What U-Haul rents and how pricing works
U-Haul is a truck and trailer rental company that operates thousands of locations across the United States and Canada. You can rent moving trucks in sizes from 10 feet long (about 300 cubic feet of space) up to 26 feet, cargo vans, pickup truck bed covers, and enclosed or open trailers. Pricing depends on the truck size, how far you're moving, what day of the week you rent, and current demand in your area.
U-Haul charges by the day, week, or month. A local move (typically under 40 miles) costs less than a long-distance move because you pay mileage on top of the base rental rate for anything beyond your local area. Peak moving season — May through September — costs more than winter months. You can see current prices for your specific route and dates on U-Haul's website or by calling a location directly.
Most U-Haul rentals require a credit card to reserve and a valid driver's license at pickup. You'll also need to pay a damage waiver (optional but common) and any equipment add-ons like dollies, furniture pads, or boxes. Fuel is your responsibility — you return the truck with the same fuel level it had when you picked it up, or you pay for what's missing.
Key Takeaways
- U-Haul trucks range from 10 feet to 26 feet long, and you can also rent trailers, cargo vans, and equipment like dollies and furniture pads.
- Pricing is based on truck size, distance, rental dates, and current demand, so prices vary widely and change frequently.
- You can reserve online or by phone, and you'll need a valid driver's license and credit card at pickup.
- A damage waiver is optional but protects you from paying for minor dents and scratches on the rental.
- You are responsible for returning the truck with a full fuel tank or paying for the gas you used.
How to reserve a U-Haul truck online or by phone
To reserve online, go to uhaul.com, enter your pickup location, dropoff location, and rental dates, then select the truck size you need. The site shows available inventory and prices when ready. You can complete the reservation by entering your driver's license number, credit card information, and contact details. U-Haul will send you a confirmation email with your reservation number and pickup instructions.
If you prefer to reserve by phone, call 1-800-468-4285 or visit a U-Haul location in person. A representative can answer questions about truck size, help you choose the right equipment, and discuss damage waivers and insurance options. Reserving by phone takes longer but may be helpful if you're unsure which truck size fits your move.
Reservations are not may provide until you pick up the truck. U-Haul can cancel or change your reservation if the truck becomes unavailable, though this is rare. To avoid problems, confirm your reservation a few days before your pickup date by checking your email or calling the location.
Choosing the right truck size for your move
U-Haul's 10-foot truck holds about one to two rooms of furniture and is best for small moves or apartment cleanouts. The 15-foot truck fits three to four rooms and is common for one-bedroom apartment moves. The 20-foot truck holds four to five rooms and works for two-bedroom homes. The 26-foot truck is the largest standard rental and holds six to eight rooms, making it suitable for three-bedroom homes or larger moves.
If you're unsure, U-Haul's website has a size guide with photos of each truck and examples of what fits inside. You can also call a location and describe what you're moving — furniture type, number of boxes, appliances — and a staff member can recommend a size. Renting a truck that's too small means multiple trips or leaving items behind. Renting one that's too large wastes money but gives you flexibility and reduces the risk of overloading.
If you have only a few large items like a couch or dining table, a trailer might be cheaper than a truck. U-Haul rents open and enclosed trailers in sizes from 5 feet to 14 feet, and you can tow them with your own vehicle if it has a hitch rated for the trailer weight.
What to know about damage waivers and insurance
A damage waiver is optional coverage that limits what you pay if the truck is damaged during your rental. With a waiver, you typically pay a small deductible (often $0 to $50) for any damage, and U-Haul covers the rest. Without a waiver, you pay the full cost of repairs, which can be hundreds or thousands of dollars for major damage.
U-Haul damage waivers are not insurance — they're a damage limitation agreement. Your personal auto insurance may cover rental trucks, but you should call your insurance company before renting to confirm. If your insurance covers rentals, you may not need U-Haul's waiver. If it doesn't, the waiver is worth the extra cost.
At pickup, the U-Haul staff will walk you around the truck and point out any existing damage. Take photos or video of the truck's condition before you leave the lot. When you return it, the same inspection happens. If new damage appears, U-Haul will charge you or your waiver will cover it, depending on what you purchased.
Pickup, fuel, and return procedures
Arrive at your pickup location at the time shown in your confirmation email. Bring your driver's license, credit card, and reservation number. The staff will inspect the truck with you, explain the controls, and point out the fuel gauge. Make sure the tank is full before you leave — this is your baseline for return.
During your rental, keep the truck clean and avoid overloading it beyond its weight capacity (listed on the driver's door). If you damage the truck or have a breakdown, call U-Haul's roadside support number, which is on your rental agreement. Do not attempt major repairs yourself.
Return the truck to the location listed in your reservation, ideally during business hours. Fill the fuel tank completely before returning — U-Haul charges a premium price per gallon for any fuel you don't replace. The return inspection takes 10 to 15 minutes. If there's no new damage, you're done. If there is, U-Haul will document it and charge your credit card or explore your waiver.
Moving equipment and supplies U-Haul offers
Beyond trucks and trailers, U-Haul rents equipment that makes moving easier. Dollies (hand trucks) cost a few dollars per day and help move heavy boxes and furniture. Furniture pads protect your belongings and the truck interior. Furniture blankets, stretch wrap, and rope help find items during transport. U-Haul also sells moving boxes, tape, and markers, though you can often find these cheaper at hardware stores or online.
You can add equipment to your reservation online or request it at pickup. Some items are included free with certain truck rentals, so ask when you reserve. If you're moving long-distance, equipment rental adds up, so compare the cost of buying supplies versus renting them.
One-way rentals and long-distance moves
A one-way rental means you pick up the truck in one city and drop it off in another. U-Haul charges a base rental fee plus mileage for one-way moves. The cost is usually higher than a round-trip rental from the same location because U-Haul has to move the truck back or reposition it for other customers.
For long-distance moves, U-Haul offers discounts for weekly and monthly rentals. A week-long rental often costs less per day than a daily rate, so if your move takes several days, ask about weekly pricing. You can also reserve a truck for a specific number of days and extend the rental if you need more time, though extending may cost more than booking the longer period upfront.
Long-distance moves require more planning. Reserve early (at least two weeks ahead during peak season) to may support truck availability. Confirm your reservation a few days before pickup. Know the truck's fuel capacity and plan fuel stops on your route. If you're driving overnight, take breaks to stay safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special driver's license to rent a U-Haul truck?
No. A standard driver's license is sufficient for trucks up to 26 feet. You do not need a commercial driver's license (CDL) for U-Haul's standard rental fleet. However, if you're renting a truck larger than 26 feet or towing a trailer, check your state's rules — some states require a CDL for certain combinations of vehicle and trailer weight.
Can I rent a U-Haul if I don't have a credit card?
U-Haul requires a credit card for reservations and payment. Debit cards are sometimes accepted at pickup, but the policy varies by location. Call ahead to confirm if you plan to use a debit card. Some locations may require a larger deposit with a debit card than with a credit card.
What happens if I return the truck late?
Late returns are charged at the daily rate or a higher hourly rate, depending on how late you are. If you're running behind, call the location as soon as possible — sometimes they can extend your rental at the original rate if the truck isn't reserved for another customer. Always return the truck during business hours if possible to avoid extra fees.
Can I tow a trailer with my car behind a U-Haul truck?
No. You cannot tow a vehicle or trailer behind a U-Haul rental truck. If you need to move a car, you'll need to arrange separate transportation or hire a professional auto transport service. Some people rent a trailer separately and tow it with their own vehicle, but you cannot tow anything behind the U-Haul itself.
Is there a minimum age to rent a U-Haul?
U-Haul requires renters to be at least 18 years old with a valid driver's license. Some locations may have a higher minimum age (21 or 25) or charge an additional fee for drivers under 25. Check the terms when you reserve or call the location directly to confirm age requirements.