U-Haul pickup truck rental prices depend on truck size, distance, and how long you keep it

U-Haul charges by the day, mile, or both depending on your rental type. A local one-way pickup truck rental (under 100 miles) typically costs between $19 and $39 per day for the truck itself, plus mileage charges that usually run $0.99 to $1.99 per mile. A long-distance move can flip that math — you might pay a flat rate of $200 to $500 for a pickup truck plus mileage, or a daily rate with included mileage. The final bill depends on which truck size you choose, how far you're moving, and whether you rent during peak season (May through September).

U-Haul doesn't publish a single price list because rates change based on demand, location, and availability. The only way to know what you'll actually pay is to enter your pickup location, dropoff location, and dates into their website or call a local U-Haul dealer. Prices can vary significantly between dealers in the same city.

Key Takeaways

  • Local U-Haul pickup truck rentals cost roughly $19 to $39 per day plus mileage charges of $0.99 to $1.99 per mile, but prices vary by location and season.
  • Long-distance moves may have a flat rate structure instead of daily rates, sometimes ranging from $200 to $500 depending on distance and truck size.
  • Peak moving season (May through September) typically costs more than winter rentals at the same location.
  • U-Haul offers different truck sizes — 6-foot, 8-foot, and 10-foot beds — and larger trucks cost more per day and per mile.
  • You must check U-Haul's website or call a local dealer for an exact quote, since prices are not fixed and change based on demand.

How U-Haul calculates the total rental cost

U-Haul uses two main pricing models: local rentals and one-way rentals. A local rental means you pick up and return the truck to the same location on the same day or within a few days. You pay a daily rate (usually $19 to $39 for a pickup truck) plus mileage. A one-way rental means you pick up at one location and drop off at another, sometimes hundreds of miles away. One-way rentals often have a flat rate that includes a certain number of free miles, then charge per mile after that.

The daily rate itself varies by truck size. A 6-foot pickup bed costs less per day than an 8-foot or 10-foot bed. Mileage charges explore to both local and one-way rentals, though one-way rentals sometimes bundle mileage into the quoted price. U-Haul also charges for equipment — dollies, furniture pads, boxes, and other moving supplies — if you add those to your order.

Additional fees can include a damage waiver (optional insurance), fuel surcharges during periods of high gas prices, and late return fees if you keep the truck past your reservation time. Some locations charge a refundable deposit, typically $100 to $200.

What truck size costs and what it fits

U-Haul offers three pickup truck sizes, each with a different daily rate and mileage cost. The 6-foot bed is the smallest and cheapest option — it holds roughly a studio apartment's worth of furniture and fits in standard parking spaces. The 8-foot bed is the middle option and the most common choice for small moves; it holds about a one-bedroom apartment. The 10-foot bed is the largest pickup truck U-Haul rents and works for two-bedroom moves or larger loads.

A 6-foot pickup typically costs $5 to $10 less per day than an 8-foot, and an 8-foot costs $5 to $10 less than a 10-foot, though these differences change by location and season. Mileage rates follow the same pattern — smaller trucks have lower per-mile charges. If you're moving a small load, choosing the smallest truck that fits your belongings will lower your total cost.

Seasonal and location differences in pricing

U-Haul rental prices are highest from May through September, when most people move. Summer weekend rates can be 50 to 100 percent higher than winter weekday rates for the same truck and distance. If you have flexibility in your moving date, renting in October through April will usually cost less. Moving on a weekday is typically cheaper than moving on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.

Location matters too. Renting in a major city or a popular moving destination (like Florida or Arizona in winter) costs more than renting in a rural area or a place people are leaving. U-Haul's pricing algorithm accounts for supply and demand at each location, so the same truck size can cost $15 per day at one dealer and $35 per day at another dealer 20 miles away.

How to get an accurate quote before you commit

Visit uhaul.com and enter your pickup location, dropoff location, and rental dates. The website will show you available truck sizes and the total cost for each. You can also call a local U-Haul dealer directly — many independent dealers operate under the U-Haul brand and may have different pricing or availability than the main website. Get quotes from at least two locations if you have flexibility on where you pick up or drop off.

When you get a quote, check what's included. Some quotes show the daily rate plus estimated mileage; others show a flat rate. Ask whether the quote includes a damage waiver, fuel surcharge, or other fees. Confirm the truck size and bed length — a 6-foot bed and an 8-foot bed look similar but hold different amounts. If you're moving a specific set of items, measure them before you book so you know which truck size you actually need.

Comparing U-Haul to other truck rental options

U-Haul is the largest pickup truck rental company, but Penske, Home Depot, and Lowes also rent pickup trucks. Penske typically charges by the day with mileage included for long-distance moves, and their rates are often comparable to U-Haul's for one-way rentals. Home Depot and Lowes rent smaller trucks (usually 6-foot beds only) and are often cheaper for very short local moves. Budget and Hertz rent full-size pickups but usually at higher daily rates than U-Haul.

The best choice depends on your move distance and truck size. For a long-distance one-way move, compare U-Haul and Penske quotes side by side. For a short local move with a small load, check Home Depot or Lowes first. For a move that requires a larger truck or specialized equipment, U-Haul usually has more options available.

Hidden costs and fees to watch for

U-Haul's base price doesn't always include everything. A damage waiver (similar to insurance) costs $15 to $30 per day and is optional but recommended if you're not confident in your driving or the truck's condition. Fuel surcharges appear during periods of high gas prices and can add $0.10 to $0.30 per mile. Late return fees start at $40 per hour if you keep the truck past your reservation time.

If you rent equipment like dollies, furniture pads, or boxes, those are separate line items. A furniture dolly costs $5 to $10 per day; a hand truck costs $3 to $5; boxes and pads are sold by the unit. A refundable deposit (usually $100 to $200) is held on your credit card at pickup and released after you return the truck in good condition. If the truck has damage, U-Haul deducts repair costs from the deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for gas, or does U-Haul fill the tank?

You pay for gas. U-Haul rents the truck empty, and you return it empty. If you return it with fuel in the tank, U-Haul charges you a refueling fee (usually $15 to $25) plus a per-gallon markup. Fill up at a gas station before you return the truck to avoid this charge.

Can I book a U-Haul pickup truck in advance, or do I have to rent it the day I need it?

You can reserve a truck up to 12 months in advance on U-Haul's website. Reserving early sometimes locks in a lower rate, but prices can also drop closer to your move date if demand falls. You can modify or cancel your reservation without penalty up to 24 hours before your rental start time.

What happens if the truck I reserved isn't available when I arrive?

U-Haul will offer you a larger truck at the same price, or a full refund if you decline the substitute. If you need a truck on a specific date and size, book as early as possible and confirm your reservation a few days before pickup.

Are there discounts for military, AAA members, or long-term rentals?

U-Haul offers discounts for military members, AAA members, and some corporate accounts. Ask about these when you call for a quote or check the website for current promotions. Long-term rentals (a week or more) sometimes have a lower daily rate than short rentals, but you still pay mileage.

Can I tow a car behind a U-Haul pickup truck?

U-Haul pickup trucks have towing capacity, but you need to rent a tow dolly or trailer separately. The truck itself costs one price; the dolly or trailer costs another. Make sure the truck's towing capacity matches your car's weight before you book.