U-Haul truck rental prices depend on truck size, distance, and season

U-Haul charges by the day, the mile, or both — and the final bill depends on which truck you rent, how far you're going, and when you're moving. 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 a 26-foot truck can easily exceed $1,500 to $3,000. Peak moving season (May through September) costs more than winter moves. U-Haul also charges for equipment like dollies, furniture pads, and boxes, and you'll pay extra if you return the truck dirty or with damage.

The company publishes no fixed rates — prices change based on demand at each location and time. The only way to know what you'll actually pay is to enter your pickup location, destination, truck size, and moving date into their website or call a local U-Haul dealer.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul charges a daily rate plus mileage for most rentals, and both components vary by truck size, distance, and season.
  • A 10-foot truck for a local move typically costs $20 to $40 per day, while a 26-foot truck for a long distance can run $1,500 to $3,000 or more.
  • Peak season (May through September) has higher rates than winter, and prices fluctuate based on local demand at pickup and drop-off locations.
  • Equipment rentals (dollies, furniture pads, boxes, hand trucks) and damage or cleaning fees are charged separately and can add $100 to $500 to your total.
  • You must get a quote from U-Haul directly — their website calculator or a local dealer is the only way to see the actual price for your specific move.

How U-Haul's pricing structure works

U-Haul uses a two-part pricing model: a daily rental fee plus a per-mile charge. The daily rate covers the truck itself for one calendar day. The mileage charge is per mile driven, and it applies whether you're moving locally or across the country. Both rates vary based on the truck size you choose.

For example, a 10-foot truck might have a daily rate of $20 to $40 and a mileage rate of $0.50 to $1.00 per mile. A 26-foot truck might have a daily rate of $40 to $80 and a mileage rate of $0.80 to $1.50 per mile. These are rough ranges — your actual quote will differ based on where you're renting and when.

If you're moving locally and returning the truck the same day, you pay only the daily fee plus mileage. If you keep it longer, each additional day adds to the bill. One-way rentals (picking up in one city and dropping off in another) typically cost more than round-trip rentals because U-Haul has to reposition the truck.

Truck sizes and what they cost to rent

U-Haul offers several truck sizes, and each has its own daily and mileage rates. Smaller trucks rent for less per day but may require multiple trips for a large move. Larger trucks cost more upfront but can fit more in one trip.

The 10-foot truck is U-Haul's smallest option and is often used for small apartments or single rooms. The 15-foot truck fits a one-bedroom apartment. The 20-foot truck handles a two-bedroom home. The 26-foot truck is their largest standard option and can move a three- to four-bedroom house. Specialty trucks like the 6x12 enclosed trailer or the cargo van are also available at different price points.

Larger trucks have higher daily rates and higher per-mile charges, but the cost per cubic foot of space is often lower. A 26-foot truck might seem expensive at $60 to $80 per day, but if you'd need three trips with a 10-foot truck, the larger option could save money overall. U-Haul's website lets you compare prices across truck sizes for your specific move.

Seasonal pricing and demand surcharges

U-Haul's rates spike during peak moving season, which runs from May through September. Summer weekends are the most expensive times to rent. Winter moves (November through February) are cheaper because fewer people move then. Spring and fall shoulder seasons fall in between.

Demand at your specific pickup location also affects price. If many people are renting trucks from your area on your date, prices go up. If trucks are sitting unused, prices drop. A move from a major city to a rural area might be cheaper than the reverse, because U-Haul has more demand for trucks leaving the city.

Holiday weekends and the first and last days of the month tend to be expensive. Moving mid-week or mid-month, or choosing a winter date, can lower your quote significantly.

Additional fees and equipment charges

The daily rate and mileage charge are not the only costs. U-Haul charges separately for equipment and services. A furniture dolly rents for $5 to $10 per day. Furniture pads cost $1 to $2 each. A hand truck is $5 to $10 per day. Boxes, tape, and other packing supplies are sold at retail prices. A mattress bag might be $2 to $5.

If you return the truck dirty, U-Haul charges a cleaning fee, typically $50 to $150 depending on how dirty it is. Damage to the truck — dents, scratches, mechanical problems — is charged to your damage waiver or your credit card if you declined the waiver. Fuel is your responsibility; you return the truck with the same fuel level as pickup or pay U-Haul's fuel surcharge, which is usually higher than gas station prices.

Some U-Haul locations offer a damage waiver (sometimes called a protection plan) for $15 to $30 per day. This covers accidental damage to the truck but typically has a deductible and does not cover negligence or mechanical failure.

One-way versus round-trip rentals

A round-trip rental means you pick up and return the truck to 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.

For a local move within the same city, round-trip is usually cheaper. For a move across state lines or across the country, one-way is often the only practical option. U-Haul's pricing calculator will show you both options if both are available for your route.

Some one-way routes are cheaper than others. A move from a rural area to a major city might be discounted because U-Haul needs trucks in the city. A move from the city to rural areas might cost more. The calculator will show you the actual price for your specific route.

How to get an accurate quote

U-Haul's website has a reservation tool where you enter your pickup location, drop-off location, truck size, and moving date. It will show you available trucks and the total price for each. You can also call a local U-Haul dealer or franchise location and ask for a quote over the phone.

When you get a quote, confirm what is and is not included. The quote should show the daily rate, mileage rate, total estimated mileage, total daily charges, and any equipment or service fees. Ask whether the price includes a damage waiver and what the fuel policy is. Some quotes include taxes; others add them at checkout.

Prices can change if you modify your reservation — a different date, truck size, or destination will produce a different quote. If you're flexible on your moving date, check prices for several days to find the cheapest option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does U-Haul charge by the day or by the mile?

U-Haul charges both. You pay a daily rental fee for each day you have the truck, plus a per-mile charge for every mile you drive. The total bill is the sum of both. If you rent for one day and drive 100 miles, you pay one day's rental plus 100 miles of mileage charges.

Is it cheaper to rent a U-Haul truck on a weekday or weekend?

Weekdays are typically cheaper than weekends, especially during peak moving season. Friday through Sunday are the most expensive days. If your move is flexible, choosing a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday can lower your quote. Winter weekdays are the cheapest combination.

What happens if I return the truck late?

U-Haul charges an additional daily rate for each day or partial day you keep the truck past the return time. If you rent for one day and return it the next day, you'll be charged for two days. Call ahead if you think you'll be late — some locations may waive a small overage if you notify them in advance.

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

No, the damage waiver is optional. If you decline it, you're responsible for any damage to the truck. If you have comprehensive auto insurance or a credit card with rental car coverage, check whether it covers U-Haul trucks before you buy the waiver.

Can I get a discount on a U-Haul rental?

U-Haul occasionally offers discounts for AAA members, military, or first-time renters, though discounts vary by location and date. Check the website or ask the dealer when you call for a quote. Military and AAA discounts are usually 10 percent or less and may not explore during peak season.