Where to rent a moving truck and what to expect

The largest moving truck rental chains — U-Haul, Penske, and Home Depot — operate thousands of locations nationwide, and you can reserve online or by phone within minutes. Smaller regional companies and local independent rental shops often charge less and may offer better customer service, but you'll need to search by city or neighborhood to find them. Most rental companies let you pick up at one location and drop off at another for an extra fee, which matters if you're moving across town or out of state.

Rental prices depend on truck size, distance traveled, and how many days you keep it. A 10-foot truck for a local one-way move typically costs $20 to $50 per day at a major chain, while a 26-foot truck runs $40 to $100 per day. Mileage is usually unlimited for local moves but charged per mile for long distances. Insurance, equipment (dollies, blankets, straps), and fuel add to the final bill.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul, Penske, and Home Depot have the most locations, but local rental shops often cost less and may have better availability on busy moving days.
  • Truck size ranges from 10 feet (fits a one-bedroom apartment) to 26 feet (fits a three-bedroom house), and choosing the right size saves money and prevents multiple trips.
  • One-way rentals let you drop off in a different city, but they cost more than round-trip rentals from the same location.
  • Reserve at least one week ahead during peak moving season (May through September) to lock in your truck and avoid price increases.
  • Insurance through the rental company typically costs $15 to $30 per day, but your personal auto policy or credit card may cover truck rentals already.

How to choose the right truck size

A 10-foot truck holds the contents of a one-bedroom apartment or a small house. A 15-foot truck fits a two-bedroom apartment or a small house with some furniture. A 20-foot truck works for a three-bedroom house, and a 26-foot truck is needed for a four-bedroom house or larger. If you're unsure, most rental companies let you estimate your load online by answering questions about how many rooms you're moving and what large items you have.

Renting a truck that's too small forces you to make multiple trips or leave items behind. Renting one that's too large wastes money and makes driving harder, especially if you're not used to handling a large vehicle. Many people underestimate how much space furniture takes up, so if you're on the fence between two sizes, the larger one usually saves money in the long run by avoiding a second rental.

Comparing rental companies by location and price

U-Haul has the most pickup locations (over 20,000 in North America) and the widest range of truck sizes. Penske focuses on larger trucks and commercial rentals, so prices can be higher but trucks are often newer. Home Depot rental centers are convenient if you're already shopping there, but availability is limited to their store locations. Budget and Lowes also rent trucks, though with fewer locations than U-Haul.

Local independent rental shops exist in most cities and often undercut national chains by 20 to 40 percent, especially for one-way moves. Search "[your city] moving truck rental" or call local equipment rental companies to compare. The trade-off is that independent shops may have older trucks, fewer size options, or stricter cancellation policies. Call ahead to confirm they have your truck size available on your moving date, because smaller shops run out of inventory faster during peak season.

One-way versus round-trip rentals

A round-trip rental means you pick up and drop off at the same location. A one-way rental means you pick up at one location and drop off at another. Round-trip is cheaper for local moves within 50 miles. One-way costs more because the rental company has to move the truck back to a high-demand location, but it's the only option if you're moving to a different city or state.

One-way pricing depends on the direction you're moving. Moving from a low-demand area to a high-demand area (like moving to a major city) costs more than the reverse. Some rental companies publish one-way rates online; others require a phone quote. If you're moving a long distance, compare the cost of a one-way rental to the cost of renting locally at your destination and hiring movers to transport your items, because sometimes that combination is cheaper.

What to do before you reserve

Check your auto insurance policy and credit card benefits to see if they cover rental truck damage. Many personal auto policies extend to rental trucks, and some premium credit cards include rental car insurance that applies to trucks. If you have coverage, you can skip the rental company's insurance and save $15 to $30 per day. Call your insurance agent or credit card company to confirm the coverage limits and what you need to do to claim it.

Measure doorways, hallways, and stairwells in both your old and new homes to make sure large furniture fits. Check the height of garage doors and low-clearance bridges on your route if you're renting a 20 or 26-foot truck. Reserve at least one week in advance, and two weeks during May through September, because trucks rent out quickly on weekends and at the beginning of the month. Most rental companies let you reserve online and lock in the price, which protects you if rates go up before your move date.

Pickup, driving, and return requirements

You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card to rent a truck. Some companies require you to be at least 18 years old; others require 21 or 25. Bring your insurance information and any rental coverage documents from your credit card. The rental company will inspect the truck for existing damage before you leave, so take photos or video of the condition and note any dents, scratches, or mechanical issues on the rental agreement.

Return the truck on time and with a full fuel tank, or you'll pay a refueling fee that's usually higher than the local gas price. Return it clean inside and out — rental companies charge cleaning fees of $50 to $150 if the truck is dirty. If you damage the truck during the rental, you're responsible for repairs unless you purchased the rental company's damage waiver. Return it to the location you reserved, or call ahead if you need to drop it off elsewhere, because some locations don't accept returns.

Finding local rental shops and comparing prices

Search "[your city] equipment rental" or "[your city] moving truck rental" to find independent shops. Call three to five companies and ask for a quote on your truck size, dates, and distance. Ask whether the price includes mileage, what the fuel policy is, and whether they offer a damage waiver. Many local shops negotiate on price, especially for longer rentals or off-peak dates, so don't accept the first quote.

Check Google Maps and Yelp reviews for rental shops in your area, but focus on recent reviews and look for patterns rather than single complaints. A shop with mostly four and five-star reviews but a few one-star reviews about damage charges is normal; a shop with consistent complaints about hidden fees or broken trucks is a sign to rent elsewhere. Ask friends and neighbors who have moved recently which company they used and whether they'd rent from them again.

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 security deposit, which is typically $100 to $300. Some independent rental shops accept debit cards or cash deposits, but you'll need to call and ask. A few companies may let you use a prepaid card, but policies vary widely, so confirm before you show up to rent.

What happens if I return the truck late?

Late fees are usually $40 to $50 per hour or a full day's rental charge, whichever is higher. If you think you'll need the truck longer, call the rental company as soon as possible to extend your reservation. Extending ahead of time is cheaper than paying late fees, and it guarantees the truck will be available for the extra days.

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

In most states, you don't need a commercial driver's license for trucks under 26,000 pounds. A standard passenger license is enough. Check your state's Department of Motor Vehicles website to confirm, because a few states have different rules. If you're renting a 26-foot truck, confirm with the rental company that your license is valid.

Can I rent a truck for just a few hours?

Most rental companies charge by the day, not by the hour, so a four-hour rental costs the same as a full day. A few independent shops offer hourly rates, usually $30 to $50 per hour with a three or four-hour minimum. Call local rental shops to ask about hourly options, because it's not always advertised online.

What if the truck breaks down during my move?

Call the rental company when ready and they'll send a replacement truck or arrange a tow to the nearest service center. You're not responsible for mechanical failures, and the rental company will cover the cost. Keep the rental agreement and the company's roadside information number in your phone before you pick up the truck.