How Much Does It Cost to Rent a U-Haul Truck?
Renting a U-Haul truck is one of the most common ways people handle a self-move — whether it's a one-bedroom apartment across town or a full household across state lines. The price you'll pay isn't fixed. It depends on several factors that stack on top of each other, and understanding how those factors work together helps you get a realistic picture before you book.
How U-Haul Truck Rental Pricing Is Structured
U-Haul uses a two-part pricing model: a base rate plus mileage charges. These two components combine to make up most of your rental cost — but they're not the only line items on a final invoice.
Base rate covers the time you have the truck. For local moves (usually defined as returning the truck to the same location), this is typically a daily rate. For one-way moves (picking up in one city and dropping off in another), the base rate is usually a flat fee that already accounts for the distance and route.
Mileage charges apply primarily to local rentals. You're charged per mile driven, on top of the daily base rate. One-way rentals generally include a set mileage allowance built into the flat fee.
What Determines the Final Price 🚛
Several variables drive what you actually pay:
Truck size. U-Haul offers cargo vans and trucks in multiple sizes — commonly 10-foot, 15-foot, 20-foot, and 26-foot options. Larger trucks cost more per day and sometimes more per mile. A cargo van or 10-foot truck typically carries the lowest base rate; a 26-foot truck sits at the top.
Local vs. one-way rental. Local rentals are priced by the day plus mileage. One-way rentals use a flat fee structure, but that fee varies significantly based on the origin city, destination city, and how much demand exists on that route. Moving from a high-demand origin (like a major city during summer) to a less-popular destination can cost more than the reverse.
Time of year and demand. Moving season — roughly May through September — drives prices up. Weekend rentals, especially at the start and end of the month, are peak demand periods. Rates during off-peak times (weekday rentals in winter months) are often noticeably lower.
Location. Pickup location affects availability and price. Renting from a high-volume U-Haul center in a large metro area may differ from renting at a smaller authorized dealer in a rural area.
How far in advance you book. Reserving a truck weeks ahead, especially for popular dates, can lock in lower rates. Last-minute bookings during busy periods may face higher prices or limited availability.
Approximate Price Ranges (What to Expect)
These figures reflect general market ranges and will vary based on the factors above. Always check U-Haul's website directly for current pricing in your area.
| Truck Size | Typical Local Rate (per day) | Mileage Rate (per mile, local) |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo Van | ~$19–$30 | ~$0.79–$1.09 |
| 10-foot truck | ~$19–$35 | ~$0.79–$1.09 |
| 15-foot truck | ~$29–$50 | ~$0.79–$1.09 |
| 20-foot truck | ~$39–$60 | ~$0.79–$1.09 |
| 26-foot truck | ~$49–$80 | ~$0.79–$1.09 |
For one-way moves, flat fees typically start around $150–$300 for shorter regional moves and can climb to $1,000–$2,000+ for long cross-country routes, depending on season and demand.
These are rough ranges — actual quotes from U-Haul's reservation tool for your specific dates and locations are the only reliable figures.
Add-On Costs That Affect Your Total
The base rate and mileage aren't the whole picture. Common add-ons include:
- Insurance/damage protection — U-Haul offers several protection plans (Safemove, Safemove Plus, Safetow). These are optional but worth understanding before you decline them.
- Fuel — You're responsible for returning the truck with the same fuel level it had when you picked it up. Rates for fuel replacement through U-Haul if you return it short are higher than pump prices.
- Moving supplies — Boxes, furniture pads, dollies, and hand trucks can be rented or purchased at booking. These add up if you need them.
- Extra days — If your move runs longer than planned, additional day charges apply.
- Environmental fees and taxes — Most rentals include these in the final invoice and they vary by location.
How One-Way Pricing Works Differently 📦
One-way rentals are priced based on supply and demand for specific routes. U-Haul needs trucks to be distributed geographically. If many trucks are heading from City A to City B but few are coming back, the rate from A to B may be higher — and sometimes U-Haul will discount moves in the opposite direction to rebalance its fleet. This means two similar moves of the same distance can have very different prices depending on direction and timing.
The Variables That Make Every Quote Different
A local, weekday rental of a 10-foot truck in January in a mid-sized city will look nothing like a one-way rental of a 26-foot truck from a major metro on a June weekend. Both are "renting a U-Haul truck," but the costs can differ by hundreds of dollars.
Your specific quote depends on your pickup location, drop-off location, dates, truck size, how many miles you plan to drive, and which optional protections or equipment you add. That combination is unique to your move.