How Much Does It Cost to Rent a U-Haul Truck?

U-Haul is one of the most widely used truck rental services in the country, and for good reason — they have locations almost everywhere, offer a range of truck sizes, and let you reserve online in minutes. But the price you see advertised rarely reflects what you'll actually pay. Understanding how U-Haul pricing is structured helps you estimate your real cost before you commit.

How U-Haul Truck Rental Pricing Works

U-Haul uses a two-part pricing model: a base rate plus mileage charges. The base rate covers the truck for a set time period (usually one day for local moves), and the mileage charge adds a per-mile fee on top of that. These two components together — not just the advertised rate — determine what you'll pay.

For local rentals, U-Haul typically advertises low base rates (sometimes as low as $19.95–$39.95 depending on truck size and location) because the expectation is you'll also pay per mile. Mileage rates for local moves commonly range from $0.79 to $1.09 per mile, though this varies by market and availability.

For one-way rentals — where you pick up in one city and drop off in another — pricing works differently. Instead of a mileage charge, U-Haul quotes a flat rate that already factors in the distance. These rates fluctuate based on route demand, time of year, and how many trucks U-Haul needs to reposition in a given direction.

Common Truck Sizes and General Price Ranges 🚚

U-Haul offers several truck sizes, each suited to different move volumes. Here's a general overview of what renters typically encounter:

*Base rates vary significantly by location, season, and current availability. These are general reference ranges — not guaranteed prices.

What Actually Drives the Final Cost

The advertised rate is only the starting point. Several factors shape what you'll pay at checkout:

Distance traveled is often the biggest variable on local moves. A short 10-mile round trip keeps mileage costs low. A local move involving multiple trips or long drives across a metro area can add $30–$80 or more in mileage fees alone.

Rental duration matters too. Most local rentals are quoted for a single day, but extending the rental — even a few hours past the return time — typically triggers additional daily or hourly charges.

Fuel is your responsibility. U-Haul trucks must be returned with the same fuel level they had at pickup. If you return the truck low on fuel, U-Haul will refuel it and charge a premium rate per gallon — often significantly above pump price.

Insurance and coverage options are offered at checkout and can add $14–$28 per day depending on the coverage level. These are optional, but declining them means you're personally liable for damage to the truck.

Taxes and fees vary by state and locality. Environmental fees, equipment fees, and state-specific taxes get added at checkout and aren't always visible until you complete your reservation.

Demand and seasonality affect one-way rates especially. Moving during peak season (late spring through summer, end of month, weekends) almost always costs more than moving mid-week in the off-season.

One-Way vs. Local: The Cost Structure Is Different

This distinction matters more than most renters realize. Local rentals give you a low base rate and charge per mile — fine if you're moving nearby. One-way rentals bundle distance into a flat rate, which can actually be a better deal on longer hauls because there's no per-mile meter running.

On a one-way move from, say, a mid-sized city to another state, a 15-foot truck might cost $300–$800+ depending on distance, timing, and route. The same truck rented locally for a few hours in the same city might total $60–$120 after mileage. Same vehicle, very different cost structures.

Equipment Add-Ons That Add Up

U-Haul also rents moving equipment that gets added to your total:

• Furniture dolly: ~$7–$10/day
• Appliance dolly: ~$10–$14/day
• Furniture pads/blankets: ~$10/dozen per day
• Towing equipment (if needed): $40–$60+/day

These seem small individually but can add $30–$60 to a typical rental.

The Gap Between the Advertised Price and the Final Receipt 💡

U-Haul's $19.95 rate is real — it's the base rate for the smallest truck on a local rental. But after mileage, fuel, taxes, optional coverage, and any equipment rentals, a simple local move in a 10-foot truck can easily run $60–$120. A larger truck for a cross-town move of moderate distance might come out to $150–$250.

What your specific move will cost depends on the truck size you need, how far you're driving, which location you're renting from, what time of year you're moving, and the fees and taxes in your area. Those variables belong to your situation — and they're the ones that turn the advertised rate into the actual bill.