U-Haul rental prices start at roughly $20 per day for a cargo van in many markets, but the final bill depends on truck size, distance, season, and whether you move locally or across the country

U-Haul charges by the day and by the mile (or offers unlimited mileage on longer moves). A local one-way rental of a 10-foot truck might run $40 to $60 per day plus mileage, while a cross-country move in the same truck could cost $1,200 to $2,000 total. Cargo vans are cheaper per day but hold less; larger trucks cost more daily but move more in one trip. Peak season (May through September) and holiday weekends push prices up significantly.

The price you see online is not the price you pay. U-Haul adds equipment fees (dollies, furniture pads, blankets), fuel surcharges, and environmental fees. Some locations charge drop-off fees if you return the truck to a different branch. Insurance is optional but recommended, and it adds $15 to $30 per day depending on coverage level.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul charges a daily rate plus mileage for most rentals, or a flat rate for longer distances, and the final cost includes equipment, fuel, and optional insurance.
  • Cargo vans rent for roughly $20 to $30 per day; 10-foot trucks run $40 to $60 per day; 20-foot trucks and larger cost $60 to $100 per day, all before mileage and fees.
  • Local moves are priced by the day and mile; long-distance moves often have a flat rate that covers unlimited mileage, which is usually cheaper per mile than paying as you go.
  • Peak season (May through September) and holiday weekends add 20 to 40 percent to base rates, so booking in the off-season saves money if your move is flexible.
  • The online quote does not include equipment rental, fuel surcharge, environmental fees, or insurance, so budget an extra $100 to $300 for a typical local move.

How U-Haul's pricing structure works

U-Haul uses a two-part pricing model for local and regional moves: a daily rental rate plus a per-mile charge. When you reserve a truck online, you enter your pickup location, drop-off location, and dates. The system calculates the distance and shows you the daily rate for that market on that date, then multiplies the mileage by U-Haul's per-mile rate (typically $0.99 to $1.29 per mile, depending on truck size and location).

For long-distance moves—usually defined as more than 100 miles one way—U-Haul often quotes a flat rate instead. This rate covers the truck, unlimited mileage, and basic fuel. The flat rate is calculated based on the truck size, the distance, and current demand. A move from New York to Florida in a 20-foot truck might be quoted as a single price of $2,800 to $3,500, rather than a daily rate plus per-mile charges. Flat rates are usually cheaper per mile than local pricing, which is why long-distance moves can seem like better value even though the total dollar amount is higher.

Truck sizes and their daily rental rates

U-Haul offers several truck and van sizes, each with its own daily rate. Cargo vans (5 by 8 feet) rent for $20 to $35 per day in most markets and hold roughly 300 cubic feet—enough for a studio apartment or a small office move. Pickup trucks (open bed) rent for $25 to $45 per day and are useful for hauling bulky items like furniture or appliances but offer no weather protection.

10-foot trucks (the most common size for apartment moves) rent for $40 to $70 per day and hold about 4,000 cubic feet. A 15-foot truck runs $60 to $90 per day and holds roughly 6,000 cubic feet. 20-foot trucks and larger (26-foot, 26-foot with lift gate) rent for $80 to $150 per day and are used for house moves or commercial relocations. These prices are base rates; mileage, fees, and insurance stack on top.

The right size depends on what you are moving. U-Haul's website includes a size calculator where you enter the number of rooms and furniture items, and it recommends a truck. Most people underestimate how much space they need, so if you are between two sizes, the larger one often saves money by avoiding a second trip.

Mileage charges and when you pay per mile versus a flat rate

For local and regional moves, U-Haul charges per mile. The per-mile rate varies by truck size and location but typically ranges from $0.99 to $1.29 per mile. A 10-foot truck moving 50 miles at $1.19 per mile costs $59.50 in mileage alone, on top of the daily rental. If you rent for one day at $50, your total is roughly $110 before equipment and fees.

Long-distance moves use a flat rate instead, which is usually cheaper per mile. The flat rate is quoted upfront and includes unlimited mileage. For example, a 1,000-mile move in a 10-foot truck might be quoted at $1,200 flat, which works out to $1.20 per mile—comparable to or cheaper than local per-mile pricing, even though the total is higher. The flat rate also removes the uncertainty; you know the cost before you book.

U-Haul defines long-distance differently by location, but it is generally more than 100 miles one way. If your move is close to that threshold, ask U-Haul directly whether you may have access to for a flat rate, because it can make a significant difference.

Seasonal pricing and how to find lower rates

U-Haul's prices fluctuate based on demand. Peak moving season runs from May through September, with the highest prices in July and August. Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving) also see price spikes. During these periods, a 10-foot truck that rents for $40 per day in January might cost $70 to $100 per day in July.

Off-season moves (October through April, excluding holidays) are significantly cheaper. If your move is flexible, shifting it by a few weeks can save hundreds of dollars. Weekday moves are also cheaper than weekend moves; a Friday or Saturday rental costs more than a Monday or Tuesday rental for the same truck and distance.

U-Haul's online reservation system shows real-time pricing for your specific dates and location. Checking different dates side by side reveals the price difference. Some people book a truck for a weekday move, then call U-Haul to ask about extending the rental into the weekend at the same rate—it sometimes works, especially if the truck is not in high demand.

Equipment, fees, and insurance add to the base price

The daily rental rate and mileage are only part of the bill. U-Haul charges separately for equipment: dollies ($5 to $10 each), furniture pads ($1 to $3 per pad), blankets ($2 to $5 each), and straps or tie-downs ($2 to $5). A typical move might include a dolly, a set of pads, and blankets, adding $20 to $40 to the rental.

U-Haul also charges a fuel surcharge (usually $5 to $15 per rental) and an environmental fee ($3 to $5). If you return the truck to a different location than where you picked it up, some branches charge a drop-off fee, which can range from $0 to $100 depending on the locations. These fees are not always shown in the initial online quote; they appear when you finalize the reservation or at checkout.

Insurance is optional but strongly recommended. U-Haul offers two coverage levels: basic coverage (damage waiver) at roughly $15 to $20 per day, and full coverage at $25 to $30 per day. Basic coverage means you pay for damage up to a deductible (often $3,000); full coverage means U-Haul covers damage. If you have homeowner's or renter's insurance, check whether it covers rental trucks—some policies do, which means you can skip U-Haul's insurance. If not, the cost of insurance is worth the protection.

Comparing U-Haul to other rental companies

U-Haul is the largest truck rental company in the United States, but Penske, Budget, and Home Depot also rent trucks. Penske generally charges higher daily rates but sometimes offers lower per-mile rates on long-distance moves. Budget is often cheaper on daily rates but may charge more for equipment and fees. Home Depot rentals are limited to smaller trucks and vans and are typically priced competitively for short, local moves.

The best way to compare is to get quotes from at least two companies for your specific move. Enter the same pickup location, drop-off location, dates, and truck size into each company's reservation system. The total cost (including all fees and insurance) is what matters, not the daily rate alone. Sometimes U-Haul is cheapest; sometimes a competitor is. Prices change daily based on local demand.

U-Haul's advantage is availability—it has more locations and trucks than competitors, so you are more likely to find a truck available on your preferred date. That availability sometimes comes at a price premium, especially during peak season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does U-Haul charge for fuel, or do I return it full?

U-Haul charges a fuel surcharge (typically $5 to $15) but does not require you to return the truck with a full tank. You pay for the fuel surcharge regardless of how much fuel you use. Some competitors require you to return the truck full or pay a refueling fee, so U-Haul's model is usually cheaper if you use less fuel than a full tank.

Can I get a discount if I book early?

U-Haul does not offer early-booking discounts in the traditional sense. Prices are set by demand and availability, not by how far in advance you book. Booking early does may provide truck availability, which matters during peak season, but the price you pay is the same whether you book one month ahead or one week ahead. The exception is off-season moves, where booking early might lock in a lower rate before prices rise.

What happens if I return the truck late?

U-Haul charges an additional day's rental for every 24 hours (or part of 24 hours) the truck is late. If you rent for one day and return it 25 hours later, you pay for two days. Mileage accrues during the late period as well. It is cheaper to extend the rental upfront (by calling U-Haul before the due time) than to return it late and pay the overage charges.

Is there a discount for one-way rentals versus round-trip?

U-Haul prices one-way and round-trip rentals separately based on demand and distance. A one-way rental is not automatically cheaper or more expensive than a round-trip. For a local move, a one-way rental (pickup and drop-off at different locations) is usually what you want. For a long-distance move, a one-way flat rate is standard.

Do I need a credit card to rent a U-Haul truck?

Yes, U-Haul requires a valid credit card to reserve and rent a truck. A debit card is not accepted. You also need a valid driver's license and proof of insurance (your own auto insurance or U-Haul's coverage). Some locations may have additional requirements, so call ahead if you have questions about what you need to bring.