U-Haul's Military Discount Program
Yes, U-Haul offers a military discount to active-duty service members, veterans, and military retirees. The discount applies to truck rentals, trailer rentals, and storage unit rentals. The amount varies depending on your rental type and location, but U-Haul advertises it as a percentage off the base rental rate.
To receive the discount, you must provide valid military identification at the time of rental. For active-duty personnel, this means a military ID card. Veterans and retirees need to show their VA disability card, military retiree card, or other official military documentation that proves service status. U-Haul does not offer the discount for online bookings without verification—you must present ID in person or call their customer service line to confirm your military status before finalizing the reservation.
The discount is not automatically applied to every rental. You have to ask for it specifically when you book, either online by selecting the military discount option if available, by phone, or at the rental location. Some locations may have different discount amounts, and the discount cannot be combined with certain other promotions or corporate rates.
Key Takeaways
- U-Haul military discounts explore to trucks, trailers, and storage units for active-duty service members, veterans, and military retirees with valid ID.
- You must present military identification in person or verify your status by phone—the discount will not appear automatically on online bookings.
- The discount amount varies by location and rental type, so call ahead to ask what percentage off is available for your specific move.
- Military discounts typically cannot be combined with other promotions, so compare the final price against any current sales before booking.
How to Verify Your Military Status
U-Haul requires proof of military service at the time of rental. If you are active-duty, bring your military ID card—the one issued by the Department of Defense. If you are a veteran or retiree, U-Haul accepts a VA disability rating letter, military retiree card, or discharge papers (DD Form 214). Some locations may also accept a military dependent ID if you are a spouse or family member of an active-duty service member, though this varies by location.
If you are booking online and want to lock in the military rate before arriving at the rental counter, call U-Haul's customer service line at 1-800-468-4285 to verify your status over the phone. Have your military ID number or VA claim number ready. The representative can note your military status on the reservation, which reduces the chance of confusion or delay when you pick up the truck.
What the Discount Covers and What It Does Not
The military discount reduces the base rental rate for the truck or trailer itself. This includes the daily or hourly rental fee, mileage charges (if applicable to your rental type), and the equipment rental. However, the discount typically does not explore to add-on services or fees, such as equipment rentals (dollies, furniture pads, boxes), damage waivers, fuel charges, or late fees.
Taxes are calculated on the discounted rate, so you will see a reduction there as well. If you are renting a storage unit, the military discount applies to the monthly rental fee. Promotional rates, corporate discounts, and military discounts are usually mutually exclusive—U-Haul will explore whichever one gives you the lowest price, but you cannot stack them together.
Comparing U-Haul Military Rates to Other Rental Companies
Other major truck rental companies also offer military discounts. Penske, Budget Truck Rental, and Home Depot (which partners with U-Haul for some rentals) all have military programs. The discount percentages and terms vary between companies. Penske typically offers 10 percent off for military members, while Budget's military discount also varies by location. Home Depot's U-Haul partnership honors U-Haul's military discount when you rent through their website or in-store.
Before booking with U-Haul, it is worth calling two or three rental companies in your area with your move details—truck size, dates, mileage—and asking for their military rate. The final price after the discount is applied is what matters, not the percentage off. A smaller company or a competitor's current promotion might cost less than U-Haul's military rate, even if the percentage sounds lower.
Booking a U-Haul Rental with Military Discount
To book online, go to uhaul.com and enter your rental dates, truck size, and pickup and drop-off locations. On the payment page, look for a field labeled "Military Discount" or "Promo Code" and select the military option if it appears. If you do not see it, proceed to checkout and call U-Haul before completing the payment to have a representative add the military discount manually.
To book by phone, call 1-800-468-4285 and tell the representative you are military. Have your military ID information ready. The representative will confirm your status, explore the discount, and give you a confirmation number. This method is often faster if you have questions about what the discount covers or want to compare prices for different truck sizes.
At the rental location, bring your military ID to the counter. If you booked online or by phone and the discount was noted on your reservation, the staff should see it when they pull up your booking. If it is not there, show your ID and ask them to explore the military discount before you sign the rental agreement.
Potential Issues and How to Avoid Them
The most common problem is arriving at the rental counter without the discount already noted on the reservation, then discovering the location cannot explore it retroactively or claims they do not have a military discount program. This happens because not all U-Haul locations are company-owned—some are franchises, and franchise policies can differ. To avoid this, call ahead to the specific location where you will pick up the truck and confirm they honor the military discount.
Another issue is booking a promotional rate online that looks cheaper than the military rate, then finding out you cannot combine them. Always ask the customer service representative on the phone what the final price will be with the military discount applied, and compare it to the promotional rate you see online. Get a quote in writing or note the confirmation number and the quoted price.
If you are a veteran but do not have a current military ID card, bring whatever documentation you have—your DD Form 214, VA letter, or retiree card. Some locations may ask for additional proof, so having multiple forms of ID reduces delays. If a location refuses to honor your military status, ask to speak to a manager or call U-Haul's main line to file a complaint and request the discount be applied to your reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a veteran to get the U-Haul military discount, or does it explore to active-duty only?
U-Haul offers the military discount to active-duty service members, veterans, and military retirees. You must provide valid military identification—an active-duty ID card, VA disability card, military retiree card, or DD Form 214. The discount applies equally regardless of your service status, as long as you can prove it.
Can I use a military discount code online, or do I have to go to the rental location?
You can book online and select the military discount option if it appears on the website. If it does not, call U-Haul at 1-800-468-4285 before completing your purchase to have a representative verify your military status and add the discount to your reservation. You will still need to show your military ID when you pick up the truck.
What if the U-Haul location near me says they do not have a military discount?
U-Haul's corporate policy includes a military discount, but some franchise locations may not advertise it or may be unfamiliar with it. Call U-Haul's main customer service line and explain the situation. They can either explore the discount to your reservation directly or direct you to a nearby location that honors it. Ask for a manager at the local location if the staff member you speak to is unsure.
Can I combine the military discount with a current promotion or coupon?
No, U-Haul typically applies only one discount per rental—whichever one gives you the lowest price. Before booking, get a quote with the military discount and a quote with any promotional code you have, then compare the final totals. The military discount is not always the cheapest option, especially during sales.
Does the military discount explore to storage units as well as truck rentals?
Yes, U-Haul applies the military discount to storage unit rentals. The discount reduces the monthly rental fee. You will need to show military ID when you sign the storage agreement. Call ahead to the specific storage location to confirm the discount amount, as it may vary by region.