U-Haul pickup truck rental prices depend on truck size, how far you're moving, and what time of year you rent

U-Haul charges by the day, the distance, or both, depending on which rental type you choose. A local one-way move in a 6-foot bed pickup might cost $20 to $40 for the day, while a 150-mile move in the same truck could run $60 to $120. Long-distance moves across several states cost significantly more—sometimes $500 to $1,500 or higher—because you're paying for mileage on top of the daily rate. Peak moving season (May through September) and weekend rentals push prices up; off-season weekday moves are cheaper.

The final bill also includes equipment fees, mileage overages if you exceed your estimate, fuel (you return it empty or pay their pump price), and optional add-ons like dollies or furniture pads. Insurance is not included in the base price and is sold separately. Because U-Haul's pricing changes constantly based on local demand and inventory, the only way to know your actual cost is to enter your specific pickup location, drop-off location, and dates into their website or call a local U-Haul dealer.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul pickup trucks are priced by the day, by mileage, or by a combination of both, and the rate varies based on truck size and current local demand.
  • A short local move might cost $20 to $40 per day, while a multi-state move can easily exceed $1,000 depending on distance and truck size.
  • Peak season (May through September) and weekend rentals cost more than off-season weekday moves.
  • The final bill includes fuel, equipment fees, mileage overages, and optional insurance—none of which are part of the advertised base rate.
  • U-Haul prices fluctuate based on local availability, so you must check their website or call a dealer for your specific dates and route to get an accurate quote.

How U-Haul calculates the base rental rate

U-Haul offers three main pricing models: daily rate, mileage rate, or a combination. For a local move (typically within 40 miles), you pay a daily rate plus mileage. For a one-way move across a longer distance, you pay a flat rate based on the distance and truck size. For a round-trip move, you pay a daily rate for the number of days you keep the truck.

The daily rate for a pickup truck ranges from roughly $15 to $40 per day depending on the truck model (6-foot bed, 8-foot bed, or larger) and your location. Mileage charges vary by truck size and region but typically run $0.50 to $1.50 per mile for long-distance moves. U-Haul adjusts these rates in real time based on demand in your area—if many people are renting trucks out of your city on your chosen dates, the price goes up.

The truck size you choose matters. A smaller 6-foot bed pickup is cheaper than an 8-foot bed or a larger truck. If you're moving a small apartment or just a few rooms, the smaller truck saves money. If you're moving a house or have a lot of furniture, you may need the larger option, which costs more but prevents multiple trips.

What gets added to your bill after the base rate

Fuel is a major hidden cost. U-Haul charges you for a full tank when you pick up the truck. You return it empty, or you pay their pump price (which is typically higher than a gas station) for any fuel remaining. On a long-distance move, fuel can add $100 to $300 or more to your total.

Equipment rentals are separate line items. A furniture dolly costs $5 to $10, a hand truck $3 to $5, and furniture pads $0.50 to $1 per pad. If you rent multiple items or rent them for several days, these add up quickly. Insurance is optional but strongly recommended for long-distance moves. U-Haul's damage waiver (which reduces your liability if the truck is damaged) costs roughly $15 to $30 per day, depending on the truck size and your location.

Mileage overages occur if you exceed the mileage estimate you provided when you booked. If you estimated 200 miles but actually drove 250, you pay for those extra 50 miles at the per-mile rate. Late fees explore if you return the truck after your reserved time. U-Haul typically charges an hourly rate (often $10 to $20 per hour) for the first few hours, then a daily rate if you're significantly late.

How season and day of the week affect price

U-Haul's busiest season is May through September, when most people move. Prices during these months are at their highest. June, July, and August are peak, and weekend rentals cost more than weekday rentals because more people move on weekends. If you can move on a Tuesday or Wednesday in October or November, you'll pay substantially less than a Saturday in July.

The end of the month is also busier than the beginning, so moving on the 1st or 2nd of a month is often cheaper than moving on the 28th or 29th. Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July) see higher demand and higher prices. If your move is flexible, shifting it by even a few days can save you $50 to $200 or more.

One-way versus round-trip rental costs

A one-way rental means you pick up the truck in one city and drop it off in another. You pay a flat rate based on the distance and truck size. A one-way move from New York to Boston might cost $150 to $300, while a one-way move from New York to Los Angeles could cost $1,500 to $2,500. One-way moves are priced higher in the direction of high demand—moving out of a city where many people are leaving costs less than moving into a city where many people are arriving.

A round-trip rental means you pick up and return the truck to the same location. You pay a daily rate for the number of days you keep it, plus mileage. Round-trip is cheaper if you're moving a short distance (under 100 miles) but becomes expensive for longer moves because you're paying mileage both ways. For moves over 200 miles, one-way is usually the better deal.

How to get an accurate quote before you commit

U-Haul's website has a reservation tool where you enter your pickup location, drop-off location, pickup date, and return date. It shows you available truck sizes and the price for each. This quote includes the base rental rate and mileage but not fuel, insurance, equipment, or fees. Write down the quote number and the total price shown—this is what you'll pay if nothing changes.

Call a local U-Haul dealer (not the national number) if you want to discuss your move or ask about current demand. Dealers sometimes know about local promotions or can explain why prices are high on your chosen dates. They can also help you choose the right truck size, which prevents overpaying for a truck that's too large or underpaying and then needing to make multiple trips.

When you pick up the truck, inspect it for damage and take photos. The rental agreement will note any existing damage, so you won't be charged for it when you return. Ask about the fuel policy in writing—some locations have different rules. Return the truck on time and with a full tank to avoid overage charges.

Comparing U-Haul to other truck rental companies

U-Haul is the largest truck rental company in North America, but Penske and Home Depot also rent pickup trucks. Penske trucks are often newer and may have lower mileage rates for long-distance moves, but daily rates can be higher. Home Depot's truck rental program is limited to local moves and is usually cheaper for short trips (under 50 miles). Budget and Lowes also offer pickup truck rentals in some areas.

Getting quotes from multiple companies takes 10 minutes and can save you $50 to $200. Each company prices differently based on their local inventory and demand. A truck that's expensive at U-Haul on your date might be cheaper at Penske, or vice versa. If you're moving a long distance, compare one-way rates across all companies—the savings can be significant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to return the truck with a full tank of gas?

Yes. U-Haul charges you for a full tank when you pick up the truck. You return it empty, or you pay their fuel price for whatever remains. Their pump price is typically $0.50 to $1 per gallon higher than a gas station, so it's cheaper to fill it yourself at a regular station before returning it.

What happens if I drive more miles than I estimated?

You pay the per-mile rate for the overage. If you estimated 200 miles but drove 250, you'll be charged for 50 extra miles at the rate quoted when you booked (usually $0.50 to $1.50 per mile). Estimate conservatively to avoid surprises—it's better to overestimate and not use all the miles than to underestimate and owe extra.

Is insurance worth buying for a short local move?

For a short local move under 50 miles, the insurance cost may exceed the value of the protection. For longer moves or if you're moving valuable items, damage waiver insurance is worth the $15 to $30 per day cost. It limits your liability if the truck is damaged, which can save you thousands if an accident occurs.

Can I negotiate the price U-Haul quotes me?

U-Haul's prices are set by their system based on demand and inventory, and they don't negotiate on the base rate. However, some local dealers may offer promotions or discounts during slow periods. Calling a local dealer instead of booking online sometimes reveals deals that aren't advertised on the website.

Why is the price so much higher on weekends?

More people move on weekends, so U-Haul has higher demand and less inventory available. Their pricing system automatically raises rates when demand is high. Moving on a weekday, especially mid-week, costs significantly less because fewer people are renting trucks.