Truck rental prices range from $20 to $100+ per day depending on truck size, location, and how far you're moving

A one-way local rental of a 10-foot box truck costs roughly $30 to $50 per day at major chains like U-Haul, Penske, and Home Depot. A 26-foot moving truck runs $50 to $100 per day. But the final bill depends heavily on three things: the distance you're traveling, whether you're doing a one-way or round-trip rental, and what extra services or insurance you add. A 100-mile move that looks like $40 per day can jump to $150 total once you factor in mileage charges and fuel.

The biggest variable is whether you're renting locally (returning the truck to the same location) or one-way (dropping it off somewhere else). Local rentals charge a daily rate. One-way rentals charge a base daily rate plus a mileage fee or a flat relocation charge. If you're moving across state lines, expect to pay significantly more — sometimes double — because the rental company has to position the truck back to a high-demand location.

Key Takeaways

  • Local truck rentals cost $30–$50 per day for small trucks and $50–$100 per day for large moving trucks, but the final price depends on distance and how long you keep it.
  • One-way rentals charge a base daily rate plus mileage (typically $0.50–$1.50 per mile) or a flat relocation fee, which can exceed the daily rate on long moves.
  • Fuel, damage waivers, equipment rental (dollies, blankets, boxes), and tolls are separate charges that often surprise renters and can add $100–$500 to the total.
  • Peak moving season (May through September) and weekend rentals cost 20–40% more than weekday rentals in the off-season.
  • Comparing quotes from U-Haul, Penske, Budget, Home Depot, and local moving companies side-by-side is essential because pricing varies widely for the same truck and distance.

How daily rates break down by truck size

Rental companies price trucks by cargo capacity, not by how far you're going. A 10-foot box truck (holds about 4,000 pounds) typically rents for $20–$50 per day locally. A 15-foot truck costs $35–$65 per day. A 26-foot truck (the largest most people rent without a commercial license) runs $50–$100 per day. These are base rates; the actual charge depends on your location, the day of the week, and the season.

U-Haul, Penske, and Budget are the three largest national chains. U-Haul tends to be cheapest on daily rates but charges more per mile. Penske is often more expensive per day but includes more mileage in the base price. Budget falls somewhere in the middle. Home Depot and Lowes also rent trucks through third-party operators, and their rates are sometimes lower than the major chains, but availability is limited to their store locations.

Size matters because a larger truck means more cargo capacity but also higher fuel costs and parking challenges. Many people rent a truck one size too large because they're unsure how much stuff they have. Measure your items or do a test load in a smaller truck first — oversizing costs money and makes driving harder.

One-way rentals and long-distance pricing

A one-way rental charges you a daily rate plus either a per-mile fee or a flat relocation charge. If you're moving 500 miles, U-Haul might charge $40 per day plus $0.99 per mile, which adds up to $535 for a 26-foot truck. Penske might charge $60 per day plus 500 miles at $0.79 per mile, totaling $545. The math changes depending on the route and the direction — moving from a rural area to a city is cheaper than the reverse because trucks are in higher demand in cities.

Some companies offer flat-rate one-way pricing instead of per-mile charges. This is useful if you're moving a long distance because you can predict the total cost upfront. However, flat rates are usually only available on popular routes (like New York to Florida or Los Angeles to Las Vegas). Unusual routes may not have flat-rate options.

Peak season (May through September) adds a surcharge to one-way rentals. A move that costs $400 in March might cost $550 in July because demand is higher and trucks are harder to position. Weekend rentals also cost more — Friday through Sunday rates are often 20–40% higher than weekday rates.

Fuel, mileage, and damage charges that add up fast

The rental company charges you for fuel in one of two ways: you pay for a full tank upfront and return it empty, or you return it full and pay their per-gallon rate (which is usually $0.50–$1.00 per gallon higher than market price). A 26-foot truck holds 75–100 gallons. If you return it half-empty, you're paying premium prices for fuel you didn't use. The smarter choice is almost always to fill it yourself at a regular gas station before returning it.

Damage waivers (also called loss-damage waivers or LDWs) cost $15–$30 per day and cover dents, scratches, and mechanical damage. They do not cover damage from improper loading, accidents caused by driver error, or damage to items inside the truck. Your personal auto insurance may cover rental truck damage — call your insurer before renting to see what's covered. If you're paying cash and have no insurance, a damage waiver is worth considering, but read the fine print because many waivers have high deductibles ($500–$1,000).

Equipment rental adds up separately: dollies cost $5–$10 per day, furniture pads $10–$20, boxes $1–$2 each, and straps or tie-downs $5–$15. If you're moving a full apartment, these extras can total $100–$200. Many people buy cheap boxes and equipment at a hardware store instead, which is often cheaper and lets you keep what you don't use.

How to compare quotes and avoid surprises

Get quotes from at least three companies using the exact same details: truck size, pickup date and time, dropoff date and time, pickup location, and dropoff location. Enter your information on U-Haul.com, Penske.com, Budget.com, and your local Home Depot or Lowes website. Write down the total price, not just the daily rate, because that's what you'll actually pay.

Ask each company what's included in the quote and what costs extra. Some quotes include unlimited mileage; others charge per mile. Some include a damage waiver; others don't. Some include fuel; others don't. A quote that looks $50 cheaper might actually be $100 more expensive once you add the things the other company included.

Check for discounts: AAA members, military, and seniors often get 10–15% off. Booking online is usually cheaper than calling. Booking on a weekday for a weekday move is cheaper than a weekend move. If you're flexible on dates, compare prices across a week — sometimes moving one day earlier or later saves $50–$100.

Local moves versus long-distance moves: the cost difference

A local move (same city or within 50 miles) is priced by the day. You rent a truck, load it, drive it, unload it, and return it — all in one or two days. A 10-foot truck for a local move typically costs $30–$50 total. A 26-foot truck costs $50–$80 total. These are the cheapest truck rentals because the company doesn't have to reposition the truck.

A long-distance move (100+ miles) is priced by the mile or by a flat relocation fee. The per-mile charge reflects the cost of getting the truck back to a high-demand location. A 300-mile move in a 26-foot truck might cost $200–$400 depending on direction and season. A 1,000-mile move might cost $800–$1,500. These numbers assume you're paying for fuel separately and not adding insurance or equipment.

If you're moving more than 500 miles, compare truck rental to hiring a full-service moving company. A moving company charges by weight and distance, and they handle loading and unloading. For a small apartment, a truck rental is usually cheaper. For a full house, a moving company might be competitive once you factor in your time and the cost of equipment rental.

Seasonal pricing and when to rent cheaply

Truck rental prices follow the moving calendar. Off-season (October through April) is cheapest. Winter months (December through February) are the absolute cheapest because few people move in cold weather. Peak season (May through September) is most expensive, with July being the peak. If you can move in January or February, you'll pay 30–50% less than a July move for the same truck and distance.

Weekday moves are cheaper than weekend moves. A Tuesday rental might cost $40 per day; the same truck on Saturday might cost $60 per day. If your move is flexible, shifting it to a weekday saves money. Renting on a Sunday evening or Monday morning (when demand is lowest) is cheaper than Friday afternoon (when demand peaks).

Last-minute rentals are sometimes cheaper because the company wants to fill trucks that would otherwise sit empty. But they're also sometimes more expensive because you have fewer options. Check prices 4–6 weeks before your move to see the trend, then book 2–3 weeks out when you have a clear picture of your moving date.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a commercial driver's license to rent a truck?

No, not for trucks under 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Most rental trucks fall under this limit. A standard driver's license is sufficient. If you rent a truck heavier than 26,000 GVWR, you'll need a commercial license. The rental company will tell you the GVWR when you get a quote.

What happens if I return the truck late?

Late fees vary by company but typically run $20–$50 per hour or $40–$100 per day. Some companies charge a prorated hourly rate; others charge a full day if you're even one hour late. Ask about the grace period (usually 30 minutes to one hour) when you pick up the truck. If you think you'll be late, call the rental location and ask about extending the rental — it's usually cheaper than paying a late fee.

Can I rent a truck if I'm under 25?

Yes, but most companies charge a young-driver surcharge ($15–$25 per day) for drivers under 25. Some companies require you to be at least 21; others require 18. Check the rental company's age policy when you get a quote. Having a credit card in your name (not a debit card) makes the process easier.

Is it cheaper to rent a truck or hire movers?

For a small move (one bedroom, under 2,000 pounds), a truck rental is almost always cheaper — typically $50–$150 total. For a large move (three bedrooms, over 8,000 pounds), hiring movers might be competitive or even cheaper once you factor in your time, equipment rental, and fuel. Get quotes from both and compare the total cost, not just the daily rate.

What if the truck breaks down during my rental?

Call the rental company's roadside information number when ready — it's on your rental agreement. They'll send a mechanic or tow truck at no cost to you. You're not responsible for mechanical failures on a rental truck. If the truck is unusable, they'll provide a replacement. Keep the roadside information number in your phone before you pick up the truck.