Home Depot rents trucks by the hour or day through its Tool Rental Center, available at most locations

Home Depot operates a truck rental service through its Tool Rental Center, which you can find at most Home Depot stores. You can rent a pickup truck, cargo van, or flatbed for moving, hauling materials, or one-time jobs. Rentals are priced by the hour (typically 75 minutes minimum) or by the day, and you reserve and pay at the store itself — there is no online booking system.

The trucks available vary by location. Smaller stores may stock only pickup trucks; larger ones carry pickup trucks, cargo vans, and flatbeds. You cannot reserve a specific truck type online, so call your local store before you go to confirm what is in stock and whether it is available on your preferred date and time.

Pricing varies by location and truck type. A pickup truck rental typically costs less per hour than a cargo van, and daily rates are lower per hour than hourly rentals. You pay a damage deposit (usually $50 to $100) in addition to the rental fee, which is refunded when you return the truck undamaged. Fuel is your responsibility — you return the truck with the same fuel level it had when you picked it up, or you pay for the difference.

Key Takeaways

  • Home Depot truck rentals are booked and paid for in person at the store's Tool Rental Center, not online.
  • Hourly rentals require a 75-minute minimum; daily rentals are cheaper per hour but lock you in for 24 hours.
  • You must return the truck with a full fuel tank or pay the difference, and you pay a refundable damage deposit upfront.
  • Call your local store before you go to confirm truck availability, since inventory and pricing vary by location.
  • You need a valid driver's license and a credit card to complete the rental, and you must be at least 18 years old (some locations require 21).

What to bring and what you need to know before you go

Bring a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. Home Depot will run a credit check and hold the damage deposit on your card. You must be at least 18 years old to rent; some locations require renters to be 21. If you do not have a credit card, ask the store whether they accept debit cards — policies vary by location.

Call ahead to the Tool Rental Center at your local store. Ask whether the truck type you need is in stock, what the rental rate is (hourly and daily), what the damage deposit is, and what time you can pick it up. Availability changes daily, and you do not want to arrive only to find the truck you need is already rented out.

Know the fuel policy before you rent. You pick up the truck with a full tank and must return it full. If you return it with less fuel, Home Depot charges you for the difference at a per-gallon rate that is typically higher than gas station prices. Fill up at a gas station near the store before you return the truck — do not rely on finding a station on the way back.

Hourly versus daily rentals: which costs less

Hourly rentals have a 75-minute minimum and are charged in one-hour increments after that. If you need the truck for two hours, you pay for two hours. Daily rentals run for 24 hours from the time you pick up the truck and are significantly cheaper per hour — a truck that costs $20 per hour might cost $60 for a full day.

For jobs under two hours, hourly rental makes sense. For anything longer — a move across town, a trip to the dump and back, a half-day project — a daily rental is almost always cheaper. If you pick up the truck at 9 a.m. and return it at 5 p.m. the same day, you still pay the full daily rate, so plan your timeline accordingly.

Some Home Depot locations offer weekend rates or multi-day discounts. Ask the rental center staff whether any promotions are running when you call. Prices and policies are set by individual stores, so what one location charges may differ from another.

Damage deposits, insurance, and what happens if something breaks

Home Depot holds a damage deposit (usually $50 to $100) on your credit card when you rent. This is refunded when you return the truck in the same condition you received it. Normal wear and tear — dirt, minor scratches — does not count against the deposit. Damage from accidents, mechanical failure caused by misuse, or fuel tank issues does.

Home Depot does not include insurance in the rental price. You can purchase a damage waiver at the time of rental, which typically costs $15 to $25 per day and covers accidental damage. If you have a personal auto insurance policy, check whether it covers rental trucks — many do, which means you may not need to buy the waiver. Call your insurance company before you rent to confirm coverage and what your deductible would be.

If you damage the truck, report it to the rental center staff when ready when you return it. They will document the damage and either charge your deposit or bill your credit card for repairs. Disputes over damage charges are handled by the store manager, so keep your rental receipt and take photos of the truck's condition before you leave the lot.

Pickup and return procedures

When you arrive to pick up the truck, the rental center staff will walk you through the truck's condition, point out any existing damage, and show you how to operate the equipment (tailgate, cargo tie-downs, mirrors). They will fill out a rental agreement with your name, driver's license number, credit card information, and the rental dates and times. Read the agreement before you sign — it lists the damage deposit, fuel policy, and your responsibility for any violations or damage.

You will receive keys and a receipt. The staff will note the truck's mileage and fuel level on the agreement. Take a photo of the odometer and fuel gauge with your phone before you leave the lot — this protects you if there is a dispute about the truck's condition when you return it.

Return the truck to the same location where you rented it, during the Tool Rental Center's business hours. Most centers close by 6 p.m. on weekdays and earlier on weekends, so plan your return time accordingly. If you return the truck late, you may be charged for an additional rental period. When you return it, the staff will inspect the truck, note the mileage and fuel level, and process your refund. The damage deposit refund typically appears on your credit card within three to five business days.

Alternatives if Home Depot does not have what you need

If your local Home Depot does not have the truck type or size you need, or if the rental rate is higher than you expected, other rental options exist. U-Haul, Penske, and Budget all rent trucks by the hour or day and allow online reservations. These companies typically have larger fleets and more truck sizes available, but their rates may be higher than Home Depot, especially for longer rentals.

Local moving companies and independent truck rental shops sometimes offer competitive rates for one-way rentals or multi-day jobs. Check Google Maps or Yelp for "truck rental near me" to see what is available in your area. Compare the base rental rate, damage deposit, fuel policy, and mileage limits (some companies charge per mile; Home Depot does not) before you decide.

If you need a truck only occasionally, renting from Home Depot is usually the cheapest option for short jobs. If you need a truck regularly or for a long-distance move, a dedicated rental company may offer better rates or more flexible terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reserve a truck online or over the phone?

No. Home Depot does not accept online or phone reservations for truck rentals. You must go to the store in person to book and pay. Call ahead to confirm availability, but you cannot hold a truck without being there to complete the rental agreement and provide a credit card for the damage deposit.

What if I need the truck for longer than 24 hours?

You can rent the truck for multiple days. Each day is charged at the daily rate. If you need it for three days, you pay three times the daily rate. Some locations offer discounts for multi-day rentals, so ask the rental center staff when you call.

Do I need a commercial driver's license to rent a truck?

No. A standard driver's license is sufficient for pickup trucks and cargo vans. You do not need a commercial license unless you are renting a truck over a certain weight, which Home Depot's rental trucks typically do not exceed.

What happens if I return the truck with an empty fuel tank?

Home Depot will charge you for a full tank of fuel at a per-gallon rate that is usually higher than the local gas station price. It is always cheaper to fill up yourself at a gas station before you return the truck.

Can someone else return the truck if I cannot?

The person who rented the truck should return it, since they signed the rental agreement. If someone else returns it, bring the rental receipt and your ID. The rental center staff may ask questions about the truck's condition, so it is best to return it yourself if possible.