Where to find the cheapest truck rentals
The lowest truck rental rates usually come from U-Haul, Home Depot, Lowe's, and Penske, but the cheapest option changes based on your location, the truck size you need, and when you rent. U-Haul tends to be cheapest for one-way rentals over long distances. Penske often undercuts U-Haul on local moves. Home Depot and Lowe's rent smaller trucks (usually up to 10 feet) at rates that beat the national chains for short jobs like hauling mulch or drywall.
Price comparison sites like Kayak, Autoslash, and Turo let you search multiple companies at once, though Turo focuses on peer-to-peer rentals and works best in urban areas. Always check the company's website directly after comparing, because some chains offer loyalty discounts or promo codes that don't show up in aggregators. Call the local branch too — a manager can sometimes beat the online rate if you're flexible on timing.
The rental cost itself is only part of the bill. Factor in mileage charges (some companies charge per mile, others offer unlimited), insurance, fuel, and equipment like dollies or furniture pads. A truck that looks cheap per day can become expensive once you add a 50-mile mileage fee and required damage waiver.
Key Takeaways
- U-Haul, Penske, Home Depot, and Lowe's are the main sources for truck rentals, with prices varying by location and rental type.
- Local one-way moves often cost less at Penske, while U-Haul usually wins on long-distance one-way rentals.
- Mileage charges, insurance, and equipment fees can double the advertised daily rate, so get a full quote before booking.
- Renting on a weekday or during off-season months (January through March, September through November) typically costs 20 to 40 percent less than peak times.
- Home Depot and Lowe's rentals work only for short local jobs with small trucks, but often undercut national chains for those specific moves.
How truck size and distance affect your price
Truck rental prices scale with size: a 10-foot box truck costs roughly half what a 26-foot moving truck costs per day, but the 10-footer may not fit your load. A 14-foot truck sits in the middle and handles most household moves. Before you book, measure what you're moving — a couch, a dresser, and boxes fit in a 10-footer, but a full apartment usually needs 14 feet or more.
Distance pricing works two ways. Local rentals (typically under 75 miles) charge a flat daily rate plus mileage. One-way rentals (moving from one city to another) charge a base rate that depends on the route — moving from a city with high demand for trucks (like people leaving California) to a city with low demand (like rural Montana) costs less than the reverse. U-Haul publishes its one-way rates online; Penske does not, so you must call for a quote.
If you're moving a short distance, renting for one day and returning the truck to the same location almost always costs less than a one-way rental, even if you drive 50 miles. The break-even point varies by company and location, but it's usually around 100 miles.
Timing your rental to save money
Truck rental prices fluctuate by day of the week and season. Weekdays are cheaper than weekends — renting Monday through Thursday typically costs 20 to 30 percent less than Friday through Sunday. This is because most people move on weekends, so demand (and prices) spike. If your move is flexible, shifting it to a Tuesday or Wednesday can save $50 to $150 on the truck alone.
Seasons matter too. Summer (May through August) and the end of the month are peak moving times, so truck prices are highest then. Winter months (January through March) and early fall (September through November) see lower demand and lower rates. If you can move in February instead of July, expect to pay significantly less — sometimes 30 to 40 percent less for the same truck.
Booking timing also affects price. Booking 4 to 6 weeks in advance usually locks in a lower rate than booking a week out, because the company can plan its fleet better. Last-minute bookings (within 48 hours) sometimes drop in price if the company has unused inventory, but this is not reliable — do not count on it.
What to include in your total cost
The daily rental rate is what companies advertise, but your actual bill includes several add-ons. Mileage is the biggest variable: U-Haul charges per mile (rates vary by truck size and region), while Penske often includes unlimited mileage in the daily rate for local rentals. Home Depot and Lowe's include mileage in their rate for local moves. Always ask whether mileage is included before you book.
Insurance and damage waivers are mandatory at most companies. U-Haul's damage waiver costs $15 to $30 per day depending on truck size. Penske's ranges from $10 to $25 per day. Your personal auto insurance may cover rental trucks, so call your agent before renting — if you're covered, you can skip the rental company's waiver and save money. Check your credit card too; some cards include rental truck coverage.
Equipment rentals add up fast. A furniture dolly costs $5 to $10 per day. Moving blankets run $1 to $3 per blanket. Dollies, hand trucks, and straps can add $30 to $50 to your bill if you rent several items. Some companies include basic equipment; others charge for everything. Ask what's included before you finalize your quote.
Fuel is your responsibility. You rent the truck empty and return it empty, so budget for a full tank. A 26-foot truck gets 6 to 8 miles per gallon, so a 200-mile move costs $80 to $120 in fuel alone.
Comparing U-Haul, Penske, and Home Depot side by side
| Company | Best for | Truck sizes | Mileage | Damage waiver |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | Long-distance one-way moves | 10 to 26 feet | Per-mile charge (varies by region) | $15–$30/day |
| Penske | Local moves and short one-ways | 10 to 26 feet | Unlimited for local; per-mile for one-way | $10–$25/day |
| Home Depot | Small local jobs (hauling, small moves) | 6 to 10 feet | Included in daily rate | $15–$20/day |
| Lowe's | Small local jobs (hauling, small moves) | 6 to 10 feet | Included in daily rate | $15–$20/day |
Strategies to cut your truck rental bill
Rent the smallest truck that fits your load. A 10-foot truck costs roughly $30 to $50 per day, while a 14-foot truck costs $50 to $80, and a 26-foot truck costs $80 to $150. If you can fit everything in a 10-footer, do it. Measure your items before you book — most companies have online size guides showing what fits in each truck.
Return the truck on time and with a full tank. Late fees run $40 to $100 per hour depending on the company. Returning with an empty tank triggers a fuel surcharge that costs more per gallon than gas stations. Fill up at a station near the rental location before you return.
Decline optional add-ons you don't need. GPS, satellite radio, and premium insurance are common upsells. You don't need the rental company's GPS if you have a phone. Skip the premium insurance if your personal auto policy or credit card covers you. Ask what's included in the base rate and decline everything else.
Check for promo codes and loyalty discounts. U-Haul and Penske both offer codes for AAA members, military, and first-time renters. Home Depot and Lowe's sometimes run promotions for cardholders. Search "[company name] promo code" before you book, or call the local branch and ask what discounts are available.
Consider peer-to-peer rental if you're in a city. Turo and similar platforms let individuals rent out their personal trucks, sometimes at rates lower than national chains. These rentals work best for short local moves and require you to handle your own insurance and liability.
What to check before you book
Get a full written quote that includes the daily rate, mileage charges (or confirmation that mileage is unlimited), damage waiver, fuel, and any equipment you're renting. Compare this total across at least two companies before you commit. Many people book based on the advertised daily rate and are shocked when the final bill arrives with mileage and insurance added.
Confirm the truck's condition before you drive away. Take photos of any dents, scratches, or stains and point them out to the rental agent. Get a written record of the truck's condition — most companies use a checklist or digital form. This protects you from being charged for damage you didn't cause.
Read the rental agreement's mileage and fuel policy carefully. Some companies charge for every mile over a certain limit; others charge per mile from the start. Some require you to return the truck with a full tank; others charge a fuel surcharge if you don't. Knowing these details before you rent prevents surprises at checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to rent a truck or hire a moving company?
For moves under 100 miles with a small load, renting a truck is usually cheaper — often $100 to $300 total. For larger moves or long distances, a moving company may cost less once you factor in your time, fuel, and equipment rental. Get quotes from both before deciding.
Can I rent a truck with a debit card instead of a credit card?
Most companies require a credit card for the security deposit, which is typically $100 to $300. Some locations accept debit cards with a larger hold. Call the rental location directly to ask; policies vary by branch.
What happens if I return the truck late?
Late fees start when ready after your rental period ends and run $40 to $100 per hour depending on the company. Some companies charge a flat fee for the first hour, then hourly rates after that. Return the truck on time to avoid these charges.
Do I need my own insurance to rent a truck?
Your personal auto insurance may cover rental trucks, but you must call your agent to confirm. If you're not covered, the rental company's damage waiver ($10 to $30 per day) is required. Some credit cards include rental truck coverage — check your card's benefits before you rent.
Is it cheaper to rent a truck one-way or round-trip for a long move?
For moves over 200 miles, one-way is usually cheaper because you're not paying to return an empty truck. For moves under 100 miles, round-trip (rent locally and return to the same place) is almost always cheaper. U-Haul's website lets you compare one-way and round-trip rates for your specific route.