What a box truck rental costs and what you actually get

A box truck rental runs between $20 and $100 per day depending on the truck size, your location, and the rental company. The price usually includes the truck itself, basic insurance, and a certain number of miles—often 100 to 200 miles per day. Anything beyond that mileage costs extra, typically 50 cents to $1.50 per mile. Some companies charge a flat rate for a one-way rental if you're moving across state lines, while others charge by the day plus mileage.

What you're renting is a cargo box mounted on a truck frame, usually 10 to 26 feet long, with a hydraulic or electric lift gate at the back. The cab seats two or three people. You drive it yourself—there's no driver included. The truck comes with basic liability coverage, but that coverage often has a high deductible (sometimes $2,500 or more), so many renters buy additional damage waiver insurance for $10 to $20 per day to lower their out-of-pocket risk if something goes wrong.

Key Takeaways

  • Box truck rentals are priced by the day and by mileage, so a 200-mile move in a 10-foot truck might cost $40 to $60 total, while a 500-mile move costs significantly more.
  • You must have a valid driver's license and be at least 18 years old (some companies require 21), and your insurance may not cover a rental truck, so check your policy before you rent.
  • The truck comes with a lift gate, which saves your back on heavy items, but you still load and unload it yourself—rental companies do not provide labor.
  • Reserving in advance (at least a few days ahead) locks in your price and guarantees availability, especially during peak moving season from May through September.
  • One-way rentals cost more than round-trip because the company has to retrieve the truck from a different location, so returning it to the same place saves money.

Where to rent a box truck and how to compare prices

The major national chains are U-Haul, Penske, Home Depot (which partners with U-Haul), and Budget Truck Rental. Local moving companies and independent truck rental shops often have lower prices for short-distance moves within your region. Costco members can sometimes book U-Haul trucks at a discount through the Costco Travel website. AAA members get discounts at Penske and Budget.

To compare prices fairly, you need to enter the same details into each company's website: pickup location, dropoff location, truck size, and rental dates. The quote will show the daily rate, mileage charges, and any insurance or fees. Write down the total cost, not just the daily rate, because a truck that looks cheap per day might charge high mileage fees. Check whether the quote includes a lift gate (it should), fuel charges, and whether you're responsible for returning the truck with a full tank or if the company charges a refueling fee.

Choosing the right truck size for your load

Box trucks come in three main sizes: 10-foot (holds about 3,000 pounds), 15-foot (about 5,000 pounds), and 26-foot (about 10,000 pounds). A 10-foot truck fits a studio apartment or a large garage cleanout. A 15-foot truck handles a one-bedroom apartment or a small house. A 26-foot truck is for a full three-bedroom house or a commercial move. Renting a truck that's too small means you make two trips, which costs more in time and fuel. Renting one that's too large wastes money.

Most rental companies let you reserve online and then call or visit the location to confirm the size. If you're unsure, describe what you're moving—furniture, boxes, appliances—and the rental agent can recommend the right size. Some companies offer a size may provide: if you rent a 15-foot and it doesn't fit your load, you can upgrade to a 26-foot at no extra charge, though this varies by location and company.

Insurance, liability, and what happens if you damage the truck

The rental agreement includes basic liability coverage, which protects the rental company if you damage their truck. The deductible—the amount you pay out of pocket if there's damage—is usually $2,500 to $5,000. You can buy damage waiver insurance (sometimes called a loss damage waiver or LDW) for $10 to $20 per day, which lowers your deductible to zero or a small amount like $500.

Before you buy the rental company's insurance, check your personal auto insurance policy. Some policies cover rental trucks automatically; others do not. Call your insurer and ask whether they cover box truck rentals and what the deductible is. If your policy covers it and the deductible is low, you may not need to buy the rental company's extra insurance. If your policy doesn't cover rentals or has a high deductible, the rental company's damage waiver is worth the cost.

The rental agreement also holds you responsible for fuel. You pick up the truck with a full tank and must return it full, or you pay the company's fuel surcharge, which is usually higher than the local gas price. Some one-way rentals charge a fuel fee upfront instead of requiring you to return it full.

What to check before you drive away from the rental location

When you arrive to pick up the truck, the rental agent will walk you through the vehicle and point out any existing damage—dents, scratches, stains. You should inspect the truck yourself and ask the agent to note any damage you see on the rental agreement before you sign. Take photos or video of the truck's exterior and interior, including the cargo box, the lift gate, and the cab. This protects you if the rental company later claims you caused damage that was already there.

Test the lift gate to make sure it works, check that the cargo box lights are on, and confirm the truck has a spare tire and a jack. Ask where the emergency equipment is—fire extinguisher, reflective triangles, first aid kit—and make sure you know how to operate the lift gate before you leave the lot. If anything is broken or missing, tell the agent when ready and have them document it on your paperwork.

Driving a box truck safely and what to expect on the road

A box truck is taller, longer, and heavier than a car, so it handles differently. The turning radius is wider, which means you need more space to turn corners and navigate parking lots. The engine is less powerful than a car's, so acceleration is slower. Visibility is limited behind you and to the sides, so use your mirrors constantly and check your blind spots before changing lanes. The truck may sway slightly in strong wind, especially if the cargo box is tall and the load is light.

Most states allow you to drive a box truck with a regular driver's license as long as the truck's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) is under 26,001 pounds. Larger trucks require a commercial driver's license (CDL). The rental company will tell you whether the truck you're renting requires a CDL. If you're unsure whether you're comfortable driving a large truck, practice in an empty parking lot before you hit the road with your load.

Fuel economy is poor—expect 6 to 10 miles per gallon depending on the truck size and how heavily loaded it is. Budget for fuel costs when you calculate the total rental expense. Some rental companies offer GPS units or allow you to use your phone's GPS, but confirm this when you reserve, because some trucks have outdated or no navigation systems.

One-way rentals, peak season pricing, and how to save money

A one-way rental means you pick up the truck in one city and drop it off in another. This costs more than a round-trip rental because the company has to retrieve the truck from the dropoff location. The price difference can be $50 to $200 or more depending on the distance. If you're moving across the country, a one-way rental is necessary, but if you're moving within your region, returning the truck to the same location saves money.

Peak moving season runs from May through September, and rental prices are highest during these months. If you can move in the off-season (October through April), you'll pay less. Weekday rentals are usually cheaper than weekend rentals. Booking several days in advance locks in your price and guarantees truck availability, while last-minute bookings may have limited truck sizes or higher prices.

Some companies offer discounts for longer rentals—a three-day rental might cost less per day than a one-day rental. If you're moving a short distance but need the truck for a few days to load and unload at your own pace, a multi-day rental might be cheaper than paying high mileage fees on a one-day rental.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a commercial driver's license to rent a box truck?

Most box trucks under 26,001 pounds GVWR can be driven with a regular license. Larger trucks require a CDL. The rental company will tell you whether the specific truck you're renting requires one when you reserve. If you don't have a CDL and the truck requires one, you cannot rent it.

What if I damage the truck during the rental?

You're responsible for damage under the rental agreement. If you bought damage waiver insurance, your out-of-pocket cost is limited to the deductible (usually $0 to $500). If you didn't buy insurance, you pay the full repair cost, which can be thousands of dollars. The rental company will document the damage and send you a bill.

Can I rent a box truck if I'm under 21?

Most companies require you to be at least 18 with a valid driver's license, but some require 21. Check the rental company's age policy when you reserve. You may also pay a young driver surcharge if you're under 25.

What happens if I return the truck late?

Late fees vary by company but typically run $20 to $50 per hour or a percentage of the daily rate. If you're running late, call the rental location and let them know. Some companies are flexible if you call ahead; others charge the full late fee regardless. Returning the truck on time is cheaper than paying late fees.

Can I rent a box truck for a one-way move across the country?

Yes, all major rental companies offer one-way rentals. The cost is higher than a round-trip because the company retrieves the truck from your dropoff location. Get quotes from multiple companies because one-way pricing varies significantly. Some companies offer better rates on certain routes than others.