U-Haul locations are easiest to find through their website or app, which shows real-time availability and lets you reserve a truck for pickup at the nearest branch

U-Haul operates thousands of rental locations across North America — company-owned facilities, authorized dealers at hardware stores and gas stations, and independent franchises. The fastest way to find one near you is to visit uhaul.com or read the U-Haul mobile app, enter your zip code, and see what trucks are available on your moving date. The website shows you the exact address, hours, phone number, and current inventory for each location within your search radius.

You can also call U-Haul's main reservation line at 1-800-468-4285, and a representative will locate nearby branches and help you reserve a truck over the phone. This is useful if you need to discuss truck size, trailer options, or have questions about pricing before you commit.

Many U-Haul dealers operate inside other businesses — Home Depot, Lowe's, Ace Hardware, and some gas stations rent U-Haul trucks from their parking lots. These locations often have shorter hours than standalone U-Haul centers, so check the app or website for operating times before you show up.

Key Takeaways

  • The U-Haul website and app show you every rental location near your address, current truck availability, and real-time pricing for your specific moving date.
  • You can reserve a truck online and pick it up the same day at most locations, though peak moving season (May through September) may require advance booking.
  • U-Haul charges by the day, mileage, or a combination of both depending on the truck size and rental type — always compare the total cost before you reserve.
  • You will need a valid driver's license and a credit card to rent, and U-Haul requires you to be at least 18 years old (some locations require 21 for larger trucks).
  • Authorized dealers at hardware stores and gas stations rent U-Haul trucks but may have limited inventory and shorter hours than company-owned locations.

How to compare truck sizes and rental costs

U-Haul offers several truck sizes, from a 10-foot box truck (holds about one bedroom's worth of furniture) to a 26-foot truck (holds a three-bedroom house). The website lets you select your truck size and see the price for your exact moving date and distance. Pricing varies by location, season, and demand — the same truck may cost $30 a day in February but $80 a day in July.

U-Haul's pricing model combines a daily rental fee with a mileage charge. A 10-foot truck might cost $19.95 per day plus $0.99 per mile, while a 26-foot truck could be $39.95 per day plus $1.29 per mile. Some one-way rentals (where you pick up in one city and drop off in another) have a flat rate instead of a mileage charge. Always calculate the total cost — a cheap daily rate with high mileage charges can end up costing more than a higher daily rate with lower per-mile fees.

The app and website show you the total estimated cost before you confirm your reservation, so you can compare different truck sizes and rental dates side by side. If you need a trailer as well — for a car, motorcycle, or extra cargo — U-Haul rents those separately, and the app will show you what trailers are available at your chosen location.

What to bring and what to expect at pickup

Bring a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. U-Haul will run a credit check and may place a hold on your card for a damage deposit, which is typically released after you return the truck in good condition. Some locations accept debit cards, but credit is preferred because the hold is easier to process.

At pickup, a U-Haul employee will walk you through the truck's condition, pointing out any existing damage and documenting it on a form. This protects you — if you return the truck with new damage, U-Haul can charge you for repairs, but they cannot charge you for damage that was already there. Take photos of the truck's exterior and interior before you leave the lot, and keep those photos until after you return it.

The employee will also show you how to operate the truck's basic controls, explain the fuel policy (you rent it full and return it full, or pay U-Haul's fuel surcharge), and answer questions about mileage tracking and drop-off procedures. If you rented moving equipment like dollies or furniture pads, they will load those into the truck for you.

Peak season and advance booking

U-Haul's busiest season runs from May through September, with the highest demand on weekends and at the end of the month. If you are moving during this window, book your truck at least one to two weeks in advance to may support availability. Last-minute bookings during peak season often result in higher prices or trucks that are not your preferred size.

Winter months (November through March) are slower, and you can often reserve a truck just a few days before your move. However, availability still depends on your location — rural areas may have fewer trucks in stock, and popular destinations (like college towns before the school year starts) can run short even in the off-season.

If your preferred location is sold out on your moving date, the website will suggest nearby locations with available trucks. You can also call the reservation line and ask about trucks at alternative branches within a reasonable distance.

One-way rentals versus local moves

A one-way rental means you pick up the truck in one city and drop it off in another. U-Haul charges a flat rate for one-way moves, which can be cheaper than paying mileage if you are moving a long distance. For example, a one-way rental from New York to Florida might cost less per mile than a local move with a high mileage charge.

A local rental means you pick up and return the truck to the same location. You pay a daily rate plus mileage, so the total cost depends on how far you drive. Local rentals are usually cheaper for short moves (under 100 miles) because you avoid the one-way surcharge.

The website shows you both options side by side when you enter your pickup and drop-off locations. Compare the total cost for each before you decide — sometimes a one-way rental is cheaper even if you are only moving across town, depending on U-Haul's current demand at that location.

Damage deposits and insurance options

U-Haul places a hold on your credit card for a damage deposit, usually between $100 and $200 depending on the truck size. This hold is released when you return the truck undamaged. If you return the truck with new damage — dents, scratches, mechanical problems, or interior stains — U-Haul will charge you for repairs, and the cost comes out of the damage deposit or is billed to your card if repairs exceed the deposit amount.

U-Haul offers optional damage waiver coverage, which limits your liability for accidental damage to the truck. The waiver costs extra (typically $10 to $20 per day) but protects you if you accidentally hit something or cause minor damage during your move. Read the terms carefully — waivers usually do not cover damage from negligence, mechanical problems you cause, or damage to the truck's interior from improper loading.

Your personal auto insurance may cover rental trucks, so check your policy before you buy U-Haul's waiver. Some credit cards also offer rental truck coverage as a cardholder benefit. If you have either of those, you may not need U-Haul's waiver.

Returning the truck and what happens if you are late

Return the truck to the location you selected at the time of booking, during their operating hours. The website shows you the exact drop-off address and hours. If you return the truck late, U-Haul charges an additional daily rate for each day or partial day you keep it — this can add up quickly if you miss the important date by more than a few hours.

When you return the truck, a U-Haul employee will inspect it for damage, check the fuel level, and verify the mileage. If you rented equipment like dollies or pads, return those at the same time. The employee will give you a receipt showing the final charges, and any remaining damage deposit hold will be released within a few business days.

If you cannot return the truck by your scheduled time, call the location as soon as possible. Some locations can extend your rental if another customer has not booked the truck for the next day, but you will pay the additional daily rate. Planning ahead and returning the truck on time avoids these extra charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reserve a U-Haul truck online and pick it up the same day?

Yes, most U-Haul locations allow same-day pickup if the truck is available. Reserve online or call ahead to confirm availability, then pick up during the location's operating hours. Peak season moves may require advance booking, but off-season rentals are often available within hours of reservation.

What if I need a truck larger than U-Haul's biggest box truck?

U-Haul's largest box truck is 26 feet. If you need more space, you can rent a 26-foot truck plus a cargo trailer, or look into commercial moving companies that rent larger vehicles. The U-Haul website shows all available truck and trailer combinations at your location.

Do I have to return the truck with a full tank of gas?

Yes. U-Haul rents trucks with a full tank and requires you to return them full. If you return the truck with less fuel, U-Haul charges a fuel surcharge (usually higher than the local gas price). It is cheaper to fill up yourself at a gas station near the drop-off location.

What happens if I damage the truck during my move?

U-Haul will assess the damage at return and charge you for repairs. The cost comes from your damage deposit or is billed to your credit card. If you purchased damage waiver coverage, your liability is limited to the waiver's deductible (usually $0 to $100). Document the truck's condition with photos before you leave the pickup location to protect yourself.

Can someone else return the truck if I cannot make it back?

Yes, another person can return the truck on your behalf, but they should bring your rental agreement and photo ID. Call the drop-off location ahead of time to let them know someone else will be returning it, so they are expecting the truck and can process the return without delay.