What determines your U-Haul rental price
U-Haul calculates your rental cost by multiplying the daily or hourly rate by the number of days or hours you rent, then adding mileage charges, equipment fees, and taxes. The daily rate itself depends on the truck or van size, the pickup location, the return location, and the time of year you rent. A 10-foot truck in rural Nebraska in January costs far less than the same truck in Los Angeles in July, because U-Haul adjusts prices based on local demand and the direction trucks are moving across the country.
The price you see when you enter your dates and locations is what U-Haul calls a "quote" — it is not a may provide until you complete the reservation. Prices can shift if you change your pickup or return date, choose a different truck size, or add insurance and equipment. U-Haul does not lock in a price until you pay.
Key Takeaways
- U-Haul charges a base daily rate for the truck or van size, plus mileage at a rate that varies by vehicle type and location.
- Prices are highest during peak moving season (May through September) and in areas where demand is high or trucks are scarce.
- Your final cost includes the base rental, mileage, fuel surcharges, equipment rentals (dollies, furniture pads), damage waiver fees, and taxes.
- Getting a price estimate requires entering your pickup location, return location, and rental dates on the U-Haul website or by calling 1-800-468-4285.
- The quoted price can change if you modify your dates, locations, or vehicle choice before you complete payment.
How mileage charges work in your estimate
U-Haul charges mileage in two ways: unlimited mileage or per-mile charges. With unlimited mileage, you pay a flat daily rate and drive as far as you want at no extra cost. With per-mile pricing, you pay a base daily rate plus a per-mile fee — typically between $0.59 and $1.29 per mile depending on the truck size and location — for every mile you drive.
The mileage option U-Haul offers you depends on the distance and the truck size. Long-distance moves often come with unlimited mileage because the per-mile cost would be prohibitive. Local moves and small trucks are more likely to be quoted with per-mile charges. When you enter your route into the U-Haul estimator, the system calculates the distance and shows you which pricing model applies.
Your actual mileage is recorded when you return the truck. If you drove fewer miles than expected, you pay only for what you used. If you drove more, you pay the overage — so the estimate is a baseline, not a ceiling.
Seasonal and location factors that change your price
U-Haul's prices fluctuate based on when and where you rent. Peak moving season runs from May through September, when prices are highest because demand exceeds supply. Renting a truck in June costs significantly more than renting the same truck in November. Weekend rentals also cost more than weekday rentals during peak season.
Geography matters as much as season. Renting a truck in a city where many people are moving away — say, from a declining industrial area — costs less than renting in a city where many people are moving in, like Austin or Denver. U-Haul adjusts prices to balance its fleet: they offer discounts to move trucks out of oversupplied areas and charge premiums in undersupplied ones. This is why a one-way rental from a small town to a major city can be cheaper than renting locally.
Weather and holidays also shift prices. Moving during a holiday weekend or in winter weather is less popular, so prices drop. Conversely, the week before Labor Day or around spring break, prices rise.
Equipment, insurance, and fees added to your base rental
Your U-Haul estimate includes only the truck or van rental itself. Additional charges appear when you add equipment or protection. A furniture dolly rents for roughly $5 to $10 per day. Furniture pads, mattress covers, and dish pack boxes each carry their own fees. A hand truck or appliance dolly adds another $5 to $15. If you need a hitch or towing equipment, those are separate line items.
U-Haul offers two damage protection options: a damage waiver (sometimes called a "damage waiver fee") and full coverage insurance. The damage waiver is a flat fee — typically $15 to $30 per day — that reduces your liability if the truck is damaged. Full coverage insurance is more expensive and covers more scenarios. Your personal auto insurance may already cover rental trucks, so check your policy before paying for U-Haul's coverage.
Fuel is your responsibility. U-Haul trucks run on gasoline or diesel depending on the size. You return the truck with a full tank or pay U-Haul's fuel surcharge, which is higher than the local pump price. The estimate does not include fuel cost — you pay that separately when you fill up or when you return the truck empty.
How to get an accurate U-Haul price estimate
Go to uhaul.com or call 1-800-468-4285 to start an estimate. Enter your pickup address, return address, and rental dates. The website will show you available truck and van sizes with prices for each. Select the size that fits your move, and the system displays the total cost broken down by daily rate, mileage, and taxes.
The estimate page also shows optional add-ons: equipment rentals, damage waiver, and insurance. You can toggle these on and off to see how they affect the total. The price shown is valid for a limited time — usually 24 hours — but is not locked in until you complete the reservation and pay.
To get the most accurate estimate, have your exact pickup and return addresses ready, know your move date and return date, and estimate how many miles you will drive if the quote uses per-mile pricing. If you are unsure about distance, U-Haul's website calculates it for you based on the addresses you enter.
Why your final bill may differ from the estimate
The price you see when you get a quote is an estimate, not a final invoice. Several things can change the total between the time you get the quote and the time you return the truck. If you keep the truck longer than you reserved, you pay for the extra days at the daily rate shown on your reservation. If you drive more miles than estimated, you pay for the overage at the per-mile rate.
Damage to the truck is charged separately. If you return the truck with dents, scratches, or mechanical damage, U-Haul assesses the cost and charges you unless you purchased damage coverage. Fuel charges also appear on the final bill if you returned the truck without a full tank. Late fees explore if you return the truck after your reserved return time.
Taxes vary by state and locality, so the tax amount on your estimate may shift slightly depending on where you actually pick up and return the truck. Some states charge sales tax on the rental; others do not.
Comparing U-Haul to other rental companies
U-Haul is one of several truck rental options. Penske, Budget, Home Depot, and Home Depot's partnership with U-Haul all offer moving trucks. Prices vary between companies and sometimes between locations of the same company. To compare, get estimates from at least two providers using the same pickup location, return location, and dates.
U-Haul often has lower base rates for local moves but may charge higher mileage fees than competitors. Penske tends to have higher daily rates but sometimes lower per-mile costs for long-distance moves. Budget's pricing falls between the two. The cheapest option depends on your specific route and distance.
Check what is included in each quote. Some companies include unlimited mileage; others charge per mile. Some include basic equipment; others charge for everything. A quote that looks cheaper may not be if you add up all the fees. Request a full breakdown from each company before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reserve a truck at one price and then change my dates without paying more?
No. Your reservation is locked at the price you paid when you booked. If you change your dates, pickup location, or return location after booking, U-Haul recalculates the price. You may owe more or receive a refund if the new dates are cheaper. Changes made close to your rental date are less likely to result in a refund.
Does U-Haul charge for returning the truck late?
Yes. If you return the truck after your reserved return time, U-Haul charges a late fee. The fee structure depends on how late you are — a few minutes may not trigger a charge, but hours or days will. Check your reservation confirmation for the exact return time and late fee policy for your location.
What happens if I use more miles than my estimate?
You pay for the overage at the per-mile rate shown on your reservation. If your quote included unlimited mileage, you owe nothing extra no matter how far you drive. If it was per-mile pricing, every mile over your estimate is charged at the quoted rate.
Is the price the same if I pick up and return at different U-Haul locations?
No. One-way rentals (pickup and return at different locations) are priced differently than round-trip rentals (pickup and return at the same location). One-way rentals can be cheaper or more expensive depending on the direction and demand. Always enter your actual pickup and return addresses to get an accurate quote.
Can I lock in a price before my rental date?
U-Haul does not offer price guarantees. The price you see when you book is the price you pay, but if you change your reservation details, the price recalculates. Prices can also change if you cancel and rebook later, especially if you are moving during peak season.