U-Haul charges by truck size, distance, and season—not a flat rate

U-Haul's price depends on which truck you rent, how far you move, and when you move. A local one-way rental of a 10-foot truck might cost $20 to $40, while the same truck moved across the country could run $800 to $1,200. Peak moving season (May through September) costs more than winter moves. U-Haul also charges separately for equipment like dollies, furniture pads, and boxes, and those add up quickly.

The base rental fee covers the truck itself for a set number of days. U-Haul typically gives you one day free if you rent locally (same-day return), but longer rentals are charged per day. Mileage is included in most one-way rentals, but local rentals charge a per-mile fee once you exceed the free mileage allowance. Fuel is your responsibility—you return the truck with the same fuel level you took it with, or U-Haul charges you for a refill at their rate, which is usually higher than gas station prices.

Key Takeaways

  • Local U-Haul rentals charge by the hour or day plus mileage, while one-way rentals charge a flat rate that includes unlimited mileage to your destination.
  • Truck size ranges from 10 feet (roughly $20–$40 locally) to 26 feet (roughly $50–$100 locally), and larger trucks cost significantly more for long-distance moves.
  • Peak season (May through September) costs 20 to 40 percent more than winter moves, and weekend rentals cost more than weekday ones.
  • Equipment rentals—dollies, furniture pads, boxes, mattress bags—are charged separately and can add $100 to $300 to your total bill.
  • You pay for fuel separately, and returning the truck on empty triggers a refill charge at U-Haul's rate, which exceeds typical gas station prices.

How U-Haul calculates the base rental fee

U-Haul's pricing model splits into two categories: local rentals and one-way rentals. A local rental means you pick up and return the truck to the same location on the same day or within a few days. You pay an hourly or daily rate plus a per-mile charge. A one-way rental means you pick up in one city and drop off in another; U-Haul charges a flat rate that includes mileage to your destination.

For a local move, a 10-foot truck typically costs $19.95 to $39.95 per day, plus $0.99 per mile after the first 100 miles are free. A 15-foot truck runs $29.95 to $49.95 per day. A 20-foot truck costs $39.95 to $59.95 per day. A 26-foot truck, the largest standard option, costs $49.95 to $79.95 per day. These are base rates; your actual cost depends on your location, the season, and current demand.

One-way rentals work differently. U-Haul quotes a single price for the entire move based on truck size and distance. A 10-foot truck from New York to Boston might cost $300 to $400. The same truck from New York to Los Angeles could cost $1,500 to $2,000. Larger trucks cost proportionally more. One-way rentals include unlimited mileage, so you do not pay extra for distance—the distance is already built into the quote.

Truck sizes and what they cost for different distances

U-Haul offers four main truck sizes, and each has a different price point. The 10-foot truck fits roughly one to two rooms of furniture and is the cheapest option. The 15-foot truck holds about two to three rooms. The 20-foot truck accommodates three to four rooms. The 26-foot truck is the largest standard option and fits a full house or apartment.

For a 100-mile local move, expect to pay roughly $40 to $80 for a 10-foot truck (including mileage), $60 to $120 for a 15-foot truck, $80 to $160 for a 20-foot truck, and $100 to $200 for a 26-foot truck. These are estimates; your actual cost depends on your location and the day of the week. For a 500-mile one-way move, a 10-foot truck might cost $400 to $600, a 15-foot truck $500 to $750, a 20-foot truck $600 to $900, and a 26-foot truck $800 to $1,200. For a 1,500-mile cross-country move, a 10-foot truck could run $1,000 to $1,500, and a 26-foot truck could exceed $2,500.

These ranges reflect typical pricing, but U-Haul's actual quotes vary by location, season, and availability. Always get a quote directly from U-Haul's website or by phone before committing, because prices change frequently and regional differences are significant.

Seasonal pricing and when moves cost the most

U-Haul charges more during peak moving season, which runs from May through September. Summer moves typically cost 20 to 40 percent more than winter moves because demand is highest. July and August are the most expensive months. If you can move in winter (November through March), you will pay less, but winter weather may complicate logistics in some regions.

Weekends also cost more than weekdays. A Friday or Saturday rental is more expensive than the same truck on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Holiday weekends—Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day—trigger premium pricing. If your moving date is flexible, shifting to a weekday or off-season date can save you hundreds of dollars.

U-Haul's pricing algorithm adjusts in real time based on demand and inventory at each location. If many people are renting trucks from your area on your chosen date, the price goes up. If few people are renting, the price drops. Booking further in advance sometimes locks in a lower rate, but not always—U-Haul may raise the price if demand increases between your booking and your move date.

Equipment and supplies add to the total cost

The truck rental itself is only part of the bill. U-Haul charges separately for moving equipment and supplies. A furniture dolly costs roughly $7 to $10 per day. A hand truck (two-wheeled dolly) costs $5 to $8 per day. Furniture pads run $0.50 to $1.50 per pad, and you typically need 10 to 20 pads for a full move. Mattress bags cost $2 to $5 each. Moving boxes range from $1 to $3 per box depending on size, and a typical move requires 20 to 50 boxes.

A basic equipment package—two dollies, 20 furniture pads, 10 mattress bags, and 30 boxes—could easily add $150 to $300 to your rental cost. U-Haul also sells packing tape, bubble wrap, packing paper, and markers, each priced individually. If you buy all your supplies from U-Haul, the cost compounds quickly. Many people reduce this expense by sourcing boxes from grocery stores or liquor stores for free, using old blankets instead of furniture pads, and buying tape and wrap from a hardware store.

Fuel costs and the refill charge

U-Haul trucks run on gasoline (or diesel for larger trucks), and you are responsible for fuel. You pick up the truck with a full tank and must return it with a full tank. If you return it on empty or partially empty, U-Haul charges you for a refill at their rate, which is typically $0.50 to $1.00 per gallon higher than the local gas station price.

A 10-foot truck gets roughly 8 to 10 miles per gallon. A 26-foot truck gets 5 to 7 miles per gallon. For a 500-mile move in a 10-foot truck, you will use 50 to 60 gallons of fuel, costing roughly $150 to $250 depending on gas prices. For the same distance in a 26-foot truck, you will use 70 to 100 gallons, costing $210 to $400. Always fill up at a gas station before returning the truck to avoid the refill charge.

Insurance, damage waivers, and optional coverage

U-Haul offers optional damage coverage. The Damage Waiver (sometimes called Loss Damage Waiver) costs roughly $15 to $30 per day and covers most damage to the truck during your rental. Without it, you are liable for repairs, which can be expensive. A minor dent might cost $500 to $1,000 to repair; major damage can exceed $5,000.

U-Haul also offers Safemove, an optional insurance product that covers liability if you damage someone else's property or injure someone while driving the truck. This typically costs $10 to $20 per day. Your personal auto insurance may cover you while driving a rental truck, but you should verify this with your insurance company before renting, because coverage gaps exist. If your policy does not cover rental trucks, Safemove is worth the cost.

Roadside information is another optional add-on, costing roughly $5 to $10 per day. It covers towing, lockouts, and roadside repairs if the truck breaks down. For long-distance moves, this can be worthwhile peace of mind.

Ways to reduce your U-Haul rental cost

Book during off-peak season if possible. A winter move costs significantly less than a summer move. If you must move in summer, choose a weekday over a weekend. Even shifting your move from Saturday to Thursday can save $100 or more.

Downsize your truck if you can. A 15-foot truck costs less than a 20-foot truck, and you may fit your belongings in the smaller size with careful packing. Before renting, measure your furniture and estimate the cubic footage you need. U-Haul's website has a size calculator that helps with this.

Source your own boxes and packing supplies. Grocery stores, liquor stores, and bookstores often give away boxes for free. Use old blankets, towels, and clothing as padding instead of buying furniture pads. Buy packing tape and bubble wrap from a hardware store or online retailer, where prices are lower than U-Haul's.

Compare U-Haul to other rental companies. Penske, Budget, and Home Depot also rent moving trucks. Prices vary by location and date, so getting quotes from multiple companies can reveal savings. For long-distance moves, sometimes a competitor's one-way rate is cheaper than U-Haul's.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does U-Haul charge extra if I return the truck late?

Yes. If you keep the truck past your return time, U-Haul charges an hourly overage fee, typically $10 to $20 per hour depending on truck size. If you keep it past 24 hours, you may be charged for an additional day. Always return the truck on time or call ahead to extend your rental if you need more time.

Can I get a U-Haul quote without providing a credit card?

Yes. U-Haul's website and phone line provide quotes without requiring payment information upfront. You only pay when you pick up the truck. Getting a quote does not obligate you to rent.

What happens if I damage the truck during my rental?

If you did not purchase the Damage Waiver, you are liable for repair costs. U-Haul will inspect the truck when you return it and charge you for any damage. With the Damage Waiver, most damage is covered, though intentional damage and certain high-value items may have exceptions. Read the waiver terms before renting.

Is mileage really unlimited on one-way rentals?

Yes, one-way rentals include unlimited mileage to your destination. However, if you take a longer route than the direct route or make detours, U-Haul may charge extra mileage. Stick to the most direct route to avoid surprises.

Can I rent a U-Haul if I am under 25?

Yes, but U-Haul may charge an additional fee for drivers under 25. The fee varies by location and truck size, typically $15 to $30 per day. You must have a valid driver's license and meet U-Haul's other rental requirements.