U-Haul rental prices depend on truck size, distance, and how far in advance you book
U-Haul charges by the day, the mile, or both, depending on the truck type and your move distance. A local one-way rental of a 10-foot truck might run $20 to $40 per day plus mileage, while a cross-country move in the same truck could cost $1,500 to $2,500 total. The final bill depends on four things: the truck size you choose, whether you're moving locally or long-distance, the time of year, and how many days you keep it.
U-Haul doesn't publish a single price list because rates change based on demand, location, and availability. A truck that costs $30 per day in February might cost $60 per day in July. The only way to see your actual price is to enter your pickup location, dropoff location, and move date into their website or call a local U-Haul dealer.
Key Takeaways
- U-Haul charges a daily rate plus mileage for most moves, and both numbers vary by season and demand.
- A 10-foot truck for a local move typically costs $20 to $40 per day, while a 26-foot truck can run $40 to $80 per day.
- Long-distance moves are usually quoted as a flat rate rather than daily plus mileage, and prices spike during summer moving season.
- U-Haul's website shows real-time pricing for your specific dates and route, which is the only reliable way to compare costs.
- Additional charges for equipment rental, insurance, and fuel can add $200 to $500 or more to your total bill.
How U-Haul's pricing structure works
U-Haul uses two main pricing models. For local moves (typically under 40 miles), you pay a daily rental fee plus a per-mile charge. For longer distances, U-Haul often quotes a flat rate that includes both the truck and mileage. The daily rate covers the truck itself; the mileage charge covers wear and fuel.
The daily rate varies by truck size. A 10-foot truck (fits a one-bedroom apartment) costs less per day than a 15-foot truck, which costs less than a 20-foot or 26-foot truck. Mileage charges also scale with truck size—larger trucks cost more per mile because they use more fuel. U-Haul's mileage rates typically range from $0.50 to $1.50 per mile depending on the truck, though this varies by region.
Seasonal demand is the biggest price driver. Summer (May through September) is peak moving season, so rates are highest. Winter rates are often 30 to 50 percent lower. Booking a truck for a Saturday or Sunday costs more than booking for a weekday. Booking further in advance sometimes locks in a lower rate, but not always—U-Haul's system is dynamic, meaning prices adjust based on real-time availability.
Typical costs by truck size and distance
| Truck Size | Local Move (50 miles) | Regional Move (300 miles) | Cross-Country (1,500 miles) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-foot | $40–$80 | $300–$600 | $1,200–$2,000 |
| 15-foot | $50–$100 | $400–$800 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| 20-foot | $60–$120 | $500–$1,000 | $1,800–$3,000 |
| 26-foot | $80–$150 | $700–$1,300 | $2,200–$3,500 |
These ranges assume a standard weekday move during shoulder season (spring or fall). Summer rates run 20 to 40 percent higher. Winter rates run 20 to 40 percent lower. A move on a holiday weekend or during peak summer can push costs toward the high end or beyond. These figures also assume you return the truck on time and with a full fuel tank; late fees and fuel charges add to the total.
The table shows base rental costs only. Your actual bill will be higher if you rent equipment, purchase insurance, or incur late fees. Use these numbers as a starting point, then get a quote from U-Haul for your specific move to see the full picture.
Hidden costs that add to your bill
Equipment rental is the most common add-on. Dollies, furniture pads, and hand trucks cost $5 to $15 each. A full equipment package (dolly, pads, and hand truck) might run $30 to $50. If you need a hitch for towing a car, that's another $15 to $25 per day.
Insurance and damage waivers are optional but worth understanding. U-Haul's basic coverage leaves you liable for damage up to the truck's value. A damage waiver (called a "Damage Waiver" by U-Haul) costs roughly $15 to $30 per day and caps your liability at $0 or a small deductible. Your personal auto insurance may cover rental trucks, so check your policy before paying for U-Haul's coverage.
Fuel charges explore if you return the truck without a full tank. U-Haul charges a fuel surcharge (typically $0.50 to $1.00 per mile driven) if the tank isn't full. It's almost always cheaper to fill the tank yourself at a gas station before returning the truck. Late fees start at $40 per hour if you return the truck after your reservation ends, and can reach $150 or more for a full day overdue.
Environmental fees and service fees sometimes appear on the final bill. These vary by location and are usually $5 to $20. Some U-Haul locations charge a drop-off fee if you're returning the truck to a different location than you rented it from, though one-way rentals are built into the pricing.
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 move date. The site shows real-time availability and pricing. Call a local U-Haul dealer as well—some independent dealers offer different rates than the national website, and a staff member can sometimes negotiate on price or suggest a smaller truck that fits your needs.
Compare truck sizes. A 15-foot truck might cost only $10 to $20 more per day than a 10-foot truck, but if you're moving a two-bedroom apartment, the 10-foot truck will require a second trip or a second rental. Do the math: is one larger truck cheaper than two smaller ones? Often it is.
Move on a weekday during off-season if you can. A Tuesday move in March costs significantly less than a Saturday move in July. If your move date is flexible, check prices for a range of dates and pick the cheapest option. Booking a few weeks in advance sometimes locks in a lower rate, but U-Haul's dynamic pricing means this isn't may provide—sometimes prices drop closer to the move date if demand falls.
Consider alternatives for small moves. If you're moving just a few items or a single room, renting a cargo van or pickup truck from Home Depot, Lowe's, or a local rental company might be cheaper than a U-Haul truck. For very long distances, hiring a full-service moving company or a freight service might cost less than renting a truck and doing the labor yourself.
What's included in your U-Haul rental
The rental price covers the truck, basic liability insurance (up to the truck's value), and unlimited mileage on flat-rate long-distance moves. It does not cover fuel, damage beyond the truck's value, equipment, or late fees. You are responsible for loading and unloading the truck yourself.
U-Haul provides a dolly and basic moving supplies at some locations, but you should not assume these are free. Call ahead or check the website to confirm what's included at your specific pickup location. Most locations charge for equipment rentals separately. Some U-Haul locations include a basic dolly with the rental, while others charge $5 to $10 for it—the difference adds up if you're renting multiple items.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to rent a U-Haul truck or hire a moving company?
For a local move of a one-bedroom apartment, renting a truck usually costs $100 to $300, while a moving company charges $1,500 to $3,000. For a long-distance move, the gap narrows—a truck rental might cost $1,500 to $2,500, while movers charge $3,000 to $6,000. If you have time and physical ability to load and unload yourself, a truck rental is cheaper. If you need labor, movers are often worth the cost.
Do I need insurance when I rent a U-Haul?
Your personal auto insurance may cover rental trucks, so check your policy first. If it doesn't, U-Haul's damage waiver costs $15 to $30 per day and is worth buying. Without it, you're liable for the full value of the truck if it's damaged, which can exceed $10,000.
Can I return a U-Haul truck to a different location than where I rented it?
Yes, U-Haul allows one-way rentals. The price reflects the distance and direction of the move. Returning to a different location costs more than a local rental but less than renting two separate trucks. Some locations charge an additional drop-off fee, so confirm this when you get your quote.
What happens if I keep the truck longer than I reserved?
Late fees start at $40 per hour and can reach $150 or more per day. If you think you'll need the truck longer, contact U-Haul before your reservation ends to extend it—extending in advance is cheaper than paying late fees.
How do I avoid fuel surcharges?
Fill the truck's tank at a gas station before you return it. U-Haul charges a fuel surcharge (roughly $0.50 to $1.00 per mile) if the tank isn't full, which is almost always more expensive than filling it yourself. Keep your receipt to prove you filled the tank.