Box truck rental prices and where to find the lowest rates
Box truck rental costs between $20 and $100 per day depending on the truck size, rental company, location, and how far you're driving. A 10-foot truck typically runs $30 to $50 daily; a 16-foot or 20-foot truck runs $50 to $100 daily. Weekly rates usually offer better value than daily rates — expect to pay 40 to 50 percent less per day if you rent for seven days instead of one.
The cheapest rentals come from U-Haul, Home Depot, Lowes, Penske, and Budget, all of which operate nationwide networks. U-Haul and Penske tend to have the most locations; Home Depot and Lowes are worth checking if you're already shopping there. Local moving companies and independent truck rental yards often undercut the national chains by 10 to 20 percent, but you have to call around — their prices don't show up in online searches the same way.
Mileage charges are where rental costs spike. Most companies include unlimited mileage on local one-way rentals (you pick up and drop off in the same area), but long-distance moves charge per mile — typically 50 cents to $1.50 per mile. If you're moving across state, ask whether the company charges mileage or a flat rate for that distance; sometimes a flat rate is cheaper.
Key Takeaways
- Box truck daily rates range from $20 to $100 depending on truck size, with 10-foot trucks at the lower end and 20-foot trucks at the higher end.
- Weekly rentals cost significantly less per day than daily rentals, so a seven-day rental often makes sense even if you only need the truck for three or four days.
- Mileage charges can double or triple your total cost on long-distance moves, so compare per-mile rates and flat-rate options before booking.
- U-Haul, Penske, Home Depot, and Lowes have the widest networks, but local rental yards often charge less if you call directly.
- Insurance, fuel, and equipment fees (dollies, blankets, straps) add to the base rental price and vary by company.
How mileage charges work and when they explore
Mileage charges depend on the rental type. Local one-way rentals — where you pick up and drop off in the same city or region — almost always include unlimited mileage at no extra cost. You pay the daily rate, fuel, and any equipment fees, but not per mile.
Long-distance one-way rentals charge per mile. U-Haul charges around 59 cents per mile for a 10-foot truck and $1.19 per mile for a 20-foot truck, though rates vary by route and season. Penske charges differently — sometimes a flat rate for the route, sometimes per mile. Budget and Home Depot also use per-mile pricing. A 500-mile move in a 20-foot truck can add $600 to $750 in mileage alone.
If you're moving long distance, always ask whether the company offers a flat rate for your specific route. Some companies will quote you a single price that includes mileage, which can be cheaper than the per-mile rate if you're traveling far. Compare the per-mile total against the flat-rate quote before you book.
Insurance, fuel, and hidden fees to watch for
The rental price quoted online does not include fuel or insurance. You pay for fuel separately — you pick up the truck full and return it full, or you pay the company's fuel surcharge (usually $3 to $5 per gallon, much higher than gas station prices). Budget for a full tank; a 20-foot truck's tank holds 50 to 75 gallons.
Insurance is optional but worth considering. Most rental companies offer damage waiver coverage (also called loss damage waiver or LDW) for $15 to $30 per day. This protects you if the truck is damaged, dented, or scratched. Your personal auto insurance may cover a rental truck, so check your policy before paying for the rental company's coverage. Some credit cards also cover rental trucks if you charge the rental to that card.
Equipment fees add up fast. Dollies cost $5 to $10 each; furniture pads run $1 to $3 per pad; straps and tie-downs are $2 to $5. If you're moving a full house, these fees can total $50 to $100. Some companies bundle equipment into a package deal; others charge à la carte. Ask what's included before you book.
Comparing daily, weekly, and monthly rental rates
A daily rental costs the most per day but works if you only need the truck for one or two days. A 10-foot truck at $35 per day is $35 for one day, $70 for two days.
A weekly rental usually costs 40 to 50 percent less per day. That same 10-foot truck might cost $120 to $150 for the week — roughly $17 to $21 per day. If you need the truck for three or four days, renting it for a week often costs less than paying daily rates. U-Haul, Penske, and Budget all publish weekly rates on their websites.
A monthly rental is the cheapest per day but only makes sense if you genuinely need the truck for 30 days. Monthly rates typically run 50 to 60 percent less per day than daily rates. Some companies offer monthly leases for contractors or businesses that need a truck regularly.
| Rental Length | 10-Foot Truck (Typical) | Cost Per Day |
|---|---|---|
| 1 day | $35 | $35 |
| 3 days | $90 | $30 |
| 7 days | $140 | $20 |
| 30 days | $450 | $15 |
These are sample rates to show the pattern. Actual prices vary by location, season, and company. Always check the website or call for your specific dates and location.
Seasonal pricing and how to book at lower rates
Box truck rental prices are highest during summer (May through September) when most people move. Prices drop in fall and winter. If you can move in October, November, or January through March, you'll pay 20 to 40 percent less than summer rates.
Booking online usually shows lower rates than calling the rental company directly, because online booking systems are designed to fill trucks. Call the local branch anyway — sometimes they'll match or beat the online price, especially if you're renting during a slow period. Weekday rentals are cheaper than weekend rentals; if you can pick up on a Tuesday and drop off on a Thursday, you'll pay less than a Friday-to-Sunday rental.
Loyalty programs and discount codes can save 10 to 15 percent. U-Haul offers discounts for AAA members, military, and seniors. Penske has a rewards program. Home Depot and Lowes offer discounts to their credit card holders. Check whether you may have access to before you book.
Local rental yards versus national chains
National chains (U-Haul, Penske, Budget, Home Depot, Lowes) have the advantage of one-way rentals — you can pick up in one city and drop off in another without paying extra. They also have consistent pricing and online booking. The downside is they're often more expensive than local options.
Local moving companies and independent truck rental yards usually charge less per day but may not offer one-way rentals or online booking. You have to call and negotiate. They're worth calling if you're doing a local move and want to save $10 to $20 per day. Search "box truck rental near me" or "moving truck rental [your city]" to find local options.
Some local yards specialize in used or older trucks, which rent for less but may have higher mileage or less reliable air conditioning. If you're moving in summer or driving far, the newer trucks from national chains might be worth the extra cost.
What size box truck you actually need
A 10-foot box truck holds roughly the contents of a one-bedroom apartment — a bed, couch, dresser, kitchen table, and boxes. It's the cheapest option and works for small moves, apartment cleanouts, or hauling materials.
A 16-foot box truck holds a two-bedroom apartment — two beds, two couches, dining table, and a full kitchen's worth of boxes. It's the middle ground between cost and capacity.
A 20-foot or 26-foot box truck holds a three- to four-bedroom house. If you're moving a full house, you need at least a 20-foot truck. Anything smaller and you'll make multiple trips, which defeats the cost savings.
Most rental companies let you reserve a truck online and then call the location to confirm the size fits your load. If you're unsure, rent the larger truck — paying $20 more per day is cheaper than renting two smaller trucks or making a second trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special license to drive a box truck?
It depends on the truck's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Most 10-foot and 16-foot box trucks weigh under 26,000 pounds and require only a standard driver's license. Some 20-foot and larger trucks exceed 26,000 pounds and require a commercial driver's license (CDL) in most states. Ask the rental company whether the specific truck you're renting needs a CDL before you book.
Can I rent a box truck one-way across the country?
Yes, but expect to pay mileage charges or a flat rate for the distance. U-Haul and Penske both offer long-distance one-way rentals. A one-way rental from New York to Los Angeles in a 20-foot truck typically costs $2,000 to $3,500 including mileage. Get quotes from multiple companies — rates vary significantly by route and season.
What happens if I return the truck late?
Late fees typically run $40 to $75 per hour or a full day's rental charge if you're more than an hour late. Some companies charge a flat fee; others charge hourly. Ask about the late fee policy when you book. If you think you'll need the truck longer, extend the rental before the due date rather than returning it late.
Is fuel included in the rental price?
No. You pick up the truck with a full tank and return it full, or you pay the rental company's fuel surcharge (usually $3 to $5 per gallon, much higher than gas station prices). It's always cheaper to fill the tank yourself at a gas station before returning the truck.
Can I rent a box truck if I'm under 25?
Most companies rent to drivers 18 and older, but some charge an additional fee for drivers under 25 — typically $15 to $25 per day. A few companies have a minimum age of 21 or 25. Check the rental company's age policy before you book.