U-Haul's mileage charges depend on truck size and location, but typically range from $0.99 to $1.99 per mile

U-Haul does not publish a single mileage rate. Instead, the per-mile cost varies based on the truck size you rent, the distance you are traveling, and local demand. A 10-foot truck might cost $0.99 per mile in one region while a 26-foot truck costs $1.99 per mile in another. The rate also shifts seasonally — summer moves cost more than winter ones because demand is higher.

The way U-Haul structures pricing makes it impossible to know your exact per-mile charge until you enter your pickup location, dropoff location, and truck size into their website or call a location directly. That said, understanding the range and how the calculation works will help you estimate your total cost before you book.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul charges per mile, but the rate depends on truck size, route, and season — you must check the specific quote for your move to see the actual rate.
  • Smaller trucks (10-15 feet) typically cost less per mile than larger ones (20-26 feet), though the difference varies by location and time of year.
  • Your total rental cost includes the base daily rate plus mileage charges, so a cheap per-mile rate does not mean a cheap overall rental.
  • U-Haul's website shows the per-mile rate before you confirm the booking, so you can compare rates across different truck sizes and dates.
  • One-way rentals (where you drop off in a different city) usually have higher per-mile rates than round-trip rentals from the same location.

How U-Haul calculates your mileage charge

U-Haul multiplies the distance you travel by the per-mile rate for your specific truck and route. If you rent a 10-foot truck at $1.29 per mile and drive 200 miles, your mileage charge is $258. This is separate from the base rental fee, which covers the truck for a set number of days (usually one to three days for a local move).

The per-mile rate is set when you book and locked in at that price. If you drive fewer miles than you estimated, you pay only for the miles you actually drove. If you drive more, you pay the additional mileage at the same rate. U-Haul measures distance using the route you enter at booking, not the actual path you take, so taking a longer route does not increase your charge.

Typical per-mile rates by truck size

Smaller trucks generally have lower per-mile rates than larger ones, but the difference is not always dramatic. A 10-foot truck might cost $0.99 to $1.49 per mile, while a 20-foot truck might cost $1.29 to $1.99 per mile. A 26-foot truck (the largest U-Haul offers) often sits at the higher end. These ranges shift based on your location and the time of year you are moving.

The best way to compare is to enter your actual move details into U-Haul's website or call your local U-Haul center. Plug in the same route for different truck sizes and note the per-mile rate shown for each. This takes five minutes and gives you real numbers instead of estimates.

One-way moves cost more per mile than round-trip rentals

If you are dropping off the truck in a different city than where you picked it up, U-Haul charges a higher per-mile rate. This is because the company has to move the truck back to balance its inventory across locations. A one-way rental from New York to Boston might cost $1.79 per mile, while a round-trip from New York to Boston and back might cost $1.09 per mile.

For long-distance moves, this difference adds up quickly. A 500-mile one-way move at $1.79 per mile costs $895 in mileage alone, while a 500-mile round-trip at $1.09 per mile costs $545. Always check both options when you book, even if a round-trip seems inconvenient, because the savings can be substantial.

Seasonal demand affects per-mile pricing

U-Haul raises per-mile rates during peak moving season, which runs from May through September. Summer rates can be 20 to 40 percent higher than winter rates for the same route and truck size. If you have flexibility in when you move, booking in the fall or winter will lower your per-mile cost significantly.

Holiday weekends and the first and last days of the month also see higher rates because more people move on those dates. If you can move mid-week in the off-season, you will see the lowest per-mile pricing U-Haul offers for your route.

What to watch for when comparing quotes

The per-mile rate is only part of your total cost. U-Haul also charges a base daily rental fee, which varies by truck size and location. A 10-foot truck might rent for $19.95 per day in one city and $29.95 in another. For a three-day local move, that difference ($30 total) is small, but for a long-distance move where you keep the truck for five or more days, the daily rate matters as much as the mileage rate.

Some U-Haul locations also charge equipment fees (for dollies, furniture pads, or other items), fuel surcharges, or facility fees. These are shown in your quote before you book, so read the full breakdown. A truck with a low per-mile rate but a high daily fee might cost more overall than a truck with a slightly higher per-mile rate but lower daily fee.

How to estimate your total rental cost

To get a real estimate, visit uhaul.com or call your local U-Haul center with these details: your pickup location, dropoff location, truck size, and move date. The website will show you the per-mile rate, the daily rate, the number of days you are renting, and your estimated mileage charge. Multiply the per-mile rate by your distance, add the daily rental fee times the number of days, and you have your base cost before taxes and any add-ons.

For example: a 10-foot truck at $1.29 per mile for 200 miles, rented for 2 days at $24.95 per day, would cost (200 × $1.29) + (2 × $24.95) = $258 + $49.90 = $307.90 before taxes. U-Haul's quote will show the exact total, including any fees or surcharges specific to your locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does U-Haul charge for mileage on local moves?

Yes. U-Haul charges per mile on all moves, including local ones. A local move within the same city still incurs mileage charges based on the distance traveled. If you are moving 15 miles across town, you pay for those 15 miles at the per-mile rate for your truck size.

Can I reduce my mileage charge by returning the truck early?

No. You pay only for the miles you actually drive, not for the days you rent the truck. If you book a truck for three days but return it after one day, you still pay the full mileage charge for the distance you traveled. However, you will not pay for the unused days if you return the truck early.

What happens if I drive more miles than I estimated?

You pay the additional mileage at the per-mile rate locked in at booking. There is no penalty or overage charge — you straightforward pay for the extra miles at the same rate. U-Haul measures mileage using the odometer on the truck, so the actual distance you drive is what you are charged for.

Are U-Haul's per-mile rates the same everywhere?

No. Rates vary by region, local demand, and the specific U-Haul location. A move from Los Angeles to San Francisco may have different per-mile pricing than the same distance in a rural area. Always get a quote for your specific route to see the actual rate.

Do I pay mileage if I rent a truck by the day instead of by the mile?

U-Haul does not offer a true "by the day" option for most moves. All standard rentals include per-mile charges. Some local moves under a certain distance may have a flat daily rate, but this is rare and location-specific. Check your quote to see whether mileage is included or separate.