U-Haul truck rental prices depend on truck size, distance, and season

U-Haul charges by the day, the mile, or a combination of both depending on the truck type and your move. A 10-foot truck for a local, one-day move typically costs between $20 and $40 for the truck rental itself, but adding mileage charges, equipment, and fees can double or triple that amount. Long-distance moves and peak seasons (May through September) cost significantly more. The only way to know your actual price is to enter your specific pickup location, drop-off location, and move date into U-Haul's website or call a local U-Haul dealer.

U-Haul operates through franchise dealers rather than company-owned locations, so prices vary by region and individual dealer. A 10-foot truck renting for $25 per day in one city might cost $45 per day in another. Mileage charges also vary—some dealers charge per mile, others offer unlimited mileage for a flat fee, and some use a hybrid model. Fuel is your responsibility, and you return the truck empty.

Key Takeaways

  • Daily rental rates for a 10-foot truck range from $20 to $40, but mileage charges, equipment fees, and insurance can add $100 to $300 or more to your total.
  • U-Haul prices are highest from May through September and lowest from October through April, with significant variation by region.
  • You pay for fuel separately, and the truck must be returned empty; late returns incur hourly overage charges.
  • Larger trucks (15-foot, 20-foot, 26-foot) cost more per day and consume more fuel, so comparing truck sizes against your actual needs saves money.
  • Getting a quote requires your exact pickup location, drop-off location, and move date—estimates from different dealers or dates can differ by hundreds of dollars.

How U-Haul calculates your rental cost

U-Haul's pricing model combines a daily rate, mileage charges, and optional add-ons. The daily rate covers the truck for a 24-hour period; if you keep it longer, you pay an hourly overage (typically $10 to $20 per hour for the first three hours, then a full day charge). Mileage is charged per mile driven, and the rate depends on the truck size and your location. A 10-foot truck might cost $0.79 per mile in one region and $1.19 per mile in another.

Some U-Haul locations offer unlimited mileage packages, which lock in a flat fee regardless of distance. This is usually cheaper for long-distance moves (over 500 miles) but more expensive for short local moves. You can also add equipment rentals—dollies, furniture pads, boxes, tape, and mattress covers—which add $5 to $20 per item. Insurance and damage waivers are optional but strongly recommended; these typically cost $15 to $30 per day.

Typical costs for different truck sizes

A 10-foot truck is the smallest U-Haul option and suits studio or one-bedroom apartments. Daily rates range from $20 to $50 depending on location and season. Mileage charges add up quickly on longer moves—a 200-mile move could add $150 to $240 to your bill.

A 15-foot truck fits a two-bedroom apartment and costs $30 to $60 per day. The 20-foot and 26-foot trucks, used for three-bedroom homes or larger moves, run $40 to $80 and $50 to $100 per day respectively. Fuel consumption increases with truck size; a 26-foot truck uses roughly twice as much fuel as a 10-foot truck, so factor that into your budget.

For a rough example: a 10-foot truck rented for one day locally (under 50 miles) might total $50 to $80 with mileage. The same truck for a 500-mile move could cost $400 to $600 before fuel and insurance. These are estimates only—your actual cost depends entirely on your specific route, truck availability, and the dealer's pricing.

Seasonal and regional price differences

U-Haul prices spike during peak moving season, which runs from May through September. Rental rates can increase 30 to 50 percent during these months, and truck availability becomes limited. If you can move in the off-season (October through April), you'll see noticeably lower prices and more truck availability at your preferred pickup time.

Regional demand also affects pricing. Moving to or from major metropolitan areas, college towns, or areas with high population growth costs more because trucks are in higher demand. Moving from a rural area to a city typically costs less than the reverse, because U-Haul needs trucks repositioned to high-demand areas. The same 200-mile move can cost $200 more or less depending on which direction you're traveling.

What's included and what costs extra

The rental rate covers the truck, basic liability coverage (limited), and roadside information. You do not get fuel, mileage insurance, or damage protection beyond the basic coverage. Fuel is always your expense—you fill the tank before returning the truck, or U-Haul charges you a premium price per gallon for fuel they add.

Damage waivers (typically $15 to $30 per day) reduce your financial responsibility if the truck is damaged. Without a waiver, you're liable for all damage, which can cost thousands. Equipment rentals—dollies, hand trucks, furniture pads, boxes, and tape—are charged separately, usually $5 to $20 per item. Some dealers bundle equipment into packages; others charge à la carte. Ask about these costs when you get your quote.

How to get an accurate quote

Visit uhaul.com or call a local U-Haul dealer with your exact pickup address, drop-off address, and move date. Online quotes are usually faster and show you real-time pricing. The website will ask for truck size preference, but you can compare prices across sizes to see which fits your budget. If you're flexible on dates, check prices for different days—moving mid-week or on a weekday is often cheaper than weekend moves.

Write down the total quote, including all fees and charges, not just the daily rate. Compare quotes from different dealers if you're moving between regions; franchise dealers set their own prices, so a dealer 10 miles away might quote significantly differently. If you're renting equipment or need a damage waiver, confirm those costs are included in the quote before you commit.

Ways to reduce your U-Haul rental cost

Choose the smallest truck that fits your belongings. A 10-foot truck costs less to rent and uses less fuel than a 15-foot truck. If you're unsure, ask the dealer for a size recommendation based on your inventory—oversizing costs more and wastes space. Moving during the off-season (October through April) and on weekdays rather than weekends saves 20 to 40 percent.

Unlimited mileage packages make sense for moves over 500 miles; for shorter moves, pay-per-mile is cheaper. If you're renting equipment, ask whether the dealer offers package deals or if you can source boxes and pads elsewhere. Some U-Haul locations offer discounts for AAA members, military personnel, or seniors—ask when you call for your quote. Returning the truck on time avoids hourly overage charges, which add up quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to return the truck with a full tank of gas?

Yes. You return the truck empty of your belongings but with a full tank of fuel. If you don't, U-Haul charges you a premium price per gallon to refill it—typically $2 to $3 more per gallon than the local gas price. Fill up at a gas station before returning the truck to avoid this charge.

What happens if I return the truck late?

U-Haul charges hourly overage fees for the first three hours (usually $10 to $20 per hour), then charges a full day's rental rate if you're late by more than three hours. If you think you'll need the truck longer, call ahead and extend your reservation—it's cheaper than paying overages.

Is the damage waiver worth buying?

A damage waiver typically costs $15 to $30 per day and limits your liability for accidental damage to the truck. Without it, you're responsible for all repair costs, which can easily exceed $1,000 for significant damage. Most moving experts recommend purchasing it, especially if you're inexperienced with large trucks.

Can I pick up a truck in one city and drop it off in another?

Yes, and U-Haul charges mileage for the distance between the two locations. One-way moves are more expensive than round-trip moves because U-Haul has to reposition the truck. Get a quote for both options to see which is cheaper for your specific route.

Are U-Haul prices the same everywhere?

No. Each U-Haul franchise dealer sets their own daily rates, mileage charges, and fees. Prices vary significantly by region, season, and local demand. The only way to know what you'll pay is to enter your specific pickup and drop-off locations into U-Haul's website or call local dealers directly.