The main places to rent a pickup are national chains, local rental shops, and peer-to-peer platforms
You can rent a pickup from three types of sources: large national companies like U-Haul, Home Depot, and Penske; independent local rental shops; and peer-to-peer platforms like Turo and Fat Llama. National chains have the most locations and predictable pricing, but charge daily rates that add up quickly for longer jobs. Local shops often cost less per day and may offer better terms for weekend or weekly rentals. Peer-to-peer platforms let you rent from individuals, which can be cheaper but requires more vetting on your part and usually involves higher mileage costs.
The choice depends on how long you need the truck, how far you're driving, and whether you want to pick up at a fixed location or have someone deliver to you. A one-day local haul is different from a three-state move, and the rental source that makes sense for each is different too.
Key Takeaways
- National chains like U-Haul, Home Depot, and Penske have the most pickup locations and fixed pricing, but daily rates can be expensive for jobs longer than a few days.
- Local independent rental shops often have lower daily rates and more flexible terms, especially for weekend or weekly rentals, but availability varies by area.
- Peer-to-peer platforms like Turo and Fat Llama let you rent from individuals and may cost less, but you pay per mile and need to inspect the truck carefully before taking it.
- Mileage charges, insurance, and fuel policy differ between sources—a truck that looks cheap per day can become expensive if mileage is not included.
- Booking in advance and comparing the total cost (daily rate plus mileage, insurance, and fuel) across at least two sources will show you the real price difference.
National rental chains: U-Haul, Home Depot, Penske, and Budget
U-Haul has the largest network of pickup locations in North America. You can reserve online or by phone, and most locations are open seven days a week. U-Haul charges a daily rate plus mileage, and the daily rate varies by truck size and location. Insurance is optional but recommended. U-Haul also offers one-way rentals, so you can pick up in one city and drop off in another, though this costs more than a round trip.
Home Depot rents pickups through a partnership with Home Depot Tool Rental. Availability is limited to Home Depot locations, so this works only if you have a store nearby. Daily rates are often lower than U-Haul for short jobs, and mileage is usually included up to a set limit. You must rent and return on the same day or pay an extra overnight fee. This is best for a single-day local haul.
Penske specializes in truck rentals and has a large fleet. Penske rates are often higher than U-Haul but include more mileage in the base price. Penske locations are fewer than U-Haul but still widespread. Penske allows one-way rentals and offers both daily and weekly rates.
Budget rents pickups at many locations, often through partnerships with local dealers. Budget rates vary widely by location. Availability and pricing are less consistent than U-Haul or Penske, so you need to check your specific area.
Local independent rental shops
Independent rental shops exist in most towns and cities. You can find them by searching "pickup truck rental near me" or asking at a local hardware store or moving company. Local shops often have lower daily rates than national chains, especially for weekend or weekly rentals. Many will negotiate on price if you're renting for several days or a week.
The downside is that availability and truck condition vary. Some shops have only one or two pickups, so you may not be able to reserve far in advance. Insurance and mileage policies differ from shop to shop—some include mileage, others charge per mile. Always ask about the fuel policy: some shops require you to return the truck with a full tank, others charge a refueling fee if you don't.
Local shops are worth calling if you need a truck for more than three days or if you're in a rural area where national chains are sparse. The savings can be significant, but you need to confirm the truck's condition and all charges before you sign.
Peer-to-peer rental platforms: Turo and Fat Llama
Turo is the largest peer-to-peer vehicle rental platform in North America. You browse available pickups by location and date, see photos and reviews, and book directly from the owner. Turo handles payment and insurance. Pricing is set by the owner and varies widely. Most Turo rentals charge per day plus a per-mile fee, which can add up quickly on long trips. Turo also charges a service fee on top of the rental price.
Fat Llama is a peer-to-peer rental platform for tools and equipment, including pickups in some areas. Availability is much lower than Turo, and it depends on whether owners in your area list pickups. Fat Llama rentals are often cheaper than Turo, but you coordinate directly with the owner rather than through a platform, so there is less protection if something goes wrong.
Peer-to-peer rentals make sense if you find a truck at a significantly lower price than national chains and you don't need to drive far. The mileage charges mean that a cheap daily rate can become expensive on a long trip. Always read the owner's cancellation policy and insurance terms before booking. Inspect the truck in person before you take it, and photograph any existing damage.
Comparing total cost across rental sources
The daily rate is only part of the cost. To compare fairly, add up the daily rate, mileage charges, insurance, and fuel policy for each option. A truck that costs $30 per day but charges $0.50 per mile will cost more than a truck at $50 per day with unlimited mileage if you're driving 100 miles.
Create a straightforward spreadsheet with your expected rental days and miles, then calculate the total for each source. Include insurance—most national chains offer damage waiver insurance for $15 to $25 per day, and peer-to-peer platforms often require it. Check whether your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental trucks; if it does, you may not need to buy extra insurance.
Fuel policy matters too. Some rentals require you to return the truck with a full tank; others charge a refueling fee if you don't. Refueling fees are usually high, so plan to fill up yourself before returning. Ask each rental source for their exact fuel policy in writing before you book.
What to check before you rent
Before you sign a rental agreement, confirm the truck's condition, the mileage on the odometer, and any existing damage. Take photos or video of the exterior, interior, bed, and undercarriage. Note any dents, scratches, stains, or mechanical issues. This protects you if the rental company tries to charge you for damage you didn't cause.
Test the truck's basic functions: start the engine, check the lights, test the brakes, and make sure the bed latch works. Ask about the truck's towing capacity if you plan to tow a trailer. Confirm the fuel level and the type of fuel the truck uses. Ask where the spare tire and jack are located and whether they're included.
Read the rental agreement carefully. Look for the mileage limit, the fuel policy, the insurance coverage, the cancellation policy, and the late return fee. Ask about roadside information—some rentals include it, others don't. If the truck breaks down, you need to know who to call and whether you're responsible for the repair cost.
One-way rentals and long-distance moves
If you're moving to another state or renting a truck for a one-way trip, national chains like U-Haul and Penske offer one-way rentals. You pick up at one location and drop off at another. One-way rentals cost more than round-trip rentals because the company has to move the truck back. The cost depends on the distance and the direction—rentals from rural areas to cities are often cheaper than the reverse.
For long-distance moves, book as far in advance as possible. Prices rise as the rental date approaches, especially during peak moving season (May through September). Compare the total cost of a one-way rental against renting locally at your destination and driving your own vehicle. Sometimes it's cheaper to rent a truck at your new location than to pay for a one-way rental across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special license to rent a pickup truck?
No. A standard driver's license is enough to rent a pickup. You must be at least 18 years old (some companies require 21 or 25), have a valid driver's license, and provide a credit card for the deposit. Some rental companies may ask for proof of insurance, but it's not required by law.
What happens if I return the truck late?
Late return fees vary by rental source. National chains typically charge an extra daily rate for each hour or day you're late. Some local shops charge a flat fee. Always ask about the late return policy before you book. If you think you might need the truck longer, book for extra days—it's usually cheaper than paying a late fee.
Can I rent a pickup if I don't have a credit card?
Most national chains require a credit card for the security deposit. Some local rental shops may accept a debit card or cash deposit, but this is rare. Call ahead to ask. Peer-to-peer platforms require a credit card to book. If you don't have a credit card, a local shop is your best option, but availability is limited.
Is the insurance included in the rental price?
No. Insurance is optional and costs extra, usually $15 to $25 per day. Your personal auto insurance or credit card may cover rental trucks, so check your policy before you book. If you're not covered, buy the rental company's damage waiver insurance to protect yourself from repair costs if the truck is damaged.
What's the difference between a pickup and a cargo van for moving?
A pickup has an open bed and can haul bulky items like furniture or lumber, but weather and theft are risks. A cargo van has an enclosed space, which protects your belongings but has less total capacity. Pickups are cheaper to rent per day but may require a tarp or cover. Choose based on what you're moving and whether you need weather protection.