Where to rent a truck and what the daily rates look like

The three largest truck rental chains in the United States are U-Haul, Penske, and Home Depot (which operates through U-Haul). Budget and Lowes also rent trucks, though Budget's fleet is smaller. Local moving companies and independent rental yards often have trucks too, and sometimes charge less for one-way moves within a region.

Daily rates vary by truck size, location, and how far you're moving. A 10-foot truck typically costs between $20 and $40 per day at a national chain, but a one-way move across several states can run $800 to $1,500 depending on distance and current demand. Penske and U-Haul both publish rates online; you enter your pickup location, dropoff location, and dates to see the actual price before you commit. Rates are higher during peak moving season (May through September) and lower in winter.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul, Penske, and Home Depot are the main national chains, and rates depend on truck size, distance, and season — check their websites directly for your specific move.
  • A local one-way move in a 10-foot truck costs roughly $20 to $40 per day, while a cross-country one-way rental can exceed $1,000.
  • Mileage is usually unlimited on local moves but charged per mile on one-way rentals, so the total distance matters more than the rental period.
  • Insurance through the rental company costs extra; your personal auto policy or credit card may already cover the truck, so check before buying.
  • Reserve at least two weeks ahead during peak season and confirm your truck size matches what you actually need — undersizing forces a second trip.

Local moves versus one-way rentals and how mileage charges work

A local move means you pick up and return the truck to the same location. You pay a daily rate, and mileage is unlimited. If you're moving within 100 miles and need the truck for two days, you pay roughly $40 to $80 total (plus fuel and insurance). This is the cheapest option for short distances.

A one-way rental means you pick up in one city and drop off in another. You pay a base daily rate plus a per-mile charge. The per-mile rate varies by company and truck size but typically ranges from $0.50 to $1.50 per mile. A 500-mile one-way move in a 10-foot truck might cost $300 base plus $250 to $750 in mileage, depending on the company and current rates. One-way moves are priced higher during peak season because the rental company has to position the truck back to where it's needed.

Check whether the company charges for mileage before you book. U-Haul and Penske both show the mileage charge in the online quote, so you see the total before committing. Some local rental yards offer flat rates for one-way moves within a region, which can be cheaper than per-mile pricing if you're moving far.

Truck sizes and what fits in each one

Rental companies offer trucks in standard sizes: 10-foot, 15-foot, 20-foot, and 26-foot. The size you need depends on how much you're moving, not how many rooms you have.

A 10-foot truck holds roughly the contents of a one-bedroom apartment — a bed, dresser, couch, dining table, and boxes. A 15-foot truck fits a two-bedroom apartment. A 20-foot truck handles a three-bedroom house. A 26-foot truck is for a four-bedroom house or more. Most rental companies let you reserve online and see the truck's interior dimensions, so you can measure your furniture and compare. If you underestimate and run out of space, you'll have to make a second trip or rent a larger truck, both of which cost more than getting the size right the first time.

Rental companies also rent trailers — open or enclosed — which you tow behind your own vehicle. A trailer costs less per day than a truck but requires a vehicle capable of towing and a hitch. Trailers work well if you're moving a few large items but not a full household.

Insurance, damage waivers, and what your own coverage might already protect

Rental truck companies offer two types of damage protection: a damage waiver (also called a loss damage waiver or LDW) and liability insurance. The damage waiver covers dents, scratches, and mechanical damage to the truck itself. Liability covers injury or property damage you cause to other people or their property while driving the truck. Both cost extra — typically $15 to $30 per day combined, depending on the company and truck size.

Before you buy the rental company's insurance, check what you already have. Your personal auto insurance may extend to rental trucks, and some credit cards (especially premium cards) cover rental damage if you use that card to pay. Call your insurance company or card issuer and ask specifically whether they cover truck rentals and what the limits are. If you're covered, you can decline the rental company's waiver and save money. If you're not covered and decline the waiver, you're liable for any damage to the truck — which can easily exceed $1,000 for significant dents or mechanical issues.

Read the rental agreement carefully. Some waivers have exclusions (like damage from improper loading or towing) or require you to report damage within a certain time. Know what you're buying before you sign.

How to reserve and what to bring on pickup day

Reserve online through the rental company's website or by phone. Online reservations let you see the exact price and truck availability before committing. Call ahead if you want to confirm the truck size or ask about discounts — some companies offer lower rates for AAA members, military, or students.

On pickup day, bring a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name (the company will place a hold on it for the damage waiver), and proof of insurance if you're declining the rental company's coverage. Arrive early — pickup lines can be long, especially on weekends. The rental agent will walk you around the truck, point out any existing damage, and ask you to sign off on the condition. Take photos of the truck's exterior and interior before you leave the lot. This protects you if the company later claims you caused damage that was already there.

Fill the truck with fuel before you return it. Rental companies charge a premium for fuel if you return it empty — often $5 to $8 per gallon, which is roughly double the market rate. Some companies offer a prepaid fuel option at checkout, which locks in a price but assumes you'll return the truck empty. Calculate whether prepaying makes sense based on current gas prices and how much fuel you'll actually use.

Peak season timing and how far ahead to reserve

Moving season runs from May through September, with July and August being the busiest months. During peak season, popular truck sizes (especially 10-foot and 15-foot) can sell out, and rates are highest. If you're moving during this window, reserve at least two to three weeks ahead to may support availability and lock in a lower rate.

Winter (November through March) is the slowest season. Trucks are cheaper and more available, but weather can complicate the move. If you have flexibility, moving in April, May, or early June gives you better rates than July and August without the winter weather risk.

Check the rental company's cancellation policy before you book. Most allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup, but some charge a fee if you cancel closer to the date. If your moving date might shift, confirm the policy so you're not locked in.

Comparing costs: truck rental versus hiring movers

A truck rental covers only the vehicle and fuel. You provide the labor to load, drive, and unload. Hiring professional movers means they handle all the heavy lifting, but you pay for their time and labor.

For a local one-bedroom move, a truck rental might cost $50 to $100 plus fuel and your time. Professional movers for the same move typically charge $1,500 to $3,000 depending on how much stuff you have and how far you're moving. For a three-bedroom house, a truck rental might cost $150 to $300 plus fuel; movers might charge $4,000 to $8,000. If you have friends or family who can help load and unload, a truck rental is usually much cheaper. If you're moving alone or have a lot of heavy furniture, movers may be worth the cost.

Some people use a hybrid approach: rent a truck and hire movers just for loading and unloading, which costs less than a full-service move but saves your back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a truck if I'm under 25?

Yes, but most companies charge an underage driver fee (typically $15 to $25 per day) for drivers under 25. You'll still need a valid driver's license and a credit card. Call the rental company to confirm their age policy before you book, as it varies.

What happens if I return the truck late?

Late fees typically start after a grace period (usually one hour) and run $40 to $50 per hour or a flat daily rate if you're more than a few hours late. If you think you'll need the truck longer, call the rental company and extend your reservation — it's cheaper than paying late fees. Check the rental agreement for the exact late fee structure.

Do I need a special license to drive a large truck?

In most states, you don't need a commercial driver's license (CDL) for trucks under 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Most rental trucks fall below this threshold. Check your state's DMV website or call the rental company to confirm, especially if you're renting a 26-foot truck.

Can I rent a truck one-way and return it to a different location than I originally planned?

Yes, but you'll pay a change fee (typically $50 to $150) plus any difference in mileage charges. Call the rental company as soon as you know your plans have changed. Changing the dropoff location online or at the counter is faster than dealing with it after the fact.

What if the truck breaks down during my move?

Call the rental company's roadside information number when ready — it's on your rental agreement. They'll send a mechanic or tow the truck to a repair facility. You're not responsible for the repair cost, and the company will provide a replacement truck or cover your transportation to complete the move. Keep the roadside information number handy before you leave the lot.