U-Haul charges by truck size, distance, and season — not by the hour
U-Haul's rental cost depends on three things: the size of truck you book, how far you're moving it, and what time of year you rent. A local one-way rental of a 10-foot truck might cost $20 to $40, while a 26-foot truck moving across the country can run $2,000 to $4,000. The company publishes rates on its website, and you can see the exact price before you commit — there's no hidden fee structure that appears at checkout.
The distance calculation matters more than most renters expect. U-Haul charges per mile for long-distance moves, but local rentals (typically under 40 miles) have a flat daily rate instead. If you're moving 500 miles, you'll pay a base truck fee plus mileage. If you're moving 10 miles, you'll pay a daily rate that covers unlimited mileage within that local zone. Seasonal demand also shifts prices: summer (May through September) costs significantly more than winter, because more people move during warm months.
Key Takeaways
- U-Haul charges based on truck size, distance traveled, and rental dates — check the website for your specific route to see the actual price before booking.
- Local moves under 40 miles typically use a daily rate with unlimited mileage, while longer moves charge a base fee plus per-mile cost.
- Summer rentals (May through September) cost more than winter rentals for the same truck and distance because demand is higher.
- You can reserve a truck online or by phone, and U-Haul allows you to pick up and drop off at different locations for one-way moves.
- Damage waivers, insurance, and equipment rentals (dollies, blankets, boxes) are separate charges added to your base truck rental.
How to get a price quote and reserve a truck
Go to uhaul.com and enter your pickup location, drop-off location, and rental dates. The site will show you available truck sizes with prices for each. You can also call 1-800-468-4285 to speak with a U-Haul representative, though the website typically shows the same rates and lets you book when ready. When you reserve, you'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card to hold the reservation.
U-Haul allows one-way rentals, meaning you can pick up in one city and drop off in another without returning to the original location. One-way moves usually cost more than round-trip rentals because the company has to position the truck back to a busy market. If you're flexible on dates, moving on a weekday or during the off-season (October through April) will lower your price.
What's included in the base rental price
The quoted price covers the truck itself and, for local moves, unlimited mileage within your zone. For long-distance moves, it covers the truck and the mileage you actually drive. The price does not include fuel — you return the truck with the same fuel level it had when you picked it up, or you pay U-Haul's fuel surcharge (which is typically higher than gas station prices).
Damage coverage is not automatic. U-Haul offers a damage waiver (usually $15 to $30 per rental) that limits your liability if the truck is damaged. Without it, you're responsible for any dents, scratches, or mechanical damage. Your personal auto insurance may cover rental trucks, so check your policy before paying for U-Haul's waiver. Equipment like dollies, furniture pads, and boxes are rented separately and added to your bill.
Truck sizes and what they fit
U-Haul offers trucks in five main sizes. The 10-foot truck holds about one to two rooms of furniture and is best for small apartments or studio moves. The 15-foot truck fits a three-bedroom apartment's worth of goods. The 20-foot truck handles a four-bedroom house. The 26-foot truck is the largest standard option and can move a five-bedroom house or small commercial space. Specialty options like cargo vans and pickup trucks are also available for smaller loads.
The size you need depends on what you're moving, not just the square footage of your home. A house full of heavy furniture takes more space than a house full of light belongings. U-Haul's website has a size estimator tool, but the most reliable way is to list your major items (bed frames, couches, dressers, tables) and match them to the truck size guide. If you underestimate, you'll run out of space and have to make a second trip or rent a larger truck.
Fuel, mileage, and extra charges that add up
Fuel is your responsibility. You pick up the truck with a full tank and return it full, or U-Haul charges you for the shortfall at a rate that's usually 20 to 40 percent higher than local gas prices. For a 26-foot truck that gets 6 miles per gallon, a 1,000-mile move will use roughly 167 gallons — a significant cost if you're not budgeting for it.
Mileage charges explore only to long-distance moves. Local moves include unlimited mileage in your zone. If you exceed the zone (typically a 40-mile radius), you'll be charged per mile for the overage. Additional charges include the damage waiver, equipment rentals (dollies at $5 to $10 each, furniture pads at $1 to $2 each, boxes at $1 to $3 each), and a service fee if you pick up or drop off at a U-Haul location that isn't a dealer or U-Box center. Some locations charge a location fee of $10 to $25.
Comparing U-Haul to other rental companies
Penske and Budget both rent moving trucks and often compete on price with U-Haul. Penske trucks tend to be newer and may have lower mileage, which some renters prefer for long-distance moves. Budget sometimes undercuts U-Haul on local moves. For one-way rentals, prices vary significantly by route — U-Haul may be cheaper for some moves while Penske is cheaper for others. Get quotes from all three for your specific pickup and drop-off locations before deciding.
Home Depot and Lowes also rent U-Haul trucks through their stores, and the pricing is identical to U-Haul's direct website. The advantage is convenience if you're already shopping there. If you need a truck for just a few hours (under four hours), Home Depot's hourly rental option may be cheaper than U-Haul's daily rate, though availability is limited to local moves.
How to avoid common rental mistakes
The most expensive mistake is underestimating truck size and having to upgrade on pickup day. Reserve a size slightly larger than you think you need, especially if you're moving furniture with odd dimensions. The upgrade fee at pickup is usually $20 to $50, but it's less painful than realizing halfway through loading that nothing fits.
The second mistake is not checking your fuel tank before returning the truck. U-Haul's fuel surcharge is steep. Fill up at a regular gas station within a mile of the drop-off location, not at a truck stop or convenience store where prices are higher. Take a photo of the fuel gauge when you return the truck to document that it was full.
The third mistake is not inspecting the truck for damage before you leave the lot. U-Haul will photograph the truck when you return it, and any damage present at that time becomes your responsibility. Walk around the truck with the rental agent, point out any existing dents or scratches, and ask them to note it on your contract. If you cause damage during your rental, report it when ready rather than hoping it goes unnoticed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I book a U-Haul truck for just a few hours?
U-Haul's minimum rental period is one day (24 hours), not by the hour. If you need a truck for just a few hours, Home Depot's hourly rental program may work, though it's only for local moves and availability varies by location. Otherwise, you'll pay for a full day even if you use the truck for two hours.
What happens if I return the truck late?
Late fees explore after the 24-hour rental period ends. The fee is typically the daily rate for each additional day or partial day. If you rent a truck on Friday and return it Monday, you'll be charged for three days. Reserve extra time if you're unsure how long you'll need the truck.
Do I need my own insurance to rent a U-Haul truck?
Your personal auto insurance may cover rental trucks, but you should call your insurer before renting to confirm. If your policy doesn't cover rentals, U-Haul's damage waiver ($15 to $30) limits your liability. Some credit cards also offer rental truck coverage — check your card's benefits before paying for U-Haul's waiver.
Can I rent a U-Haul truck if I'm under 25?
Yes, but U-Haul charges an underage driver fee (typically $20 to $30 per day) for drivers under 25. You'll still need a valid driver's license and a credit card. Some locations may have additional restrictions, so call ahead if you're under 25.
What if the truck breaks down during my rental?
U-Haul provides roadside information. Call the number on your rental agreement or 1-800-468-4285 to report a breakdown. U-Haul will send a mechanic or tow truck at no charge. You're not responsible for mechanical failures that occur during the rental period.