Moving truck rental costs range from $20 to $100+ per day, depending on truck size, distance, season, and which company you rent from

A one-way rental of a 10-foot truck for a local move (under 100 miles) typically costs $30 to $60 per day with major companies like U-Haul, Penske, or Home Depot. A 26-foot truck for the same distance runs $60 to $120 per day. Long-distance moves and peak season (May through September) push prices higher. The final bill also includes mileage charges if you exceed the included miles, fuel, insurance, equipment rental (dollies, blankets), and sometimes a damage deposit.

The price you see advertised is almost never the price you pay. Most companies quote a base daily rate, then add mileage overages, fuel surcharges, and fees. Understanding what actually gets charged helps you compare quotes accurately and avoid surprises at pickup.

Key Takeaways

  • Base daily rates for small trucks start around $20–$40 locally but climb to $60–$100+ for larger trucks or long distances.
  • Mileage charges explore if you exceed the included miles, and long-distance moves often have per-mile fees of $0.50 to $1.50 per mile.
  • Peak season (May through September) and weekend rentals cost significantly more than off-season weekday moves.
  • Insurance, fuel, equipment rental, and damage deposits are separate charges that can add $100 to $300+ to your total.
  • Getting quotes from at least three companies and booking early in the week or off-season can lower your final cost.

How truck size affects the daily rate

Rental companies charge by truck size, and the jump in price between sizes is steep. A 10-foot box truck (holds roughly one bedroom's worth of furniture) costs $25–$50 per day locally. A 15-foot truck (two to three bedrooms) runs $40–$75 per day. A 26-foot truck (four to five bedrooms or a full house) costs $75–$150 per day. A 53-foot semi-trailer, used for cross-country moves, can exceed $200 per day.

The size you need depends on what you are moving, not how many rooms you have. A 10-foot truck holds about 4,000 pounds; a 26-foot truck holds about 15,000 pounds. If you underestimate and rent too small, you either make a second trip (which costs more) or pay overage fees. If you rent too large, you pay for space you do not use. Most rental companies offer free estimates over the phone or online if you describe what you are moving.

Mileage charges and long-distance costs

Local moves (under 100 miles) often come with unlimited mileage included in the daily rate. Long-distance moves charge per mile, typically $0.50 to $1.50 per mile depending on truck size and company. A 500-mile move in a 26-foot truck can add $250 to $750 in mileage alone.

Some companies offer flat rates for common long-distance routes (like New York to Florida), which can be cheaper than per-mile pricing if you are moving far. Others charge a base rate plus mileage, which works better for shorter distances. Always ask whether the quote includes mileage or if it is added on top. The difference between "unlimited miles" and "per-mile charges" can be hundreds of dollars.

Seasonal and day-of-week pricing

Moving truck prices spike during peak season: May, June, July, August, and early September. Renting a 26-foot truck for a local move might cost $75 on a Tuesday in February but $150 on a Saturday in July. Weekend rentals (Friday through Sunday) cost more than weekday rentals year-round. Month-end moves (the last week of the month) are also pricier because many people move on those dates.

If your move is flexible, shifting it to a weekday in the off-season (October through April) can cut your rental cost in half. Some companies offer discounts for weekday rentals or for booking multiple days in advance. Checking prices for a few different dates before you commit can reveal whether waiting a week or two saves money.

Insurance, fuel, and equipment add-ons

The base daily rate does not include fuel. You either return the truck with a full tank (and pay the company's fuel price, which is usually higher than gas station prices) or prepay for a full tank upfront. Prepaying is often cheaper if you know you will use most of the tank. Damage waivers (insurance) cost $10–$30 per day and cover dents, scratches, and mechanical damage. Your personal auto insurance or credit card may cover rental trucks, so check before buying the waiver.

Equipment rental adds up quickly. Dollies cost $5–$10 each. Furniture pads and blankets run $10–$20 per set. Appliance dollies (for refrigerators or washers) cost $15–$25. A hand truck or two-wheeler is usually $5–$10. If you are moving a full house, equipment rental can easily reach $50–$100. Some companies include basic equipment; others charge for everything. Ask what is included before you book.

Damage deposits and hidden fees

Most companies require a damage deposit (usually $100–$300) held on your credit card at pickup. If you return the truck in good condition, the hold is released. If there is damage, the company deducts the repair cost from the deposit. Damage includes dents, scratches, broken mirrors, stains, or mechanical problems caused by misuse. Normal wear and tear is usually covered, but the company decides what counts as normal.

Other fees to watch for: late return fees (often $40–$50 per hour or per day), tolls (you pay these, not the company), and cleaning fees if the truck is returned dirty. Some companies charge a restocking fee if you cancel close to your rental date. Read the rental agreement carefully before signing, and take photos of the truck's condition at pickup and return to protect yourself against disputed damage claims.

Comparing quotes from different companies

U-Haul, Penske, Home Depot, Budget, and Lowes all rent trucks, and prices vary significantly for the same truck on the same date. U-Haul often has lower base rates but higher mileage charges. Penske tends to have higher daily rates but lower per-mile fees, which favors long-distance moves. Home Depot and Lowes are competitive for local moves but have fewer long-distance options. Getting quotes from at least three companies takes 15 minutes and can save $50–$200.

When comparing, make sure you are looking at the same truck size, distance, and dates. Include all fees in your comparison: mileage, insurance, fuel, and equipment. Some companies show the full price upfront; others hide fees until checkout. Booking directly through the company's website often reveals the true total cost faster than calling. If you find a lower price elsewhere, some companies will match it.

Ways to lower your moving truck rental cost

Book early. Prices rise as your rental date approaches, especially during peak season. Booking two to four weeks ahead usually saves 10–20% compared to booking a few days before. Rent on a weekday and avoid month-end and weekends. A Tuesday move in March costs far less than a Saturday move in July.

Rent the smallest truck that fits your belongings. Overestimating size wastes money. Use the company's online estimator or call for a free phone estimate. Return the truck on time and with a full tank to avoid overage fees. If you have a AAA membership, military ID, or student ID, ask about discounts—many companies offer 10% off. Combining a smaller truck with a second trip sometimes costs less than renting a larger truck, depending on distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy the damage waiver insurance?

Check your personal auto insurance policy and credit card benefits first. Many policies and cards cover rental trucks at no extra cost. If you are not covered, the waiver ($10–$30 per day) is worth buying to avoid paying out of pocket for dents or scratches. Read the waiver terms to understand what damage is covered.

What happens if I return the truck late?

Late fees typically start after a grace period (usually one hour) and run $40–$50 per hour or per day, depending on the company. If you are more than a few hours late, you may be charged for an extra day. Call the rental location as soon as you know you will be late—some companies waive or reduce the fee if you notify them in advance.

Can I rent a truck one-way to a different city?

Yes, but one-way rentals cost more than round-trip because the company has to move the truck back. Long-distance one-way moves often have per-mile charges on top of the daily rate. Some companies charge a one-way fee ($50–$200) in addition to mileage. Get a quote for both one-way and round-trip to see which is cheaper for your situation.

Is fuel included in the rental price?

No. You either return the truck with a full tank (and pay the company's fuel price at checkout) or prepay for a full tank upfront. Prepaying is usually cheaper. If you return the truck partially empty, you pay the company's per-gallon rate, which is typically $1–$2 higher than gas station prices.

What if the truck breaks down during my move?

Call the rental company when ready. They provide roadside information and will send a replacement truck or repair the vehicle at no cost to you. Keep the company's emergency number in your phone. This is one reason buying the damage waiver can be worth it—it covers mechanical failures that are not your fault.