Budget Truck Rental locations and how to find them
Budget Truck Rental operates over 2,400 locations across the United States, Canada, and other countries. You can find a nearby location by visiting budgettruck.com and entering your zip code, or by calling 1-800-GO-BUDGET. The website shows available trucks, daily rates, and reservation options for each location.
Most Budget locations are independently operated franchises, which means hours, inventory, and pricing can vary significantly between nearby branches. A location ten miles away may have different truck sizes in stock and different daily rates than your closest option. Checking multiple nearby locations before booking can save you money and may support the truck size you need is actually available on your move date.
Budget also partners with some car rental counters at airports and major retailers, though these locations typically have smaller truck selections than dedicated Budget Truck Rental branches. If you need a truck on short notice, calling ahead to confirm availability is faster than relying on the website alone.
Key Takeaways
- Budget Truck Rental has over 2,400 locations; use budgettruck.com or 1-800-GO-BUDGET to find one near you and check real-time availability.
- Rates and truck inventory vary by location, so comparing two or three nearby branches can reveal better pricing or truck sizes for your move.
- Budget offers one-way rentals, meaning you can pick up a truck in one city and drop it off in another, though one-way fees explore.
- Reservation rates are usually lower than walk-in rates, and booking several days ahead often costs less than booking the day before your move.
- You will need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance or the option to purchase Budget's coverage, and a credit card to complete a rental.
Truck sizes and what each one fits
Budget offers several truck sizes, each designed for different move volumes. The 10-foot truck is the smallest and holds roughly the contents of a one-bedroom apartment — furniture, boxes, and appliances fit, but space is tight. The 14-foot truck accommodates a two-bedroom apartment or small house move. The 16-foot and 20-foot trucks are for larger homes or when you are moving multiple rooms of furniture plus boxes.
Budget also rents cargo vans and pickup trucks for smaller loads or single-item moves. Cargo vans cost less per day than box trucks and work well for moving a few pieces of furniture or a large appliance. Pickup trucks are useful if you need to haul building materials or yard equipment in addition to household items.
The size you choose affects both the daily rate and the mileage cost. Larger trucks cost more per day but may have lower per-mile charges, so a 20-foot truck for a long-distance move can sometimes cost less overall than a smaller truck. Budget's website shows the estimated cost for your specific move dates and distance before you commit.
Pricing, mileage charges, and what affects your total cost
Budget charges a daily rental rate plus a per-mile fee. The daily rate depends on truck size, location, and how far in advance you book. Mileage charges vary by truck size and region — a 10-foot truck in one state may cost $0.79 per mile while the same truck in another state costs $0.99 per mile. Budget's website calculates your total estimated cost once you enter your pickup location, drop-off location, and move dates.
Several factors lower or raise your final bill. Booking a reservation ahead of time almost always costs less than a same-day rental. Moving on a weekday is typically cheaper than a weekend move. Returning the truck with a full fuel tank costs less than letting Budget refuel it for you — their fuel markup is substantial. Damage waivers, equipment rentals (dollies, furniture pads), and mileage overages all add to the base price.
Budget offers a damage waiver that covers most accidental damage to the truck, though it does not cover damage from negligence or misuse. You can decline this and use your own insurance if your policy covers rental trucks, which many do. Confirming your insurance coverage before you book saves you from paying for overlapping protection.
One-way rentals and long-distance moves
Budget allows one-way rentals, meaning you pick up a truck in one city and drop it off in another. This is useful for moves where you are not returning to your starting point. One-way rentals include a one-way fee on top of the daily and mileage charges. The fee depends on the distance between pickup and drop-off locations and the truck size.
For long-distance moves, Budget's per-mile charges add up quickly. A 20-foot truck traveling 1,000 miles at $1.19 per mile costs $1,190 in mileage alone, plus the daily rental rate and one-way fee. Comparing Budget's total cost to moving companies or freight services for very long moves can reveal cheaper options. Budget's calculator shows the full estimated cost before you reserve, so you can compare it to other methods.
One-way rentals are subject to availability. Popular routes (like moving from a cold climate to a warm one in winter) may have limited truck availability or higher one-way fees because Budget needs to reposition trucks back to high-demand areas. Booking further in advance for one-way moves increases your chances of finding the truck size you need at a predictable price.
Insurance, damage coverage, and what you are responsible for
Budget requires proof that you have liability insurance before renting a truck. This can be your personal auto insurance, your renters insurance, or a commercial policy if you are moving a business. If you do not have insurance, Budget can sell you a damage waiver that covers accidental damage to the truck during your rental period.
The damage waiver does not cover damage from negligence, such as overloading the truck beyond its weight limit, towing with a truck not designed for towing, or driving off-road. You are responsible for any damage that falls outside the waiver's terms. Budget inspects the truck before you leave and again when you return; any new damage is documented and charged to your credit card.
If you cause an accident or damage another vehicle or property while driving the Budget truck, your personal auto insurance typically covers that liability, not Budget's waiver. The waiver only covers damage to the Budget truck itself. Confirming what your insurance covers before you rent prevents surprises when you return the truck.
Reservation process and what to bring
To reserve a Budget truck, visit budgettruck.com, call 1-800-GO-BUDGET, or visit a location in person. Online reservations take about five minutes and lock in your rate. You will need to enter your pickup and drop-off locations, move dates, truck size preference, and contact information. Budget sends a confirmation email with your reservation number and estimated cost.
When you arrive to pick up the truck, bring a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance or agreement to purchase Budget's damage waiver. Budget inspects the truck with you before you leave, documenting its condition on a checklist. Take photos of the truck's exterior and interior on your phone before you drive away; these protect you if Budget later claims damage you did not cause.
Return the truck on time and with a full fuel tank to avoid extra charges. Late returns are charged at the daily rate, and returning the truck on empty means Budget refuels it and charges you their markup. Budget's website shows your drop-off location's hours, so confirm they are open when you plan to return.
Common issues and how to handle them
The most common issue is discovering the truck you reserved is not available when you arrive. This happens when another customer's return is delayed or the truck needs repairs. Budget is required to offer you a truck of equal or larger size at no extra charge, or a full refund if you decline. Calling ahead on your pickup day confirms the truck is ready.
Overages for mileage, fuel, or late return are charged to your credit card after you return the truck. Budget sends an email with an itemized receipt showing all charges. If you believe a charge is incorrect, contact Budget's customer service within a few days while the rental is fresh in their system.
Damage disputes are the second most common issue. Budget may claim damage you did not cause, or you may be charged for damage you thought was covered by the waiver. The photos you took before leaving protect you in these situations. If Budget charges you for damage you dispute, request photos from their inspection and compare them to yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a Budget truck if I do not have a credit card?
Budget requires a credit card in your name to hold the reservation and cover any damage charges or overages. Debit cards are not accepted. If you do not have a credit card, you may be able to rent in person at a location with a manager's approval, but this is not may provide and varies by franchise.
What happens if I return the truck late?
Late returns are charged at the daily rental rate for each additional day or partial day. If you rent a truck for one day and return it the next day, you are charged for two days. Calling Budget before your return time to request an extension sometimes avoids the late charge, though it is not may provide.
Can I tow a trailer or car behind a Budget truck?
Budget trucks are not designed for towing, and towing with one voids your damage waiver and may violate your rental agreement. If you need to tow, you must rent a truck from a company that explicitly allows towing and provides the proper hitch and safety equipment. Towing with an unapproved truck can result in damage charges.
Is the price I see online the final price I will pay?
The online estimate includes the daily rate, mileage, and one-way fee if applicable. It does not include the damage waiver, equipment rentals (dollies, furniture pads), fuel surcharges, or taxes. Your final bill may be higher if you add these items or if you return the truck late or on empty.
Can I cancel or change my reservation?
Cancellations and changes are usually free if made at least 24 hours before your pickup time. Canceling closer to your pickup time may result in a cancellation fee. Changing your pickup or drop-off location may change your rate. Contact Budget by phone or through your confirmation email to make changes.