U-Haul truck rental prices depend on truck size, distance, and season

U-Haul charges by the day, the mile, or a combination of both depending on your rental type. A one-way local move in a 10-foot truck might cost $20 to $40 per day plus mileage, while a cross-country move in the same truck could run $1,200 to $2,000 total. The final bill depends on which truck you choose, how far you're going, what time of year you rent, and what optional services you add on.

U-Haul's pricing structure is transparent in theory but straightforward to underestimate in practice because the base rate is only part of the cost. Mileage charges, equipment fees, insurance, and fuel add up quickly. Understanding each component before you book helps you compare U-Haul against other rental companies and decide whether the truck size you're considering will actually fit your budget.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul charges a daily rate plus mileage for most rentals, and the per-mile cost varies by truck size and distance traveled.
  • Truck sizes range from 10-foot boxes to 26-foot moving vans, and larger trucks cost more per day but may cost less per mile on long moves.
  • Peak moving season (May through September) costs significantly more than winter months, sometimes 50 percent or higher for the same truck.
  • Equipment rentals like dollies, furniture pads, and cargo straps are separate charges that add $5 to $50 each to your total.
  • U-Haul's damage waiver and roadside information are optional but recommended, adding $15 to $30 per day depending on coverage level.

Daily rates and mileage charges for each truck size

U-Haul offers trucks in five main sizes, each with its own daily rate and per-mile cost. A 10-foot truck (the smallest) typically rents for $20 to $40 per day locally, with mileage around $0.99 per mile. A 15-foot truck runs $30 to $50 per day with similar per-mile rates. The 20-foot truck costs $40 to $60 per day, and the 26-foot truck (largest standard option) runs $50 to $80 per day.

The per-mile charge matters most on long-distance moves. If you're driving 500 miles in a 10-foot truck at $0.99 per mile, that's $495 in mileage alone on top of the daily rate. A 26-foot truck might charge $0.79 per mile for the same distance, which is $395 — less total, even though the daily rate is higher. U-Haul's website calculator shows you the exact breakdown for your specific route and truck size before you commit.

Local moves (typically under 40 miles) often use a flat daily rate with no mileage charge, which can make a small truck very affordable for a one-day job. One-way moves always charge mileage because the truck doesn't return to the same location.

How season and demand affect your rental cost

U-Haul prices surge during peak moving season, which runs from May through September. A 10-foot truck that costs $25 per day in January might cost $40 to $50 per day in July. The difference is not a fixed markup — it depends on local demand. If you're renting in a city where many people are moving out (like a college town in June), prices climb faster than in areas with steady demand year-round.

Weekend rentals also cost more than weekday rentals, sometimes 20 to 30 percent higher. If you have flexibility, moving on a Tuesday or Wednesday in November will cost substantially less than moving on a Saturday in June. U-Haul publishes no fixed seasonal schedule, so the only way to see the actual price difference is to enter your dates into their calculator.

Equipment and service add-ons that increase your total cost

Beyond the truck itself, U-Haul charges for equipment you may need. A furniture dolly rents for $7 to $10 per day. A hand truck costs $5 to $8. Furniture pads run $0.50 to $1 per pad, and you might need 20 to 40 for a full household. Cargo straps, blankets, and boxes add another $20 to $100 depending on quantity. These items are optional, but most people moving a full house end up renting at least a dolly and some pads.

U-Haul's damage waiver (called a Damage Waiver or Loss Damage Waiver) costs $15 to $30 per day and covers accidental damage to the truck. Without it, you're liable for any dents, scratches, or mechanical damage that occurs during your rental, even if it's not your fault. Roadside information is another $5 to $10 per day and covers towing and lockout service if something goes wrong on the road.

Fuel is your responsibility. U-Haul trucks typically get 6 to 10 miles per gallon depending on size and load. A 500-mile move in a 26-foot truck might use 50 to 80 gallons, costing $150 to $240 at current fuel prices. Some U-Haul locations offer fuel cards that lock in a price, which can protect you if gas prices spike during your rental.

Comparing one-way moves versus local round-trip rentals

A round-trip rental (you pick up and return to the same location) usually costs less per mile than a one-way move because U-Haul doesn't have to reposition the truck. A 10-foot truck for a local round-trip might cost $30 per day with no mileage charge up to 40 miles. The same truck for a one-way move 200 miles away could cost $50 per day plus $0.99 per mile, totaling around $250 to $300.

However, if you're moving far enough, one-way can become cheaper than round-trip because you avoid the cost of driving the truck back empty. A 1,000-mile one-way move in a 26-foot truck might cost $1,500 to $2,000 total, while driving that truck 1,000 miles round-trip would cost $2,500 to $3,500 in daily rates alone. U-Haul's calculator shows both options side by side, so you can see which makes sense for your distance.

Real-world cost examples for common moves

A local move within 40 miles using a 10-foot truck in March might cost $35 per day with no mileage, plus a $10 dolly rental and $15 damage waiver, totaling around $60 for one day. The same move in July costs $50 per day, plus equipment and waiver, totaling around $75 to $85.

A 500-mile one-way move in a 15-foot truck during off-season (November to April) might run $40 per day for two days ($80) plus 500 miles at $0.89 per mile ($445), plus a $20 dolly, $30 in pads and straps, and $20 damage waiver, totaling around $595. In peak season, the same move costs $60 per day ($120), plus $445 in mileage, plus equipment and waiver, totaling around $700 to $750.

A cross-country move (2,000 miles) in a 26-foot truck during peak season could run $70 per day for four days ($280), plus 2,000 miles at $0.79 per mile ($1,580), plus $50 in equipment, $100 in damage waiver ($25 per day), and $200 to $300 in fuel, totaling $2,200 to $2,400. The same move in January might cost $1,600 to $1,800.

How to lower your U-Haul rental cost

Book during off-season months (October through April) if your move can wait. The savings are often 30 to 50 percent compared to summer rates. Move on a weekday rather than a weekend, and avoid the first and last days of the month when demand peaks. If you're flexible on truck size, compare the cost of a smaller truck with more mileage charges against a larger truck with a higher daily rate — sometimes the smaller option wins.

Decline optional services you don't need. If you're renting from a location with low damage claims, skipping the damage waiver saves $15 to $30 per day. However, if you're an inexperienced driver or renting in heavy traffic, the waiver is worth the cost. Bring your own equipment (dollies, blankets, boxes) if you have access to it, since rental fees add up fast.

Use U-Haul's price-match may provide if you find a lower quote from another company. U-Haul will match or beat it, though the may provide applies only to the truck rental itself, not equipment or add-ons. Check competitor pricing from Budget, Penske, and Home Depot (which rents U-Haul trucks) to make sure you're getting the best rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for fuel when I return the truck?

No. You fill the tank yourself before returning the truck, and U-Haul charges you only for the fuel you use. If you return it empty, you pay nothing for fuel. Some locations offer pre-purchase fuel at a locked-in price, which protects you if gas prices rise during your rental.

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 the next day, you pay for two days. There's no grace period, so return the truck on time or call ahead to extend your reservation if you need more time.

Can I get a refund if I don't use the full rental period?

U-Haul does not refund unused days. If you reserve a truck for three days but only need it for two, you still pay for three days. You can cancel before your rental starts and receive a full refund, but once the rental begins, the daily charges explore regardless of when you return it.

Is U-Haul cheaper than Penske or Budget for long-distance moves?

Pricing varies by location, season, and truck size, so there's no single answer. U-Haul is often cheaper for local moves and short distances, while Penske and Budget sometimes offer better rates on long one-way moves. Use each company's calculator for your specific route and compare the total cost including equipment and insurance.

What if the truck breaks down during my move?

U-Haul provides roadside information at no charge for mechanical breakdowns, though you may wait for a tow truck. If you purchased the optional roadside information add-on, you get priority service. If the truck is unsafe to drive, U-Haul will arrange a replacement at no extra cost, though this can delay your move.