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, rental dates, and truck size. U-Haul tends to undercut competitors on one-way rentals and short local moves. Home Depot and Lowe's rent small pickup trucks (usually 6-foot beds) at rates that often beat traditional rental companies for single-day jobs. Penske and Budget typically offer better pricing on larger trucks and longer rentals.

The real savings come from comparing prices across all four before you book. A truck that costs $40 per day at U-Haul might cost $55 at Penske in the same city on the same date, or vice versa. Rental prices fluctuate based on local demand, fuel costs, and inventory — the same truck can vary by $20 to $30 per day depending on the week. Check each company's website directly rather than using aggregator sites, because aggregators sometimes show outdated pricing or don't include all available discounts.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul, Home Depot, Lowe's, and Penske are the four main sources for cheap truck rentals, and prices vary significantly between them for the same truck and dates.
  • Small pickup trucks from Home Depot or Lowe's cost $15 to $25 per day for local rentals, while larger moving trucks from U-Haul or Penske range from $30 to $60 per day depending on size and distance.
  • Mileage charges, fuel surcharges, and equipment fees (dollies, furniture pads, tie-downs) can double your final bill, so factor those into your comparison.
  • One-way rentals cost significantly more than round-trip rentals because the company has to move the truck back, so returning it to the same location saves 30 to 50 percent.
  • Booking during off-peak days (Tuesday through Thursday) and avoiding month-end and weekend dates can cut your rental cost by 20 to 40 percent.

How mileage and fuel charges work

U-Haul and Penske charge mileage fees on most truck rentals, while Home Depot and Lowe's typically include unlimited local mileage for one-day rentals. U-Haul's mileage rates vary by truck size and region — a 10-foot truck might cost $0.99 per mile in one state and $1.29 in another. Penske usually charges between $0.79 and $1.19 per mile depending on truck size. A 200-mile move can add $200 to $240 to your bill, so a truck that looks cheap at $35 per day becomes expensive once mileage is included.

Fuel surcharges are separate from mileage fees. Most companies charge you for fuel used during the rental, calculated by comparing the tank level when you pick up the truck to the level when you return it. Some companies offer a pre-purchase fuel option where you pay for a full tank upfront at a set price per gallon — this is usually more expensive than paying for actual fuel used, but it removes the risk of being charged premium prices if you return the truck on empty. Always return the truck with a full tank if you're paying per gallon used, because rental companies charge inflated rates (often $6 to $8 per gallon) for fuel they add themselves.

Rental size and what it costs

Truck rental prices depend heavily on size. A small pickup truck (6-foot bed) from Home Depot or Lowe's costs $15 to $25 per day for local use. A 10-foot moving truck from U-Haul or Penske costs $30 to $50 per day. A 15-foot truck runs $40 to $65 per day. A 20-foot truck or larger can reach $70 to $100 per day. These are base rates before mileage, fuel, and equipment fees.

Choosing the right size matters because oversizing costs you money and undersizing forces you to make multiple trips. A small pickup works for hauling a few items or a single appliance. A 10-foot truck fits the contents of a one-bedroom apartment. A 15-foot truck handles a two-bedroom move. If you're unsure, most rental companies let you reserve online and call to change the truck size before pickup at no penalty — it's worth booking larger and downsizing if you realize you don't need it.

One-way versus round-trip rentals

A round-trip rental (pick up and return to the same location) costs 30 to 50 percent less than a one-way rental for the same truck and distance. This is because the rental company doesn't have to pay a driver to move the truck back. If you're moving across the country, a one-way rental is your only option, but if you're moving within a region, returning the truck to the same location saves hundreds of dollars.

Some one-way rentals are cheaper than others depending on direction. U-Haul and Penske price one-way rentals based on demand — a truck moving from a low-demand area to a high-demand area costs less because the company needs inventory in the destination city. A move from a rural area to a major city might cost $400, while the reverse move costs $800. Check both directions if your move is flexible, because the savings can be substantial.

When to book for the lowest price

Truck rental prices are lowest on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Friday through Monday are peak days, and prices rise 20 to 40 percent. Month-end (the 25th through the 31st) is the busiest rental period because people coordinate moves around paydays and lease end dates — avoid these dates if you can. The first week of the month is usually cheaper.

Booking in advance (two to three weeks out) sometimes locks in lower rates, but truck rentals don't follow the same advance-purchase discounts as car rentals. Prices can drop closer to your rental date if demand falls, so if you have flexibility, check prices weekly rather than booking months ahead. Early morning pickups (before 9 a.m.) sometimes have lower availability and higher prices, while afternoon pickups are often cheaper.

Equipment and hidden fees to watch for

The base rental price doesn't include equipment. A furniture dolly costs $5 to $10 per day. Furniture pads or blankets cost $2 to $5 per item. Tie-down straps cost $1 to $3 each. A hand truck costs $3 to $5. If you're moving a full apartment, equipment can add $30 to $50 to your bill. Home Depot and Lowe's often include basic equipment with truck rentals, while U-Haul and Penske charge separately.

Other fees to confirm before booking: damage waivers (usually $15 to $25 per day), late return fees (typically $40 to $75 per hour after the agreed return time), and tolls or parking fees you incur during the rental. Some companies charge a reservation fee if you cancel within 24 hours. Read the rental agreement carefully because these fees vary by location and company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to rent a truck from Home Depot or a traditional rental company?

Home Depot and Lowe's are cheaper for small pickups and one-day local rentals — usually $15 to $25 per day. For larger trucks or longer rentals, U-Haul and Penske often have better rates because they specialize in truck rentals and have more inventory. Always compare all four for your specific truck size and dates.

Do I need insurance for a truck rental?

Your personal auto insurance may cover truck rentals, so check your policy before buying the rental company's damage waiver. If you're not covered, the waiver typically costs $15 to $25 per day and protects you from paying for damage to the truck. Credit cards sometimes offer rental car coverage that extends to trucks — call your card issuer to confirm.

What happens if I return the truck late?

Late return fees are typically $40 to $75 per hour after your agreed return time. Some companies charge a flat fee for returns up to one hour late. Always confirm the exact return time and location when you pick up the truck, and plan to return it 30 minutes early to avoid fees.

Can I save money by renting a smaller truck and making two trips?

Rarely. Two one-day rentals of a small truck usually cost more than one rental of a larger truck, even after accounting for fuel and mileage. Calculate the total cost of both options before deciding, but a single larger truck is almost always cheaper.

Are there discounts for AAA members or military?

U-Haul, Penske, and Budget offer discounts for AAA members (typically 10 percent) and military personnel (5 to 10 percent). Home Depot and Lowe's don't advertise membership discounts on truck rentals. Always ask about discounts when you call or check the company's website for current offers.