U-Haul pickup rental prices depend on truck size, distance, and season

U-Haul charges for pickup trucks using a combination of base rental fee, mileage, and equipment add-ons. A local one-way rental of a 6-foot bed pickup might run $20 to $40 for the day, while a long-distance move across several states can cost $800 to $2,000 or more. The final price depends on which truck size you book, how far you're moving, what time of year you rent, and what extra equipment you add on.

U-Haul's pricing model is transparent on their website — you enter your pickup location, drop-off location, and rental dates, and they show you the total before you commit. The price you see includes the truck rental itself, but fuel, insurance, and equipment like dollies or furniture pads are separate charges you add during checkout.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul pickup trucks rent by the day with a mileage component, so a 50-mile local move costs far less than a 500-mile interstate move in the same truck size.
  • Peak moving season (May through September) costs more than winter rentals for the same truck and distance.
  • The smallest pickup (6-foot bed) is cheaper than larger models, but you may need a bigger truck depending on what you're moving.
  • Fuel, damage waiver insurance, and equipment like dollies are not included in the base rental price and add to your total cost.
  • U-Haul's online quote tool shows the full price before you book, so you can compare dates and truck sizes without calling.

How U-Haul calculates the base rental fee

U-Haul charges a daily rate plus mileage for pickup trucks. The daily rate varies by truck size — a 6-foot bed pickup costs less per day than a 8-foot bed or a larger truck. Mileage charges are per mile, and the rate per mile depends on the truck size and current demand in your area.

For a local move (typically under 40 miles), you may pay only the daily rental with minimal mileage charges. For a long-distance move, mileage becomes the larger part of your bill. U-Haul also adjusts pricing based on how busy they are in your area — if many people are renting trucks out of your location on your dates, the price goes up.

The online quote tool is the only way to see your actual price, because rates change daily and vary by location. Calling U-Haul or visiting a location in person will give you the same quote the website shows, but you'll get it faster online.

Seasonal pricing and peak moving times

Summer months (May through September) are peak moving season, and U-Haul charges more during this period. A pickup truck that costs $30 per day in February might cost $50 or $60 per day in July. Weekend rentals also cost more than weekday rentals during peak season.

Winter and early spring offer lower rates because fewer people move during cold months. If your move is flexible, shifting it to November through March can cut your rental cost by 20 to 40 percent. Holiday weekends (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's) are exceptions — prices spike even in winter.

Truck sizes and what they cost

U-Haul offers three main pickup sizes: the 6-foot bed (smallest), the 8-foot bed (mid-size), and the 10-foot bed (largest). The 6-foot bed is the cheapest option and works for small moves like hauling furniture from one apartment to another or moving a few boxes. The 8-foot bed holds more and costs a bit more per day. The 10-foot bed is the largest pickup U-Haul rents and costs the most.

Choosing the right size matters because you pay for the truck whether you fill it or not. Renting a truck too small means a second trip or paying for a larger truck anyway. Renting a truck too large wastes money on capacity you don't use. Before you book, measure what you're moving or list the items — U-Haul's website has a tool that estimates how much space you need.

Insurance, fuel, and equipment add-ons

The base rental price does not include fuel. You return the truck with a full tank, or U-Haul charges you a refueling fee (usually $0.30 to $0.50 per gallon above market rate). Pickup trucks typically get 10 to 14 miles per gallon, so fuel for a 500-mile move can cost $150 to $250 depending on gas prices.

U-Haul offers a damage waiver (sometimes called a loss damage waiver) that covers accidental damage to the truck. This is optional but recommended, especially for long-distance moves. The cost varies but typically runs $15 to $30 per day. Without it, you're liable for any damage, which can be thousands of dollars.

Equipment rentals add up quickly. A furniture dolly costs $5 to $10 per day. Furniture pads run $0.50 to $1.00 per pad. A hand truck is $5 to $10 per day. Rope, straps, and boxes are sold separately. If you're moving a full household, equipment costs can reach $100 to $200.

One-way versus round-trip rentals

A one-way rental means you pick up the truck in one city and drop it off in another. A round-trip rental means you pick up and return to the same location. One-way rentals cost more per mile because U-Haul has to reposition the truck back to its original location. For a 300-mile move, one-way might cost $600 to $900, while round-trip for the same distance would cost less because you're returning it to where you started.

If you're moving to a different city and won't need the truck again, one-way is your only option. If you're hauling something to a job site and coming back, round-trip saves money. U-Haul's quote tool shows both options so you can compare.

How to get an accurate quote before booking

Visit uhaul.com and enter your pickup location, drop-off location, and rental dates. The site will show available truck sizes with prices for each. Click on a truck to see the breakdown: daily rate, mileage charges, and total. You can add insurance and equipment during this step to see the full cost.

The quote is good for a set time (usually 24 hours), so you can compare prices across different dates or truck sizes without committing. If you book within that window, U-Haul honors the quoted price. Prices can change if you modify the dates or locations after your quote expires.

Calling a local U-Haul location will give you the same quote, but it takes longer. Online booking also lets you reserve the truck when ready, whereas calling requires a follow-up to confirm availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special license to rent a U-Haul pickup?

No. A standard driver's license is sufficient for all U-Haul pickup trucks. You must be at least 18 years old (16 in some states with parental consent) and have a valid ID. A credit card is required to hold the reservation and cover any damage charges.

Can I rent a U-Haul pickup for just a few hours?

U-Haul's minimum rental period is typically one day. If you need a truck for just a few hours, you'll still pay the full daily rate. Some local truck rental companies offer hourly rentals, which may be cheaper for short jobs like a single furniture haul.

What happens if I return the truck late?

Late returns are charged at the daily rate, prorated by the hour. If you rent for one day and return it 2 hours late, you'll pay roughly one-third of the daily rate as an additional charge. It's cheaper to extend your rental before the due time if you know you'll need the truck longer.

Are there discounts for longer rentals?

U-Haul does not publish standard discounts for multi-day rentals, but prices per day may be lower for longer moves because the daily rate is spread across more mileage. The online quote tool will show you the total for any rental length, so you can compare a 2-day rental against a 3-day rental to see if the extra day saves money overall.

Can I book a U-Haul pickup in advance?

Yes. You can reserve a truck up to several months ahead on uhaul.com or by phone. Booking early does not lock in a lower price — U-Haul adjusts pricing based on demand, so your rate may change between booking and pickup. You can modify your reservation if prices drop, but U-Haul does not refund the difference if prices rise.