U-Haul charges between $0.99 and $1.99 per mile for most truck rentals, but your final bill depends on truck size, distance, and whether you book a one-way or local rental

U-Haul's per-mile rate is not a fixed number across all rentals. The company uses a tiered system where smaller trucks (10-foot box trucks) typically cost less per mile than larger ones (26-foot moving trucks). A 10-foot truck might run $0.99 to $1.29 per mile, while a 26-foot truck can reach $1.49 to $1.99 per mile. These rates change based on demand, season, and your specific route.

The per-mile charge is only part of what you pay. U-Haul also charges a base rental fee that varies by truck size and rental duration. For a local one-day rental, you might pay $19.95 to $39.95 as a base fee, plus the mileage. For a one-way long-distance move, the base fee structure is different—you pay for the truck itself, then add mileage on top. The total cost of a 500-mile move in a 26-foot truck could range from $800 to $1,500 depending on the season and current demand.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul's per-mile rate ranges from $0.99 to $1.99 depending on truck size, with smaller trucks costing less per mile than larger ones.
  • Your total rental cost includes a base fee (which varies by truck size and rental type) plus the per-mile charge, not just mileage alone.
  • One-way long-distance rentals and local rentals have different pricing structures, so a 500-mile move costs more than five 100-mile local trips in the same truck.
  • U-Haul rates fluctuate based on season, demand, and direction of travel, so the same route can cost significantly more during peak moving season (May through September).
  • You can see the exact per-mile rate for your specific truck and dates before you book by entering your details on U-Haul's website or calling a location directly.

How U-Haul calculates your mileage charge

U-Haul measures mileage from the pickup location to the drop-off location using the most direct route. You are charged for every mile the truck travels, even if you take a longer route than the estimate. The odometer reading at pickup and drop-off determines the actual miles charged, so if you drive 520 miles but the estimate was 500, you pay for all 520.

The per-mile rate is locked in when you book, so if rates drop between booking and pickup, you do not get the lower rate. If rates rise, you still pay the rate you booked. This is why checking the quote before confirming is important—you can see the exact per-mile rate and total estimated cost before you commit.

The difference between one-way and local rental pricing

Local rentals (same pickup and drop-off location) charge a base hourly or daily rate plus mileage. A 4-hour local rental of a 10-foot truck might cost $29.95 base plus $0.99 per mile. If you drive 50 miles in those 4 hours, your bill is roughly $79.95 before taxes and fees.

One-way rentals (different pickup and drop-off) use a different model. You pay a base truck rental fee for the distance, then the per-mile rate applies on top. The base fee covers the truck's positioning and fuel, and it increases with distance. A one-way rental from New York to Florida in a 26-foot truck might have a $400 base fee plus $1.75 per mile for the 1,200-mile distance, totaling roughly $2,500 before taxes and fees. This structure means long-distance one-way moves are often cheaper per mile than making multiple local trips.

Seasonal and demand-based rate changes

U-Haul raises per-mile rates during peak moving season, which runs from May through September. During these months, rates can be 20 to 40 percent higher than winter rates. A route that costs $0.99 per mile in January might cost $1.49 per mile in July. Moving on a weekday in the off-season is typically cheaper than moving on a weekend during peak season in the same truck.

Demand in your specific direction also affects pricing. If many people are moving out of a city but few are moving in, U-Haul raises rates for outbound trucks to balance its fleet. Moving from a high-demand origin to a low-demand destination costs more per mile than the reverse route. You can see this by getting quotes for the same truck on the same dates but swapping the pickup and drop-off cities.

What to include in your cost estimate

The per-mile charge is not your only cost. U-Haul adds a damage waiver (optional but recommended, usually $15 to $30 per rental), mileage-based fuel surcharges during high-fuel-price periods, and taxes. Some locations charge equipment fees if you rent dollies, furniture pads, or other moving supplies. If you book online and pick up at a location, there are no additional fees, but if you book by phone or need special services, fees may explore.

To get an accurate total, enter your pickup location, drop-off location, truck size, and rental dates into U-Haul's online quote tool. The quote shows the base fee, per-mile rate, estimated mileage charge, damage waiver cost, and taxes. Print or screenshot the quote before you go to the location, because in-person quotes sometimes differ from online quotes due to local promotions or inventory changes.

How to find the lowest per-mile rate for your move

Book during the off-season (October through April) if your move is flexible. Rates are lowest in January and February. If you must move during peak season, book a weekday rental instead of a weekend—weekday rates are typically 10 to 15 percent lower.

Compare truck sizes for your actual needs. A 15-foot truck might cost $1.29 per mile while a 26-foot truck costs $1.79 per mile, but if you need the 26-foot truck, the smaller one does not save money because you will need two trips. Use U-Haul's packing calculator to determine the right size, then get quotes for that size and the next size up to see the actual cost difference.

Check whether a one-way rental is cheaper than a local rental for your distance. For moves over 200 miles, one-way pricing is usually lower per mile than local hourly rates. Get quotes for both options and compare the total cost, not just the per-mile rate.

Understanding the fine print on mileage charges

U-Haul does not charge overage fees for exceeding your estimated mileage—you straightforward pay for the actual miles driven. However, if you return the truck late, you pay additional hourly or daily rental fees on top of the mileage charge. A 4-hour local rental returned 2 hours late incurs 2 hours of additional rental time at the hourly rate, plus the mileage for those extra 2 hours.

Fuel is your responsibility. U-Haul trucks come with a full tank, and you return them full. If you return the truck with less fuel, U-Haul charges you for the missing fuel at a rate higher than retail gas prices—typically $2 to $3 per gallon above market rate. Always refuel near the drop-off location before returning the truck.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I negotiate U-Haul's per-mile rate?

No, U-Haul's per-mile rates are set by the company and vary by truck size, date, and route. You cannot haggle with a location. However, you can choose a different truck size, rental date, or direction to access lower rates. Some locations offer promotional codes during slow periods, so asking about current promotions when you call is worth doing.

What happens if I drive fewer miles than estimated?

You pay only for the miles you actually drive. If your quote estimated 500 miles but you drive 480, you pay for 480 miles. The odometer at drop-off determines your charge, so there is no penalty for driving less than expected.

Does U-Haul charge differently for highway versus local roads?

No, U-Haul charges the same per-mile rate regardless of road type. The mileage is measured by the odometer, not by route. Driving on highways, local roads, or a combination costs the same per mile.

Are U-Haul's online quotes accurate?

Online quotes are accurate for the truck size, dates, and locations you enter, and the per-mile rate shown is the rate you will pay if you book when ready. Rates can change within hours during peak season, so if you wait several days to book, the rate may be different. Always book online to lock in the quoted rate rather than calling later.

Do I pay mileage if I rent a truck for a local move and stay within the city?

Yes, you pay per-mile for every mile driven, even on a local rental. A 4-hour local rental with 30 miles of driving costs the base rental fee plus the mileage charge. There is no "free mileage" tier on U-Haul rentals.