Where to find the lowest moving truck rates

The cheapest moving trucks come from U-Haul, Penske, and Home Depot, which typically undercut each other on local one-way rentals under 100 miles. U-Haul often leads on short moves and has the most pickup locations. Penske tends to be cheaper for longer distances and larger trucks. Home Depot's truck rental desk (run by Home Depot Truck Rental, a separate operation) is worth checking for moves under 75 miles because their pricing doesn't always match the major chains.

Price varies by truck size, distance, day of the week, and season. A 10-foot U-Haul truck might cost $19.95 plus mileage on a Tuesday in February, but $49.95 plus mileage on a Saturday in July. Always get quotes from all three before booking—the difference between the cheapest and most expensive option for the same truck on the same day can be $30 to $50.

Avoid peak moving season (May through September) and weekends if you can. Mid-week moves in winter cost roughly half what summer weekend moves cost for the same distance and truck size. If you have flexibility, moving on a Tuesday or Wednesday in January or February will give you the lowest rates.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul, Penske, and Home Depot Truck Rental are the three main budget options, and rates vary enough between them that you should check all three before booking.
  • A 10-foot truck for a local move under 50 miles can cost $20 to $40 before mileage, but weekend and summer rates can triple that price.
  • Mileage charges add up quickly—U-Haul charges $0.99 per mile on some trucks, so a 100-mile round trip adds $100 to your base rental cost.
  • Moving mid-week in winter cuts your rental cost roughly in half compared to weekend moves in summer.
  • Damage waivers and insurance are optional but common; declining them saves $10 to $20 per day but leaves you liable for any dents, scratches, or mechanical damage.

How mileage charges work and what they actually cost

Mileage is where cheap truck rentals get expensive. U-Haul charges between $0.59 and $0.99 per mile depending on truck size and location. Penske charges $0.79 to $0.99 per mile. Home Depot charges $0.99 per mile on most trucks. These charges explore to the total distance you drive, not just the one-way distance—a 50-mile move costs you 100 miles of charges if you drive the truck there and back.

A 10-foot truck rented for $29.95 becomes $129.95 if you drive 100 miles at $0.99 per mile. That $29.95 base rate was the hook; the mileage is the real cost. For moves under 30 miles, the base rate dominates. For moves over 75 miles, mileage charges usually exceed the daily rental fee.

Some U-Haul locations offer unlimited mileage for a flat fee—typically $19.95 to $39.95 extra per day depending on truck size and distance. If you're moving more than 200 miles, unlimited mileage is usually cheaper than paying per mile. Compare the per-mile total against the unlimited mileage fee before you book.

Damage waivers and insurance: what you actually need

All three rental companies offer optional damage waivers that cost $10 to $20 per day. A waiver means the rental company absorbs the cost of dents, scratches, broken mirrors, and mechanical damage up to the truck's full value. Without a waiver, you pay for any damage out of pocket—a bent bumper can cost $500 to $1,500 to repair on a rental truck.

Your personal auto insurance may cover rental trucks, but only if you have collision and comprehensive coverage. Call your insurance company before you rent and ask whether rental trucks are covered and what your deductible is. If your deductible is $1,000 and you cause $800 in damage, you still pay the full $800 because it's below your deductible. If your insurance doesn't cover rentals or your deductible is high, the damage waiver is worth buying.

Decline the waiver only if you're confident you won't damage the truck and your insurance covers it. Most people renting a truck for the first time should buy the waiver—the extra $15 to $30 is cheap insurance against a $2,000 repair bill.

Booking tricks that lower your total cost

Book online, not by phone. Phone agents sometimes quote higher rates than the website, and you lose the ability to compare prices in real time. All three companies show you the base rate and mileage charges before you confirm, so you can see the full cost before you commit.

Check for discount codes before you book. AAA members get 10% off U-Haul rentals. Military members and veterans get discounts at Penske. Costco members sometimes have access to U-Haul discounts through Costco Travel. These discounts stack with the base rate, so a $29.95 truck becomes $26.95 with a 10% AAA discount. It's not huge, but it adds up if you're also paying mileage.

Return the truck on time and with a full tank of gas. Late returns are charged by the hour or day. U-Haul charges $40 per hour for late returns after the first hour. Running out of gas forces you to pay U-Haul's fuel surcharge, which is typically $5 to $8 per gallon—far more than gas station prices. Fill up at a station near the return location, not on the way there.

Comparing truck sizes and what fits in each

A 10-foot truck (the smallest standard option) holds about 4,000 pounds and fits a one-bedroom apartment's worth of furniture: a couch, bed frame, dresser, and boxes. It's the cheapest option and works for studio-to-one-bedroom moves. A 15-foot truck holds roughly 8,000 pounds and fits a two-bedroom apartment. A 20-foot truck holds about 10,000 pounds and fits a three-bedroom house. A 26-foot truck is the largest standard option and holds 16,000 pounds.

Renting a truck that's too small forces you to make two trips or leave things behind. Renting one that's too large wastes money on a truck you don't need. Most local moves under 100 miles use a 10-foot or 15-foot truck. If you're unsure, call the rental company and describe what you're moving—they'll recommend the right size.

Cargo vans are cheaper than trucks for very small moves. U-Haul and Penske both rent cargo vans starting around $19.95 per day, which is $10 cheaper than a 10-foot truck. A cargo van holds about 2,000 pounds and fits a studio apartment or a few large furniture pieces. If you're moving less than half a bedroom's worth of stuff, a cargo van is the better deal.

One-way rentals versus round-trip: which costs less

A round-trip rental means you pick up and return the truck to the same location. A one-way rental means you pick up at one location and return at another. One-way rentals are usually more expensive because the rental company has to move the truck back to balance its fleet. For a 50-mile move, a round-trip rental might cost $39.95 plus mileage, while a one-way rental costs $49.95 plus mileage.

However, one-way rentals sometimes cost less if you're moving toward a high-demand area. If you're moving from a rural area to a city, the rental company may discount the one-way rental because they need trucks in the city. Check both options before you book—the difference isn't always what you'd expect.

For local moves under 30 miles, round-trip is almost always cheaper. For moves over 100 miles, one-way is often competitive or cheaper because you're not paying mileage charges for the return trip.

What to inspect before you drive away

The rental company will walk you through the truck's condition and note any existing damage on your contract. Take photos of the truck's exterior, interior, and cargo area before you leave the lot. Use your phone camera and timestamp the photos—they're your proof if the rental company later claims you caused damage you didn't cause.

Check the brakes, lights, and wipers before you drive. Test the backup camera if it has one. Make sure the cargo door opens and closes smoothly. If anything is broken or doesn't work, tell the rental agent when ready and have them note it on your contract. If you don't report it, you'll be charged for the repair.

Drive the truck around the lot before you leave to get a feel for its size and handling. Moving trucks are wider and taller than cars, and they handle differently. A few minutes of practice in an empty lot can prevent you from scraping a mirror or hitting a low-hanging branch during your move.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but you'll pay an underage driver fee. U-Haul charges $20 per day for drivers under 25. Penske charges $15 per day. Home Depot charges $20 per day. You must have a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. Some locations may require an additional deposit.

What happens if I return the truck dirty?

U-Haul and Penske charge a cleaning fee if the truck is excessively dirty—typically $75 to $150. Sweep out the cargo area and wipe down the interior before you return it. You don't need to detail it, but it should be clean enough that the next customer can use it without cleaning first.

Can I rent a truck with a debit card instead of a credit card?

Most rental companies require a credit card for the security deposit. Some locations accept debit cards, but they may place a hold on your account for $500 to $1,500. Call ahead and ask—if you don't have a credit card, you may need to bring a co-signer with one or find a location that accepts debit.

Is it cheaper to hire movers or rent a truck myself?

For a one-bedroom apartment move under 50 miles, renting a truck yourself costs $50 to $150 total. Professional movers charge $1,500 to $3,000 for the same move. Renting is cheaper if you can do the physical work yourself and have friends to help. Movers are worth it if you have heavy furniture, fragile items, or a long distance to cover.

Do I need a special license to drive a moving truck?

No. Trucks under 26,000 pounds (which includes all standard rental trucks up to 26 feet) can be driven with a regular driver's license in all 50 states. You don't need a commercial driver's license or any special endorsement.