U-Haul rental prices depend on truck size, distance, and season — expect $20 to $40 per day for a small truck, or $40 to $100 per day for a large one, plus mileage charges if you don't pay upfront

U-Haul charges two ways: a daily rate plus either a per-mile fee or an unlimited mileage option. A 10-foot truck in an off-peak season might cost $15 to $25 per day plus $0.99 per mile, while the same truck during summer could run $35 to $50 per day. A 26-foot moving truck starts around $40 to $60 per day in low season and climbs to $75 to $100 or more in peak months. The total cost depends on how far you're moving and when.

U-Haul's pricing is transparent on their website and app — you enter your pickup location, dropoff location, and dates, and they show you the exact rate before you commit. Prices fluctuate based on local demand, so a one-way rental from a city people are leaving costs less than a rental into a city people are moving to. Moving season (May through September) is significantly more expensive than winter months.

Key Takeaways

  • Small trucks (10 to 15 feet) typically cost $20 to $40 per day, while large trucks (26 feet) run $50 to $100 per day, depending on season and location.
  • You can choose between paying per mile (usually $0.99 to $1.50 per mile) or buying unlimited mileage upfront, which makes sense for moves over 200 miles.
  • Peak season (May through September) costs 50 to 100 percent more than winter rentals for the same truck and distance.
  • U-Haul's website shows the exact price for your specific route and dates before you book, so you can compare one-way versus round-trip costs.

How truck size affects your daily rate

U-Haul offers five main truck sizes, and each has a different base daily rate. A 10-foot truck (fits a studio or one-bedroom apartment) costs the least. A 15-foot truck holds roughly a two-bedroom apartment. A 20-foot truck is for a three-bedroom home. A 26-foot truck is the largest standard option and handles a four-to-five-bedroom house. Specialty trucks like the 6x12 enclosed trailer or the 5x8 utility trailer have their own pricing.

The daily rate alone doesn't tell you the full cost. A 10-foot truck at $20 per day sounds cheap until you add mileage charges for a 500-mile move. A 26-foot truck at $80 per day with unlimited mileage might be cheaper for that same distance because you're not paying per mile. Always calculate the total before choosing based on daily rate alone.

Mileage charges versus unlimited mileage packages

U-Haul's standard pricing charges you per mile after the first few miles (the exact allowance varies by location). Typical mileage rates run $0.99 to $1.50 per mile depending on truck size and location. For a 100-mile move, that's $99 to $150 in mileage alone. For a 500-mile move, you're looking at $495 to $750 just in mileage charges.

U-Haul also offers unlimited mileage packages, where you pay a higher daily rate but drive as far as you want without per-mile charges. This option usually makes financial sense if your total mileage would exceed 200 to 300 miles. The website calculator shows you both options side by side, so you can see which is cheaper for your specific move before you book.

Seasonal pricing and when to rent

U-Haul's prices swing dramatically by season. Winter months (November through March) are the cheapest time to rent because fewer people move. Spring (April) and fall (October) are moderate. Summer (May through September) is peak season and costs significantly more — sometimes double or triple the winter rate for the same truck and distance.

Within peak season, weekdays are usually cheaper than weekends. Renting on a Tuesday or Wednesday costs less than Friday through Sunday. If you have flexibility in your moving date, shifting by even a few days can save hundreds of dollars. U-Haul's pricing tool updates in real time, so you can check different dates to see the price difference.

One-way rentals versus round-trip costs

A one-way rental (picking up in one city, dropping off in another) costs more than a round-trip rental of the same distance because U-Haul has to position the truck back to a high-demand location. If you're moving from a city people are leaving (like a declining industrial area) to a city people are moving to (like Austin or Denver), the one-way cost is steep. If you're moving the opposite direction, it's cheaper.

Round-trip rentals (picking up and returning to the same location) are cheaper per mile but only make sense if you're renting for a short local move and returning the truck the same day or within a few days. For a long-distance move, one-way is your only real option, and the price reflects the imbalance in demand between your origin and destination.

Additional fees and equipment costs

The daily rate and mileage cover the truck itself, but U-Haul charges separately for equipment. A dolly (hand truck) costs around $5 to $10 per day. A furniture pad costs $1 to $2 per pad. A mattress bag is $2 to $3. A wardrobe box is $3 to $5. Blankets, straps, and other packing supplies add up quickly if you're renting multiple items.

Some U-Haul locations offer damage waivers (around $15 to $30 per day) that reduce your liability if the truck is damaged. This is optional but worth considering if you're an inexperienced driver or renting a large truck. Your personal auto insurance may cover rental trucks, so check your policy before paying for the waiver.

How to find the lowest price for your move

U-Haul's website and mobile app let you enter your exact pickup and dropoff locations and dates, then show you the total cost upfront. Compare the cost of different truck sizes — sometimes a larger truck with unlimited mileage costs less than a smaller truck with per-mile charges. Check prices for different dates if you have flexibility; even shifting your move by a week can cut costs significantly.

Call U-Haul directly at 1-800-468-4285 to ask about any current promotions or discounts. Some locations offer discounts for AAA members, military, or seniors. If you're a frequent renter, U-Haul's rewards program tracks your rentals and may offer discounts on future bookings. Always get a quote online first so you know the baseline price before calling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for gas, or is it included in the rental?

You pay for gas separately. U-Haul trucks run on regular unleaded gasoline. The rental price covers only the truck and equipment; fuel is your responsibility. Budget for fuel based on the truck's miles per gallon (typically 6 to 10 mpg for large trucks) and your total distance.

What happens if I return the truck late?

Late fees explore if you return the truck after your reserved time. The fee varies by location but typically runs $40 to $60 per hour or a percentage of the daily rate. If you think you'll need the truck longer, contact U-Haul before your return time to extend the reservation — extending ahead of time is cheaper than paying late fees.

Can I book a truck for a specific time, or just a date?

U-Haul lets you reserve a truck for a specific date and time. You pick up at your reserved time and return by that same time on the return date. If you need the truck for only part of a day, you still pay the full daily rate. For short local moves, some locations offer hourly rentals, but these are less common and must be booked directly.

Is there a discount if I rent multiple trucks?

U-Haul doesn't automatically discount multiple trucks, but calling their sales line at 1-800-468-4285 may reveal options for group moves or business rentals. If you're moving a large household or business, ask about fleet pricing or package deals when you call.

What if the truck I reserved isn't available when I arrive?

U-Haul guarantees your reservation, but if your truck isn't available, they'll offer you a larger truck at no extra charge or a full refund. This is rare but can happen during peak season. Arriving early on your pickup day reduces the risk of delays.