Truck rental costs depend on the company, distance, truck size, and season

A one-way rental of a 10-foot moving truck typically costs between $20 and $50 per day with a major company, though local movers and smaller operators may charge differently. A cross-country move in the same truck can run $1,500 to $3,500 or more. The final price depends on how far you're moving, what size truck you need, whether you're renting during peak moving season (May through September), fuel costs in your region, and what extras you add—like dollies, blankets, or insurance.

The three largest truck rental companies—U-Haul, Penske, and Budget—set most of the market, but local rental shops and freight companies sometimes undercut them on short distances. Getting quotes from multiple sources takes 10 minutes and can save you hundreds of dollars, especially if you're moving locally or have flexible dates.

Key Takeaways

  • Daily rates for a 10-foot truck range from $20 to $50 per day with major companies, but the total cost depends heavily on distance and season.
  • A local one-way move (under 100 miles) usually costs $50 to $200 total, while a cross-country move can exceed $3,000.
  • Peak season (May through September) adds 20 to 40 percent to the base rate, and weekends cost more than weekdays.
  • Mileage, fuel surcharges, insurance, equipment rentals, and late fees all add to the final bill beyond the advertised daily rate.
  • Comparing quotes from U-Haul, Penske, Budget, and local rental shops takes minutes and often reveals significant price differences for the same move.

How daily rates and mileage charges stack up

Most truck rental companies charge a daily rate plus mileage, or a flat rate for a one-way move. With U-Haul, a 10-foot truck might cost $19.95 per day plus $0.99 per mile; Penske often quotes $24.95 per day plus mileage; Budget's rates vary by location. For a 50-mile local move, you might pay $40 for the day plus $50 in mileage, totaling around $90. For a 1,000-mile one-way move, the same truck could run $1,200 to $1,800 depending on the company and current demand.

One-way rentals (where you pick up in one city and drop off in another) usually cost more per mile than round-trip rentals, because the company has to reposition the truck. If you're moving from a high-demand area to a low-demand area—say, from a major city to a rural region—you may find cheaper one-way rates because the company wants to move inventory that direction. The reverse move (rural to city) typically costs more.

Seasonal pricing and weekend surcharges

Moving season runs May through September, and truck rental prices climb during those months. A 10-foot truck that costs $25 per day in February might cost $35 to $40 per day in July. The difference compounds over a multi-day rental: a three-day local move could cost $75 in winter and $120 in summer for the same truck and distance. Weekends and holidays also carry premiums—Friday and Saturday pickups often cost 10 to 30 percent more than Tuesday or Wednesday.

If you have flexibility in your moving date, shifting your move to a weekday in the off-season (October through April) can cut your total cost by a third or more. Some companies offer discounts for advance bookings, though prices can also drop if you book last-minute and the company has excess inventory.

Truck size and what it costs

Rental companies offer trucks in several standard sizes, and each has its own daily rate. A 10-foot truck (holds roughly one to two rooms of furniture) is the most common and usually the cheapest. A 15-foot truck costs 20 to 40 percent more per day. A 20-foot truck or larger can cost double the 10-foot rate. For a small apartment move, a 10-foot truck is usually enough; for a three-bedroom house, you may need a 15 or 20-foot truck.

Choosing the wrong size is expensive both ways. Too small, and you make multiple trips or rent a larger truck anyway. Too large, and you pay for space you don't use. Most rental companies let you reserve online and see the truck size before you commit, so measure your furniture or use their sizing guides before you book.

Fuel, insurance, equipment, and hidden costs

The advertised daily rate does not include fuel. You can return the truck full and pay per gallon, or return it empty and pay the company's fuel surcharge, which is usually higher than gas station prices. A 10-foot truck holds 20 to 30 gallons; a cross-country move might use $150 to $300 in fuel depending on the truck and distance.

Insurance is optional but common. Basic liability coverage (damage to others' property) may be included, but damage to the truck itself is not. Declining the company's insurance and using your personal auto policy or credit card coverage can save $15 to $30 per day, but verify your coverage first—many personal policies exclude rental trucks. Equipment rentals add up quickly: dollies cost $5 to $10 each, furniture pads $3 to $5 per pad, and hand trucks $5 to $15. Late return fees typically run $40 to $50 per hour after the grace period (usually one hour).

Comparing quotes across companies and local options

U-Haul, Penske, and Budget all have online quote tools where you enter your pickup location, drop-off location, and dates. Get quotes from all three, then check local moving companies and truck rental shops in your area—they sometimes undercut the national chains on short moves. Freight companies like Home Depot's truck rental or local U-Haul dealers may also have different pricing.

When comparing, make sure you're looking at the same truck size, dates, and insurance options. A quote that looks cheaper might exclude fuel or charge a higher mileage rate. Read the fine print for cancellation policies, damage waivers, and late fees. Some companies offer discounts for AAA members, military, or seniors—ask before you book.

What to expect for common moving distances

A local move under 50 miles in a 10-foot truck typically costs $50 to $150 total, depending on the day of the week and season. A regional move of 200 to 500 miles usually runs $400 to $1,200. A cross-country move of 1,500 to 3,000 miles can cost $1,500 to $4,000 or more. These ranges assume you're renting from a major company during normal season; peak season and specialty trucks (like a 26-foot box truck) will be higher.

If you're moving a small amount of stuff, a freight service or portable storage container might be cheaper than renting a truck. If you're moving a large household, hiring professional movers (who bring their own truck) could cost less than renting and doing the work yourself, especially if you factor in your time and the risk of injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a credit card to rent a truck?

Yes. All major rental companies require a valid credit card in the renter's name to hold the reservation and cover any damage or fuel charges. Some companies accept debit cards with a larger hold amount, but policies vary by location and company. Call ahead if you don't have a credit card.

What happens if I return the truck late?

Most companies charge an hourly fee (typically $40 to $50) after a grace period of one hour. If you're more than a few hours late, you may be charged for an extra day. Check your rental agreement for the exact policy and set a phone reminder before your return time.

Can I rent a truck one-way and save money?

One-way rentals cost more per mile than round-trip, but they can still be cheaper overall if you're moving a long distance and don't need to return the truck. Compare one-way and round-trip quotes for your specific route—sometimes one-way is cheaper, sometimes round-trip is, depending on demand and inventory.

Is the truck rental company's insurance worth buying?

It depends on your existing coverage. Check whether your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental trucks, and what your deductible is. If you have good coverage elsewhere, the rental company's insurance may be unnecessary. If you don't, it's usually worth the $15 to $30 per day to avoid a large out-of-pocket bill if the truck is damaged.

What if the truck breaks down during my move?

Call the rental company's roadside information number when ready—it's on your rental agreement. They will send a replacement truck or arrange a repair. You are not responsible for mechanical failures, and the company will not charge you for the delay. Keep the roadside information number handy before you pick up the truck.