U-Haul rental prices depend on truck size, distance, and how busy the rental center is that day

U-Haul charges by the day, the mile, or both—and the total cost swings wildly depending on what you're moving and when. A one-way rental of a 10-foot truck might cost $20 to $40 per day plus mileage, but that same truck during peak moving season (May through September) or in a high-demand market can double. The company also charges equipment fees, insurance, and fuel surcharges that don't show up in the advertised daily rate.

The only way to know your actual cost is to enter your specific pickup location, dropoff location, and moving date into U-Haul's website or call a local center. Prices change constantly based on local supply—if everyone in your area is renting trucks that weekend, you'll pay more. If you're moving on a Tuesday in February, you'll pay less.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul charges a daily rate plus a per-mile rate, and both vary by truck size, location, and season; there is no single price that applies everywhere.
  • Peak moving season (May through September) and weekend rentals cost significantly more than weekday rentals in the off-season.
  • The final bill includes the truck rental, mileage, equipment (dollies, furniture pads, boxes), fuel, and optional damage waiver insurance.
  • One-way rentals (pickup in one city, dropoff in another) often cost more than round-trip rentals because U-Haul has to reposition the truck.
  • Getting a quote from U-Haul directly is the only reliable way to know your cost, since prices are not published and change based on real-time demand.

How U-Haul's pricing structure works

U-Haul uses a two-part pricing model: a daily rental fee and a per-mile charge. The daily fee covers the truck itself for one calendar day. The mileage charge is separate and applies whether you drive 10 miles or 500 miles. A 10-foot truck might have a daily rate of $19.95 and a mileage rate of $0.99 per mile in a slow market, but those numbers shift based on demand at that specific location and date.

The truck size you choose determines both the daily rate and the mileage rate. U-Haul's smallest option is a cargo van (about $9.99 per day in low-demand periods), and the largest is a 26-foot truck (about $39.95 per day). The bigger the truck, the higher both rates climb. A 15-foot truck costs more per day than a 10-foot truck, and a 20-foot truck costs more than a 15-foot truck.

Distance matters enormously. A local move of 50 miles costs far less than a 1,000-mile cross-country move, even with the same truck size and rental period. U-Haul calculates mileage from the pickup location to the dropoff location, and you pay for every mile, whether you take the direct route or not.

What factors push prices up or down

Timing is the single biggest factor. Moving during peak season (May through September) costs more because demand is highest. Moving on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday costs more than moving on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Moving during a holiday weekend costs the most. If you have flexibility, shifting your move to a weekday in the off-season can cut your cost in half or more.

Direction and location matter too. If you're moving from a city where U-Haul trucks are plentiful to a city where they're scarce, you'll pay a premium—U-Haul calls this a "high-demand market." Moving from a rural area to a major city often costs less than the reverse, because U-Haul needs trucks in the cities. One-way rentals are almost always more expensive than round-trip rentals because U-Haul has to pay to move the truck back.

Truck availability on your chosen date affects price directly. If U-Haul has many trucks available at your pickup location on your date, the price is lower. If trucks are scarce, the price rises. This is why checking multiple dates—even just a day or two apart—can reveal significant price differences.

Equipment, insurance, and hidden costs

The truck rental itself is only part of the bill. U-Haul charges separately for equipment: furniture pads, dollies, hand trucks, boxes, tape, and mattress covers all cost extra. A furniture pad rental might be $1 to $3 per pad. A dolly might be $5 to $10. Boxes range from $1 to $3 each depending on size. If you're moving a full house, these add up quickly.

Fuel is your responsibility. U-Haul trucks run on gasoline or diesel, and you return the truck with a full tank or pay U-Haul's fuel surcharge, which is typically higher than the local gas price. A 26-foot truck might hold 40 gallons, so a cross-country move could mean $150 to $200 in fuel alone.

Damage waiver insurance is optional but heavily promoted. U-Haul's standard damage waiver covers most damage to the truck for a daily fee (typically $15 to $30 per day depending on truck size). Without it, you're liable for any damage, including dents, scratches, and mechanical problems caused by your use. Many renters buy it for peace of mind, even though it adds to the total cost.

One-way versus round-trip rentals

A round-trip rental means you pick up and drop off at the same location. A one-way rental means you pick up in one city and drop off in another. One-way rentals almost always cost more because U-Haul has to position the truck back to where it's needed, and that cost is passed to you.

The price difference can be substantial. A round-trip 10-foot truck rental for a local move might cost $60 to $80 total. The same truck rented one-way across a state might cost $300 to $500 or more. U-Haul's pricing algorithm factors in the direction of the move, local supply and demand at both ends, and the distance.

If you're considering a one-way move, compare it to a round-trip rental plus the cost of driving back yourself or hiring someone to drive the truck back. Sometimes the round-trip option, even with the extra mileage, costs less than the one-way premium.

How to get an accurate quote

U-Haul's website and mobile app let you enter your pickup location, dropoff location, and moving date to see a price. You can also call a U-Haul center directly. The quote you get is real-time and reflects current demand, but it's only good for a limited time—usually 24 hours. If you wait a week and check again, the price may have changed.

When you get a quote, it shows the daily rate, mileage rate, estimated mileage, and total truck rental cost. It does not automatically include equipment, insurance, or fuel. You have to add those separately to know your true cost. Some quotes include a fuel surcharge if U-Haul estimates you'll use a lot of fuel.

To compare prices fairly, get quotes for the same truck size, pickup location, dropoff location, and date from multiple U-Haul centers if possible. Prices can vary between locations even for the same move. You can also call ahead and ask about discounts—U-Haul offers discounts for AAA members, military, and some employers, though the discount is usually small (5 to 10 percent).

Typical costs for common moves

These are rough ranges based on typical pricing, but your actual cost will differ based on the date, location, and current demand. A local move of 50 miles with a 10-foot truck on a weekday in March might run $60 to $100 total (truck rental plus mileage). The same move on a Saturday in July could run $150 to $250. A one-way move of 500 miles with a 15-foot truck might run $400 to $700 in the off-season or $800 to $1,200 during peak season.

If you add equipment (dollies, pads, boxes), insurance, and fuel, a cross-country move with a 20-foot truck could easily reach $2,000 to $3,500 or more. A small local move with minimal equipment might stay under $200. The only way to know your specific cost is to enter your details into U-Haul's system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for mileage if I rent a truck locally?

Yes. U-Haul charges both a daily rate and a per-mile rate on all rentals. Even a 10-mile local move incurs mileage charges. The total cost is the daily rate plus (miles driven × per-mile rate). Some competitors offer unlimited-mileage local rentals, so compare if you're moving within a small area.

What happens if I return the truck late?

U-Haul charges an additional daily rate for each day (or partial day) the truck is late. If you rent for one day and return it two days later, you pay for two days. Late fees can add $20 to $40 or more depending on truck size. Plan your return time carefully and ask about grace periods when you rent.

Can I negotiate the price U-Haul quotes me?

U-Haul's prices are set by their demand-based algorithm and are not negotiable. However, you may may have access to for discounts through AAA, military service, or employer programs. Changing your moving date or truck size can lower the price. Calling a local U-Haul center instead of using the website sometimes reveals different pricing.

Is the damage waiver worth buying?

That depends on your comfort with risk. The waiver typically costs $15 to $30 per day and covers most damage to the truck. Without it, you're liable for repairs, which can run into thousands of dollars for major damage. If you're an inexperienced driver or renting a large truck, the waiver may be worth the cost.

What if I need the truck for longer than I planned?

Call U-Haul as soon as you know you need it longer. You'll be charged an additional daily rate for each extra day. Extending by phone is usually cheaper than returning late and incurring late fees, so contact them before your return date if possible.