Rent a moving truck by the day, week, or one-way from national chains or local dealers, with costs ranging widely based on distance, truck size, and timing
A rental moving truck costs between $20 and $100+ per day from major chains like U-Haul, Penske, and Home Depot, depending on the truck size and your location. One-way rentals (where you drop the truck in a different city) cost significantly more than round-trip rentals because the company has to reposition the vehicle. Local moving companies and independent truck rental shops sometimes undercut the national chains, but availability varies by area and season.
The total bill includes the base rental fee, mileage charges (if applicable), fuel, insurance, and equipment like dollies or furniture pads. Some companies charge per mile; others offer unlimited mileage for a flat daily rate. Peak moving season (May through September) and weekend rentals push prices higher. Booking online usually costs less than walking in, and reserving early locks in a lower rate.
Key Takeaways
- National chains charge by the day with mileage fees or unlimited-mileage packages, while local dealers may offer flat rates that include distance.
- One-way rentals cost more than round-trip because the company must move the truck back, so compare both options before booking.
- You pay separately for fuel, insurance, equipment rental (dollies, blankets, boxes), and damage waivers, which can add 30 to 50 percent to the base rate.
- Weekend and summer bookings are more expensive; booking mid-week or in the off-season can cut your cost by 20 to 40 percent.
- Check your personal auto insurance and credit card coverage before buying the rental company's damage waiver, since you may already be covered.
How pricing works: daily rate, mileage, and one-way fees
U-Haul, Penske, and Budget charge a daily rental fee plus mileage. A 10-foot truck might cost $30 to $50 per day, but you pay an additional $0.50 to $1.50 per mile. A 100-mile move in a 10-foot truck could run $80 to $200 in rental and mileage alone. Larger trucks (20 or 26 feet) start at $40 to $80 per day and charge more per mile.
One-way rentals add a relocation fee on top of the daily and mileage charges. Moving a truck from one state to another can add $200 to $1,000 or more, depending on distance and demand. If you are moving from a high-demand area (like California) to a low-demand area (like rural Montana), the fee is steeper because the company has to pay someone to drive it back.
Some local rental shops and independent dealers charge a flat rate that includes mileage, which can be cheaper for long-distance moves. Home Depot and Lowe's offer truck rentals by the hour or day with simpler pricing, but trucks are smaller (usually 6 to 10 feet) and not suitable for full household moves.
Truck sizes and what they fit
A 10-foot truck holds roughly one to two rooms of furniture — a bedroom set, a couch, and some boxes. It fits in most parking spaces and is easiest to drive if you have never rented a truck before. Cost is typically the lowest of the moving truck options.
A 15-foot truck accommodates a full one-bedroom apartment or half of a two-bedroom home. It is noticeably harder to maneuver and may not fit under low overpasses or in tight parking areas. Many people underestimate how much they own and end up needing this size instead of a 10-foot.
A 20-foot truck holds a full two-bedroom apartment or a small house. A 26-foot truck is the largest standard rental and can move a three-bedroom home. Both require a commercial driver's license in some states if they exceed a certain weight, so check your state's rules before booking. Rental costs jump significantly at these sizes, and fuel consumption is much higher.
Hidden costs beyond the daily rate
Fuel is your responsibility. A 10-foot truck gets 8 to 12 miles per gallon; a 26-foot truck gets 5 to 8. You return the truck with a full tank or pay the rental company's inflated fuel price (often $1 to $2 per gallon above market rate). Budget fuel as a separate line item in your moving cost.
Damage waivers (also called loss damage waivers) cost $10 to $30 per day and cover dents, scratches, and mechanical damage. They do not cover damage from improper loading or accidents caused by driver error. Before buying one, check whether your personal auto insurance or credit card already covers rental trucks — many do, which makes the waiver redundant.
Equipment rental adds up quickly. Dollies cost $5 to $10 each; furniture pads run $1 to $3 per pad; boxes and tape are sold separately. If you need a lot of boxes, buying them at a hardware store is often cheaper than renting from the truck company. Some companies include basic equipment with the rental; others charge for everything.
Late fees explore if you return the truck after your reserved time. Most companies give a grace period of 30 minutes to an hour, but returning it even one hour late can trigger a full extra day's charge. Confirm the exact return important date and plan to arrive early.
Comparing national chains, local dealers, and warehouse stores
| Provider | Typical Daily Rate (10-ft) | Mileage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | $30–$60 | $0.50–$1.50 per mile | Long-distance, one-way moves; most locations |
| Penske | $35–$65 | $0.50–$1.50 per mile | Newer trucks; corporate discounts available |
| Budget | $25–$55 | $0.50–$1.50 per mile | Budget-conscious renters; fewer locations |
| Home Depot / Lowe's | $19–$29 | Hourly or daily, limited distance | Short local moves; small trucks only |
| Local independent dealers | $30–$50 | Often included in flat rate | Local moves; personalized service |
National chains have trucks in most cities and offer one-way rentals, which is essential if you are moving across the country. They also have online booking and price transparency. The trade-off is that their base rates are higher and they charge separately for mileage and equipment.
Local independent rental shops often have lower daily rates and may bundle mileage into a flat fee, making them competitive for moves under 300 miles. However, they may not have trucks available during peak season, and their insurance and damage policies vary. Call ahead to confirm availability and pricing.
Home Depot and Lowe's trucks are cheapest for short local moves (under 75 miles) because they charge by the hour or day with no mileage fee. But trucks are small, and you cannot rent one for a one-way move to another city. They work well for picking up materials or moving within your neighborhood.
Booking strategies to lower your cost
Book online rather than by phone or in person. Online rates are almost always lower, and you lock in the price when ready. Most companies honor the quoted rate even if prices rise before your move date.
Move mid-week and outside peak season (October through April). A Tuesday move in January costs 30 to 40 percent less than a Saturday move in July. If your move date is flexible, shifting it by even a few days can save hundreds of dollars.
Compare round-trip and one-way costs. For a move from City A to City B, the one-way rental might be cheaper than renting round-trip and driving back empty. Always get quotes for both before deciding.
Check for discounts through your employer, AAA membership, military service, or credit card. Some companies offer 10 to 20 percent off for these groups. Ask about corporate or group rates if you are moving for work.
Reserve the truck size you actually need, not the one you think you might need. Upgrading on the day of the move costs more than booking the larger truck upfront. If you are unsure, rent a size one step up rather than risk running out of space.
What to check before you sign the rental agreement
Inspect the truck for existing damage before you drive away. Take photos or video of dents, scratches, and stains on the interior and exterior. The rental company will compare these to the condition when you return it, and you do not want to pay for damage that was already there.
Confirm the fuel policy. Some companies require you to return the truck with a full tank; others charge you for fuel by the gallon. Know which applies to your rental so you are not surprised at checkout.
Verify the mileage limit. Some rentals include unlimited mileage; others charge per mile. If you are charged per mile, calculate your expected mileage and add 10 percent as a buffer.
Ask whether your personal auto insurance covers rental trucks. If it does, you can skip the rental company's damage waiver and save $10 to $30 per day. If you are not sure, call your insurance agent before you rent.
Understand the late return policy. Most companies allow 30 minutes to an hour grace period, but confirm the exact time and location where you must return the truck. Returning it late can trigger a full extra day's charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special license to drive a moving truck?
Most rental trucks do not require a commercial driver's license. However, some states require a CDL for trucks over a certain weight (usually 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating). Check your state's DMV website or ask the rental company whether the truck you are renting requires a CDL. If it does and you do not have one, you will need to rent a smaller truck or hire professional movers.
What happens if I return the truck late?
Most rental companies charge a full extra day's rental fee if you return the truck even one hour after your reserved time. Some offer a 30-minute to one-hour grace period. Plan to return the truck at least 30 minutes before your important date, and confirm the exact return location and hours when you book.
Can I rent a truck one-way if I am moving to a remote area?
One-way rentals are available to most cities and towns, but very remote areas may not be served. Check the rental company's website to see if your destination is listed. If it is not, you may need to book a round-trip rental or hire a professional moving company that serves your area.
Is the damage waiver worth buying?
Check your personal auto insurance and credit card coverage first. Many policies cover rental trucks at no extra cost, which makes the rental company's waiver redundant. If you are not covered and cannot afford to pay for damage out of pocket, the waiver is worth the $10 to $30 per day. Read the fine print — waivers typically do not cover damage from improper loading or accidents caused by driver error.
How far in advance should I book a moving truck?
Book at least two to four weeks ahead, especially if you are moving during peak season (May through September) or on a weekend. Booking early locks in a lower rate and ensures the truck size you need is available. Last-minute bookings are possible but often cost 20 to 50 percent more and may have limited truck sizes available.