U-Haul truck rental prices depend on truck size, distance, season, and how far in advance you book

U-Haul charges by the day, the mile, or a combination of both depending on the truck type and your move distance. 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 the same truck could cost $1,200 to $2,500 total. Peak moving season (May through September) costs significantly more than winter rates. The price you see online changes based on demand at your specific pickup and drop-off locations, so two identical moves booked on different days can have different costs.

U-Haul's pricing model is transparent on their website — you enter your pickup location, drop-off location, and move date, and they show you the daily rate, mileage rate, and estimated total before you commit. The catch is that rates fluctuate in real time based on local truck availability, much like airline pricing. Booking further ahead sometimes locks in a lower rate, but not always.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul charges a daily rate plus mileage for most moves, with prices varying by truck size, distance, and season.
  • Local moves (under 100 miles) typically cost $20 to $50 per day plus $0.99 to $1.99 per mile, depending on truck size.
  • Long-distance moves often use a flat rate instead of daily plus mileage, and prices can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more depending on distance and truck size.
  • Summer months cost 30 to 50 percent more than winter, and rates change daily based on local demand at your specific locations.
  • Equipment add-ons like dollies, furniture pads, and boxes add $10 to $100 each to your total bill.

Daily and mileage rates for local moves

For moves under 100 miles, U-Haul charges a daily rental fee plus a per-mile charge. A 10-foot truck typically costs $20 to $40 per day, a 15-foot truck runs $30 to $50 per day, and a 20-foot truck costs $40 to $60 per day. Mileage charges range from $0.99 to $1.99 per mile depending on truck size — smaller trucks cost less per mile than larger ones.

A practical example: renting a 10-foot truck for one day to move 30 miles might cost $30 (daily rate) plus $30 (30 miles at $1.00 per mile) for a total of $60 before taxes and fees. The same truck rented for two days with 60 miles would be $60 (two days) plus $60 (mileage) for $120. These rates vary by location and season, so the price you see when you search your specific move is the one that matters.

Flat rates for long-distance moves

Moves over 100 miles typically use a flat-rate pricing model instead of daily plus mileage. U-Haul quotes a single price for the entire move based on truck size and distance. A 10-foot truck moving 500 miles might cost $800 to $1,200, while a 20-foot truck for the same distance could run $1,500 to $2,200. A cross-country move (2,000+ miles) in a 10-foot truck can range from $2,500 to $4,000 depending on the specific route and season.

Flat rates remove the uncertainty of mileage charges, but they're also where demand pricing hits hardest. The same 500-mile move in July costs significantly more than the same move in January. U-Haul's website shows you the exact flat rate for your dates and locations before you book, so you can compare prices across different days if your move date is flexible.

How season and timing affect your price

Summer moving season (May through September) is the most expensive time to rent a truck. Peak weeks — typically late May through early August — can cost 30 to 50 percent more than the same move in winter. A 10-foot truck that costs $30 per day in February might cost $45 per day in July. Weekend moves also cost more than weekday moves during the same season.

Winter (November through March) offers the lowest rates, but availability can be tighter in some regions. If your move date is flexible, shifting it by even a week can save hundreds of dollars. U-Haul's website lets you check prices for different dates side by side, so you can see exactly how much you save by moving on a Tuesday instead of a Saturday, or in March instead of June.

Equipment rentals and add-on costs

Beyond the truck itself, U-Haul charges for moving equipment. Dollies cost $5 to $10 per day, furniture pads run $10 to $20 per pack, and boxes range from $1.50 to $3 each depending on size. A furniture dolly, four packs of pads, and 20 boxes could add $100 to $150 to your rental. Hitch rentals for towing a car behind the truck cost $15 to $25 per day.

Many people underestimate these add-ons when budgeting. If you're moving a full house, equipment costs can easily reach $200 to $400. U-Haul's website shows these items during checkout, so you can see the full cost before confirming your reservation.

Insurance and damage waiver options

U-Haul offers two damage protection options: a damage waiver (around $15 to $30 per day depending on truck size) that covers most accidental damage, and basic coverage that leaves you liable for repairs. The damage waiver is optional, but U-Haul holds your credit card on file and charges you for any damage they document when you return the truck.

Your personal auto insurance may cover rental trucks, and some credit cards offer rental car coverage that extends to trucks — check your policy before paying for U-Haul's waiver. If you decline the waiver and cause damage, repair costs can exceed $1,000 for major damage like transmission or frame issues. The waiver is essentially insurance against that risk.

How to find the lowest price for your specific move

U-Haul's website shows real-time pricing for your exact pickup location, drop-off location, and move date. Enter those details and you see the price when ready — no hidden fees appear later. If your move date is flexible, check prices for a range of dates to find the cheapest day. Weekday moves almost always cost less than weekend moves during the same season.

Booking further ahead sometimes locks in a lower rate, but demand pricing means that's not may provide. A move booked 60 days out might cost more than the same move booked 10 days out if demand drops. Check the price a few times before your move date to see if it changes. U-Haul allows you to modify your reservation if you find a lower rate for the same dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do U-Haul prices include gas?

No. You return the truck with a full tank of gas, just as you picked it up. If you return it empty or partially empty, U-Haul charges you for fuel at a rate higher than local gas prices. Always refuel at a regular gas station before returning the truck to avoid this charge.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my U-Haul reservation?

U-Haul allows cancellations up to 24 hours before your reservation for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours of pickup are subject to a cancellation fee, typically one day's rental rate. Check your confirmation email for the exact cancellation policy for your reservation.

What happens if I return the truck late?

Late returns are charged at the daily rate for each additional day or partial day. If you rent a truck for one day at $30 per day and return it 36 hours late, you'll be charged for two full days ($60). Always plan to return the truck during business hours on your scheduled date to avoid unexpected charges.

Are there discounts for longer rentals?

U-Haul doesn't advertise bulk discounts for longer rentals, but their pricing model naturally favors longer moves — flat rates for long distances are cheaper per mile than daily plus mileage rates. Military, AAA, and some corporate memberships can provide discounts of 5 to 10 percent, so check if you may have access to before booking.

Why is the price different when I check again?

U-Haul uses demand-based pricing, so rates change as truck availability at your specific locations changes. If many people are renting trucks from your pickup location on your date, the price goes up. Checking prices on different days or times can show you how much demand is affecting your move.