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

U-Haul charges by the day for local moves and by mileage plus a base daily rate for one-way rentals. A 10-foot truck for a local one-day rental typically costs $20 to $40, while a 26-foot truck runs $40 to $60 per day. One-way moves are priced differently: you pay a base daily rate plus mileage, so a 500-mile one-way rental in a 10-foot truck might cost $200 to $400 total, depending on the route and time of year. Peak moving season (May through September) and weekend rentals cost significantly more than off-season weekday moves.

The final price you see at checkout includes the truck rental, mileage (for one-way), equipment fees, fuel surcharges, and damage waiver insurance if you add it. U-Haul's website shows real-time pricing for your specific dates and locations, so the numbers change based on demand. Booking directly through their site or app usually gives you the lowest rate; third-party rental sites often add their own fees on top.

Key Takeaways

  • Local one-day rentals cost $20 to $60 depending on truck size, while one-way moves add mileage charges on top of a base daily rate.
  • Peak season (May through September) and weekend rentals cost 30 to 50 percent more than off-season weekday moves.
  • The final bill includes the truck, mileage, equipment rental, fuel surcharge, and optional damage waiver — check the itemized quote before you book.
  • U-Haul's website shows live pricing for your exact dates and route, so compare a few different dates if your move is flexible.

How U-Haul calculates the total rental cost

U-Haul breaks the charge into separate line items. The base daily rate covers the truck itself and varies by size: a 10-foot truck is cheapest, a 15-foot truck is mid-range, and a 26-foot truck is the most expensive. For one-way rentals, you also pay per mile — typically $0.50 to $1.50 per mile depending on the truck size and route. A 500-mile move in a 10-foot truck at $0.99 per mile would add $495 in mileage alone.

On top of the base rate and mileage, U-Haul charges for equipment you rent separately: dollies, furniture pads, blankets, and boxes. A dolly rental adds $5 to $15 per day. A fuel surcharge applies if gas prices are high. If you decline their damage waiver (called the Damage Waiver or Loss Damage Waiver), you are responsible for any dents, scratches, or mechanical damage — this can run into hundreds of dollars. The waiver typically costs $15 to $30 per day and is optional but worth considering if you have never driven a large truck.

Truck size and what it costs per day

U-Haul offers five main truck sizes, each priced differently. The 10-foot truck is the smallest and cheapest, starting around $20 to $30 per day for local moves. It fits a studio or one-bedroom apartment. The 15-foot truck costs $30 to $45 per day and holds a two-bedroom apartment. The 20-foot truck runs $35 to $55 per day and fits a three-bedroom home. The 26-foot truck, their largest standard option, costs $40 to $60 per day and can move a four-bedroom house.

For one-way rentals, the daily rate is lower but mileage charges are higher. A 10-foot truck might have a $20 daily rate but cost $0.99 per mile. A 26-foot truck might have a $35 daily rate but cost $1.49 per mile. The larger the truck, the more you pay per mile, so a long-distance move in a 26-foot truck can cost significantly more than the same move in a smaller truck. If you are moving less than 200 miles, a local rental (charged by the day) is usually cheaper than a one-way rental.

When you pay more: season, day of week, and demand

U-Haul's prices surge during peak moving season, which runs from May through September. A truck that costs $25 per day in January might cost $40 to $50 per day in July. Weekends are more expensive than weekdays — a Friday or Saturday rental can cost 20 to 40 percent more than the same truck on a Tuesday. The end of the month is also pricier because many people move on the last day of their lease.

Demand in your specific area matters too. Moving out of a major city during peak season is more expensive than moving into it, because U-Haul has more trucks leaving than returning. If you have flexibility, moving on a weekday in the off-season (October through April) will cut your cost by a third or more. U-Haul's website shows pricing for different dates side by side, so you can see exactly how much you save by shifting your move a few days.

One-way versus local rental: which costs less

A local rental charges by the day with unlimited mileage within a set area (usually 40 to 60 miles from the pickup location). A one-way rental charges a base daily rate plus per-mile fees. For moves under 200 miles, a local rental is almost always cheaper because you pay only the daily rate. For moves over 300 miles, a one-way rental is usually the only option U-Haul offers, and the mileage charges will dominate your bill.

Here is a concrete example: moving 150 miles in a 10-foot truck. A local rental for two days might cost $50 to $60 total. A one-way rental for the same truck would charge a $20 daily rate plus $0.99 per mile for 150 miles, totaling roughly $170. If your move is exactly at the boundary — say, 200 miles — call U-Haul or check their website for both options, because pricing can shift based on demand and the specific route.

What to expect at pickup and what adds to your bill

When you arrive to pick up your truck, U-Haul will inspect it for existing damage and take photos. You will sign a contract that lists the truck's condition and your rental terms. At this point, you can add or remove the damage waiver, buy boxes and equipment, or add extra days if you need them. The contract will show your estimated mileage (for one-way) or your rental period (for local), and you will pay a deposit or authorize a credit card charge.

When you return the truck, U-Haul will inspect it again and charge you for any new damage beyond normal wear. If you went over your mileage estimate on a one-way rental, you will be charged for the extra miles at the per-mile rate. If you kept the truck longer than you booked, you will be charged for the extra days. Fuel is your responsibility — you must return the truck with a full tank or pay U-Haul's fuel surcharge, which is typically $3 to $5 per gallon, much higher than gas station prices.

How to find the lowest price for your specific move

Start by entering your pickup location, dropoff location, and dates into U-Haul's website or mobile app. The site will show you available truck sizes and real-time pricing. If your move is flexible, try a few different dates — even shifting by one day can save $20 to $50. Compare truck sizes: a smaller truck might cost less overall even if you need to make two trips. Check whether a local rental is available and compare it to a one-way quote.

Book directly through U-Haul's website or app rather than through a third-party rental site, because third-party sites often add booking fees or service charges. U-Haul occasionally offers promotional codes for specific dates or truck sizes — check their homepage or sign up for their email list. Once you have a quote, write down the total cost, the truck size, the pickup and dropoff times, and the mileage estimate. Call U-Haul to confirm the price before you commit, because website quotes can change if demand shifts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does U-Haul charge extra for returning the truck late?

Yes. If you keep the truck past your return time, U-Haul charges an hourly rate (typically $5 to $10 per hour for the first few hours) and then a full day rate if you go over. Return your truck on time or call ahead to extend your rental before the important date — extending in advance is usually cheaper than paying late fees.

What happens if I damage the truck?

Without the damage waiver, you pay for all repairs out of pocket, which can range from $100 for a dent to $2,000 or more for mechanical damage. With the waiver ($15 to $30 per day), U-Haul covers most damage except for gross negligence. The waiver is optional but worth the cost if you are uncomfortable driving a large truck.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my reservation?

U-Haul allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time. If you cancel within 24 hours, you may be charged a cancellation fee or lose your deposit. Check your confirmation email for the exact cancellation policy for your reservation.

Is fuel included in the U-Haul rental price?

No. You pay for fuel separately. You must return the truck with a full tank or U-Haul will charge you a fuel surcharge, typically $3 to $5 per gallon — much more than you would pay at a gas station. Fill up at a regular gas station before you return the truck.

Do I need a special license to drive a U-Haul truck?

For trucks under 26,001 pounds (most U-Haul trucks), a standard driver's license is sufficient. Trucks larger than that require a commercial driver's license (CDL) in most states. U-Haul's website will tell you whether your truck requires a CDL when you enter your truck size.