U-Haul van rental prices depend on the van size, how far you're moving, and when you rent
U-Haul charges by the day and by the mile, so your total cost is the daily rate plus mileage. A one-way local move in a 10-foot cargo van might run $20 to $40 for the day plus $0.99 per mile. A cross-country move in the same van could cost $40 to $60 per day plus the same per-mile rate, but the total mileage makes it much more expensive. The actual numbers depend on your pickup location, drop-off location, the specific van size you choose, and the time of year you rent.
U-Haul publishes no fixed price list because demand changes constantly. Prices are higher during peak moving season (May through September), on weekends, and when you're moving to or from a city where U-Haul has more demand than supply. You can see the price for your specific move only by entering your pickup and drop-off locations, dates, and van size on their website or by calling a local U-Haul dealer.
Key Takeaways
- U-Haul charges a daily rate plus a per-mile rate, and both vary based on location, season, and demand rather than following a published price list.
- Local moves (under 100 miles) are usually cheaper per day but add up quickly with mileage; long-distance moves spread the daily cost over more days but rack up significant mileage charges.
- Peak season (May through September), weekends, and moves to high-demand cities cost more than off-season weekday moves to less popular destinations.
- U-Haul offers different van sizes (10-foot, 15-foot, 20-foot, and larger), and each has its own daily and mileage rates that you need to compare for your specific load.
- The price you see online or over the phone is the price you pay; U-Haul does not negotiate rates, but you can reduce cost by choosing a smaller van, moving on a weekday, or renting during off-season.
How U-Haul's two-part pricing structure works
U-Haul charges you two separate amounts: a daily rental rate and a mileage rate. The daily rate covers the van itself for one calendar day. The mileage rate is per mile you actually drive, whether that's 10 miles or 500 miles. Both rates vary by van size and location.
If you rent a 10-foot van for one day and drive 50 miles, you pay the one-day rate plus 50 times the per-mile rate. If you rent the same van for three days and drive 800 miles, you pay three times the daily rate plus 800 times the per-mile rate. The daily rate does not include unlimited mileage; you pay for every mile.
U-Haul also charges a damage waiver (optional insurance), fuel if you return the van with less fuel than you picked it up with, and any late fees if you keep the van past your return time. These are separate from the base rental cost.
What van sizes cost and when to choose each one
U-Haul offers several cargo van sizes, and each has different daily and mileage rates. A 10-foot van is the smallest and cheapest option; a 15-foot van holds more but costs more per day and per mile; a 20-foot van is larger still; and specialty vans (like the 26-foot box truck) are the most expensive. You choose based on how much you're moving, not on distance.
A 10-foot van fits a studio or one-bedroom apartment's worth of furniture and boxes. A 15-foot van handles a two-bedroom move. A 20-foot van works for a three-bedroom house. If you're moving just a few pieces or boxes, a smaller van saves money even if you have to make two trips. If you're moving an entire household, a larger van is often cheaper overall because you make one trip instead of multiple trips, paying the daily rate only once.
Check the actual dimensions and weight limits on U-Haul's website before you book. A van that looks big enough might have a weight limit that forces you to upgrade, or a smaller van might fit your load if you pack carefully.
How location and distance affect your total cost
U-Haul charges more to rent from high-demand cities (like Los Angeles, New York, or Miami) and charges more to drop off in those cities. If you're moving from a small town to a major city, expect higher rates than moving between two small towns the same distance apart. U-Haul balances its fleet by charging more in cities where demand exceeds supply.
One-way rentals (pickup in one city, drop-off in another) cost more than round-trip rentals because U-Haul has to move the van back. A local round-trip move—where you pick up and return to the same location—is usually the cheapest option if you can fit your move into one day or a few days.
Long-distance moves can be deceptive. The daily rate might seem reasonable, but 1,500 miles at $0.99 per mile adds $1,485 in mileage charges alone. Always calculate the full cost (daily rate times number of days, plus mileage rate times total miles) before you commit. Compare that to the cost of hiring professional movers or renting from a competitor.
Seasonal and timing factors that change the price
U-Haul's prices are highest from May through September, when most people move. Renting in October through April usually costs less, sometimes significantly less. Weekend rentals cost more than weekday rentals because demand is higher. A Friday-to-Monday rental is more expensive than a Monday-to-Wednesday rental for the same van and distance.
If you have flexibility, moving on a Tuesday or Wednesday in November or February will be cheaper than moving on a Saturday in July. The trade-off is that you might have less time to prepare or coordinate with friends and family. For a local move, the savings might be $50 to $150. For a long-distance move, the savings could be several hundred dollars.
U-Haul sometimes offers promotional rates or discounts for AAA members, military personnel, or students. These discounts are not automatic; you have to enter the code or mention the affiliation when you book. Check whether you may have access to before you finalize your reservation.
What to expect when you actually book and pick up
You can reserve a van on U-Haul's website, through their mobile app, or by calling a local U-Haul dealer. When you book online, you'll enter your pickup location, drop-off location, dates, and van size, and the system will show you the price. That price is what you'll pay (plus damage waiver if you add it, plus fuel if you return it empty, plus any late fees).
When you pick up the van, bring a valid driver's license and a credit card. U-Haul will inspect the van with you, note any existing damage, and show you how to operate the equipment (ramp, dolly, straps). You'll sign paperwork confirming the condition and your rental agreement. Take photos or video of the van's condition before you load it; this protects you if U-Haul tries to charge you for damage you didn't cause.
Return the van on time and with a full tank of fuel. If you're late, U-Haul charges an hourly rate (usually $40 per hour after a grace period). If you return it with less fuel than you picked it up with, U-Haul charges you for fuel at a premium rate, usually $6 to $8 per gallon.
How U-Haul compares to other rental companies
Penske, Budget, and Home Depot also rent moving vans. Penske and Budget typically charge a daily rate plus mileage, similar to U-Haul. Home Depot's truck rental is usually cheaper for local moves but is available only for short-term rentals (typically one day or less). Prices vary by location and time, so get quotes from all three if you want to compare.
For long-distance moves, professional moving companies (full-service movers who pack, load, transport, and unload) might cost more upfront but save you physical labor and time. For local moves, a rental van is usually cheaper than hiring movers. For moves between 500 and 1,500 miles, compare the cost of renting a van against hiring movers; the difference might be smaller than you expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a U-Haul van for less than the quoted price?
U-Haul does not negotiate rates. The price you see online or over the phone is the price you pay. You can reduce cost by choosing a smaller van, moving on a weekday, renting during off-season, or using a promotional code if you may have access to. Booking further in advance sometimes shows lower prices, though this is not may provide.
What happens if I drive more miles than I expected?
You pay for every mile you drive. If you estimate 500 miles but drive 600, you pay for all 600 miles at the per-mile rate. There is no overage charge or penalty beyond the mileage cost itself. Estimate conservatively and add 10 to 15 percent to your expected mileage to avoid surprises.
Do I have to buy U-Haul's damage waiver?
No, the damage waiver is optional. It typically costs $15 to $30 per day and covers damage to the van (minus a deductible). If you have renters insurance or auto insurance that covers rental vehicles, check your policy before buying U-Haul's waiver; you might already be covered.
Can I pick up a van in one city and drop it off in another?
Yes, one-way rentals are available. They cost more than round-trip rentals because U-Haul has to reposition the van. The price difference depends on the distance and the direction; moving from a low-demand city to a high-demand city costs more than the reverse.
What if I need to keep the van longer than I booked?
Call U-Haul as soon as you know you need extra time. If the van is available, they can extend your rental and charge you the daily rate for the additional days. If you return it late without extending, you'll pay an hourly late fee (usually around $40 per hour after a grace period). It's cheaper to extend in advance than to pay late fees.