U-Haul truck rental prices depend on truck size, distance, and how far ahead you book
U-Haul charges by the day, the distance you travel, or a combination of both. A one-way local move in a 10-foot truck might cost $20 to $40 per day, while a 26-foot truck for the same distance runs $40 to $75 per day. Long-distance moves add mileage charges on top of the daily rate, and prices shift based on demand, season, and whether you're moving toward or away from a high-demand area. Booking further ahead usually costs less than renting the day before you move.
The final bill also includes equipment rental (dollies, furniture pads, blankets), fuel if you don't return the truck full, damage waivers, and taxes. U-Haul's website shows a price estimate before you commit, so you can see the full picture before deciding whether to rent from them or compare other companies.
Key Takeaways
- U-Haul charges a daily rate plus mileage for long-distance moves, and prices vary by truck size, season, and how far in advance you book.
- Local moves are usually cheaper per day than long-distance moves, but mileage charges can add hundreds of dollars to a cross-country rental.
- The final cost includes the truck rental, equipment fees, fuel surcharges if you return it empty, damage waivers, and taxes.
- Booking a truck one to two weeks ahead typically costs less than booking the day before, especially during peak moving season (May through September).
- U-Haul's online price calculator shows the total cost before you reserve, so you can compare it against other rental companies.
How U-Haul calculates the base rental price
U-Haul uses either a daily rate or a mileage-based rate, depending on the type of move. For local moves within a certain radius (usually 40 miles or less), you pay a daily rate per 24-hour period. For long-distance moves, you pay a base daily rate plus a per-mile charge. Some moves use a hybrid: a lower daily rate with mileage added on top.
The daily rate itself changes based on truck size. A 10-foot truck (holds about one to two rooms of furniture) costs less per day than a 15-foot truck, which costs less than a 20-foot or 26-foot truck. A 26-foot truck is U-Haul's largest standard option and is priced accordingly. The per-mile charge also scales with truck size—larger trucks cost more per mile.
Demand and timing matter. Moving during peak season (May through September) or on weekends costs more than moving on a weekday in winter. If you're moving from a city where trucks are in short supply to one where they're abundant, the price drops because U-Haul needs to position trucks back to the shortage area. The reverse is true if you're moving toward a high-demand location.
What adds to the final bill beyond the base rate
The truck rental itself is only part of the cost. U-Haul charges separately for equipment: furniture pads, dollies, hand trucks, blankets, and tie-down straps. A basic dolly rental is usually $5 to $10, while a full equipment package can run $30 to $50 depending on what you need. If you're moving fragile items or a lot of furniture, these add up.
Fuel is another line item. U-Haul expects you to return the truck with a full tank. If you don't, they charge you for the fuel at a rate higher than what you'd pay at a gas station. Some renters budget for this by filling the tank themselves just before returning the truck. For long-distance moves, fuel can be a significant cost—a 26-foot truck on a 1,000-mile move might use 100+ gallons.
Damage waivers are optional but common. U-Haul's standard agreement holds you responsible for damage to the truck. A damage waiver (usually $15 to $30 per day) shifts that liability to U-Haul, though it typically has a deductible. Some renters skip it if they're confident in their driving; others buy it for peace of mind. Your personal auto insurance may or may not cover rental trucks, so check your policy before deciding.
Taxes explore to the entire rental, and the rate depends on your state and local jurisdiction. Some states tax equipment and waivers differently than the truck rental itself. The U-Haul website shows taxes in the final price estimate.
Comparing truck sizes and what they cost per day
U-Haul offers several truck sizes, and each has a different daily rate. A 10-foot truck (the smallest) is designed for studio or one-bedroom apartments and costs the least. A 15-foot truck fits a two-bedroom apartment. A 20-foot truck handles a three-bedroom house, and a 26-foot truck is for large homes or commercial moves. Prices vary by location and season, but here's the general range:
| Truck Size | Typical Daily Rate (Local) | Typical Mileage Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-foot | $20–$40 | $0.50–$0.80 per mile | Studio or one-bedroom apartment |
| 15-foot | $30–$50 | $0.60–$0.90 per mile | One- to two-bedroom apartment |
| 20-foot | $35–$60 | $0.70–$1.00 per mile | Two- to three-bedroom house |
| 26-foot | $40–$75 | $0.80–$1.20 per mile | Large house or commercial move |
These are estimates and vary by location, season, and availability. A 26-foot truck in rural Montana in January will cost less than the same truck in Los Angeles in July. Use U-Haul's online calculator with your specific move dates and locations to see actual prices.
How distance affects the total cost
For local moves (typically under 40 miles), you pay only the daily rate—no mileage charge. A one-day local move in a 15-foot truck might cost $35 to $50 plus equipment and taxes. For long-distance moves, mileage charges stack on top of the daily rate and can quickly exceed the daily rental cost.
A 500-mile move in a 15-foot truck at $0.75 per mile adds $375 in mileage charges alone. Add the daily rate ($40 to $50 for one day), equipment ($30), fuel ($50 to $80), and taxes, and you're looking at $500 to $600 total. A 1,000-mile move in the same truck could run $800 to $1,000 or more. The per-mile rate is where long-distance moves become expensive.
One-way rentals (where you pick up in one city and drop off in another) are usually cheaper than round-trip rentals because U-Haul needs to position trucks. However, if you're moving toward a low-demand area, the one-way rate might be higher because U-Haul has to move the truck back empty. Check both one-way and round-trip pricing on the website to see which is cheaper for your specific route.
When you book and how it affects price
Booking one to two weeks ahead typically costs less than booking the day before. U-Haul's pricing algorithm raises rates as the rental date approaches and inventory tightens. During peak moving season (May through September), this effect is more dramatic. Booking a truck for July 15th on July 1st might cost 20 to 30 percent more than booking the same truck on June 15th.
Weekday moves are cheaper than weekend moves. A Friday or Saturday rental costs more than a Tuesday or Wednesday rental for the same truck and distance. If your move is flexible, shifting it by a few days can save money. Similarly, moving in winter (November through March) is cheaper than moving in summer, though weather and personal circumstances often make this choice impractical.
U-Haul occasionally offers promotional rates or discounts for AAA members, military personnel, or students. These discounts are usually 5 to 10 percent off the base rate and are applied at checkout if you have the required membership or ID. Check the U-Haul website or call a local branch to ask about current promotions before you book.
How to see the full price before you commit
U-Haul's website has a price calculator where you enter your pickup location, drop-off location, truck size, and rental dates. The calculator shows the daily rate, mileage charges, estimated fuel cost, and taxes. You can add equipment and damage waivers to see the complete total. This estimate is binding once you complete the reservation, so you know exactly what you'll pay before you hand over a credit card.
If the price is higher than expected, you can try adjusting the rental dates, choosing a smaller truck, or comparing U-Haul against other rental companies like Penske, Budget, or Home Depot. Some moves are cheaper with a different company, especially for long distances or large trucks. Getting quotes from two or three companies takes 10 minutes and can save hundreds of dollars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does U-Haul charge extra if I return the truck late?
Yes. U-Haul charges an additional daily rate for each 24-hour period (or fraction thereof) that you keep the truck past the return time. If you reserve a truck for one day and return it 25 hours later, you'll be charged for two days. Returning it a few hours late can trigger a full extra day's charge, so plan your return time carefully.
What happens if I damage the truck during the rental?
Without a damage waiver, you're responsible for all damage to the truck, including dents, scratches, broken mirrors, and interior damage. Repair costs can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. With a damage waiver, U-Haul covers the damage (minus a deductible, usually $0 to $500). If you're unsure whether your auto insurance covers rental trucks, call your insurer before you rent.
Can I get a refund if I cancel my U-Haul reservation?
U-Haul typically allows cancellations up to 24 hours before your reservation with a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours of the rental date may result in a charge equal to one day's rental. Check the cancellation policy on your confirmation email or call U-Haul directly to confirm the terms for your specific reservation.
Is the price the same if I pick up and drop off at different U-Haul locations?
Yes, as long as both are U-Haul locations. U-Haul has thousands of pickup and drop-off points (including Home Depot stores). However, prices vary by location. Picking up in a rural area and dropping off in a major city may cost more or less than the reverse, depending on where U-Haul needs trucks positioned.
Do I have to buy U-Haul's insurance, or can I use my own?
You don't have to buy U-Haul's damage waiver if your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental trucks. Check your policy or call your insurer before you rent. If you're not covered, U-Haul's damage waiver is usually the cheapest way to protect yourself against liability for damage to the truck.