged.
Proof of insurance can be a personal auto policy, a renter's insurance policy that covers vehicle rental, or a credit card's rental car coverage (check your card's terms). Budget's own insurance is available but costs extra. Some locations ask for a second form of ID such as a passport or state ID card, so bring two pieces of identification to avoid delays.
You must be at least 18 years old to rent, though some locations require 21 or older. International renters need a valid passport and an International Driving Permit (IDP) from their home country, available through AAA or your country's automobile association.
Comparing Budget to U-Haul and Penske
| Feature | Budget | U-Haul | Penske |
|---|---|---|---|
| Locations | Franchised; 2,000+ in North America | Company-owned and franchised; 20,000+ locations | Company-owned; 600+ locations |
| Local rental pricing | Daily rate + mileage | Daily rate + mileage | Daily rate + mileage |
| One-way pricing | Flat rate, unlimited mileage | Flat rate, unlimited mileage | Flat rate, unlimited mileage |
| Typical 10-foot truck, one-way 300 miles | $250–$450 | $200–$400 | $300–$500 |
| Damage waiver cost | $15–$30/day | $10–$20/day | $20–$35/day |
| Equipment rental (dolly, pads) | Available; $5–$15 each | Available; $3–$10 each | Available; $5–$15 each |
Budget's main advantage is location density in urban and suburban areas, which can make pickup and return convenient. U-Haul has far more locations overall, including rural areas, and often undercuts Budget on one-way moves. Penske typically charges more but maintains newer trucks and has stricter maintenance standards, which can matter if you are moving fragile items or renting during peak season when older trucks are in use.
Budget's franchise model means quality and pricing vary by location. A Budget in Denver may offer better rates and newer trucks than a Budget 30 miles away. Calling your specific location directly before booking online often reveals discounts or truck availability not shown on the national website.
How to reserve and what happens at pickup
You can reserve online at budgettruck.com, by phone at 1-800-428-3438, or by visiting a local franchise. Online reservations lock in a rate but do not may provide truck availability — you still need to confirm at pickup. Calling your local franchise directly often yields better pricing because franchisees can offer local promotions and adjust rates based on current demand.
At pickup, bring your driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance. The staff will walk you through the truck's condition using a damage checklist — photograph or video any existing dents, scratches, or stains before you leave the lot. This protects you from being charged for damage you did not cause. You will also review the rental agreement, which specifies mileage limits (if any), fuel policy, and damage liability.
Ask about fuel policy at pickup. Some Budget locations offer a "full-to-full" option where you return the truck with a full tank and pay a flat fuel fee; others charge you for fuel at a per-gallon rate if you return it empty. The per-gallon rate is usually 30 to 50 cents higher than retail gas prices, so filling up yourself before return is cheaper.
Damage waivers, insurance, and hidden costs
Budget's damage waiver is optional but recommended if you do not have comprehensive rental coverage through your personal auto insurance or credit card. The waiver typically costs $15 to $30 per day and covers collision, theft, and vandalism up to the truck's actual cash value. Without it, you are liable for the full repair cost if the truck is damaged, which can easily exceed $2,000 for a moving truck.
Check your personal auto insurance and credit card benefits before renting. Many personal auto policies cover rental trucks, and some premium credit cards (American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve) include rental car coverage that extends to trucks. If you are covered, you can skip Budget's waiver and save $15 to $30 per day.
Additional costs to budget for include equipment rental (dollies, furniture pads, hand trucks at $5 to $15 each), fuel surcharges if you return the truck without a full tank, and late return fees if you keep the truck past your reservation time. Some locations charge $40 to $75 per hour for late returns, so confirm your return time and plan to arrive early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a Budget truck if I have a bad driving record?
Budget does not automatically disqualify renters with accidents or violations, but franchisees have discretion to refuse. A recent DUI or multiple violations may result in denial. Call your local franchise directly to ask — they can tell you whether your record will be an issue before you visit.
What happens if I return the truck late?
Late return fees typically start at $40 to $75 per hour after your reservation time expires. Some locations charge a flat fee for returns up to a certain time (e.g., 2 hours late costs $50). Confirm your return time at pickup and plan to arrive 30 minutes early to avoid surprises.
Does Budget's one-way rental price include fuel?
No. You pay the one-way rental fee (which includes unlimited mileage), but you are responsible for fuel. You must return the truck with the same fuel level you rented it with, or Budget charges you for the difference at a premium rate. Fill up at a regular gas station before returning.
Can I rent a Budget truck under someone else's name?
No. The renter must be present at pickup with a valid driver's license and credit card in their own name. Budget will not rent to a person using someone else's card or license, even if that person is present.
What if the truck breaks down during my rental?
Call Budget's roadside information number (provided in your rental agreement) when ready. Budget will send a tow truck or replacement vehicle at no cost if the breakdown is due to mechanical failure. Do not attempt repairs yourself or use a private mechanic — Budget will not reimburse you.