You rent a U-Haul by choosing your truck size and dates online or by phone, providing a driver's license and payment method, then picking it up at a location near you
U-Haul is a truck and van rental company with thousands of locations across North America. You can reserve a vehicle through their website (uhaul.com), their mobile app, or by calling 1-800-GO-UHAUL. The process takes about 10 minutes if you already know what size truck you need and your moving dates. You'll need a valid driver's license, a credit or debit card, and a current address. U-Haul will ask for your name, phone number, pickup location, dropoff location, and rental dates before showing you available vehicles and prices.
The rental price depends on the truck size, how far you're moving, and current demand in your area. U-Haul charges by the day for local moves (typically under 40 miles) and by the mile for longer distances, plus a base daily rate. You can add optional equipment like dollies, furniture pads, or boxes when you book. Most reservations require a credit card to hold, but you don't pay the full amount until you pick up the truck.
Key Takeaways
- Reserve online at uhaul.com, through their app, or by calling 1-800-GO-UHAUL, and you'll need a valid driver's license and credit card.
- U-Haul charges by the day for local moves and by the mile for long-distance moves, so the total cost depends on distance and truck size.
- You pick up the truck at the location you chose during booking, and the staff will walk you through the vehicle's condition and fuel level before you leave.
- Return the truck to the location you selected at booking, or to a different U-Haul location if you choose the one-way option (which costs more).
- Damage waivers and insurance coverage are optional add-ons that protect you if the truck is damaged during your rental.
Choosing the right truck size for your move
U-Haul offers several sizes: cargo vans (smallest, good for one room or apartment), 10-foot trucks (studio or one-bedroom), 15-foot trucks (two to three bedrooms), 20-foot trucks (three to four bedrooms), and 26-foot trucks (large houses). The website has a size guide that shows how many rooms each truck holds, but the real question is how much stuff you actually have. If you're unsure, rent the next size up—paying $20 more for a larger truck is cheaper than making a second trip or paying overage fees if you overload.
When you search for a truck on uhaul.com, the website shows you available sizes at your chosen pickup location and the price for each. Prices change based on demand and how far you're moving. A 10-foot truck for a 50-mile move might cost $40 to $80 depending on the day and season, while the same truck for a 500-mile move could be $200 to $400. The website shows the total estimated cost before you book, so you can compare sizes and decide what fits your budget.
What to do when you pick up the truck
Arrive at your pickup location at the time shown on your reservation. Bring your driver's license and the credit card you used to book. The U-Haul staff will check your ID, confirm your rental agreement, and walk you around the truck to document its current condition. They'll point out any existing dents, scratches, or damage and note them on the paperwork. This step protects you—if damage is already documented, you won't be charged for it when you return the truck.
The staff will show you the fuel level (trucks are rented full and must be returned full), explain how to operate the truck's basic controls, and answer questions about the rental. They'll also ask whether you want to add a damage waiver or insurance coverage. If you decline, you're responsible for any damage to the truck during your rental. Once everything is signed, you'll get the keys and can load your belongings.
Understanding mileage charges and fuel costs
For local moves (typically under 40 miles), U-Haul charges a daily rate with unlimited mileage. For longer moves, you pay a base daily rate plus a per-mile charge. The per-mile rate varies by truck size and location but is usually between $0.50 and $1.50 per mile. When you book online, the website calculates the total mileage cost based on the distance between your pickup and dropoff locations, so you'll see the full price before you commit.
Fuel is your responsibility. The truck is rented with a full tank, and you must return it with a full tank. If you return it empty or partially empty, U-Haul will refill it and charge you a premium price per gallon—usually $2 to $4 more per gallon than the local gas station price. The easiest approach is to fill up at a gas station near the dropoff location just before you return the truck. Keep your receipt in case there's a dispute about the fuel level.
One-way rentals versus round-trip rentals
A round-trip rental means you pick up and return the truck to the same location. A one-way rental means you pick up at one location and return to a different one. One-way rentals cost more because U-Haul has to move the truck back to balance its fleet across locations. If you're moving across the country, a one-way rental is necessary and usually the only option available.
When you search on uhaul.com, you can choose your dropoff location. If it's the same as your pickup location, the price is lower. If it's different, the website will show you the one-way price. Some locations have higher demand than others, so a one-way rental from a rural area to a city might be cheaper than the reverse, because U-Haul needs trucks in the city more urgently.
Damage waivers and insurance options
U-Haul offers two main protection options: a damage waiver and rental truck damage coverage. The damage waiver reduces your financial responsibility if the truck is damaged, but it doesn't cover everything—it typically has a deductible (often $3,000 to $5,000) and excludes certain types of damage like windshield cracks or tire damage. Rental truck damage coverage is actual insurance and may cover more, but it costs more per day.
Your personal auto insurance or credit card may already cover rental trucks, so check your policy before buying U-Haul's coverage. If your insurance covers rentals, you can decline U-Haul's options and save money. If you don't have coverage and don't buy U-Haul's protection, you'll pay out of pocket for any damage—which can easily exceed $1,000 for major dents or mechanical problems. The cost of the waiver or insurance is usually $10 to $20 per day, so factor that into your total rental cost.
Returning the truck on time and in good condition
Return the truck to the location you selected at booking on or before your reservation end date and time. If you return it late, U-Haul will charge you an additional daily rate. If you return it to a different location than you booked, you may be charged a relocation fee or a higher rate. The website and your confirmation email clearly state your dropoff location and time, so check before you leave.
When you return the truck, fill it with fuel first, then drive it to the U-Haul location. The staff will inspect the truck for damage, check the fuel level and mileage, and compare the condition to the notes from pickup. If there's new damage, they'll photograph it and explain the charges. If the truck is clean and undamaged, the inspection takes 10 minutes. Keep your return receipt—it shows the final mileage and any charges added to your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special driver's license to rent a U-Haul?
No. A standard driver's license is sufficient for trucks up to 26 feet. U-Haul does not require a commercial driver's license (CDL) for any of their standard rental vehicles. You must be at least 18 years old, though some locations require you to be 21 to rent certain truck sizes.
Can I book a U-Haul for someone else to drive?
The person whose name is on the rental agreement must be the one who picks up the truck. However, other people can drive it during the rental period as long as they have a valid driver's license. Make sure anyone who drives is listed on the agreement or covered by your insurance.
What happens if I damage the truck during my rental?
You're responsible for any damage unless you purchased a damage waiver or insurance. Report damage to U-Haul when ready when you return the truck. They'll assess it, take photos, and send you a bill if you didn't buy protection. Damage charges can range from $100 for minor dents to several thousand dollars for major repairs.
Can I extend my rental if I need the truck longer?
Yes. Call U-Haul or visit a location before your reservation ends to extend the rental. You'll be charged the daily rate for the additional days. Extending is usually cheaper than returning the truck and renting another one, but availability depends on demand at your location.
What if the truck breaks down during my move?
U-Haul provides roadside information for mechanical breakdowns. Call the number on your rental agreement or 1-800-GO-UHAUL to report the problem. U-Haul will send help or arrange a replacement truck. You're not responsible for the breakdown unless it was caused by misuse or negligence on your part.