Where to find moving truck rentals near you

The largest truck rental chains — U-Haul, Penske, and Home Depot — have locations in most U.S. cities and let you search for nearby branches on their websites. U-Haul operates the most locations overall, Penske tends to have newer trucks, and Home Depot offers rentals at many stores but with a smaller fleet. Budget and Lowes also rent trucks, though with fewer locations than the big three.

Local moving companies and independent truck rental shops often have competitive rates and may offer better customer service, but you'll need to search by name or ask for referrals. A Google search for "truck rental near me" or "moving truck rental [your city]" will show what's available in your area, along with reviews and current pricing.

Comparison sites like Kayak and Autoslash let you enter your location and dates to see prices across multiple companies at once. This saves time if you're comparing rates, though you'll still book directly with the rental company.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul, Penske, and Home Depot are the most widely available chains, each with different truck sizes and pricing models.
  • Rental cost depends on truck size, distance, time of year, and whether you return it to the same location or a different one.
  • One-way rentals (dropping off at a different location) cost more than round-trip, and peak moving season (May through September) has higher rates.
  • You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card to reserve, and most companies require you to be at least 18 or 21 years old.
  • Damage waivers and insurance add to the rental cost but protect you from paying for dents, scratches, or accidents out of pocket.

Truck sizes and what they fit

Moving truck rentals come in standard sizes: 10-foot, 15-foot, 20-foot, and 26-foot trucks. A 10-foot truck holds roughly the contents of a studio or one-bedroom apartment. A 15-foot truck fits a two-bedroom apartment or small house. A 20-foot truck works for a three-bedroom home, and a 26-foot truck is for a four-bedroom house or larger move.

Most rental companies let you see the truck dimensions and interior space on their website before you book. If you're unsure what size you need, describe your move to the rental company by phone — they can usually estimate based on how many rooms you're moving and what furniture you have. Renting a truck that's too small means multiple trips or leaving things behind. Renting one that's too large wastes money and is harder to drive and park.

How rental pricing works

Truck rental cost is based on four main factors: truck size, distance traveled, rental duration, and time of year. A one-way rental from one city to another costs more than a round-trip rental to the same location, sometimes significantly more. Peak moving season (May through September) has higher rates than winter months.

Most companies charge a base daily or weekly rate plus mileage, though some offer unlimited mileage for longer rentals. U-Haul and Penske publish rates online, so you can see what a specific truck costs for your dates and distance before you call. Home Depot rentals are typically cheaper for local moves but don't offer long-distance options.

Damage waivers (sometimes called loss damage waivers) cost extra but limit what you pay if the truck is damaged. Without one, you're responsible for the full repair cost. Insurance through your personal auto policy or credit card may cover rental trucks, so check before buying the rental company's coverage.

What to bring and how to reserve

You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card to reserve a truck. Most companies require you to be at least 18 years old to rent, though some require 21. If you're under 25, you may pay a young driver surcharge.

Reserve online or by phone at least a few days before your move, especially during peak season. Online reservations lock in the price and let you compare options side by side. Phone reservations let you ask questions about truck condition, equipment (like dollies or furniture pads), and what's included in the rental.

When you pick up the truck, the rental company will inspect it with you and document any existing damage. Take photos or video of the truck's condition before you load it, and keep those photos until after you return it. This protects you if the company tries to charge you for damage that was already there.

Equipment and add-ons to consider

Most rental companies offer dollies, hand trucks, furniture pads, and rope or straps for an additional fee. Some include basic equipment with the rental; others charge per item. Furniture pads protect your belongings and the truck bed from scratches. Dollies and hand trucks make moving heavy items easier and reduce injury risk.

Ask what's included in your rental before you book. If the company charges for equipment you'll need, factor that into your total cost. Some local rental shops include basic equipment at no extra charge, which can save money on a small move.

Returning the truck and avoiding extra charges

Return the truck on time and with a full fuel tank to avoid late fees and fuel surcharges. Most companies charge a per-hour or per-day penalty if you return late, and fuel is usually marked up significantly compared to gas station prices.

Return the truck clean inside and out. Excessive dirt or debris may result in a cleaning fee. The rental company will inspect the truck for damage when you return it, so be present during the inspection and point out any pre-existing damage you documented at pickup.

Keep your rental receipt and any photos you took until your credit card statement arrives, in case the company charges you for damage you didn't cause. If you dispute a charge, your photos and the pickup inspection report are your evidence.

Alternatives if truck rental doesn't work for your move

If you need a truck for just a few hours or a single room, some Home Depot locations rent trucks by the hour. This is cheaper than a full-day rental for very short moves. Uship and other peer-to-peer moving platforms connect you with local movers who bring their own trucks, which works well if you want help loading and unloading.

For long-distance moves, full-service moving companies handle packing, loading, transport, and unloading, though they cost more than renting a truck yourself. If you have only a few items, freight services like XPO Logistics or regional carriers may be cheaper than renting a truck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a truck if I don't have a credit card?

Most major rental companies require a credit card for the reservation and damage deposit. Some independent local rental shops may accept a debit card or cash deposit, but this is rare. Call ahead to ask what payment methods the specific rental location accepts.

What happens if I return the truck late?

Late fees vary by company but typically range from $20 to $50 per hour or per day. Some companies charge a flat fee for being a few hours late, while others charge hourly. Check your rental agreement for the exact penalty before you pick up the truck, and plan your return time with a buffer.

Does my car insurance cover a rental truck?

Some auto insurance policies cover rental trucks, but many don't. Call your insurance company before you rent to ask whether a moving truck is covered under your collision and liability coverage. Your credit card may also offer rental truck coverage if you book with that card.

Can I rent a truck one-way to a different city?

Yes, but one-way rentals cost significantly more than round-trip rentals because the company has to move the truck back. The farther the distance, the higher the surcharge. U-Haul and Penske both offer one-way rentals, though availability and pricing vary by route.

What if the truck breaks down during my move?

Call the rental company when ready. They're responsible for providing a working truck and will either repair it, send a replacement, or refund your rental fee. Keep the rental company's roadside information number in your phone before you pick up the truck.