U-Haul charges between 59 cents and $1.19 per mile, depending on the truck size and current demand

U-Haul's per-mile rate is not a flat fee across all vehicle types. A 10-foot box truck typically costs around 59 cents per mile, while a 26-foot moving truck can run $1.19 per mile or higher. The exact rate depends on the specific truck model, your pickup and drop-off locations, the time of year, and local demand. During peak moving season (May through September), rates climb. During slower months, they may drop.

The per-mile charge is separate from the base rental fee. You pay both: a daily or hourly rate for the truck itself, plus mileage on top of that. If you rent a truck for $19.99 per day and drive 200 miles, you are paying the daily rate plus the mileage cost. This structure means a short local move costs less than a long-distance one, but the total bill depends on both numbers together.

U-Haul does not publish a single rate sheet online. Rates change based on real-time demand and inventory at each location. The only way to see your actual per-mile cost is to enter your pickup location, drop-off location, truck size, and moving date into their website or call a local U-Haul dealer. The quote will show the base fee and the per-mile rate before you commit.

Key Takeaways

  • Per-mile rates range from roughly 59 cents to $1.19 per mile depending on truck size, with larger trucks costing more per mile.
  • The per-mile charge is added to a separate daily or hourly base rental fee, so your total cost includes both.
  • Rates vary by location, season, and demand, so you must get a quote for your specific move to know the actual cost.
  • Peak moving season (May through September) typically has higher per-mile rates than off-season months.
  • Unlimited mileage plans are not standard at U-Haul, so most moves charge you for every mile driven.

How the per-mile charge stacks with the base rental fee

U-Haul's pricing model works like a taxi: you pay a base rate to rent the truck, then you pay extra for distance. The base rate is usually quoted as a daily rate (for example, $19.99 per day) or an hourly rate for shorter rentals. On top of that, every mile you drive adds to your bill at the per-mile rate.

This means a 100-mile move in a 10-foot truck might look like this: $19.99 per day (one day rental) plus 100 miles at 59 cents per mile ($59). Your total would be roughly $79 before taxes, fuel, and equipment fees. A 500-mile move in the same truck would be $19.99 plus $295 in mileage, totaling around $315 before taxes and extras. The longer the distance, the more the per-mile charges dominate your final bill.

Some U-Haul locations offer weekly rates instead of daily rates, which can lower your base cost if you are keeping the truck for several days. A weekly rate might be $79.99 instead of paying $19.99 per day for seven days. However, the per-mile charge still applies on top of that weekly fee.

Why rates differ by truck size and location

Larger trucks cost more per mile because they use more fuel and wear out faster. A 26-foot truck burns significantly more diesel than a 10-foot box truck, so U-Haul passes that cost to you. The company also charges more for larger trucks because demand for them is often higher during moving season, and they have fewer of them in inventory compared to smaller vehicles.

Your pickup and drop-off locations also affect the rate. If you are renting from a U-Haul location in a major city and returning to a rural area, the rate may be higher because U-Haul has to reposition the truck back to where demand is. If you pick up and drop off at the same location, you avoid relocation fees, but the per-mile rate itself is still set by the company based on that region's market conditions.

Seasonal demand is the third major factor. In summer, when thousands of people move, U-Haul raises per-mile rates because trucks are scarce. In winter, rates drop because fewer people move. If you have flexibility in your moving date, shifting your move to a slower month can noticeably reduce your per-mile cost.

What you actually pay: a worked example

Let's walk through a real scenario. You are moving from Denver to Phoenix, a distance of about 600 miles. You rent a 15-foot box truck in July (peak season). U-Haul quotes you a base rate of $39.99 per day and a per-mile rate of 89 cents per mile.

Your costs break down as follows: base rental for one day is $39.99. Mileage is 600 miles at $0.89 per mile, which equals $534. Subtotal: $573.99. Then add Colorado sales tax (roughly 7.6%) and Arizona sales tax (roughly 5.6%), which varies depending on where you pay. You also pay for fuel (the truck is empty when you pick it up, and you return it empty). A 15-foot truck typically gets 8 to 10 miles per gallon, so 600 miles might require 60 to 75 gallons of diesel at current prices. Finally, if you rent equipment like dollies, furniture pads, or boxes, those are separate line items.

Your final bill could easily be $750 to $900 for that move, depending on fuel prices and what extras you add. The per-mile charge ($534 in this example) is the largest single component after the base fee.

Comparing U-Haul per-mile rates to other rental companies

Penske and Budget both offer truck rentals with per-mile charges, though their rate structures differ slightly. Penske typically charges a higher base daily rate but sometimes offers lower per-mile rates, especially for longer moves. Budget's per-mile rates are often similar to U-Haul's, but their base fees vary by location. Ryder is another option, though it is more commonly used for commercial long-term rentals than one-time moves.

The best way to compare is to get quotes from all three companies for your specific move. Enter the same pickup location, drop-off location, truck size, and date into each company's website. You will see the base fee and per-mile rate side by side. Sometimes the lowest per-mile rate does not mean the lowest total cost if the base fee is much higher.

Some moving companies offer flat-rate pricing instead of per-mile charges, but these are typically for full-service moves where the company packs, loads, and unloads your belongings. Those services cost significantly more upfront but remove the uncertainty of mileage charges. For do-it-yourself truck rentals, per-mile pricing is the industry standard.

How to reduce your per-mile costs

The most direct way to lower per-mile charges is to drive fewer miles. If you are moving locally, choose a truck size that fits your load without being oversized—a smaller truck costs less per mile. If you are moving long distance, plan your route carefully to avoid backtracking or detours. Every extra mile adds to your bill.

Timing your move also matters. Moving in the off-season (October through April) typically brings lower per-mile rates. If your move is flexible, even shifting from July to June or August can reduce rates. Weekday moves are sometimes cheaper than weekend moves because demand is lower.

Renting a truck with a lower mileage rate is another option. A 10-foot box truck costs less per mile than a 26-foot truck, so if your load fits, choose the smaller vehicle. However, if you have to make two trips because the truck is too small, you end up paying more in total mileage. Calculate the total cost for different truck sizes before deciding.

One-way rentals (picking up in one city and dropping off in another) are standard at U-Haul and do not cost extra beyond the per-mile charge, unlike some competitors. This is actually a cost advantage if you are moving to a different region.

Understanding fuel and other charges on top of mileage

The per-mile charge covers the truck's wear and tear and U-Haul's profit, but it does not include fuel. You are responsible for filling the tank before you return the truck. If you return it empty, U-Haul will charge you for fuel at a premium rate—typically much higher than what you would pay at a gas station. Always refuel yourself before returning the truck.

Equipment rentals (dollies, furniture pads, boxes, straps) are separate charges added to your bill. A furniture dolly might cost $5 to $10 per day. A box of moving blankets might be $15. These add up quickly if you are renting multiple items. Some people bring their own equipment to avoid these fees.

Damage waivers and insurance are optional but recommended. U-Haul offers a damage waiver that covers accidental damage to the truck for a flat fee (usually $15 to $30 depending on truck size). Without it, you are liable for any damage, which can be expensive. Your personal auto insurance may not cover a rental truck, so check your policy before declining the waiver.

Tolls and parking fees are your responsibility and are not included in the per-mile rate. If your route includes toll roads, budget for those separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does U-Haul offer unlimited mileage?

No. U-Haul charges per mile on nearly all truck rentals. There is no unlimited mileage option. You pay for every mile driven, so a long-distance move will have a significant mileage charge. Always get a quote that includes your actual distance before renting.

What happens if I drive more miles than I estimated?

You pay for the actual miles driven. U-Haul records the odometer reading when you pick up the truck and when you return it. If you estimated 500 miles but drove 550, you pay for all 550 miles at the quoted per-mile rate. There is no penalty for underestimating, but you will owe the difference.

Can I negotiate the per-mile rate?

Per-mile rates are set by U-Haul's pricing system and are not negotiable at most locations. However, rates vary by location and date, so comparing quotes across different pickup dates or nearby locations might reveal lower rates. Calling a local U-Haul dealer directly sometimes reveals promotions or discounts not shown online.

Is the per-mile rate the same for one-way and round-trip rentals?

The per-mile rate is typically the same, but the base fee structure differs. A one-way rental charges you for the distance between two locations. A round-trip rental charges you for the miles you actually drive. If you rent a truck, drive 100 miles, and return it to the same location, you pay for 200 miles on a round-trip rental.

How do I know the exact per-mile rate before I book?

Enter your pickup location, drop-off location, truck size, and moving date into U-Haul's website or call a local U-Haul dealer. The quote will show the base fee and the per-mile rate. Rates are not locked in until you complete the reservation, so check again closer to your move date if prices have changed.