What you need to rent a U-Haul truck

U-Haul requires a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and you must be at least 18 years old to rent most trucks (some locations require 21 for larger vehicles). You'll also need to know your pickup and drop-off locations and the dates you want the truck, since pricing changes based on distance and demand.

When you arrive to pick up the truck, bring the credit card you used to reserve it and your ID. U-Haul will inspect the truck with you, document its condition, and show you how to operate the equipment you're renting — like the ramp, dolly, or hitch — before you leave the lot.

Key Takeaways

  • You can reserve a U-Haul truck online, by phone at 1-800-468-4285, or at a local U-Haul location, and prices vary based on truck size, distance, and the day of the week.
  • U-Haul charges by the day for local moves and by the mile for one-way rentals, plus fuel and any equipment like dollies or furniture pads you add to your order.
  • Damage waivers and insurance options are available but cost extra; your personal auto insurance or credit card may already cover rental trucks, so check before buying U-Haul's coverage.
  • You can pick up and drop off at U-Haul locations, authorized dealers, or some Home Depot stores, and returning the truck late or with damage will result in additional charges.
  • Reservations can be made weeks in advance, but peak moving season (May through September) fills up quickly, so booking early gives you better truck availability and pricing.

Truck sizes and what they fit

U-Haul offers trucks in several sizes: the 10-foot box truck (holds a one-bedroom apartment), the 15-foot truck (two to three bedrooms), the 20-foot truck (three to four bedrooms), and the 26-foot truck (four to five bedrooms or a full house). There's also the cargo van for smaller loads and the pickup truck for hauling materials or a few items.

The size you need depends on what you're moving. If you're hauling a few pieces of furniture or construction materials, a cargo van or 10-foot truck works. For a full apartment move, the 15-foot is standard. For a house move, the 20 or 26-foot truck is more realistic than trying to make two trips in a smaller vehicle. U-Haul's website has a size calculator where you enter what you're moving and it recommends a truck.

How pricing works

U-Haul charges differently depending on whether you're doing a local move or a one-way rental. For local moves, you pay a daily rate plus mileage — typically $19.95 to $39.95 per day for a cargo van, and $29.95 to $59.95 per day for a 10-foot truck, though these amounts vary by location and season. You also pay for every mile you drive.

For one-way rentals (picking up in one city and dropping off in another), U-Haul charges a base truck rental fee plus mileage. The base fee is higher than a local rental, but the per-mile cost is lower. Peak season — May through September, and especially weekends — costs more than off-season moves. Fuel is your responsibility; you return the truck with the same fuel level it had when you picked it up, or U-Haul charges you for the difference at their rate.

Equipment adds to the bill: dollies cost $5 to $10 per day, furniture pads run $0.50 to $1 per pad, and hitches are $10 to $15 per day. A damage waiver (which limits what you pay if the truck is damaged) costs $15 to $30 per day depending on truck size.

Reserving and picking up your truck

You can reserve online at uhaul.com, by calling 1-800-468-4285, or at a local U-Haul center. Online reservations lock in your price and truck size, though availability can change if you book far in advance. You'll need your driver's license number, a credit card, and your pickup and drop-off addresses.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your reservation time. Bring your ID, the credit card used for the reservation, and proof of insurance if you're declining U-Haul's damage waiver. The attendant will walk you through the truck's features, show you how to operate the lift gate or ramp, and point out any existing damage. Take photos or video of the truck's condition before you leave — this protects you if U-Haul later claims you caused damage you didn't.

If you reserved online, you can often skip the line by checking in on the U-Haul app. Some Home Depot locations and authorized dealers also rent U-Haul trucks, which can be faster than a dedicated U-Haul center during busy times.

Insurance and damage coverage

U-Haul offers a damage waiver that limits your liability if the truck is damaged — you typically pay a small deductible instead of the full repair cost. This costs extra (usually $15 to $30 per day) and doesn't cover damage from negligence, like hitting something or overloading the truck.

Before buying U-Haul's coverage, check whether your personal auto insurance covers rental trucks — many policies do. Also check your credit card's rental car coverage; some premium cards cover rental trucks at no extra cost. If you're already covered, buying U-Haul's waiver is redundant. If you're not covered and decline the waiver, you're responsible for any damage, which can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Returning the truck and late fees

Return the truck to the location you reserved, or to an authorized drop-off point if you booked a one-way rental. Return it on time and with a full tank of fuel (or the same fuel level it had when you picked it up). U-Haul charges $40 per hour for late returns after the first hour, so returning it even a few hours late adds up quickly.

The attendant will inspect the truck for damage, check the mileage, and verify the fuel level. If there's damage beyond normal wear, U-Haul will charge you — either your deductible if you bought the damage waiver, or the full repair cost if you didn't. Disputes over damage charges can take weeks to resolve, so document the truck's condition when you pick it up and return it.

Alternatives to U-Haul

Penske and Budget both rent trucks and often have competitive pricing, especially for one-way moves. Home Depot's truck rental program is cheaper for short local moves (typically $19 per day) but only offers pickup trucks. Lowes also rents trucks. For moves across the country, comparing quotes from U-Haul, Penske, and Budget can save you $100 or more.

If you're moving a small amount of stuff, renting a cargo van from Enterprise or Hertz might be cheaper than a full truck. For very large moves, hiring a full-service moving company (where movers pack and load for you) costs more upfront but saves time and reduces the risk of injury or damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a U-Haul truck if I don't have a credit card?

U-Haul requires a credit card to hold the reservation and for the security deposit. Debit cards are not accepted. If you don't have a credit card, you may be able to call a U-Haul location directly to discuss other options, though this is not may provide.

What happens if I return the truck with damage?

U-Haul will charge you for repairs. If you bought the damage waiver, you pay a deductible (usually $100 to $500) and U-Haul covers the rest. If you didn't buy the waiver, you pay the full repair bill, which can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the damage.

Can I extend my rental if I need the truck longer?

Yes, you can extend your rental by calling U-Haul or through the app, as long as the truck isn't reserved for another customer. Extensions are charged at the daily rate in effect at the time of extension, which may be higher than your original rate if demand has increased.

Do I need a special license to drive a large U-Haul truck?

Most U-Haul trucks don't require a commercial driver's license. The 26-foot truck is the largest standard rental and is legal to drive with a regular license in most states, though some states have weight limits. Check your state's requirements before renting if you're unsure.

Is it cheaper to rent a truck one-way or do a local round trip?

For long distances, one-way is usually cheaper because U-Haul moves empty trucks back to distribution centers anyway. For short distances (under 50 miles), a local round trip is often cheaper. Use U-Haul's pricing tool to compare both options for your specific move.