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

U-Haul charges by the day, week, or month, plus a mileage fee or a flat rate depending on your route. A local one-way rental of a 10-foot truck might cost $20 to $40 per day plus mileage, while a cross-country move in a 26-foot truck could run $1,500 to $3,500 total. The exact price changes based on demand — peak moving season (May through September) costs significantly more than winter months, and weekend rates exceed weekday rates at the same location.

U-Haul does not publish a fixed price list online. You enter your pickup location, dropoff location, and dates into their website or call 1-800-468-4285, and the system shows you available trucks and their prices for that specific trip. Prices can shift day to day and sometimes hour to hour based on local inventory and demand.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul charges a daily or weekly rate plus either a per-mile fee or a flat rate depending on whether your move is local or long-distance.
  • The same truck size costs two to three times more during May through September than during winter months.
  • Booking further in advance (two to four weeks out) usually locks in lower rates than booking a few days before your move.
  • You must provide a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a credit card at pickup; some locations require a damage deposit.
  • Mileage charges explore only if you exceed the included miles in your contract, so read the fine print before you sign.

How U-Haul calculates the total rental cost

The rental price has three parts: the base daily or weekly rate, mileage charges, and equipment add-ons. The base rate covers the truck itself for one day, one week, or one month. If you rent for three days, you pay three times the daily rate. If you rent for a week, you pay the weekly rate (which is cheaper per day than renting three separate days).

Mileage works two ways. For local moves (typically under 40 miles one way), U-Haul charges a per-mile fee — usually $0.59 to $0.99 per mile depending on truck size and location. For long-distance moves, U-Haul often quotes a flat rate that includes unlimited mileage, so you pay one price regardless of whether you drive 500 miles or 2,000 miles. Always ask whether your quote includes mileage or charges per mile, because that difference can be hundreds of dollars.

Equipment add-ons include dollies, furniture pads, boxes, tape, and insurance. A furniture dolly costs $5 to $10 per day. A box of packing supplies runs $15 to $30. Damage waiver insurance (which covers the truck if you damage it) typically costs $15 to $30 per day. These extras add up quickly on longer rentals.

Truck sizes and what they cost

U-Haul offers five main truck sizes, and price increases with size. A 10-foot truck (fits a one-bedroom apartment) costs less than a 15-foot truck (one to two bedrooms), which costs less than a 20-foot truck (two to three bedrooms), and so on. A 26-foot truck (a full house) is the largest standard option and costs the most.

For a local one-day rental in an average market, expect roughly $20 to $40 for a 10-foot truck, $30 to $50 for a 15-foot truck, and $50 to $80 for a 20-foot truck. These are ballpark figures; your actual price depends on your location and current demand. A cross-country move in a 26-foot truck during summer can easily exceed $3,000, while the same move in winter might cost $1,500 to $2,000.

When you book affects the price you pay

U-Haul prices surge during peak moving season (May through September), especially on weekends and at the end of the month when most leases turn over. Booking a truck for a Saturday in July costs significantly more than booking the same truck for a Tuesday in February. If you have flexibility on your move date, shifting by even one week can cut your rental cost by 20 to 40 percent.

Booking further ahead also locks in lower rates. Reserving a truck four weeks in advance typically costs less than booking one week out, because U-Haul's system reserves inventory at lower prices for early bookers. If you know your move date, book as soon as you can confirm it. You can usually cancel or modify a reservation without penalty up to 24 hours before pickup.

What you need to bring to the rental counter

At pickup, U-Haul requires a valid driver's license, proof of insurance (your auto insurance card), and a credit card in your name. Some locations also ask for a second form of ID. The credit card is used to authorize a damage deposit, which is typically $0 to $100 depending on truck size and location — you get this back when you return the truck undamaged.

Before you leave the lot, the U-Haul employee will walk you through the truck's condition and point out any existing damage. Take photos or video of the truck's exterior and interior, including the cargo area, so you have proof of its condition when you picked it up. This protects you if U-Haul tries to charge you for damage you did not cause.

Mileage limits and overage charges

Read your rental agreement carefully to understand whether your quote includes unlimited mileage or charges per mile. Local rentals almost always charge per mile. Long-distance rentals usually include unlimited mileage in the flat rate, but some budget quotes include a set number of free miles (like 500 miles) and charge for anything beyond that.

If you exceed included mileage, U-Haul charges the per-mile rate listed in your contract — typically $0.59 to $0.99 per mile. On a long trip, going 100 miles over your estimate could add $60 to $100 to your bill. Before you sign, ask the employee to confirm the total mileage you expect to drive and verify that your quote covers it.

Insurance and damage waivers

Your personal auto insurance may cover a rental truck, but many policies exclude commercial rentals or trucks over a certain weight. Call your insurance company before you rent and ask whether a U-Haul truck is covered under your policy. If it is not, U-Haul's damage waiver (also called a loss damage waiver) costs $15 to $30 per day and covers damage to the truck from accidents, theft, or vandalism.

The damage waiver does not cover damage from normal wear and tear, fuel spills, or damage caused by improper loading. U-Haul will still charge you for these. If you decline the waiver and damage the truck, you are responsible for the full repair cost, which can easily exceed $1,000 for major damage. Weigh the cost of the waiver against the risk based on your driving experience and the distance you are traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a price quote without making a reservation?

Yes. Go to uhaul.com or call 1-800-468-4285 and enter your pickup location, dropoff location, and dates. The system shows available trucks and prices without requiring you to book. You can check prices multiple times to compare rates across different dates or truck sizes.

What happens if I return the truck late?

U-Haul charges an additional day's rental rate for each 24-hour period (or part of a period) that you keep the truck past your return time. If you rent for one day and return it 25 hours late, you pay for two days. Call ahead if you know you will be late; sometimes the location can adjust your reservation to avoid an extra day charge.

Do I have to fill the gas tank before returning the truck?

Yes. U-Haul requires you to return the truck with a full tank of fuel. If you do not, U-Haul charges you for the fuel at a premium rate (usually $2 to $3 per gallon above market price). Fill up at a gas station near the return location before you drop off the truck.

Can I rent a U-Haul truck one way, or do I have to return it to the same location?

U-Haul offers one-way rentals, meaning you can pick up in one city and drop off in another. One-way rentals typically cost more than round-trip rentals because U-Haul has to reposition the truck. The price difference depends on the distance and direction of your move.

What if I need the truck for longer than a month?

U-Haul's standard rental periods are daily, weekly, and monthly. For rentals longer than one month, contact U-Haul directly at 1-800-468-4285 to discuss extended rental options and pricing. Some locations offer discounts for rentals of 30 days or more.