Where to find moving truck rentals near you
The fastest way to find a moving truck is to search the major national rental chains online or call them directly. U-Haul, Penske, and Home Depot (which rents U-Haul trucks) all have location finders on their websites where you enter your zip code and see available trucks, prices, and reservation times. Local moving companies and independent truck rental shops often have lower prices than national chains, but you'll need to search them by name in your area — they don't appear in a single searchable network.
Price varies sharply by location, season, and how far you're moving. A one-way rental from one state to another costs more than a local move, and peak moving season (May through September) charges higher rates than winter months. Call at least three providers before booking to compare the actual cost for your specific dates and route, not just the advertised base rate.
Reserve as soon as you know your moving date. Trucks rent out quickly during weekends and at month-end, when most people move. Booking two to four weeks ahead usually locks in better availability and sometimes lower rates than same-week reservations.
Key Takeaways
- U-Haul, Penske, and Home Depot's truck rental program are the largest national options, all searchable by zip code on their websites.
- Local and independent rental companies often charge less than national chains but require you to search them by name in your area.
- Prices depend on truck size, distance, season, and day of the week — always get quotes from at least three providers for your exact dates.
- Booking two to four weeks ahead gives you better truck availability and sometimes lower rates than last-minute reservations.
- One-way rentals (dropping the truck in a different city) cost more than round-trip rentals from the same location.
Understanding truck sizes and what they hold
Moving truck sizes are measured in cubic feet, and the size you need depends on how much you're moving. A 10-foot truck (about 350 cubic feet) fits the contents of a small apartment or a one-bedroom house — roughly a couch, bed, dresser, and boxes. A 15-foot truck (about 600 cubic feet) handles a two-bedroom apartment or small house. A 20-foot truck (about 1,000 cubic feet) works for a three-bedroom house, and a 26-foot truck (about 1,400 cubic feet) is for a four-bedroom house or larger.
If you're unsure, most rental companies let you reserve online and change the truck size up to 24 hours before pickup at no penalty. Renting a truck that's too small means a second trip or leaving things behind. Renting one that's too large wastes money and is harder to drive and park. When you call for a quote, describe what you're moving — furniture, appliances, boxes — and the rental agent can recommend a size.
What to expect when you pick up the truck
Arrive at the rental location at your reserved time with a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. The rental agent will walk you around the truck's exterior and note any existing damage on the contract — this protects you from being charged for dents or scratches you didn't cause. Take photos or video of the truck's condition before you leave the lot, especially the cargo area, bumpers, and sides. This documentation matters if there's a dispute about damage when you return it.
You'll pay a deposit (usually $100 to $200) that's refunded when you return the truck undamaged. Fuel is your responsibility — you pick up the truck with a full tank and return it full, or you'll be charged the rental company's fuel rate, which is higher than gas station prices. Some companies offer a pre-purchase fuel option where you pay for a full tank upfront; this is worth it only if you know you'll use nearly all of it.
Ask about mileage limits before you book. Some local companies charge per mile; national chains usually offer unlimited mileage on local moves but charge per mile on one-way rentals. Confirm the maximum distance you can drive and whether tolls or parking fees are your responsibility.
Insurance and liability coverage
The truck rental company's basic contract covers damage to the truck itself, but you're liable for damage to other vehicles, property, or people caused by the truck. Your personal auto insurance may extend to rental trucks, but many policies exclude commercial rentals. Call your insurance company before you book and ask whether your policy covers a rented moving truck — if it doesn't, you'll need to buy the rental company's liability coverage.
The rental company will offer Damage Waiver (also called Loss Damage Waiver or LDW), which limits your out-of-pocket cost if the truck is damaged. This typically costs $15 to $30 per day and covers most accidental damage, but it usually has a deductible of $500 to $2,500. Read the fine print: some waivers don't cover damage from overloading, improper tie-down, or off-road use.
If you decline the waiver and damage occurs, you pay the full repair cost. For a multi-day move, the waiver often costs less than the risk of a single accident, especially if you're an inexperienced truck driver.
Comparing one-way versus round-trip rentals
A round-trip rental means you pick up and return the truck at the same location. A one-way rental means you pick it up in one city and drop it off in another. Round-trip is cheaper because the company doesn't have to reposition the truck, but it only works if you're moving within the same area or willing to drive back after unloading.
One-way rentals cost significantly more — sometimes double the round-trip price — because the rental company has to move the truck back to where it's needed. However, if you're moving across the country, a one-way rental saves you the cost and time of driving an empty truck back home. Compare the total cost of a one-way rental against the cost of a round-trip rental plus gas and wear on your personal vehicle for the return drive.
Some companies offer better one-way rates on popular routes (like California to Texas) where demand is high, and worse rates on unpopular routes where they have too many trucks. Ask about discounts for one-way moves during slow seasons.
Additional equipment and supplies you can rent
Most truck rental companies sell or rent moving supplies: boxes, tape, bubble wrap, mattress covers, and furniture pads. Buying these from the rental company costs more than buying them at a hardware store or online, but it's convenient if you're short on time. Dolly and hand truck rentals (usually $5 to $10 per day) are worth it if you're moving heavy furniture or appliances up stairs.
Some companies rent cargo trailers or enclosed trailers if you need more space than a truck bed or prefer to keep your belongings covered. These cost more than open trucks but protect your items from weather and theft during the move.
Ask whether the rental price includes equipment like tie-down straps, blankets, or a loading ramp. Some companies include these; others charge extra. Confirm what's included before you finalize your reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special license to drive a moving truck?
Most moving trucks under 26,000 pounds can be driven with a standard driver's license. Trucks larger than that may require a commercial driver's license (CDL), which varies by state. When you call for a quote, ask the rental company whether the truck size you need requires a CDL in your state.
What happens if I return the truck late?
Late fees vary by company but typically run $20 to $50 per hour or a flat daily rate if you return it the next day. Reserve the truck for the full number of days you expect to need it, including unloading time. If you finish early, most companies let you return it early without a refund, but returning it late always costs extra.
Can I rent a truck if I'm under 25?
Most companies rent to drivers 18 and older, but some charge an additional young driver fee (usually $15 to $25 per day) for drivers under 25. A few companies have a minimum age of 21 or 25. Call ahead to confirm the age policy and any extra fees before you book.
What if the truck breaks down during my move?
The rental company is responsible for mechanical failures. Call the rental location when ready and they'll send a replacement truck or arrange a tow. Keep the rental agreement and roadside information number with you during the move. Most companies offer 24-hour support for breakdowns.
Is it cheaper to rent a truck or hire professional movers?
A truck rental is cheaper if you pack and load it yourself, but professional movers handle packing, loading, and unloading for you. For a local move of a small apartment, a truck rental might cost $50 to $150 plus fuel. Professional movers for the same move typically cost $1,500 to $3,000. The choice depends on how much time you have and whether you can physically do the work.