U-Haul rental costs depend on truck size, distance, season, and how far in advance you book
U-Haul charges by the day, the mile, or both — and the final bill depends on which truck you rent, how far you're moving, and when. 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 can run $1,500 to $3,000 or more. The company publishes no fixed rates; prices change based on demand, location, and availability, which means two identical moves booked a week apart can have different costs.
The best way to know your actual cost is to enter your pickup location, destination, and move date into U-Haul's website or call a local dealer. Prices are lowest on weekdays and off-season months (roughly September through April), and highest on weekends and during peak moving season (May through August). Booking further ahead sometimes locks in a lower rate, but U-Haul also allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup, so you can rebook if prices drop.
Key Takeaways
- U-Haul charges per day plus per mile, and both rates vary by truck size, location, and demand — there is no single price for any move.
- A 10-foot truck for a local move typically costs $20 to $40 per day, while a 26-foot truck for a long distance can reach $1,500 to $3,000 total.
- Weekday and off-season moves (September to April) cost less than weekend and summer moves, sometimes by hundreds of dollars for the same distance.
- U-Haul's website shows the exact price for your specific route, date, and truck size before you commit, and you can cancel free up to 24 hours before pickup.
How U-Haul's pricing structure works
U-Haul uses a two-part pricing model: a daily rental fee plus a mileage charge. The daily rate covers the truck itself and typically includes a set number of free miles (often 100 to 200 miles depending on truck size and location). Any miles beyond that threshold cost extra — usually between $0.50 and $1.50 per mile, though this varies. Some one-way rentals waive the daily fee and charge only mileage, while others do the opposite.
The rates U-Haul quotes are not negotiable and change constantly based on supply and demand. If many people are renting trucks from your area on your date, prices go up. If few are, they go down. This is why checking the website directly gives you the only reliable number — calling a dealer or visiting in person will show you the same current price, but that price may be different tomorrow.
U-Haul also charges for optional services: equipment rental (dollies, furniture pads, moving blankets), insurance, and fuel if you return the truck with less gas than you picked it up with. None of these are included in the base quote, so factor them in when budgeting.
Truck size and what each one typically costs
U-Haul offers trucks ranging from 10 feet to 26 feet long. A 10-foot truck holds roughly one to two rooms of furniture and costs the least per day. A 15-foot truck fits a small apartment. A 20-foot or 26-foot truck is for a full house or long-distance move. Larger trucks cost more per day, but the per-mile rate may be lower on some routes.
| Truck Size | Typical Daily Rate | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 10 feet | $20–$40 | One to two rooms, local move |
| 15 feet | $30–$50 | Small apartment, local or short distance |
| 20 feet | $40–$70 | Large apartment or small house |
| 26 feet | $50–$100 | Full house, long distance |
These are rough ranges; actual prices depend on your location and date. A 10-foot truck in rural Montana on a Saturday in July will cost more than the same truck in a city on a Tuesday in October. Always check U-Haul's website for your specific move to see the real price.
Distance and how mileage affects your total cost
For a local move — typically defined as under 40 miles — U-Haul often charges only a daily rate with unlimited mileage included. A 10-foot truck for a same-day local move might be $20 to $30 total. For longer distances, mileage charges add up quickly. A 500-mile move in a 10-foot truck could add $250 to $750 to your bill, depending on the per-mile rate and how many free miles are included.
One-way rentals (picking up in one city and dropping off in another) sometimes have lower per-mile rates than round-trip rentals, but they may have higher daily rates or require a minimum rental period. U-Haul's website will show you the cost difference between one-way and round-trip for your route, so compare both before deciding.
If you're moving across the country, a 26-foot truck might cost $50 to $100 per day plus $0.50 to $1.50 per mile. A 2,000-mile move could mean $1,000 to $3,000 in mileage charges alone, plus 2 to 4 days of rental fees. This is why getting a quote for your exact route is essential — estimating on your own often misses the real cost.
Seasonal and day-of-week price differences
U-Haul's prices fluctuate based on demand. Peak moving season runs from May through August, when prices are highest. Weekends and holidays cost more than weekdays. A truck that rents for $25 on a Tuesday in October might cost $60 on a Saturday in July for the same distance.
Moving on a weekday in the off-season (September through April) can cut your rental cost by 30 to 50 percent compared to a peak-season weekend move. If your move date is flexible, shifting it by even a few days or a week can save hundreds of dollars. U-Haul's website shows prices for different dates side by side, so you can see the savings before you commit.
Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day) are especially expensive because demand spikes. If you can avoid these dates, do so.
Additional costs beyond the truck rental
The base rental price covers only the truck. U-Haul charges separately for equipment, insurance, and fuel. A furniture dolly costs $5 to $10 per day. Moving blankets, furniture pads, and boxes add up quickly if you need many. Damage waiver insurance (which covers damage to the truck) typically costs $15 to $30 per day, depending on truck size.
If you return the truck with less fuel than you picked it up with, U-Haul charges you for the missing gas at a rate higher than retail. Returning the truck on time also matters — late fees explore if you keep it past your reservation end time.
Some U-Haul locations charge a drop-off fee if you're returning to a different location than where you picked up, though many one-way rentals include this. Always ask about drop-off fees before you book.
How to get an accurate quote for your move
Visit uhaul.com or call a local U-Haul dealer with your pickup location, destination, and move date. The website will show you available truck sizes and the exact price for each, including all fees except damage waiver and equipment rental. Add those costs if you plan to use them. Write down the quote number and reservation details — prices can change, but your quote is usually held for a set period (often 24 hours).
Compare prices for different dates if your move date is flexible. A move one week earlier or later can cost significantly less. Also check whether a one-way rental costs less than a round-trip for your route — sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't.
Book online or by phone at least a few days before your move date if possible. Last-minute bookings often have higher prices and fewer truck sizes available. U-Haul allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before your reservation, so booking early and canceling if prices drop is a valid strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does U-Haul charge by the hour or only by the day?
U-Haul charges by the day, not the hour. A one-day rental covers a 24-hour period from pickup to drop-off. If you return the truck late, you may be charged for an additional day or a late fee, depending on how late you are.
What happens if I go over the mileage limit?
U-Haul doesn't have a mileage limit — you pay for every mile you drive. The daily rate includes a set number of free miles (often 100 to 200), and you pay per mile for anything beyond that. Check your quote to see how many free miles are included.
Can I negotiate U-Haul's prices?
No, U-Haul's prices are set by the company and change based on demand. You cannot haggle or ask for a discount. However, you can lower your cost by moving on a different date, choosing a smaller truck, or booking further in advance.
Is U-Haul's damage waiver insurance worth buying?
Damage waiver insurance costs $15 to $30 per day and covers damage to the truck. Whether it's worth buying depends on your personal auto insurance policy — some policies cover rental trucks, and some don't. Check your policy before you book, or ask U-Haul what damage you'd be responsible for without the waiver.
What if I need the truck for longer than I booked?
Contact U-Haul as soon as you know you need extra time. If the truck is available, they can extend your reservation and charge you for the additional days at the current rate (which may be higher or lower than your original rate). Returning late without extending your reservation will result in late fees.