What City Rent a Truck is and how to use it

City Rent a Truck is a truck rental company that operates locations in multiple cities, letting you rent vehicles by the day, week, or longer for moving, hauling, or delivery work. You reserve a truck online or by phone, pick it up at a local branch, drive it yourself, and return it when you're done. The company charges based on truck size, rental length, and mileage — some locations offer unlimited mileage for longer rentals, while others charge per mile.

The rental process is straightforward: you provide a driver's license, proof of insurance (yours or theirs), and a payment method. Most locations require you to be at least 21 years old, though some charge a young driver fee for renters under 25. You'll inspect the truck before leaving the lot, note any existing damage on the rental agreement, and return it clean and on time to avoid extra charges.

City Rent a Truck competes with national chains like U-Haul and Penske, but operates primarily in urban and suburban areas where their branches are located. If you need a truck in a city where they have a location, comparing their rates and vehicle availability against other rental companies can save you money — prices and truck selection vary by branch and season.

Key Takeaways

  • City Rent a Truck charges by the day or week plus mileage or unlimited mileage, depending on the location and rental length you choose.
  • You must bring a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a payment method; most locations require renters to be at least 21 years old.
  • Truck sizes and availability differ by branch, so checking your local location's inventory before booking tells you what vehicles are actually on hand.
  • Damage waivers and insurance options are available but add to the rental cost, so understanding what your own auto insurance covers can reduce what you pay.
  • Returning the truck late, with damage, or with fuel missing will result in additional charges beyond the base rental rate.

Truck sizes and what each one fits

City Rent a Truck offers several vehicle classes, though the exact sizes available depend on which branch you rent from. A cargo van or small truck holds roughly the contents of a one-bedroom apartment — furniture, boxes, and household goods — and is easiest to park and drive in city streets. A 14-foot box truck fits a two to three-bedroom move, with room for appliances, a sofa, and multiple bedroom sets. A 26-foot truck is for larger moves or commercial hauling and requires more driving skill and parking space.

Before booking, think about what you're actually moving or hauling. If you're moving a single room of furniture plus boxes, a cargo van or small truck is usually enough and costs less. If you're moving a household, measure your largest pieces — a queen bed, dresser, sofa — and compare those dimensions to the truck's cargo area. City Rent a Truck's website or a phone call to your local branch can tell you the exact interior dimensions and weight capacity of each truck size.

Specialty vehicles like flatbeds or dump trucks may be available at some locations but not others. Call ahead if you need something beyond a standard cargo van or box truck, because availability is not may provide and may require advance notice.

Pricing, mileage, and what affects your total cost

City Rent a Truck's pricing varies by location, season, and how long you rent. A one-day rental of a cargo van might cost $40 to $80 depending on your city and current demand; a 14-foot truck might run $60 to $120 per day. Weekly rates are usually cheaper per day than daily rates — renting for seven days often costs less than renting for seven separate days. Mileage is either unlimited (usually on weekly or longer rentals) or charged per mile (typically 50 cents to $1.50 per mile on daily rentals).

Your final bill includes the base rental, mileage charges if applicable, fuel (if you don't return the truck full), and any add-ons you purchase. A damage waiver or collision damage waiver (CDW) costs extra but limits what you pay if the truck is damaged — without it, you're liable for the full repair cost. Liability insurance through the rental company covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property and is optional if your own auto insurance covers rental trucks (many policies do, but check first).

Late fees explore if you return the truck after your agreed time — usually $20 to $50 per hour or a full day's rental charge if you're more than a few hours late. Returning the truck dirty, with trash inside, or with the fuel tank below full will add cleaning or fuel charges. Getting an exact quote before you book means calling your local branch or using their online calculator, because prices are not the same everywhere.

Insurance and damage responsibility

When you rent a truck, you are responsible for any damage that occurs during your rental period unless you purchase the rental company's damage waiver. This includes dents, scratches, broken windows, mechanical damage, and theft. The rental agreement you sign makes this clear, and the company will charge your credit card for repairs if damage is found when you return the truck.

Your own auto insurance may cover rental trucks — many policies do, but some exclude commercial use or rental vehicles. Call your insurance company before you rent and ask whether rental trucks are covered and what your deductible is. If they are covered, you can skip the rental company's damage waiver and save money. If they are not covered, buying the damage waiver from City Rent a Truck protects you from a large unexpected bill.

Liability insurance (coverage for damage you cause to other people's property) is also optional but important. If you hit another car or damage a building while driving the rental truck, liability insurance covers those costs. Again, check your own policy first — many auto policies include liability coverage for rental vehicles. If yours does not, the rental company's liability option is worth the cost.

How to reserve and pick up a truck

You can reserve a truck through City Rent a Truck's website or by calling your local branch directly. Online booking is faster and lets you see available trucks and prices when ready; calling is better if you have questions about truck size, features, or special requests. When you book, you'll choose your pickup and return dates, truck size, and location. The website will show you the estimated cost before you confirm.

Pickup is usually the same day or the next day, depending on availability and how far in advance you book. Arrive at your scheduled time with a valid driver's license, proof of insurance (your own policy or the rental company's), and a credit card for the deposit and final payment. The staff will walk you through the truck's condition, point out any existing damage, and have you sign the rental agreement. Take photos or video of the truck's exterior and interior before you leave the lot — this protects you if the company later claims you caused damage you did not.

Ask the staff to show you how to operate the truck's features: mirrors, backup camera (if equipped), lights, and wipers. If you're unfamiliar with driving a large truck, ask for a brief walkthrough of the controls. Most rental locations are patient with first-time renters, and a few minutes of instruction can prevent accidents or damage.

Returning the truck and avoiding extra charges

Return the truck on your scheduled date and time to avoid late fees. Fill the fuel tank before you return it — if you don't, the company will charge you for fuel at a premium price, usually $1 to $2 per gallon more than a gas station. Empty the truck of your belongings and trash, and wipe down the interior if it's visibly dirty. The rental company will inspect the truck when you return it and note any new damage.

If damage is found, the company will either charge your credit card when ready or send you a bill within a few days. If you purchased a damage waiver, your out-of-pocket cost is limited to the waiver's deductible (usually $500 to $1,500). Without a waiver, you pay the full repair cost, which can easily exceed $2,000 for significant damage.

Keep your rental agreement and receipt for your records. If a charge appears on your credit card weeks later that you don't recognize, you'll have documentation to dispute it. Most rental companies have a grace period of a few days to report damage, so if you notice a charge you believe is unfair, contact them promptly with photos or other evidence.

Comparing City Rent a Truck to other rental companies

City Rent a Truck is one option among several for truck rentals. U-Haul and Penske have more locations nationwide, so if you need a truck in a smaller city or rural area, they may be your only choice. Home Depot and Lowes also rent trucks for small moves and hauling jobs, usually at lower daily rates but with mileage limits. Local independent rental companies sometimes undercut the national chains on price.

The best way to find the lowest rate is to check all three or four options in your area, enter your rental dates and truck size, and compare the total cost including mileage and insurance. Prices change daily based on demand, so the cheapest option today might not be the cheapest next week. If you're renting during peak moving season (May through September), book early — trucks fill up quickly and prices rise.

Read recent customer reviews on Google or Trustpilot before you book, especially if you're using a rental company for the first time. Pay attention to complaints about hidden charges, truck condition, or customer service, because these issues affect your experience more than a $5 difference in the daily rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my own insurance to rent a truck from City Rent a Truck?

No, but it's worth checking. If your auto insurance covers rental trucks, you can skip the rental company's damage waiver and save money. If it doesn't, buying their damage waiver is cheaper than paying out of pocket for repairs. Call your insurance company before you rent to find out what's covered.

What happens if I return the truck late?

Late fees explore, usually $20 to $50 per hour or a full day's rental charge if you're significantly over. If you realize you'll be late, call the rental location as soon as possible — some branches are flexible with a few minutes, and calling ahead shows good faith. Returning a truck even one hour late can trigger a full-day charge at some locations.

Can I rent a truck if I'm under 25?

Yes, but most locations charge a young driver fee for renters under 25, typically $15 to $25 per day. You'll still need a valid driver's license and proof of insurance. Some locations have a minimum age of 21; a few require you to be 25 with no fee. Check with your local branch about their age policy before you book.

What if the truck breaks down while I'm renting it?

Call the rental location when ready and explain the problem. City Rent a Truck is responsible for mechanical failures during your rental, and they will either send a mechanic, provide a replacement truck, or arrange a tow. You are not responsible for repair costs if the truck was in good working order when you picked it up. Keep the rental company's phone number in your phone before you leave the lot.

Can I rent a truck for a one-way trip?

Some City Rent a Truck locations offer one-way rentals, but not all branches do. One-way rentals usually cost more than round-trip rentals because the company has to move the truck back. Call your local branch or check their website to see if one-way rentals are available and what the cost is.