U-Haul rents trucks by the day, week, or one-way move, with prices that depend on truck size, distance, and season

U-Haul is the largest truck rental network in North America, with locations at thousands of dealers, Home Depot stores, and dedicated U-Haul centers. You rent a truck for a specific date range, return it to any U-Haul location (or the same one), and pay based on the truck size, mileage or time period, and current demand. Unlike some competitors, U-Haul charges separately for the truck rental, mileage (if applicable), equipment like dollies or furniture pads, and damage waivers — so your final bill is the sum of each line item, not a flat rate.

The company operates three main rental models: local moves (hourly or daily rates within a region), one-way moves (point A to point B, typically cheaper per mile than round-trip), and in-town rentals (a few hours to a few days for loading or unloading). Prices fluctuate based on demand, season, and local inventory — the same truck on the same route costs more during peak moving season (May through September) than in winter.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul charges separately for the truck, mileage or time, equipment rentals, and optional damage coverage, so compare the full quote before committing.
  • One-way moves are often cheaper per mile than round-trip rentals when you are moving a long distance in one direction.
  • Peak season (May to September) and weekends cost significantly more; booking mid-week or off-season saves money if your move is flexible.
  • You must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver's license and a credit card to rent, and the truck size you need depends on the volume of your belongings, not just the number of rooms.
  • U-Haul's damage waiver is optional but common; without it, you are liable for any damage to the truck, including normal wear.

Truck sizes and what each one holds

U-Haul offers trucks in five main sizes: 10-foot, 15-foot, 20-foot, 26-foot, and 26-foot with a power lift gate. The 10-foot truck fits a studio or one-bedroom apartment and holds roughly 4,000 pounds. The 15-foot handles a two-bedroom apartment or small house and holds about 6,000 pounds. The 20-foot is for a three-bedroom house or larger two-bedroom, with capacity around 8,000 pounds. The 26-foot is the largest standard truck and holds a four-to-five-bedroom house or the contents of a small commercial space, with capacity around 10,000 pounds.

U-Haul also rents cargo vans (smaller than the 10-foot truck, good for one room or a few large items) and trailers (utility, enclosed, or car-hauling). The right size depends on the total volume of what you are moving, not just the number of rooms — a furnished three-bedroom with a lot of books and storage will need a larger truck than a sparsely furnished three-bedroom. U-Haul's website has a size estimator tool, but the most reliable way to know is to measure your largest items (couch, bed frame, dresser) and count boxes, then call a U-Haul location to confirm.

How pricing breaks down: time, mileage, and extras

U-Haul's base rental fee depends on the truck size and whether you rent by the hour, day, or one-way. A 10-foot truck might cost $20 to $30 per day locally, while a 26-foot truck runs $40 to $60 per day. One-way pricing is quoted as a flat rate for the entire route, not per mile. Mileage charges explore only to local rentals (hourly or daily within a region); one-way rentals include unlimited mileage in the quoted price.

Equipment adds to the total: a furniture dolly costs $5 to $10 per day, moving blankets run $1 to $2 per item, and a hand truck is $5 to $8. The damage waiver (often called a "damage reduction fee" or "loss damage waiver") is optional and costs roughly $15 to $30 per day depending on truck size; it reduces your liability if the truck is damaged, though you still pay a deductible. Fuel is your responsibility — you return the truck with a full tank or pay U-Haul's per-gallon rate, which is typically higher than local gas prices.

Taxes and fees vary by state and location. Some states charge sales tax on the rental; others do not. U-Haul may also charge a facility fee or environmental fee at certain locations. Always ask for the total out-of-pocket cost before you confirm the reservation, because the advertised base rate is rarely the final price.

One-way versus round-trip rentals

A one-way rental means you pick up the truck at one location and drop it off at another, anywhere in the U-Haul network. A round-trip rental means you pick up and return to the same location. For long-distance moves, one-way is almost always cheaper per mile because U-Haul factors in the cost of repositioning the truck back to high-demand areas. A 500-mile one-way move might cost $800 to $1,200 total, while a 500-mile round-trip would cost $1,500 to $2,500 or more.

The trade-off is flexibility: one-way rentals are quoted for a specific route and date, and changing either one may mean a new quote and a different price. Round-trip rentals give you more leeway to adjust your return date without a major price change. If you are moving from a high-demand area (like a major city) to a lower-demand area, one-way is significantly cheaper. If you are moving between two high-demand areas or in a circle, the savings are smaller.

Booking, payment, and what to bring on rental day

You can reserve a U-Haul truck online at uhaul.com, by phone at 1-800-468-4285, or in person at any U-Haul location. Online reservations lock in the price for 24 hours; after that, the price may change based on demand. You need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance (your auto insurance covers rental trucks in most cases, but check your policy). U-Haul requires you to be at least 18 years old; drivers under 25 may face an additional young-driver fee.

On pickup day, bring your driver's license, credit card, and reservation confirmation. The U-Haul staff will walk you through the truck's condition, point out any existing damage, and have you sign an agreement. Take photos or video of the truck's exterior and interior before you leave the lot — this protects you if U-Haul tries to charge you for damage you did not cause. Fill the fuel tank before returning the truck, or U-Haul will charge you their per-gallon rate. Return the truck on time; late fees explore after the rental period ends, typically $40 per hour or a full day's rental charge if you are more than a few hours late.

Damage liability and insurance options

Without a damage waiver, you are liable for any damage to the truck, including dents, scratches, broken mirrors, interior stains, or mechanical problems that occur during your rental. U-Haul's damage waiver reduces this liability to a deductible (usually $300 to $500), but you still pay that amount out of pocket if damage occurs. The waiver does not cover damage from negligence, towing, or mechanical failure caused by you (like running out of fuel or overloading the truck).

Your personal auto insurance may cover rental trucks, but only if you have collision and comprehensive coverage. Call your insurer before you rent to confirm. If your insurance covers it, you can decline U-Haul's waiver and save $15 to $30 per day. If you do not have insurance or your policy does not cover rentals, the waiver is worth buying for peace of mind — a single accident or major dent can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Comparing U-Haul to other truck rental companies

U-Haul's main competitors are Penske, Budget, Home Depot (which rents U-Haul trucks), and regional companies like Sunbelt Rentals or local moving companies. Penske typically charges higher base rates but includes some equipment and damage coverage in the price, so the total cost is sometimes comparable. Budget is often cheaper for local rentals but has fewer locations. Home Depot rents U-Haul trucks at a discount if you are a frequent customer, and the pickup is convenient if you are already there for supplies.

For one-way long-distance moves, U-Haul usually has the lowest per-mile cost because of its large network and high volume of one-way traffic. For local moves under 100 miles, Penske or Budget may be competitive. Always get quotes from at least two companies and compare the total cost (truck, mileage, equipment, insurance) before deciding. The cheapest base rate is not always the cheapest total bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a U-Haul truck if I do not have a credit card?

No. U-Haul requires a credit card in your name to hold the reservation and charge for the rental. Debit cards are not accepted. If you do not have a credit card, ask a family member or friend to rent the truck in their name and let you drive it (you must still have a valid driver's license).

What happens if I return the truck late?

Late fees start after your rental period ends. U-Haul typically charges $40 per hour for the first few hours, then a full day's rental charge if you are more than a few hours late. The exact fee depends on your location and truck size. Call ahead if you know you will be late; sometimes U-Haul can extend your reservation for a lower fee than the late charge.

Do I have to fill the tank before returning the truck?

Yes. You must return the truck with a full tank of fuel. If you do not, U-Haul charges you their per-gallon rate, which is typically $2 to $4 per gallon higher than local gas prices. It is cheaper to fill up yourself at a regular gas station before you return the truck.

Can I rent a U-Haul truck for someone else to drive?

The person whose name is on the rental agreement must be the one driving the truck. However, you can add an additional driver for a fee (usually $10 to $15) if they have a valid driver's license. The primary renter is always liable for damage and late fees, regardless of who is driving.

Is U-Haul's damage waiver worth buying?

It depends on your auto insurance. If your collision and comprehensive coverage extends to rental trucks, decline the waiver and save money. If you do not have insurance or your policy does not cover rentals, the waiver is worth the $15 to $30 per day to avoid a large out-of-pocket bill if damage occurs. Read your insurance policy or call your agent before you rent.