Where to rent a moving truck and what each option costs

You can rent a moving truck from three main sources: national chains (U-Haul, Penske, Home Depot), local moving companies, and peer-to-peer rental platforms like Turo or Neighbor. National chains operate thousands of locations, so you can pick up in one city and drop off in another—though that costs more than a one-way local rental. Local companies often have lower rates for short distances and same-day rentals. Peer-to-peer platforms connect you with private truck owners, which can be cheaper for weekend moves but offers less standardization and fewer size options.

Pricing depends on truck size, distance, and season. A 10-foot truck for a local one-day rental typically costs between $20 and $50, while a 26-foot truck for the same distance runs $50 to $100. Long-distance moves cost significantly more—a 500-mile rental can double or triple the base rate. Summer (May through September) is peak moving season, so prices rise. Winter and weekday rentals are usually cheaper. Most companies charge by the day, mile, or both; some offer unlimited mileage for a flat fee on longer moves.

Key Takeaways

  • National rental chains let you drop off in a different city, but local rentals and peer-to-peer platforms are often cheaper for moves under 100 miles.
  • Truck size, distance, and season all affect price; a 10-foot truck for a local one-day move costs far less than a 26-foot truck for a 500-mile haul.
  • You will need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance or the option to buy the rental company's coverage, and often a credit card for the deposit.
  • Damage waivers and insurance add $15 to $30 per day but protect you from paying for dents, scratches, or mechanical failures during your rental.
  • Reserve your truck at least one week in advance during peak season; same-day rentals are possible but often cost more and may not have your preferred size available.

What documents and information you need before you reserve

Bring a valid driver's license—most companies require you to be at least 18 years old, though some set the minimum at 21 or 25 for larger trucks. You will also need a credit card in your name to hold the deposit and pay the rental fee. Some companies accept debit cards, but they may place a larger hold on your account.

Proof of insurance is required by most national chains. This can be your personal auto insurance policy, your renter's insurance (if it covers rental vehicles), or a commercial moving insurance policy. If you do not have coverage that extends to rental trucks, the rental company will offer you damage waiver or loss damage waiver (LDW) coverage for an additional daily fee. Read the terms carefully—some waivers exclude certain types of damage or require you to report damage within a set time.

Have your moving destination address ready, your current address, and an estimate of how many miles you will drive. If you are doing a one-way rental, know which location you will drop off at before you book—prices vary by drop-off city. Some companies ask for a phone number and email to send you pickup reminders and receipt information.

How to choose the right truck size for your move

Truck sizes are measured in feet and correspond roughly to the volume of space inside. A 10-foot truck holds the contents of a small one-bedroom apartment or a large studio—roughly 4,000 to 5,000 pounds. A 15-foot truck fits a two-bedroom apartment or small house. A 20-foot truck accommodates a three-bedroom home, and a 26-foot truck is for a four-bedroom house or a move with a lot of furniture and boxes.

Underestimating size is the most common mistake. If your truck is too small, you will have to make a second trip or leave items behind. If it is too large, you pay more than necessary and waste fuel. Most rental companies let you reserve online and see a visual representation of the truck bed. Measure your largest pieces of furniture (sofa, bed frame, dresser) and check whether they fit. If you are unsure, call the rental location and describe what you are moving—staff can recommend the right size based on experience.

Remember that truck size affects how you drive. A 26-foot truck handles differently than a car: it has larger blind spots, takes longer to stop, and is harder to park. If you have never driven a large truck, consider renting the smallest size that will work, or ask whether the rental company offers a driver (some do for an additional fee).

Insurance, damage waivers, and what happens if something goes wrong

Rental truck companies distinguish between damage to the truck itself and damage caused by the truck to other property. Your personal auto insurance may cover the second type (liability) but not the first (collision or comprehensive). Before you rent, call your insurance agent and ask whether your policy covers rental trucks. If it does, you do not need to buy the rental company's coverage. If it does not, the rental company will offer you a damage waiver or loss damage waiver for $15 to $30 per day.

A damage waiver means the rental company will not charge you for dents, scratches, broken mirrors, or mechanical failures that occur during your rental—as long as you report them when ready and follow the company's terms. Most waivers exclude damage from towing, off-road use, or driving under the influence. Read the fine print. Some waivers have a deductible (you pay the first $500 or $1,000 of damage), and some exclude specific items like windshield damage or tire punctures.

If you damage the truck and do not have coverage, the rental company will charge you for repairs. This can range from $200 for a dent to several thousand dollars for engine damage. If the truck is damaged so badly it cannot be rented out, you may be charged for lost rental income—sometimes $50 to $100 per day for weeks. Report any damage you cause when ready, in writing, with photos. Do not try to hide it or repair it yourself.

Pickup, fuel, and return procedures

Arrive at your pickup time with all required documents. The rental agent will walk you around the truck and point out any existing damage—dents, scratches, stains, mechanical issues. This is called the walk-around inspection. Look carefully and ask the agent to note any damage on your rental agreement before you sign. Take photos or video of the truck's condition on your phone. This protects you if the company tries to charge you for damage that was already there.

Ask the agent to show you how to operate the truck: how to adjust mirrors, use the backup camera if there is one, operate the parking brake, and check the fuel gauge. Confirm the fuel policy. Most companies require you to return the truck with a full tank. If you return it empty or partially full, they will charge you for fuel at a rate higher than the local gas station price—sometimes $6 to $8 per gallon. Fill up at a regular gas station before you return the truck, not at the rental location.

Return the truck on time. Late returns are charged by the hour or day, and the rate is often higher than the original rental rate. If you think you will be late, call the rental location as soon as possible—some companies will extend your reservation if availability allows. When you return, the agent will inspect the truck again, check the fuel level, and review the mileage. Keep your receipt and any documentation of damage reports for your records.

One-way rentals, long-distance moves, and when to book in advance

A one-way rental means you pick up the truck in one city and drop it off in another. This is convenient for moves across state lines or across the country, but it costs more than a local rental because the company has to reposition the truck. The price difference depends on distance and direction. A one-way rental from a high-demand city (like New York or Los Angeles) to a low-demand area may cost less than the reverse, because the company needs trucks in the high-demand city. Check both directions before you book.

For long-distance moves, reserve at least two to three weeks in advance. Peak season (May through September) can require booking a month ahead, especially for larger trucks. National chains often offer discounts for advance bookings. If you book last-minute during peak season, you may find that your preferred truck size is not available, or the price will be significantly higher. Weekday moves are cheaper than weekend moves, and moves in winter are cheaper than summer moves.

Some companies offer unlimited mileage for long-distance moves, which simplifies budgeting. Others charge per mile. Calculate the total cost both ways before you book. If you are moving 1,000 miles, unlimited mileage might be cheaper; if you are moving 200 miles, per-mile pricing might be better. Ask about fuel surcharges or tolls—some companies include them in the quote, others do not.

What to do if the truck breaks down or you have an accident

If the truck breaks down during your rental, call the rental company's roadside information number when ready. This number is on your rental agreement and on a sticker inside the truck. Do not attempt to repair the truck yourself. The company will send a mechanic or tow truck to help you. Depending on the problem, they may repair it on the spot, tow it to a service center, or send you a replacement truck. You are not responsible for the repair cost if the breakdown is due to mechanical failure—that is covered by the rental agreement.

If you have an accident, stop when ready and call 911 if anyone is injured. Then call the rental company's claims line. Do not admit fault or sign anything except police reports. Take photos of the damage, get the other driver's insurance information and contact details, and get the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. Write down the exact time, location, and what happened. The rental company will file a claim with the other driver's insurance if they are at fault, or with their own insurance if you are at fault. Your damage waiver may or may not cover accident damage—check your agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a truck if I do not have a credit card?

Most national chains require a credit card for the deposit and payment. Some local rental companies or peer-to-peer platforms may accept debit cards, but they often place a larger hold on your account—sometimes $500 to $1,000 or more. Call ahead to confirm what payment methods the specific location accepts.

What if I need the truck for longer than I booked?

Call the rental location as soon as you realize you need more time. If the truck is available, they can extend your reservation. You will be charged for the additional days at the daily rate. If the truck is already booked for the next customer, you may have to return it on time and rent a different truck for the remaining days.

Do I have to buy the damage waiver?

No, but you are responsible for any damage to the truck if you do not have coverage. Check your personal auto insurance first—it may already cover rental trucks. If it does not, the damage waiver is usually worth the cost for peace of mind, especially if you are an inexperienced driver or moving fragile items that might shift and damage the truck bed.

Can I rent a truck if I am under 25?

Yes, but some companies set the minimum age at 21 or 25 for larger trucks. Younger drivers may also be charged a higher daily rate or required to buy additional insurance. Call the rental location and ask about their age policy before you book.

What happens if I return the truck dirty?

Most rental companies charge a cleaning fee if the truck bed is visibly dirty—usually $50 to $150. Sweep out loose dirt and debris before you return it. If you transported something messy (like soil, gravel, or food), let the agent know and ask what cleaning is required. It is cheaper to clean it yourself than to pay the company's cleaning fee.