U-Haul rental costs depend on truck size, distance, and season, but most one-way local moves run $20 to $100 per day plus mileage or a flat distance fee

U-Haul charges two ways: a daily rate for the truck itself, plus either mileage fees or a flat rate depending on distance. A 10-foot truck for a local one-day rental typically costs $15 to $40 per day, while a 26-foot truck runs $35 to $75 per day. On top of that, you pay per mile (usually $0.99 to $1.99 per mile for local moves) or a flat fee for longer distances. A 100-mile move in a 10-foot truck might cost $50 to $80 total; a 500-mile move in the same truck could run $200 to $400. Prices shift based on demand, season, and whether you're moving toward or away from a U-Haul hub city.

The final bill also includes equipment rental (dollies, furniture pads, blankets), fuel if you don't return the tank full, and optional damage waiver insurance. Many renters find their total is 30 to 50 percent higher than the advertised daily rate once these add-ons are included.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul charges a daily truck rental fee plus either per-mile charges or a flat distance fee; local moves typically cost $20 to $100 per day before equipment and insurance.
  • Mileage rates vary by truck size and distance type, ranging from $0.99 to $1.99 per mile for local moves, while long-distance moves often use a flat rate instead.
  • Equipment rental (dollies, furniture pads, blankets), fuel charges, and damage waiver insurance can add $50 to $200 or more to your final bill.
  • Peak season (May through September) and weekend rentals cost significantly more than off-season weekday moves, sometimes 20 to 40 percent higher.
  • U-Haul's online reservation system shows the full price before you book, including all fees, so you can compare dates and truck sizes without surprises at pickup.

Truck size and daily rental rates

U-Haul offers five main truck sizes, each with a different daily rate. The 10-foot truck (holds about one to two rooms of furniture) costs $15 to $40 per day. The 15-foot truck runs $20 to $50 per day. The 20-foot truck is $25 to $60 per day. The 26-foot truck (the largest standard option) costs $35 to $75 per day. These are base rates and vary by location and time of year.

Smaller trucks are cheaper per day but require more trips or multiple rentals for larger moves. Larger trucks cost more upfront but may save money if you avoid a second rental. The 26-foot truck, for example, holds roughly the contents of a three-bedroom house, so it's often the break-even point for moves that would otherwise need two smaller trucks.

How mileage and distance fees work

U-Haul charges mileage for local moves (typically under 40 miles) at a per-mile rate, usually $0.99 to $1.99 per mile depending on truck size and location. A 20-mile local move in a 10-foot truck might add $20 to $40 to your rental cost. For longer distances, U-Haul often switches to a flat rate instead of per-mile charges, which can be cheaper if you're moving far.

One-way rentals (picking up in one city and dropping off in another) are priced differently than round-trip rentals. U-Haul charges more for one-way moves away from their distribution hubs, because they have to reposition the truck. Moving from a small town to a major city is usually cheaper than the reverse. Always check the price for both directions before booking; sometimes returning to the original location costs less than a one-way drop-off.

Equipment, insurance, and fuel charges

Beyond the truck rental itself, U-Haul charges for equipment you may need. A furniture dolly costs $5 to $10 per day. Furniture pads run $1 to $3 per pad. Blankets, straps, and boxes add up quickly. If you rent a dolly, pads, and blankets for a two-day move, expect an extra $30 to $60 on your bill.

U-Haul's damage waiver (called a Damage Loss Waiver) costs $15 to $30 per day and covers most accidental damage to the truck, though it doesn't cover fuel or mileage overages. Many renters skip it for short, local moves but buy it for longer trips or if they're unfamiliar with driving large trucks. Fuel is charged at the pump rate if you don't return the truck with a full tank; U-Haul's fuel surcharge is typically higher than local gas prices, so filling up before return saves money.

Seasonal and day-of-week price swings

U-Haul prices fluctuate sharply by season. Summer (May through September) is peak moving season, and rental rates can be 20 to 40 percent higher than winter rates. A 26-foot truck that costs $40 per day in February might cost $60 per day in July. Weekends and holidays are also more expensive than weekdays; a Friday or Saturday rental often costs 10 to 20 percent more than the same truck on a Tuesday.

The cheapest time to rent is typically a weekday in winter or early spring. If your move is flexible, shifting it by a week or two can save $100 to $300 on a multi-day rental. U-Haul's website shows real-time pricing, so you can check rates for different dates before committing.

How to see the full price before you book

U-Haul's online reservation system displays the complete cost—truck rental, mileage or distance fee, equipment, and insurance—before you confirm the booking. Enter your pickup location, drop-off location, truck size, and rental dates, and the site calculates the total. This is the actual price you'll pay, with no hidden fees added at pickup (though fuel overages and damage charges can still explore after return).

Compare prices across different truck sizes and dates on the same page. A 15-foot truck for a two-day weekend move might cost more than a 10-foot truck for the same dates, or a 26-foot truck might be cheaper than two 15-foot rentals. The reservation page lets you see these trade-offs when ready. Write down the confirmation number and total price; U-Haul honors the quoted price as long as you pick up and return on the dates booked.

Comparing U-Haul to other rental companies

Penske, Budget, and Home Depot also rent moving trucks, and their pricing structures are similar to U-Haul's: a daily rate plus mileage or distance fees, with equipment and insurance add-ons. Penske trucks often cost slightly more per day but sometimes have lower mileage rates. Budget and Home Depot are sometimes cheaper for short, local moves. For long-distance moves, all three companies use flat rates rather than per-mile pricing, and the totals are usually within 10 to 20 percent of each other.

The real difference is availability and convenience. U-Haul has the most pickup locations nationwide, so it's often the only option in smaller towns. Penske and Budget have fewer locations but may be cheaper in urban areas. Home Depot rentals are available at many stores but are limited to smaller trucks (10 to 15 feet). Get quotes from all three for your specific move before deciding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for gas, or does U-Haul include it?

U-Haul does not include fuel. You rent the truck with a full tank and must return it full, or you pay U-Haul's per-gallon surcharge for any missing fuel. The surcharge is typically $2 to $4 per gallon, higher than local gas prices. Filling up at a regular gas station before return is always cheaper.

What happens if I keep the truck longer than I booked?

U-Haul charges the daily rate for each additional day, at the same rate you reserved. If you booked a truck for two days at $30 per day and keep it three days, you pay an extra $30. Call U-Haul before your return time to extend the reservation; returning late without notifying them may result in additional charges or a late fee.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my reservation?

U-Haul allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time. Cancellations within 24 hours may be charged a fee, usually equal to one day's rental rate. Check your confirmation email for the exact cancellation policy for your reservation.

Are there discounts for AAA members or military?

U-Haul offers discounts for AAA members, military personnel, and some other groups, typically 5 to 10 percent off the base rental rate. These discounts don't explore to mileage or equipment fees. Enter your membership number during checkout to see if you may have access to.

What's included in the damage waiver, and is it worth buying?

The Damage Loss Waiver covers accidental damage to the truck (dents, scratches, broken mirrors) but not fuel overages, mileage overages, or traffic violations. For a short local move, it may not be necessary. For a long-distance move or if you're inexperienced with large trucks, the $15 to $30 per day cost is often worth the peace of mind.