Where to find the lowest pickup truck rental rates
The cheapest pickup truck rentals come from home depot, U-Haul, and Home Depot's tool rental partner — not from traditional car rental chains. Home Depot charges by the hour or day for their trucks, and rates typically start around $19 per hour or $59 per day, though this varies by location and season. U-Haul's daily rates for a basic pickup start lower than full-service rental companies but climb quickly if you need it for multiple days or long distances.
If you need the truck for just a few hours — moving a couch, hauling mulch, picking up lumber — Home Depot is almost always cheaper than Hertz, Enterprise, or Budget. For a full day or longer, compare U-Haul, Penske, and regional chains in your area. Some Costco members get discounts through Costco Travel on certain rental companies, so check your membership benefits before booking elsewhere.
Price comparison sites like Kayak and Autoslash pull rates from multiple companies at once, but they do not always include Home Depot or local independent rental shops. Call or visit the Home Depot location nearest you directly, and search "[your city] pickup truck rental" to find independent operators — they sometimes undercut the national chains on short-term rentals.
Key Takeaways
- Home Depot's hourly and daily truck rentals start at $19 per hour or $59 per day and are usually the cheapest option for jobs under eight hours.
- U-Haul, Penske, and Budget offer daily rates that may be lower than Home Depot for full-day rentals, but mileage charges and insurance add significantly to the final bill.
- Damage waivers, insurance, and mileage fees often cost more than the base rental rate, so always get the full quote before committing.
- Local independent rental shops and equipment rental centers sometimes beat national chains on price, especially for same-day or short-notice rentals.
- Membership discounts through Costco, AAA, or your employer may reduce rates by 10 to 20 percent, so check before you book.
What the actual cost includes and what it does not
The advertised daily rate is almost never the final price. Home Depot's $59 per day covers the truck only — fuel, insurance, and damage waivers are separate. U-Haul and Penske add mileage charges (typically $0.59 to $1.25 per mile), insurance or damage waiver fees ($15 to $30 per day), and fuel surcharges if you do not return the truck full.
A $59 Home Depot truck for one day can easily become $90 to $120 once you add a damage waiver ($15 to $25) and fuel. A U-Haul truck quoted at $40 per day becomes $80 to $120 when you factor in 50 miles of driving at $0.79 per mile, plus the damage waiver. Always ask for the total cost including insurance, mileage, and fuel before you reserve.
Some rental companies offer unlimited mileage for a flat daily rate, which saves money if you are driving more than 60 miles. Penske and Budget sometimes run these deals, but they are not standard — you have to ask. Home Depot does not charge mileage, which makes it the best choice for local moves under 50 miles.
How insurance and damage waivers work
You are responsible for any damage to the truck unless you buy a damage waiver or loss damage waiver (LDW). This is not the same as insurance. A damage waiver means the rental company waives their right to charge you for normal wear and tear or accidents — you pay a flat fee ($15 to $30 per day) instead of potentially thousands in repairs.
Your personal auto insurance may cover rental trucks, but only if the truck is used for personal use, not commercial purposes. If you are moving for yourself, you are probably covered. If you are renting the truck to haul materials for a side job or business, your personal policy likely will not cover it. Call your insurance company before you rent and ask specifically whether rental trucks are covered and whether you need the rental company's waiver.
Home Depot's damage waiver is optional and costs $15 to $25 per day. U-Haul's is called a "damage waiver" and runs $20 to $30 per day. If you decline and damage occurs, you pay out of pocket — dents, scratches, and mechanical damage can cost hundreds. For a one-day rental, the waiver is usually worth buying. For a week-long rental, the cost adds up fast, so weigh it against your insurance coverage.
Comparing Home Depot, U-Haul, and traditional rental companies
| Rental Source | Base Daily Rate | Mileage Charge | Damage Waiver | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Depot | $59–$75 | None | $15–$25/day | Local moves under 50 miles, same-day rentals |
| U-Haul | $40–$60 | $0.59–$1.25/mile | $20–$30/day | Long-distance moves, multi-day rentals |
| Penske | $45–$70 | $0.79–$1.25/mile | $20–$30/day | Longer rentals with unlimited mileage options |
| Budget | $50–$80 | $0.99–$1.50/mile | $25–$35/day | Airport pickups, one-way rentals |
Home Depot wins on price for short local jobs because there is no mileage charge and the daily rate is lowest. U-Haul is competitive for multi-day rentals and long distances if you book in advance — last-minute U-Haul rates spike. Penske often has better rates than U-Haul on longer rentals and sometimes offers unlimited mileage packages. Budget and Hertz are the most expensive for pickup trucks and are best used only if you need a one-way rental to an airport or distant city.
How to lower your rental cost
Book early. U-Haul and Penske rates are lowest when you reserve at least a week ahead. Last-minute bookings can double the price. Home Depot does not take reservations online for trucks in most locations, so call ahead to check availability and lock in the rate.
Rent on a weekday if possible. Weekend rates are 20 to 40 percent higher at most rental companies. If you can move on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you will pay less. Avoid holiday weekends entirely — rates triple around Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day.
Return the truck on time and with a full tank. Late fees run $40 to $75 per hour at U-Haul and Home Depot. Fuel surcharges are $5 to $10 per gallon if you return it empty. Fill up at a gas station before you return it, not at the rental location.
Ask about membership discounts. Costco members get 10 to 15 percent off U-Haul rentals. AAA members receive discounts at Budget and Hertz. Some employers offer discounts through corporate programs — check your HR benefits or employee discount portal.
What to check before you rent
Inspect the truck before you drive off the lot. Take photos or video of any existing dents, scratches, stains, or mechanical issues. The rental company will note these on your contract, but having your own record protects you if they try to charge you for pre-existing damage. Check the odometer, fuel gauge, and tire condition.
Confirm the truck size matches what you need. A standard pickup (Ford F-150, Chevy Silverado) has a bed about 5.5 feet long and can carry roughly 1,500 pounds. If you are moving a couch and some boxes, that is enough. If you are hauling a pallet of bricks or a used refrigerator, you may need a larger truck or a flatbed. Ask the rental company what the truck's payload capacity is before you book.
Verify the fuel policy. Some companies charge you for a full tank upfront and let you return it empty. Others charge per gallon if you return it less than full. Home Depot typically charges for fuel used. U-Haul charges a fuel surcharge if you return it empty. Know which applies to your rental so you are not surprised at checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a pickup truck if I do not have a credit card?
Most rental companies require a credit card for the deposit and final payment. Home Depot and some U-Haul locations accept debit cards, but you may need to show a second form of ID and your bank may place a hold on your account for the full estimated cost. Call the specific location before you go to confirm their payment methods.
What happens if I return the truck late?
Late fees are $40 to $75 per hour at most companies, charged in 15-minute or 30-minute increments. If you are one hour late, you may be charged for a full additional day. Always plan to return it at least 30 minutes before closing time. If you think you will be late, call the rental location when ready — some will extend your reservation if you ask.
Do I need a special license to rent a pickup truck?
No. A standard driver's license is sufficient for any pickup truck under 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Most rental pickups fall well below this. You must be at least 18 years old, though some companies require 21 or 25 for insurance reasons.
Can I rent a pickup truck one-way to a different city?
Yes, but it costs significantly more. U-Haul, Penske, and Budget all offer one-way rentals, but you pay a drop-off fee plus mileage. A one-way U-Haul from one city to another 200 miles away can cost $150 to $300 more than a local round-trip. If you need a one-way rental, get quotes from all three companies — prices vary widely depending on the route and direction.
Is it cheaper to rent a pickup truck or hire a moving company?
For a small local move, renting a truck is cheaper — usually $80 to $150 total. For a large move or long distance, a moving company may be comparable or cheaper once you factor in your time, fuel, and the risk of damage. Get quotes from both and compare the total cost, not just the rental rate.