Budget Truck rental locations are found through their website, by phone, or through third-party rental comparison sites
Budget operates truck rental locations across the United States, but not every town has one. The fastest way to find a location near you is to visit Budget's website, enter your city or ZIP code, and see what trucks are available on your dates. You can also call Budget's main reservation line to ask about nearby locations and current inventory.
If Budget doesn't have a location in your when ready area, third-party sites like Kayak, Autoslash, or Priceline let you search multiple rental companies at once. These sites sometimes show Budget trucks available through partner locations or affiliated franchises that carry the Budget brand but operate independently.
Keep in mind that Budget franchise locations—those run by independent owners under the Budget name—may have different pricing, vehicle conditions, and policies than corporate-owned Budget locations. When you book, the confirmation will tell you which location you're renting from and what that specific location's rules are.
Key Takeaways
- Budget's website search tool shows available truck sizes and prices for your specific dates and location, and you can book directly there.
- Budget has both corporate-owned and franchise locations, and franchise locations may charge differently or have different vehicle availability.
- Third-party rental sites let you compare Budget trucks against other companies' prices in one search.
- Truck rental rates vary by location, season, and how far in advance you book, so checking multiple dates can save money.
- Budget trucks are typically one-way rentals, meaning you can pick up in one city and drop off in another, though one-way fees explore.
What truck sizes Budget typically offers
Budget's truck lineup usually includes pickup trucks (small and full-size), cargo vans, and moving trucks in 10-foot, 15-foot, and 20-foot lengths. The exact inventory at your local Budget location depends on what's in stock that day and what's reserved by other customers. Larger trucks like 20-footers are less common at smaller locations and may need to be reserved in advance.
Pickup trucks rent for shorter periods and local moves. Cargo vans work for deliveries or moving a moderate amount of furniture. Moving trucks are priced by the day and mileage, and they're what you'd use for a full household move or hauling building materials. Budget's website shows you which sizes are available for your specific rental dates before you commit to booking.
How to check prices and reserve a truck
On Budget's website, enter your pickup location, drop-off location (if different), and your rental dates. The site will show available truck sizes, the daily rate, any mileage charges, and the total cost. Rates change based on demand—renting on a weekend or during moving season (May through September) costs more than renting on a weekday in winter.
You can reserve a truck when ready online with a credit card, or call a Budget location to ask questions before booking. Budget typically holds reservations for 24 hours without a deposit, though some locations may require a deposit to find the truck. Read the confirmation email carefully: it will list the exact location, pickup time, what's included, and what you'll pay extra for (mileage, fuel, insurance, equipment).
Understanding mileage and fuel charges
Budget truck rentals are usually charged by the day plus mileage. The daily rate covers the truck itself; you pay separately for every mile you drive. Mileage rates vary by truck size and location—a 10-foot truck might cost $0.59 per mile while a 20-foot truck costs more. Budget's website shows the mileage rate before you book, so you can calculate the total cost if you know roughly how far you'll drive.
Fuel is your responsibility. You pick up the truck with a full tank and return it full, or Budget will charge you for the fuel they add, usually at a premium price. Some Budget locations offer a pre-purchase fuel option where you pay for a full tank upfront at a set price; if you return the truck with fuel remaining, you don't get a refund, so this option only makes sense if you'll use nearly all of it.
Insurance and damage coverage options
Budget offers damage waiver coverage (sometimes called Loss Damage Waiver or LDW), which limits what you pay if the truck is damaged during your rental. This is optional but recommended, especially for moving trucks that see heavy use. The cost varies by truck size and location, typically ranging from a few dollars to $15 or more per day.
Your personal auto insurance may already cover rental trucks—check your policy or call your insurer before you rent. Some credit cards also cover rental damage if you charge the entire rental to that card. If you have coverage through one of these sources, you may not need Budget's damage waiver. Budget will ask you to decline or accept coverage at pickup, and you'll need to show proof of your own coverage if you decline theirs.
What to bring and expect at pickup
Bring a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance (your own policy or Budget's coverage). Budget will ask for your contact information and may ask about the truck's intended use—they want to know if you're moving, hauling construction materials, or making local deliveries, because that affects wear and tear.
At pickup, the Budget employee will walk you around the truck, point out any existing damage, and have you sign a damage report. This protects you: if damage is already documented, you won't be charged for it when you return the truck. Take photos or video of the truck's condition yourself before you leave the lot. When you return the truck, the same process happens in reverse—the employee inspects it, notes any new damage, and you're charged accordingly.
One-way rentals and drop-off fees
Budget allows one-way rentals: you can pick up a truck in one city and drop it off in another. This costs more than a local rental because Budget has to move the truck back or position it where demand is higher. One-way fees depend on the distance—renting a truck in Denver and dropping it in Las Vegas costs more than renting in Denver and dropping it in Boulder.
Budget's website calculates the one-way fee automatically when you enter different pickup and drop-off locations. Some locations offer better one-way rates than others depending on which direction trucks are flowing. If you're flexible on your drop-off city, checking a few nearby options can sometimes save money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a Budget truck if I'm under 25?
Budget rents to drivers 18 and older, but drivers under 25 may face an additional young driver fee, typically $15 to $25 per day. Some locations have higher age minimums for larger trucks. Call your local Budget location to confirm their age policy for the truck size you need.
What happens if I return the truck late?
Late returns are charged at the daily rate or a higher hourly rate, depending on how late you are. A few hours over might cost one additional day's rental; significantly late returns cost more. Return the truck as close to your reservation time as possible, and call ahead if you know you'll be late—some locations may waive small overages if you notify them.
Can I add a second driver?
Yes. Budget allows additional drivers for a fee, usually $5 to $10 per person per day. The second driver must have a valid license and be present at pickup to sign the rental agreement. Both drivers are responsible for the truck's condition and any damage.
Do I need a special license to rent a large moving truck?
No. In most states, you can rent and drive a 20-foot moving truck with a standard driver's license. Some states have weight limits that affect whether a commercial license is required, but Budget's website and staff will tell you if your state requires one for the truck size you're renting.
What if the truck breaks down during my rental?
Call Budget's roadside information number, which is on your rental agreement. Budget will either send someone to fix the truck or arrange a replacement. You're not responsible for mechanical failures—that's Budget's responsibility. Keep the roadside information number handy and take photos of any mechanical issues before calling.