U-Haul truck rental prices depend on truck size, distance, season, and how far in advance you book

U-Haul charges by the day, the mile, or both—and the math changes depending on whether you're moving across town or across the country. A one-way local move in a 10-foot truck might cost $20 to $40 per day plus mileage, while a cross-country rental in a 26-foot truck can run $1,500 to $3,000 or more. The final bill depends on four things: the truck size you choose, how many miles you'll drive, whether you're moving locally or long-distance, and what time of year you're moving.

U-Haul publishes no fixed prices online—you have to enter your pickup location, dropoff location, and dates to see what you'll actually pay. This is because rates shift constantly based on local demand, fuel costs, and truck availability. Summer (May through September) is peak moving season, and prices reflect that. A truck that costs $30 per day in February might cost $60 per day in July at the same location.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul charges separately for daily rental fees and mileage, so a long-distance move costs more than the daily rate alone suggests.
  • Truck size ranges from 10 feet (roughly $20–$40 per day locally) to 26 feet (roughly $50–$100+ per day), and larger trucks cost more to rent and more to fuel.
  • One-way rentals (different dropoff location) cost more than round-trip rentals, and long-distance one-way moves often have fuel surcharges.
  • Summer moving season (May–September) has the highest prices; winter and early spring typically offer lower rates.
  • U-Haul's website is the only place to see actual prices for your specific dates and route, since rates change daily.

How U-Haul's pricing structure works

U-Haul uses a two-part pricing model: a daily rental fee plus a mileage charge. On a local move, you might pay a flat daily rate with unlimited mileage within a certain radius (usually 40 miles). On a long-distance move, you pay per mile driven, which adds up quickly on routes over 100 miles.

The daily rate varies by truck size. A 10-foot truck (good for a one-bedroom apartment) typically runs $15–$40 per day depending on location and season. A 15-foot truck (two to three bedrooms) runs $25–$60 per day. A 20-foot truck runs $40–$80 per day. A 26-foot truck (a full house) runs $50–$120+ per day. These are rough ranges; your actual quote will depend on your exact dates and location.

Mileage charges on long-distance moves typically range from $0.50 to $1.50 per mile, depending on truck size and fuel costs at the time of booking. A 500-mile move in a 26-foot truck could add $250 to $750 in mileage charges alone. U-Haul also charges a fuel surcharge on some long-distance moves if fuel prices spike.

One-way versus round-trip rentals

A round-trip rental means you pick up and drop off at the same location. A one-way rental means you pick up at one U-Haul location and drop off at another. One-way rentals almost always cost more because U-Haul has to move the truck back to where it's needed, and that cost gets passed to you.

For a local round-trip move (same-day or overnight), you might pay $30–$50 total for a 10-foot truck. For a one-way move across the state, the same truck could cost $300–$800 depending on distance. For a cross-country one-way move in a 26-foot truck, expect $1,500–$3,500 or more.

U-Haul's website shows both options when you search. Always compare the round-trip price to the one-way price—sometimes a round-trip is cheaper even if you don't plan to return the truck, because the daily rate is lower.

Seasonal pricing and booking timing

U-Haul's prices are lowest in winter and early spring (January through April) and highest in summer (June through August). Moving on a weekday is usually cheaper than moving on a weekend. Booking further in advance sometimes locks in a lower rate, but not always—U-Haul's system adjusts prices based on real-time demand, so a truck might be cheaper if you book it two weeks out or cheaper if you book it the day before, depending on local demand.

The first and last days of the month are peak moving times, so prices spike then. If your move is flexible, avoiding the 1st through the 5th and the 25th through the 31st can save money. Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day) also see higher prices.

Additional costs beyond the rental fee

The daily rate and mileage charge are not the only costs. U-Haul charges for equipment rentals: dollies, furniture pads, hand trucks, and boxes. A furniture pad rental costs $1–$3 per pad. A dolly costs $5–$10. Boxes range from $1 to $3 each depending on size. If you rent a dolly and pads for a full move, that can add $50–$200 to your bill.

U-Haul also offers optional damage waiver insurance (usually $15–$30 per day) that covers damage to the truck. This is not required, but U-Haul will charge you for any damage you cause—dents, scratches, mechanical problems—so many people buy it for peace of mind. Some credit cards and renters insurance policies cover rental truck damage, so check your coverage before paying for U-Haul's waiver.

Fuel is your responsibility. U-Haul trucks are not fuel-efficient—a 26-foot truck gets roughly 6–8 miles per gallon. A 500-mile move could cost $300–$500 in fuel alone depending on current gas prices. Some U-Haul locations offer fuel cards that lock in a price, which can save money if fuel prices are rising.

How to find the lowest price for your move

Get a quote directly from U-Haul's website by entering your pickup location, dropoff location, and dates. U-Haul does not publish prices elsewhere, and third-party comparison sites often show outdated information. The quote you see on U-Haul's site is the price you'll pay (before optional add-ons like insurance and equipment).

Compare truck sizes for your actual needs. A larger truck costs more to rent and more to fuel, but it might mean fewer trips. A smaller truck costs less but might require a second rental. Calculate the total cost (daily fee + mileage + fuel) for each size to see which is cheapest for your move.

If you have a AAA membership, U-Haul offers a small discount (usually 10% off the daily rate). Some employers and military branches also have U-Haul discounts. Check your membership cards and ask U-Haul directly about any discounts you might may have access to for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a U-Haul truck for less than the quoted price?

U-Haul's quoted price is the price you pay—there is no haggling. However, you can lower your total cost by choosing a smaller truck, moving on a weekday or off-season date, or booking a round-trip instead of one-way if that's an option. Some memberships (AAA, military) include small discounts.

What happens if I return the truck late?

U-Haul charges an additional daily rate for each day the truck is late. The amount depends on truck size and location. If you're unsure how long your move will take, rent for an extra day rather than risk late fees.

Do I have to buy U-Haul's damage waiver insurance?

No, it's optional. However, you are responsible for any damage to the truck. Check your renters insurance policy or credit card benefits—many cover rental truck damage. If you're not covered, U-Haul's waiver (typically $15–$30 per day) protects you from unexpected repair bills.

Is fuel included in the rental price?

No. You rent the truck empty and return it empty (or with a fuel surcharge if you return it less than full). Budget for fuel separately based on the truck's mileage and current gas prices in your area.

Why is the price so different when I search on different days?

U-Haul adjusts prices based on real-time demand, fuel costs, and truck availability at each location. The same truck on the same date might cost more or less depending on when you search and how many trucks are available in your area.