U-Haul pricing depends on truck size, distance, season, and how far in advance you book

U-Haul charges by the day, the mile, or both, depending on the truck size and whether you're moving locally 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 $3,500 or more. The final bill depends on what size truck you need, how many miles you'll drive, whether you're moving during peak season (May through September), and how far ahead you book. U-Haul also charges separately for equipment like dollies, furniture pads, and boxes—those add up quickly if you're not careful.

The company publishes a rate calculator on its website where you enter your pickup location, destination, and truck size to see an estimate. That estimate is usually accurate within a few dollars, but it doesn't include insurance, damage waivers, or equipment rental. Those are optional but worth understanding before you commit.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul charges a base daily rate plus mileage for most trucks, so a 200-mile local move costs less than the same distance driven one way across the country.
  • 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 per mile as well.
  • Peak season (May through September) costs 20 to 40 percent more than winter rates for the same truck and distance.
  • Equipment rental—dollies, furniture pads, boxes, blankets—is charged separately and can add $100 to $300 to a typical move.
  • U-Haul's website calculator gives you a real estimate for your specific route, but you should add 10 to 15 percent for equipment and supplies you'll discover you need.

How U-Haul calculates the base rental cost

U-Haul uses a two-part pricing model: a daily rate plus a per-mile charge. For a local move—typically defined as under 40 miles—you pay the daily rate and mileage. For a one-way move of any distance, you still pay both, but the daily rate is lower and the mileage charge is what drives the total cost up.

A 10-foot truck (the smallest standard rental) costs roughly $15 to $25 per day for a local move, plus $0.99 per mile. A 15-foot truck runs $25 to $40 per day plus $1.19 per mile. A 20-foot truck is $35 to $55 per day plus $1.39 per mile. A 26-foot truck (the largest standard option) is $50 to $100 per day plus $1.99 per mile. These are approximate ranges; your actual rate depends on your location and the date you're renting.

For a 300-mile one-way move in a 15-foot truck, you'd calculate roughly $30 (daily rate) plus (300 miles × $1.19) = $357 plus $30 = $387 before taxes, insurance, and equipment. That's a useful baseline, but U-Haul's calculator will show you the exact rate for your specific route and date.

Why the same truck costs different amounts on different dates

U-Haul uses dynamic pricing, meaning rates change based on demand. Peak moving season runs from May through September, and rates during those months are typically 20 to 40 percent higher than in winter. A 26-foot truck that costs $60 per day in January might cost $85 to $100 per day in July. The busiest days are Fridays, Saturdays, and the first and last days of the month—avoid those if you can.

Booking further in advance usually locks in a lower rate. If you book two to three weeks ahead, you'll often see a better price than if you call a few days before your move. U-Haul also runs occasional promotions—discounts on specific truck sizes or routes—but these are not predictable and change weekly.

Weather and regional events also shift prices. Moving out of a college town at the end of the semester, or out of a state during a major exodus, will cost more because U-Haul trucks are in high demand in that direction. Moving into that area costs less because the company needs to reposition empty trucks there.

Equipment, insurance, and fees that get added to your bill

The truck rental is only part of the cost. U-Haul charges separately for dollies ($5 to $8 each), furniture pads ($1 to $2 per pad), boxes (roughly $1 to $3 per box depending on size), and blankets ($1 to $2 each). A typical household move might require 50 to 100 boxes, 20 to 40 furniture pads, and 2 to 4 dollies. That alone can add $150 to $300 to your bill.

Insurance and damage waivers are optional but worth considering. U-Haul offers a damage waiver (usually $15 to $30 per day) that limits your liability if the truck is damaged. Without it, you're responsible for the full repair cost, which can be thousands of dollars if the truck is in an accident. Your personal auto insurance may or may not cover a rental truck—call your insurer before you rent to find out.

U-Haul also charges a fuel surcharge on some rentals and a drop-off fee if you return the truck to a different location than where you picked it up. The drop-off fee varies widely depending on the distance and direction; it can be $50 to $500 or more for a long one-way move.

Local moves versus one-way long-distance moves

A local move (typically under 40 miles) charges you a daily rate plus mileage, and you return the truck to the same location. If you need the truck for two days and drive 80 miles total, you pay for two days plus 80 miles. This is usually the cheapest option per mile because U-Haul doesn't have to reposition the truck.

A one-way move charges a daily rate (usually lower than local rates) plus mileage for every mile you drive. If you rent in New York and drop off in Florida, you pay mileage for the entire distance. U-Haul also charges a drop-off fee for one-way rentals, which can range from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on the route. The company uses this fee to account for the cost of repositioning the empty truck back to where it's needed.

For a 1,000-mile one-way move, a 26-foot truck might cost $80 per day (1 day) plus (1,000 miles × $1.99) plus a $200 drop-off fee, totaling roughly $2,280 before equipment and insurance. That same truck for a local move would cost far less because there's no long-distance mileage charge and no drop-off fee.

How to estimate your total cost before you book

Start with U-Haul's online calculator. Enter your pickup location, destination, and the date you need the truck. Select the truck size that fits your belongings (the website has a guide showing what fits in each size). The calculator will show you the base rental cost. Write that number down.

Then add equipment costs. Count the number of boxes you'll need, estimate the furniture pads (roughly one per large piece of furniture), and add two to four dollies. Multiply boxes by $2, pads by $1.50, and dollies by $6. That's your equipment estimate. Add a damage waiver if you want one (roughly $20 per day for a typical move). Add 10 percent to the total for supplies you'll discover you need—tape, markers, rope, extra boxes.

If it's a one-way move, add the drop-off fee (U-Haul's calculator usually includes this, but double-check). Then add tax, which varies by state but is typically 6 to 10 percent of the subtotal. That's your realistic total cost.

Ways to reduce what you pay

Book during off-peak season (October through April) if your move can wait. Rates are 20 to 40 percent lower than in summer. If you must move in summer, book on a weekday and avoid the first and last days of the month—those are the most expensive days.

Choose the smallest truck that will hold your belongings. A 15-foot truck costs significantly less per mile than a 20-foot truck, and if you can fit everything, the savings add up. U-Haul's website shows the cubic footage of each truck size and lets you estimate what you're moving.

Bring your own boxes and packing materials if you can. Buy used boxes from grocery stores, liquor stores, or Facebook Marketplace for $0.25 to $0.50 each instead of paying U-Haul $2 to $3 per box. Use newspaper, old towels, and clothing as padding instead of buying furniture pads.

Return the truck with a full tank of fuel. U-Haul charges a fuel surcharge if you return it empty or partially full, and that surcharge is usually higher than the cost of gas. Fill up at a regular gas station before you return the truck.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

U-Haul charges by the day, not the hour. A one-day rental is the minimum, even if you only need the truck for a few hours. Some locations offer hourly rentals for very short distances, but that's rare and usually only for small trucks. Check the website for your specific location.

Can I negotiate U-Haul's price or get a discount?

U-Haul's rates are set by their dynamic pricing system and are not negotiable. However, the company occasionally runs promotions on specific truck sizes or routes. Booking further in advance sometimes locks in a lower rate. AAA membership and military service may may have access to you for a discount—ask when you book.

What happens if I return the truck late?

U-Haul charges an additional day's rental fee 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. Return the truck on time to avoid extra charges.

Is U-Haul's damage waiver worth buying?

The damage waiver limits your liability if the truck is damaged, usually to $0 or a small deductible. Without it, you're responsible for the full repair cost, which can be thousands of dollars. If your personal auto insurance covers rental trucks, you may not need it. Call your insurer before you rent to find out what's covered.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my reservation?

U-Haul allows free cancellations up to 24 hours before your rental date. If you cancel within 24 hours, you may be charged a cancellation fee. Check your reservation confirmation for the exact cancellation policy for your booking.