Renting a moving truck costs between $20 and $100 per day for a local move, or $0.50 to $2.00 per mile for a long-distance rental, depending on truck size and the company

The price you pay depends on three things: the size of truck you need, how far you're moving, and which rental company you choose. A 10-foot truck for a one-day local move might cost $30 to $50, while a 26-foot truck for a cross-country move could run $2,000 to $5,000 or more. Most major rental companies — U-Haul, Penske, Home Depot, and Budget — publish their rates online, and you can compare them before you book.

Local moves are usually charged by the day, with a mileage allowance included. Long-distance moves are typically charged by the mile, sometimes with a base daily rate added on top. Fuel is almost always your responsibility, and you pay for it when you return the truck. Some companies include basic insurance in the rental price; others charge extra for damage coverage.

Key Takeaways

  • Truck size matters most to your total cost — a 10-foot truck holds roughly one bedroom's worth of furniture, while a 26-foot truck holds a three-bedroom house.
  • Book at least two weeks ahead for peak moving season (May through September) to get the truck size and date you want.
  • You will need a valid driver's license and a credit card to reserve; some companies require you to be 18 or older, others 21 or older.
  • Damage waivers and insurance add $15 to $30 per day but protect you from paying for dents, scratches, or mechanical problems.
  • Return the truck on time and with a full fuel tank to avoid late fees and fuel surcharges that can add hundreds of dollars to your bill.

Choosing the right truck size for your move

Start by measuring what you're moving. A 10-foot truck fits a studio or one-bedroom apartment — roughly a bed, couch, dresser, and kitchen table. A 15-foot truck holds a two-bedroom apartment. A 20-foot truck handles a three-bedroom house. A 26-foot truck is for a four-bedroom house or larger. If you're unsure, most rental companies let you reserve online and change the size up to a few days before your move date.

Renting a truck that's too small means you'll need to make two trips or leave things behind. Renting one that's too large wastes money and uses more fuel. Many people underestimate how much space furniture takes up — a couch alone can take up 40 cubic feet. If you're moving a lot of boxes, remember that a standard moving box is about 1.5 cubic feet.

Where to rent and how to compare prices

The four largest truck rental companies in the United States are U-Haul, Penske, Budget, and Home Depot (which partners with U-Haul). Each has different pricing structures and coverage areas. U-Haul has the most locations nationwide but is often the most expensive. Penske tends to be cheaper for long-distance moves. Budget and Home Depot are competitive for local moves.

Get quotes from at least two companies before you book. Enter your pickup location, drop-off location, truck size, and dates into each company's website. Prices change based on demand — a truck might cost $40 on a Tuesday and $80 on a Saturday during summer. If you're flexible on dates, moving mid-week or off-season (October through April) will save you money. Once you have quotes, check what's included: some prices include mileage and insurance, others don't.

Insurance and damage coverage explained

Every rental company offers some form of damage coverage, but the details vary. Most companies include basic liability coverage in the rental price, which covers damage you cause to other people or property. What they don't cover automatically is damage to the truck itself — dents, scratches, mechanical failure, or theft.

You can buy a damage waiver (sometimes called a loss damage waiver or LDW) for $15 to $30 per day. This shifts responsibility for most damage to the rental company, though you may still pay a deductible if something happens. Before you buy, check whether your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental trucks — many do, which means you're paying twice if you also buy the waiver. Call your insurance company or credit card issuer before you rent to find out what's covered.

If you decline the waiver and damage occurs, you'll be charged for repairs. A small dent might cost $100 to $300; major damage can run into thousands. The rental company photographs the truck before and after, so any pre-existing damage should be documented at pickup.

What you need to bring and what to expect at pickup

Bring a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. Most companies require the driver to be at least 18 years old for local moves and 21 for long-distance moves. Some companies charge an extra fee if you're under 25. You'll also need to provide a phone number and email address.

At pickup, the rental agent will walk you around the truck and point out any existing damage — dents, scratches, stains, mechanical issues. This is called the pre-rental inspection. Look carefully and ask the agent to note anything you see. Take photos or video on your phone as backup. Don't sign anything until you're satisfied that all damage is documented. The agent will explain how to operate the truck, where the spare tire is, and how to report problems if something breaks down during your rental.

Ask about the fuel policy before you leave. Most companies require you to return the truck with a full tank. If you don't, they'll charge you for fuel at a rate higher than what you'd pay at a gas station — sometimes $5 to $7 per gallon. Some companies offer a "fuel service option" where you prepay for a full tank at a lower rate; this makes sense if you're unsure how much fuel you'll use.

Returning the truck and avoiding extra charges

Return the truck on the date and time you reserved. Late returns are charged by the hour or day, and fees add up quickly — an extra four hours might cost $40 to $100. If you think you'll need the truck longer, call the rental company and extend your reservation before the due date. Extending ahead of time is usually cheaper than paying a late fee.

Fill the fuel tank completely before you return it. Keep your receipt from the gas station to show the agent. Return the truck clean — sweep out debris, wipe down the interior, and remove any personal items. Some companies charge a cleaning fee if the truck is excessively dirty, typically $50 to $150.

At return, the agent will inspect the truck again and compare it to the pre-rental photos. If new damage is found and you didn't buy a damage waiver, you'll be charged for repairs. This charge may not appear on your credit card for several days or even weeks, so keep your rental agreement and photos for your records.

Tips for a smooth moving truck rental

Book early, especially during peak season. May through September are the busiest months, and popular truck sizes and dates fill up weeks in advance. Booking two to three weeks ahead gives you the best selection and sometimes lower prices.

Load the truck carefully. Put heavy items (boxes, furniture) toward the front and lighter items toward the back. find everything with rope or straps so nothing shifts during transit. An unbalanced load can make the truck harder to handle and increase fuel consumption.

Drive conservatively. Moving trucks are taller and wider than passenger cars, and they handle differently. Avoid sudden stops and sharp turns. Check your mirrors frequently and allow extra distance when merging or changing lanes. Speed limits for trucks are sometimes lower than for cars on highways.

Know the truck's dimensions. The rental company will tell you the height, width, and length. Before you drive, check whether you can fit under low-clearance bridges, through narrow streets, or into your destination driveway. Hitting an overpass or a tree can result in expensive damage charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a truck one-way, or do I have to return it to the same location?

Most companies offer one-way rentals, where you pick up in one city and drop off in another. One-way rentals cost more than round-trip rentals because the company has to move the truck back. For a long-distance move, one-way is usually your only option. Check the rental company's website to see which locations accept drop-offs.

What happens if the truck breaks down during my move?

Call the rental company's roadside information number when ready — it's on your rental agreement. Most companies will send a mechanic or tow truck to help you. If the truck can't be repaired on the spot, they'll usually provide a replacement truck at no extra charge. Keep the rental company's phone number saved in your phone before you leave.

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

No. A standard driver's license is sufficient for trucks up to 26 feet long in most states. Some states require a commercial driver's license (CDL) for trucks over a certain weight, but rental companies typically stay below that threshold. Check your state's DMV website if you're unsure, or ask the rental company when you book.

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

Most rental companies require a credit card to hold the reservation and as a security deposit. A few companies accept debit cards, but they may place a larger hold on your account. Call the rental company directly to ask about their payment options before you try to book online.

Is it cheaper to rent a truck or hire a moving company?

For a small, local move, renting a truck is usually cheaper — you pay $30 to $100 for the truck and handle the labor yourself. For a large or long-distance move, a professional moving company might be comparable or cheaper once you factor in fuel, your time, and the physical effort. Get quotes from both before you decide.