The main places to rent a cargo van are national chains, local rental companies, and peer-to-peer platforms, each with different pricing and availability
National rental companies like U-Haul, Home Depot, Penske, and Budget all rent cargo vans by the day, week, or month. U-Haul and Home Depot focus on smaller cargo vans (10 to 15 feet) for local moves and hauling; Penske and Budget carry larger options (16 to 26 feet) for longer distances. Local rental shops, found through Google Maps or Yelp, often undercut national prices for same-day rentals in your area. Peer-to-peer platforms like Turo and Outdoorsy let you rent from individuals, which can be cheaper for longer periods but requires more vetting on your end.
The choice depends on how far you're going, how long you need the van, and whether you want predictable pricing or the chance to negotiate. A one-day local haul from Home Depot might cost $20 to $40. A week-long cross-country move on Penske could run $800 to $1,500 depending on distance and van size. Peer-to-peer rentals vary wildly by owner and location.
Key Takeaways
- National chains (U-Haul, Home Depot, Penske, Budget) offer standardized pricing and insurance but charge more for short local rentals than local shops do.
- Local rental companies often have lower daily rates for same-day pickups but may have fewer van sizes and less flexible cancellation policies.
- Peer-to-peer platforms let you rent from individuals and can save money on multi-week rentals, but you handle damage disputes directly with the owner.
- Mileage charges, fuel policy, and insurance add significantly to the base rental rate—always ask what is included before booking.
- Reserving in advance locks in a price and guarantees availability, while same-day rentals risk higher rates or no vans left.
National rental chains: predictable pricing and insurance options
U-Haul and Home Depot are the easiest entry point for small cargo vans (10 to 15 feet). U-Haul operates its own fleet and locations nationwide; Home Depot partners with U-Haul but only rents from Home Depot stores. Both charge by the day and by mileage. A 10-foot U-Haul van typically costs $15 to $30 per day plus $0.99 per mile in most markets, though prices spike during peak moving season (May through September). Home Depot's rates are similar but sometimes lower for local, same-day rentals.
Penske and Budget focus on larger vans (16 to 26 feet) and longer-distance moves. Penske quotes a flat weekly or monthly rate plus mileage; a 16-foot van might run $400 to $600 per week plus $0.79 per mile. Budget's pricing is comparable. Both allow unlimited mileage on some weekly and monthly plans, which saves money on long moves. All four chains include basic liability insurance in the rental, but you can add damage waiver coverage (usually $15 to $30 per day) to reduce your out-of-pocket risk if the van is damaged.
The trade-off: national chains charge more per day for short rentals but offer transparent pricing, multiple locations for drop-off, and clear insurance terms. If you need the van for one afternoon, a local shop will likely be cheaper. If you're moving across three states, a national chain's mileage plan and insurance clarity are worth the extra cost.
Local rental shops: lower daily rates for short-term needs
Independent rental companies in your city or county often rent cargo vans at $25 to $50 per day—undercutting national chains by 30 to 50 percent on short rentals. They typically don't charge mileage for local moves (within 50 miles of the rental location) and may offer same-day availability when national chains are booked out. You find them by searching "cargo van rental near me" on Google Maps or calling local moving supply stores, which often partner with rental companies.
The catch: local shops have smaller fleets, so availability is less predictable. Cancellation policies are stricter—many charge a full day's fee if you cancel within 24 hours. Insurance options are less standardized; some include basic coverage, others don't. You also can't drop the van off at a different location, so you're responsible for returning it to the original shop. For a same-day, same-neighborhood haul, a local shop is usually your cheapest option. For anything requiring advance planning or long-distance travel, a national chain's predictability is worth the extra money.
Peer-to-peer platforms: lower weekly rates but more risk
Turo and Outdoorsy connect you with private van owners renting out their vehicles. Pricing varies by owner and location, but peer-to-peer rentals often cost 20 to 40 percent less than national chains for week-long or month-long bookings. A cargo van on Turo might rent for $40 to $80 per day, depending on the van's age and the owner's pricing strategy. Outdoorsy focuses on adventure vehicles (camper vans, off-road trucks) but also lists cargo vans.
The risk is that you're dealing with an individual, not a corporation with standardized policies. Damage disputes go through the platform's resolution process, which can take weeks. Insurance coverage varies—Turo includes a damage waiver in the rental price, but you pay a deductible (usually $500 to $2,500) if something goes wrong. Outdoorsy requires you to carry your own insurance or buy their coverage. You also can't return the van to a different location; you drop it off where you picked it up.
Peer-to-peer makes sense if you're renting for 10 days or longer and the owner has good reviews and clear damage terms. For a one-day rental or a cross-country move, the savings don't justify the added friction.
What to compare before booking: mileage, fuel, and insurance
The advertised daily or weekly rate is only part of the cost. Mileage charges can double your bill on long moves. U-Haul charges $0.99 per mile; Penske's weekly plans often include 500 to 1,000 free miles, then charge $0.79 per mile after. Local shops usually include mileage for local moves but charge $0.50 to $1.00 per mile for longer trips. Always calculate the total mileage before booking and ask whether the quoted rate includes it.
Fuel policy matters too. Most national chains require you to return the van with a full tank or charge you a premium ($4 to $6 per gallon) to fill it themselves. Some peer-to-peer owners include a full tank; others charge you for fuel used. Budget for a full tank of diesel or gasoline when you estimate total cost.
Insurance and damage waiver are separate from the rental rate. National chains include basic liability (covers damage you cause to others) but not collision coverage (covers damage to the van itself). Adding a damage waiver costs $15 to $30 per day and reduces your deductible from $2,500 to $500 or $0. If you have personal auto insurance, check whether it covers rental vehicles—many policies do, which means you don't need to buy extra coverage. Peer-to-peer platforms handle this differently; read the owner's damage terms and the platform's insurance policy before committing.
Booking in advance versus same-day rental
Reserving a van one to two weeks ahead locks in a lower rate and guarantees availability during peak season. National chains offer discounts for advance bookings, and local shops are more likely to have your preferred size in stock. Same-day rentals cost 20 to 40 percent more because demand is higher and the rental company has less time to plan.
If you know you need a van, book it as soon as you know the date. If you're deciding whether to rent or borrow a friend's truck, book a tentative reservation (most allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup) so you have a price locked in. Peak moving season (May through September) fills up faster; if you're moving then, book at least two weeks ahead.
Comparing the options side by side
| Rental Type | Best For | Daily Rate | Mileage Charge | Insurance Included | Cancellation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul / Home Depot | Small local hauls, predictable pricing | $15–$40 | $0.99/mile | Basic liability only | Free up to 24 hours |
| Penske / Budget | Long-distance moves, larger vans | $400–$600/week | Included in weekly plan, then $0.79/mile | Basic liability only | Free up to 24 hours |
| Local rental shop | Same-day, same-city moves | $25–$50 | Free locally; $0.50–$1.00/mile for distance | Varies by shop | Full charge if cancelled within 24 hours |
| Turo / Outdoorsy | Week-long or longer rentals | $40–$80 | Included in daily rate | Damage waiver with deductible | Free up to 24 hours (owner-dependent) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special license to rent a cargo van?
No. A standard driver's license is sufficient for vans up to 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Most rental cargo vans fall below this threshold. If you're renting a larger box truck (26 feet or more), some states require a commercial driver's license; the rental company will tell you at booking if this applies.
What happens if I return the van late?
National chains charge an hourly rate (usually $10 to $20 per hour) for the first few hours, then charge for an additional day if you're more than a few hours late. Local shops and peer-to-peer owners have stricter policies—many charge a full day's fee for any return after the agreed time. Always confirm the return important date and plan to return 30 minutes early.
Can I rent a cargo van one-way, dropping it off in a different city?
National chains like U-Haul and Penske allow one-way rentals and charge a drop-off fee (usually $100 to $500 depending on distance). Local shops and peer-to-peer platforms do not; you must return the van to where you picked it up. If you're moving across the country, a national chain is your only option.
What if the van breaks down during my rental?
National chains provide roadside information and will send a replacement van or tow truck at no cost. Local shops and peer-to-peer owners vary—ask before you book. If you rent from an individual on Turo or Outdoorsy, confirm they have a backup plan for mechanical failure. Always get the rental company's emergency number in writing before you leave the lot.
Is it cheaper to rent a cargo van or hire a moving company?
For a small, local move (under 50 miles), renting a van and doing it yourself costs $50 to $150. A professional moving company charges $1,500 to $5,000 for the same job. For a long-distance move, the math shifts: a week-long Penske rental plus fuel might cost $1,200 to $1,800, while movers charge $3,000 to $8,000. Renting is cheaper if you can do the physical work yourself; movers are worth it if you have fragile items, a tight timeline, or physical limitations.