U-Haul charges mileage on most truck and van rentals, but the rate and structure depend on the truck size and rental type you choose
U-Haul does not charge a per-mile fee the way a car rental company might. Instead, U-Haul builds mileage into the rental price in two ways: either you pay a flat daily rate that includes unlimited miles, or you pay a lower daily rate plus a per-mile charge that kicks in after a certain threshold. Which structure you get depends on the truck size and whether you book a one-way or local rental.
The company does not publish a single mileage rate across all locations. Rates vary by the specific truck you rent, the pickup and drop-off locations, the time of year, and current demand. The best way to see what you will actually pay is to enter your rental dates and locations into U-Haul's website or call a local U-Haul center directly—the quote will show the total cost and break down whether mileage is included or charged separately.
Key Takeaways
- U-Haul's pricing structure varies by truck size: smaller trucks often have unlimited mileage included in the daily rate, while larger trucks may charge per mile after a threshold.
- One-way rentals (pickup in one city, drop-off in another) typically include mileage in the quoted price, while local rentals may charge per mile after the first 100 or 200 miles.
- The actual per-mile rate and mileage threshold are not fixed—they depend on the truck model, location, season, and demand at the time you book.
- U-Haul's website shows the full breakdown of charges before you confirm the reservation, so you can see whether mileage is included or what the per-mile cost will be.
How mileage pricing differs by rental type
U-Haul separates rentals into two categories: one-way rentals and local rentals. One-way rentals are when you pick up a truck in one city and drop it off in another. Local rentals are when you pick up and return the truck to the same location, typically for a move within the same area or a short distance.
For one-way rentals, mileage is almost always included in the quoted daily rate. You pay a flat price per day, and you can drive as far as you need without additional per-mile charges. This is why one-way quotes often look higher than local quotes—the mileage is already factored in.
For local rentals, U-Haul typically charges a lower daily rate but adds a per-mile charge once you exceed a threshold. That threshold is often 100 or 200 miles, depending on the truck size, but it is not may provide. Some local rentals may include unlimited mileage, especially for smaller trucks or during slower seasons. The only way to know for your specific rental is to check the quote.
Truck size and what mileage structure you get
Smaller trucks—pickup trucks, cargo vans, and 10-foot box trucks—are more likely to come with unlimited mileage included in the daily rate, even for local rentals. Larger trucks—15-foot, 20-foot, and 26-foot box trucks—are more likely to have a per-mile charge after a threshold, especially on local rentals.
The reasoning is straightforward: a small cargo van is cheaper to operate per mile than a 26-foot truck, so U-Haul can afford to include unlimited mileage on smaller vehicles. Larger trucks consume more fuel and wear faster, so the company protects itself by charging per mile on longer trips.
Again, this is not a hard rule. A 10-foot truck during peak moving season might have a per-mile charge, while a 20-foot truck during a slow period might include unlimited mileage. The quote you see is what applies to your specific rental.
What the quote shows you before you book
When you enter your rental details on U-Haul's website or speak to a representative, the quote will show you the total estimated cost and a breakdown of charges. If mileage is included, it will say "unlimited mileage" or "mileage included." If you are charged per mile, the quote will show the per-mile rate and an estimate of the total mileage charge based on the distance between your pickup and drop-off locations.
The mileage estimate is just that—an estimate. If you drive fewer miles than estimated, you will pay less. If you drive more, you will pay more. U-Haul calculates the estimate using the shortest driving route between the two locations, so if you take a longer route or make detours, your actual mileage charge will be higher.
Read the quote carefully before you confirm. If the per-mile charge seems high or you are unsure whether you will stay under the mileage estimate, ask the U-Haul representative whether a different truck size or rental type might save you money.
How mileage is measured and billed
U-Haul measures mileage using the odometer on the truck. When you pick up the truck, the representative will record the starting mileage. When you return it, they will record the ending mileage. The difference is what you are charged for, if mileage is not included.
The odometer reading is the only thing that matters—U-Haul does not track your GPS or route. If you drive in circles, take a scenic detour, or backtrack, all of that mileage counts. Plan your route ahead of time if you want to keep mileage charges down.
Mileage charges appear on your final receipt when you return the truck. If you paid a deposit or prepaid the rental, the mileage overage (if any) will be charged to the payment method you provided, or you will be asked to pay it at the return location.
Comparing U-Haul mileage costs to other rental companies
U-Haul is not the only truck rental option. Penske and Budget also rent trucks and vans, and their mileage structures differ. Penske often includes unlimited mileage on one-way rentals and charges per mile on local rentals, similar to U-Haul. Budget's pricing varies by location and truck size. Home Depot and Lowes also rent moving trucks through third-party providers, and their mileage terms vary.
The best approach is to get quotes from multiple companies for your specific rental dates, locations, and truck size. Enter the same details into each company's website and compare the total cost, not just the daily rate. A lower daily rate might come with a higher per-mile charge, so the total cost is what matters.
If you are renting for a long-distance move, a one-way rental with mileage included will almost always be cheaper than a local rental with per-mile charges, regardless of the company. If you are renting for a short local move, compare the total cost across companies—the difference can be significant.
Ways to reduce your mileage charges
If you are being charged per mile, the most obvious way to reduce the cost is to drive fewer miles. Plan your route before you pick up the truck and avoid detours. If you are moving, consolidate trips so you are not driving back and forth multiple times.
You can also ask U-Haul whether a one-way rental would be cheaper than a local rental, even if you are moving within the same general area. Sometimes the flat one-way rate with unlimited mileage is less than the per-mile charges on a local rental, especially if you are driving more than 100 or 200 miles.
If the mileage charges are higher than you expected, ask whether a smaller truck size would lower the total cost. A smaller truck might have unlimited mileage included, or a lower per-mile rate, even if the daily rate is slightly higher. The quote will show you the total, so you can compare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does U-Haul charge for every mile, or only after a certain number?
It depends on the rental type and truck size. One-way rentals typically include unlimited mileage. Local rentals often have a threshold—usually 100 or 200 miles—after which you pay per mile. Some local rentals include unlimited mileage. The quote will tell you exactly what applies to your rental.
What is U-Haul's per-mile rate?
U-Haul does not publish a standard per-mile rate. The rate varies by truck size, location, season, and demand. Rates can range from around $0.50 to $1.50 per mile or higher, depending on these factors. Your quote will show the exact rate for your rental.
If I drive fewer miles than the estimate, do I get a refund?
Yes. If you are charged per mile and you drive fewer miles than the estimate on your quote, you will pay only for the miles you actually drove. The final charge is based on the odometer reading when you return the truck, not the estimate.
Can I get unlimited mileage on a local rental?
Some local rentals include unlimited mileage, especially for smaller trucks or during slower rental seasons. The only way to know is to check the quote for your specific rental dates, location, and truck size. If unlimited mileage is not included, ask whether upgrading to a different truck size or booking a one-way rental would include it.
What happens if I return the truck late—do I pay extra mileage?
Returning the truck late will result in additional daily rental charges, but not additional mileage charges. You pay only for the miles you actually drove, regardless of how long you kept the truck. However, late fees can add up quickly, so return the truck on time if possible.