Pickup trucks cost more to rent than sedans, but less than full moving trucks

A pickup truck rental runs between $40 and $120 per day at national chains, depending on the truck size, location, and how far in advance you book. Local rental companies and moving-focused outfits sometimes undercut those prices for single-day rentals. The real cost difference from a car rental comes down to fuel consumption — a full-size pickup drinks roughly 15 to 20 percent more gas than a mid-size sedan — and whether you need the truck bed for cargo or just the extra seating and towing capacity.

You'll find pickups at Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, and Avis, though availability varies by location. Home Depot and Lowe's also rent trucks by the hour or day through their tool rental counters, and those are often cheaper for short jobs. U-Haul, Penske, and Home Depot's truck rental programs cater to people moving or hauling, not just borrowing a vehicle for a weekend. The choice depends on what you're doing with the truck and how long you need it.

Key Takeaways

  • National car rental chains charge $40 to $120 per day for a pickup, with full-size trucks at the higher end and compact trucks at the lower end.
  • Home Depot and Lowe's rent trucks hourly (typically $19 to $29 for the first 75 minutes) and are cheaper than national chains for jobs under four hours.
  • You'll need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance; some companies require you to be at least 25 years old.
  • Fuel is your responsibility, and trucks consume noticeably more gas than sedans, so factor that into your total cost.
  • Mileage limits vary — some rentals are unlimited, others charge per mile — so confirm the terms before you book.

National car rental chains versus home improvement stores

Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, and Avis all stock pickup trucks, but they treat them as specialty vehicles. A compact pickup (Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado) runs $45 to $75 per day. A full-size truck (Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado) costs $70 to $120 per day. Prices drop if you book a week in advance and are higher during peak travel seasons. These chains include unlimited mileage on most rentals, so you're not penalized for distance.

Home Depot and Lowe's rent trucks through their tool rental desks at a flat rate: roughly $19 to $29 for the first 75 minutes, then $8 to $12 per additional 15 minutes. A four-hour rental typically costs $50 to $70. This model works if you're hauling mulch, drywall, or a couch across town in a single trip. If you need the truck for a full day or overnight, the per-day rate at a national chain becomes cheaper. Home Depot trucks are usually compact or mid-size, not full-size.

U-Haul and Penske focus on longer rentals and one-way moves. Their daily rates are comparable to national chains, but they offer weekly and monthly discounts that car rental companies don't. If you're moving across state lines or need the truck for five days or more, check their pricing alongside Hertz and Enterprise.

Insurance, deposits, and what you need to bring

Every rental company requires a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. Most require you to be at least 25 years old; some allow drivers as young as 21 but charge an underage driver fee of $15 to $25 per day. You'll need proof of insurance — either your personal auto policy or the rental company's coverage. If your personal policy covers rental vehicles, bring your insurance card and policy number. If not, the rental company will sell you a damage waiver, usually $15 to $30 per day.

A security deposit (typically $100 to $300) is held on your credit card but released when you return the truck undamaged and on time. Some companies waive the deposit if you purchase their damage waiver. Home Depot and Lowe's require a credit card and driver's license but usually no deposit for hourly rentals under $100.

Bring your driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance. Have your home address and phone number ready. If you're renting for a move, bring a copy of your lease or utility bill as proof of your new address — some companies ask for this. Return the truck with a full tank of fuel; if you don't, the company charges a refueling fee of $5 to $10 per gallon, which is significantly more than pump prices.

Mileage limits and fuel costs

National chains typically offer unlimited mileage, so you won't pay extra for distance. U-Haul and Penske sometimes charge per mile on shorter rentals (around $0.50 to $1.00 per mile) but switch to unlimited mileage on weekly or monthly bookings. Always confirm the mileage policy before you complete your reservation.

Fuel is always your responsibility. A full-size pickup gets roughly 15 to 20 miles per gallon on the highway and 12 to 16 in the city. If you rent for a day and drive 100 miles, expect to spend $15 to $20 on fuel at current gas prices. That's a real cost to factor in alongside the daily rental rate. Some rental companies offer a pre-purchase fuel option where you pay for a full tank upfront at a set price; this is usually slightly higher than pump prices but saves you the hassle of refueling before return.

Booking online versus in person

Online booking at Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, or Avis typically shows you available trucks, daily rates, and total cost before you commit. You can reserve a truck days or weeks in advance and lock in a price. In-person bookings at a rental counter may have different availability and pricing, especially if you're booking same-day. Home Depot and Lowe's don't take reservations online for truck rentals — you walk in, check availability at the rental desk, and rent on the spot.

Booking online gives you time to compare prices across companies and read the fine print about mileage, fuel, and damage policies. Most sites let you filter by truck type and show you the total cost including taxes and fees upfront. If you need a truck today and don't have time to shop, call the nearest rental location directly; they can tell you what's available and hold a truck for a few hours.

One-way rentals and drop-off fees

If you're moving or need to return the truck in a different city, one-way rentals are available through national chains and U-Haul. A one-way rental incurs a drop-off fee that varies by distance and demand. Renting a truck in Denver and dropping it in Phoenix might cost $200 to $400 extra. U-Haul and Penske specialize in one-way moves and often have better pricing for long-distance rentals than car rental chains.

Home Depot and Lowe's do not offer one-way rentals — you must return the truck to the same location where you rented it. If you're moving locally and need a truck for a single trip, that's fine. If you're relocating across town or out of state, use U-Haul, Penske, or a national chain instead.

Damage, late fees, and what happens if you return the truck late

Rental trucks are inspected before and after your rental. Any damage beyond normal wear — dents, scratches, broken mirrors, or interior stains — is charged to your credit card. Damage charges range from $100 for minor dents to $1,000 or more for major repairs. The damage waiver (also called a loss damage waiver) covers most accidental damage for $15 to $30 per day. Read the waiver terms carefully; some exclude damage from towing, off-road use, or overloading.

Late returns are charged at the daily rate or an hourly rate if you're only a few hours over. Returning a truck two hours late might cost $20 to $40 extra. Returning it a full day late costs another full day's rental. Some companies charge a late fee on top of the extra rental days. Always confirm the return time when you pick up the truck, and plan to return it 30 minutes early to account for traffic and the inspection process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a pickup truck if I'm under 25?

Yes, but most companies charge an underage driver fee of $15 to $25 per day for drivers under 25. You must be at least 21 at most national chains. Home Depot and Lowe's typically allow drivers 18 and older for hourly rentals. Check the specific company's age policy when you book.

What's the difference between a compact pickup and a full-size pickup?

A compact pickup (Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado) has a shorter bed, lower towing capacity, and better fuel economy. A full-size pickup (Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado) has a longer bed, higher towing capacity, and higher daily rental rates. Choose compact if you're hauling light loads or need better gas mileage; choose full-size if you're towing a trailer or hauling heavy materials.

Do I need my own insurance to rent a pickup truck?

Not necessarily. If your personal auto insurance covers rental vehicles, bring your policy details. If not, the rental company will sell you a damage waiver for $15 to $30 per day. Some credit cards offer rental car coverage; check your card's benefits before you rent. You must have some form of coverage before you drive off the lot.

Is it cheaper to rent a truck from Home Depot or a national car rental company?

Home Depot is cheaper for jobs under four hours (roughly $50 to $70 for a few hours). A national chain is cheaper for full-day or multi-day rentals. If you need the truck for eight hours or more, compare the per-day rate at Hertz or Enterprise against Home Depot's hourly rate before you decide.

What happens if I return the truck with an empty fuel tank?

The rental company charges a refueling fee of $5 to $10 per gallon, which is much higher than pump prices. Always return the truck with a full tank. If you purchased the pre-purchase fuel option, you can return it with any amount of fuel remaining.