What U-Haul does and how to rent a truck

U-Haul is a truck and equipment rental company that operates thousands of locations across North America. You can rent a moving truck by the hour, day, or longer, pick it up at one location, and drop it off at another — or return it to where you started. Pricing depends on truck size, distance, and how long you keep it.

To rent, you visit uhaul.com or a U-Haul location in person, enter your pickup and dropoff details, choose a truck size, and pay upfront. You'll need a valid driver's license and a credit card. U-Haul will ask about your moving date and distance to calculate the quote. Most rentals can be reserved online and picked up the same day or later.

U-Haul also rents trailers, dollies, hand trucks, and moving equipment separately from the truck itself. These can be added to your reservation or rented on their own.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul charges based on truck size, rental duration, and distance traveled, with one-way rentals costing more than round-trip returns to the same location.
  • You need a valid driver's license and credit card to rent, and you must be at least 18 years old (some locations require 21 for certain truck sizes).
  • Damage waivers and insurance coverage are optional add-ons that protect you if the truck is damaged during your rental.
  • Fuel is your responsibility — you return the truck with the same fuel level it had when you picked it up, or you pay for the difference.
  • Reservations can be made online or by phone, and most trucks are available for same-day pickup at thousands of locations nationwide.

Truck sizes and what they fit

U-Haul offers several truck sizes, each designed for different moving needs. The smallest is the cargo van, which holds about one to two rooms of furniture and fits in a standard parking space. The 10-foot truck is the next step up and handles a small apartment or house. The 15-foot truck fits a two-bedroom apartment or small house, and the 20-foot truck handles a three-bedroom house or more.

U-Haul's website includes a size estimator tool where you describe what you're moving — furniture, boxes, appliances — and it suggests a truck size. This is helpful because underestimating means a second trip or cramped loading, while overestimating costs more than necessary.

Larger trucks (26-foot and up) are available but require a commercial driver's license in some states, so check your state's rules before booking if you're considering the biggest options.

How pricing works and what affects your quote

U-Haul quotes include the base rental fee, which varies by truck size and rental length. A one-way rental (pickup in one city, dropoff in another) costs more than a round-trip rental because U-Haul has to reposition the truck. Distance also matters — moving 50 miles costs less than moving 500 miles in the same truck.

The quote you see online is the base rental only. Fuel, damage waivers, equipment rentals, and taxes are added separately. Fuel is charged at the end based on how much you used. If you rent a truck with a full tank and return it empty, you pay for a full tank of fuel at U-Haul's posted rate, which is typically higher than gas station prices.

U-Haul sometimes offers discounts for AAA members, military, or seniors, and promotional rates appear seasonally. Off-season moves (fall and winter) are usually cheaper than summer moves. Booking further in advance can sometimes lock in a lower rate.

Damage waivers and insurance coverage

U-Haul offers a damage waiver (sometimes called a loss damage waiver) that you can add to your rental. This waiver means U-Haul won't charge you for damage to the truck during your rental, with some exceptions. The waiver typically costs $15 to $30 per day depending on truck size.

Your personal auto insurance or credit card may already cover rental trucks — check your policy or call your insurer before renting. If you have coverage through your own policy, you may not need U-Haul's waiver. If you don't have coverage and don't buy the waiver, you're responsible for any damage, which can be expensive.

The waiver does not cover damage from negligence, intentional acts, or violations of the rental agreement (like driving off-road or overloading). Read the waiver terms carefully or ask at the rental location what is and isn't covered.

Fuel, mileage, and return conditions

U-Haul charges for fuel based on consumption, not mileage. You pick up the truck with a full tank and return it with a full tank — if you return it with less fuel, U-Haul charges you for the difference at their fuel rate. If you return it with more fuel (which is rare), you don't get a refund.

Mileage is unlimited on most U-Haul rentals, so you don't pay per mile. The distance affects your base rental price, but once you've paid that, you can drive as far as you need within the rental period.

When you return the truck, U-Haul inspects it for damage. Take photos of the truck's condition before you leave the rental location and after you return it. If there's existing damage, point it out to the staff so it's documented and not charged to you. Return the truck clean — U-Haul may charge a cleaning fee if the interior is excessively dirty.

Reservation, pickup, and dropoff process

Reserve online at uhaul.com by entering your pickup location, dropoff location, and rental dates. You'll see available trucks and prices when ready. Complete the reservation with your driver's license number and credit card. You'll receive a confirmation email with your reservation number.

Arrive at the pickup location during their business hours on your rental date. Bring your driver's license and the credit card used for the reservation. The staff will show you the truck, point out any existing damage, and review the rental agreement. Ask questions about how to operate the truck, where the spare tire is, and what to do if you have a breakdown.

For dropoff, return the truck to the location you specified in your reservation. If you're doing a one-way rental, this will be a different location than where you picked it up. Return it during business hours. The staff will inspect the truck, check the fuel level, and process your final charges. Keep your receipt.

What to do if something goes wrong during the rental

If the truck breaks down, call U-Haul's roadside information number (on your rental agreement) when ready. U-Haul will arrange a repair or replacement truck at no extra cost if the breakdown is due to a mechanical failure, not driver error or neglect.

If you're in an accident, contact U-Haul and your insurance company right away. Get a police report if there's significant damage or injury. Do not admit fault or sign anything except the police report. U-Haul will investigate and determine liability based on the damage waiver you purchased and your insurance coverage.

If you realize you need the truck longer than your reservation, call U-Haul to extend the rental. Extensions are usually possible if the truck isn't already booked for another customer, but you'll pay additional rental and fuel charges.

State-specific rules and driver requirements

Most states allow you to rent a truck with a standard driver's license. However, some states require a commercial driver's license (CDL) for trucks over a certain weight — typically 26,000 pounds or more. U-Haul's largest trucks may fall into this category in your state, so check before booking.

Age requirements vary by location. Most U-Haul locations rent to drivers 18 and older, but some require you to be 21 for larger trucks. There may be an additional young driver fee for renters under 25.

Some states have specific rules about how long you can drive without a break, weight limits for certain roads, or parking restrictions for large trucks. Familiarize yourself with your state's rules before your move, especially if you're renting a large truck or driving long distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a U-Haul truck and drop it off in a different city?

Yes. This is called a one-way rental. You specify your pickup and dropoff locations when you reserve, and U-Haul calculates the price based on distance. One-way rentals cost more than round-trip rentals because U-Haul has to move the truck back to where it's needed.

What happens if I return the truck late?

U-Haul charges an additional daily rental fee for each day (or partial day) the truck is late. The fee is the same as your daily rental rate. Return the truck on time to avoid extra charges, or call ahead to extend your reservation if you need more time.

Do I need my own insurance to rent a U-Haul truck?

Not necessarily. U-Haul offers a damage waiver you can purchase at rental time. However, your personal auto insurance or credit card may already cover rental trucks — check your policy first. If you have coverage, you may not need to buy U-Haul's waiver.

Can I rent a truck if I don't have a credit card?

U-Haul requires a credit card for the reservation and to cover potential damage charges. Debit cards are not accepted. If you don't have a credit card, you may be able to rent in person at a U-Haul location and ask about alternative payment methods, but this varies by location.

What if the truck I reserved isn't available when I arrive to pick it up?

This is rare, but if it happens, U-Haul will offer you a truck of the same size or larger at no extra charge. If no truck is available, they will refund your reservation and help you find an alternative rental company or reschedule your move.