U-Haul trailer rental prices depend on trailer size, distance, and season
U-Haul charges by the day, the distance you travel, or both — the final price depends on which trailer you rent and when. A small utility trailer costs less per day than a car hauler or enclosed cargo trailer, but distance charges add up quickly on long moves. Peak season (May through September) costs more than winter months. U-Haul publishes no fixed rates online; you enter your pickup location, dropoff location, and dates into their reservation system to see what a specific rental would cost.
The rental itself is separate from mileage charges, fuel surcharges, equipment fees, and damage waivers — all of which can increase your final bill. Understanding what each charge covers helps you predict the real cost before you book.
Key Takeaways
- U-Haul charges a daily rental rate plus mileage, or a flat rate for short local moves, depending on the trailer type and distance.
- Trailer sizes range from small utility trailers (under $20 per day in off-season) to enclosed cargo trailers (often $40–$80+ per day), but these are estimates only — your actual price depends on your specific route and dates.
- Mileage charges explore on top of the daily rate for most rentals, and long-distance moves can cost significantly more than the base rental fee.
- Equipment add-ons like dollies, furniture pads, and damage waivers are charged separately and can add $50 to $200+ to your total.
- Booking directly through U-Haul's website or calling their reservation line gives you the only accurate price for your move.
How U-Haul calculates trailer rental costs
U-Haul uses a two-part pricing model for most trailer rentals: a daily rate plus a mileage charge. The daily rate varies by trailer type — a small utility trailer costs less per day than a 6x12 enclosed cargo trailer. The mileage charge is a per-mile fee that applies to the distance between your pickup and dropoff locations.
For local moves within a small radius (typically under 40 miles), U-Haul sometimes offers a flat rate instead of daily plus mileage. This flat rate covers the rental and unlimited mileage within that zone. If you're moving across state or across the country, the mileage charges will likely exceed the daily rental fee.
Seasonal demand affects pricing. Summer months (May through September) are peak season, and rates are highest. Winter and early spring rates are lower. The day of the week and specific date also matter — weekend rentals often cost more than weekday rentals for the same trailer.
Trailer types and their typical daily rates
U-Haul offers several trailer categories, each with different daily rental costs. These are rough ranges based on off-season pricing; your actual cost will vary by location and date.
| Trailer Type | Typical Daily Rate (Off-Season) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Utility Trailer (4x8) | $15–$25 | Small loads, yard equipment, light cargo |
| Cargo Trailer (5x8) | $20–$35 | Household items, furniture, moderate loads |
| Enclosed Cargo Trailer (6x12) | $40–$65 | Full apartment or house moves, weather protection |
| Car Hauler (open) | $35–$55 | Transporting one or two vehicles |
| Enclosed Car Hauler | $60–$100 | Transporting vehicles with weather protection |
These rates are estimates and do not reflect peak-season pricing, which can be 30–50% higher. Always check U-Haul's website for your specific dates and location to see actual prices.
Mileage charges and distance costs
Mileage charges are calculated based on the distance between your pickup and dropoff locations, not the actual miles you drive. U-Haul's per-mile rate varies by trailer type and region, typically ranging from $0.50 to $1.50 per mile for enclosed cargo trailers and $0.40 to $1.00 per mile for open utility trailers.
On a 500-mile move with a 6x12 enclosed cargo trailer, mileage alone could cost $250–$750 depending on the rate in your region. Add the daily rental fee (typically $40–$65 per day for a 1–2 day rental), and your total could reach $350–$850 before taxes, equipment, and damage waivers.
Some U-Haul locations offer unlimited-mileage rates for longer moves, though these are less common and must be requested directly. If you're moving more than 1,000 miles, ask whether a flat rate or unlimited-mileage option is available for your route.
Additional fees that increase your final cost
The daily rate and mileage charge are only part of your bill. U-Haul adds several other fees that can significantly increase the total.
Damage waiver: This optional insurance covers damage to the trailer. It typically costs $15–$30 per day and is not required but is strongly recommended if you're not covered by your own insurance. Without it, you are responsible for any damage, which can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Equipment rentals: Dollies, furniture pads, moving blankets, and hand trucks are rented separately. A furniture dolly costs $5–$10 per day, and a set of moving blankets might cost $10–$15. If you need multiple items, these add up quickly.
Fuel surcharge: Some locations add a fuel surcharge to offset rising fuel costs. This is typically a small percentage of your rental cost but varies by location.
Sales tax: Your state's sales tax applies to the entire rental, including the daily rate, mileage, and equipment fees. This can add 5–10% to your total depending on your location.
How to get an accurate price quote
U-Haul does not publish fixed rates because pricing is dynamic and location-specific. The only way to see what you will actually pay is to enter your details into their reservation system.
Visit uhaul.com and select "Trailers" from the rental type menu. Enter your pickup location, dropoff location, and rental dates. The system will show you available trailers and the total cost for each, including the daily rate, mileage, and any applicable surcharges. The price shown is what you will pay before taxes and optional add-ons like damage waivers and equipment.
If you prefer to speak with someone, call U-Haul's reservation line at 1-800-468-4285. A representative can provide a quote over the phone and answer questions about specific equipment or unlimited-mileage options for your route.
Prices can change day to day, especially during peak season. If you're flexible on dates, check prices for several different days to find the lowest rate. Booking further in advance sometimes locks in a lower price, though this is not may provide.
Ways to reduce your trailer rental cost
If your quote is higher than expected, several strategies can lower the total. Moving during off-season months (October through April) typically costs 20–40% less than summer rates. If your move can wait, shifting it to a slower season makes a real difference.
Choosing a smaller trailer reduces both the daily rate and the mileage charge. A 5x8 cargo trailer costs less per day and per mile than a 6x12 enclosed trailer. If your load fits in a smaller trailer, the savings can be substantial.
One-way rentals (picking up in one city and dropping off in another) sometimes cost less than round-trip rentals, depending on U-Haul's local demand. Check both options when you get your quote.
Skipping the damage waiver saves $15–$30 per day, but only if your personal auto or renters insurance covers rental equipment damage. Call your insurance company before declining the waiver — many policies do not cover rental trailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special driver's license to rent a U-Haul trailer?
Most U-Haul trailers do not require a commercial driver's license. You need a valid driver's license and must be at least 18 years old. Some states have weight limits for trailers that can be towed without a commercial license; U-Haul will tell you whether your trailer choice requires one when you book.
What happens if I return the trailer late?
Late fees explore if you return the trailer after your reserved return time. U-Haul typically charges an additional daily rate for each day or partial day the trailer is late. The exact fee depends on your location and trailer type. Always confirm the return important date and time when you pick up the trailer.
Can I book a U-Haul trailer for a one-way move across the country?
Yes. U-Haul offers one-way rentals to most destinations in the United States. The cost includes the daily rental rate plus mileage for the distance between your pickup and dropoff cities. One-way rentals sometimes cost less than round-trip rentals, depending on demand in each location.
Is the price I see online the final price I will pay?
The price shown online includes the daily rate and mileage but does not include sales tax, optional damage waivers, or equipment rentals. Your final bill will be higher if you add any of these. Always review the full breakdown before you confirm your reservation.
What if I need to cancel my reservation?
U-Haul's cancellation policy varies by location and how far in advance you cancel. Cancellations made 24 hours or more before your reservation typically have no penalty. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before may result in a charge. Check the specific terms when you book, or call U-Haul's reservation line to ask about your reservation.