Moving Truck Rental Guide
Comparing moving truck rental options has never been this easy
Moving Truck Price & Review Comparison
Of all your moving options, moving truck rental companies like Uhaul, Penske and Budget Truck remain the staples of the moving industry. Dating back to the 1940s, Americans have had their stuff loaded into giant pickups, vans, or big rigs to chase their dreams in a sweet, new home.
On average, when you use a rental truck for your move, you will pay around $155 for a local move, $225 for a medium move, and $971 for a long distance move.
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(4.18 out of 5)
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(3.58 out of 5)
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(4.79 out of 5)
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(4.41 out of 5)
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(4.74 out of 5)
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| Local Moves | $137 avg. | $157 avg. | $209 avg. | N/A | N/A |
| Medium Distance | $300 avg. | $288 avg. | $272 avg. | N/A | N/A |
| Long Distance | $1,133 avg. | $1,096 avg. | $748 avg. | N/A | N/A |
| Truck Sizes | Pickup, Cargo van, 10', 15', 17', 20', 26' | Pickup, 12', 16', 26' | 16' cabover truck, 24' box truck, 26' box truck, plus more | Cargo van, 12', 16', 22', 26' | N/A |
| Gas Milage | Up to 6 to 14 mpg | Up to 10 to 19 mpg | Up to 12 to 24 mpg (for cargo vans) | Up to 12 to 13 mpg | N/A |
| Locations | 21,000+ | 2,800+ | 460+ in US and Canada | 2,400+ | 400+ |
| Get a quote Read More | Get a quote Read More | Get a quote Read More | Get a quote Read More | Get a quote Read More |
How much do moving trucks cost?
You will pay, on average, around $155 for a local move, $225 for a short move, and $971 for a long-distance move.
You must account for:
- Size of truck
- Gas (avg. 7 mpg)
- Small fees (e.g., environmental fees, mileage fees, damages, etc.)
Being flexible with your schedule might bag you a cheaper deal. In other words, the more you plan out your truck rental ahead of time, the lower the price will likely be.
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Moving Truck Rental Companies
Rental trucks are easy to utilize for your personal move, now that hiring Full Service movers is no longer the only route to moving bliss. Signing up for a Hybrid™ Move - where you rent a truck and hire someone else to load and unload it - allows you to hack a Full Service option without breaking the bank. Reserve a rental truck online or over the phone, then simply pick it up on moving day.
Uhaul® Truck Rental
U-Haul® created the DIY move and squashes the competition with its availability. With more than 21,000 locations in the United States and Canada, no other truck rental company comes close to having the same volume, which means there's likely a U-Haul center near you. Still, no company is perfect. While you can pick up just about anything you need for your move at the local U-Haul center, you could easily be led into buying stuff when making your reservation online because quantities for products are preset for purchase.
Be careful! In fact, their entire online reservation system is pretty frustrating, in general. We recommend speaking to a customer service representative by phone. Keep in mind that your preferred pick-up location might not be the one to which you end up traveling. The good news is that if U-Haul changes things up on you, it will pay you $50 for the inconvenience.
For more detailed information on U-Haul visit its profile page.
Pro
- Massive network that makes finding a truck easy. Knowledgeable employees.
Con
- Large corporate structure can often lead to problems, including non-personable interactions and inconvenient solutions.
Extra moving truck fees
- Gas prices
- Environmental fee
- Truck cleaning fee
Lots of DIY movers forget about the fuel fees and end up spending way more than they expected. Moving Trucks get a paltry 6 - 8 MPG, and with the average gas price around $3 / gallon, your fuel cost can add up fast. Environmental fees are added on too, depending on your state. Finally, sweep out your truck when you're done, or you'll get a nasty cleaning fee added to your bill.
Penske Truck Rental
Penske's® commercial businesses often overshadow its consumer rental truck arm, but it's worth a second look. Penske's relatively smaller size often makes for better overall customer service. Booking a truck online is easy and over the phone agents are open to helping you find multiple discounts to lower the cost. One note: You do have to be willing to speak up and ask questions to make sure you get the best possible price and value for your specific move.
Penske also offers roadside assistance available 24/7, which is a nice perk for anyone who is the slightest bit intimidated by driving a ginormous truck.
For more information on Penske visit its profile page.
Pro
- Easy online reservations. Generous resolutions to any issues that may arise.
Con
- Not as many physical locations as other rental truck companies.
Budget® Truck Rental
Maybe you've used Budget® for its car rental service and didn't even know it had a truck rental arm. Well, with over 2,800 locations in the United States, Budget is a great choice for your move! The best news about Budget's truck rentals is that there are lots of discounts available for bringing down your cost. However, your experience will only be as good as your local Budget dealer, as they really run work more as individual entities. This, in turn, also limits your ability for modifying your reservation online.
And while everyone was kind as can be, customer service representatives often refer you to the local dealer for answers. Who wants to dwell on the negative though? One of the differentiating factors here is that Budget practically guarantees your preferred pick-up location, which can really help you plan your move more efficiently.
For more information on Budget visit its profile page.
Pro
- Competitive pricing, easy to navigate website and personable experience.
Con
- Because their fleet of trucks are large, they can often go too long without proper servicing.
Enterprise® Truck Rental
When you think of Enterprise, no doubt "that car rental place" flashes through your mind. But now with Enterprise Truck Rental, could Enterprise be a viable option to help out your move? Well, it just depends on what you're hauling and where you're going. Enterprise offers a massive variety of different types of trucks to rent, which means if you're relocating, say, your above ground pool, they might be able to help you do just that. But don't get too excited if you have plans on taking that pool very far; Enterprise Truck Rental mandates that all vehicles be returned to the same location they were rented from.
This means whether you're moving your kitchenware or your ride mower, Enterprise is logistically a local move option only. But with Enterprise's famous rental car business model dangling over, including their 24/7 roadside assistance program and free pick-up options, it's a tempting and affordable option for your DIY move.
For more info, check out their profile page.
Pro
- Tons of affordable options with an easy cancellation policy.
Con
- Having to drop off the vehicle at the same store you got it limits Enterprise to local moves only.
How do you get a rental truck?
You go online or call and make a reservation. Then on the day of your scheduled delivery, you:
- Head to the nearest truck rental center & sign the relevant paperwork
- Drive away an assigned vehicle
- Load it up on your own, or with hired movers
- Drive it to where you're taking your stuff
- Unload it yourself, or with hired movers
- Return the truck to another facility (or the same one, if you moved nearby)
Ryder® Truck Rental
Ryder trucks aren't just for commercial use. In fact, there's a lot to like if you go with Ryder. For starters, booking an available van or 22 foot straight truck is a seamless process, and canceling is just as simple, if for whatever reason you have to do it. And as far as rental trucks go, Ryder trucks are plenty affordable where you can get them, especially for their size.
On the downside, all Ryder trucks must be dropped off at the same location you rented them from, meaning that personal moves are relegated to local ones (unless you like driving for a living). Also, the driving, insurance, and any incurred damages are pretty much all up to you. It's as straightforward a rental procedure as it gets.
For more info, visit the Ryder Moving101 profile page.
Pro
- Super simple online reservation, affordable moving transportation.
Con
- Impractical for long distance moves, you are the driver and are liable for damages without purchasing insurance.
Truck Rental Space Size Guide
Small truck 10-13 ft.
Studio apt. 400-600 sq. ft.
Ideal For:
- 1-3,000 lbs.
- 400-450 cubic feet
- 1-5 Medium furniture items
- Up to 120 medium boxes
Not Ideal For:
- King size bed
- Pianos
- Pool tables
- Refridgerators
Medium truck 14-17 ft.
1-3 Bedrooms 600-1,200 sq. ft.
Ideal For:
- 3,000 - 5,500 lbs.
- 650 - 850 cubic feet
- 1-10 Medium furniture items
- Up to 250 medium boxes
Not Ideal For:
- Grand / Baby grand pianos
- 3+ Bedroom homes
Large truck 18-24 ft.
3-4 Bedrooms 1,200-1,800 sq. ft.
Ideal For:
- 5,500-6,500 lbs.
- 900 - 1,400 cubic feet
- 1-15 Medium furniture items
- Up to 450 medium boxes
Not Ideal For:
- Small apartments
- 4+ Bedroom homes
Extra large truck 26+ ft.
4+ Bedrooms 1800-2400+ sq. ft.
Ideal For:
- 6,500-8,400 lbs.
- 1,400-1,600 cubic feet
- 1-20 Medium furniture items
- Up to 550 medium boxes
Not Ideal For:
- Small homes
- Small apartments
Is a Moving Truck Right for Your Move?
Local Moves
Pros
- Often the most affordable local moving option
- Pairs great with local movers to save money
- Many companies have a variety of rental sizes and helpful equipment
Cons
- You have to do the driving
- Flexible, but your local supply of trucks may be limited
- Higher mileage fees for local moves
You can move locally or long distance, but a long-distance move will, of course, cost you more in both time and money.
Local moves tend to be easier to accomplish with a rental truck if you're willing to do the driving and have a place to park the vehicle.
But the fact is that with a local move, you usually can pick up and drop off at the same location. In addition, you don't need to spend as much time driving, so it might not be as big a deal to drive one of those big trucks across town, especially if there are no highways.
Beware! Many people end up getting parking tickets because they don't communicate their move to the city, especially in big cities with limited parking.
When should I reserve my truck by?
Ideally, you want to reserve your rental truck no later than one month out from your move.
But hey, life happens. Calling your local rental truck company as late as moving day is something they're used to, but be prepared to call several places in and around town—especially during the busy summer season.
Long-Distance Moves
Pros
- Fantastic value compared to other moving options
- Variety of sizes allow you to customize your moving journey
- Lower or alternatively priced mileage options
Cons
- You have to do the driving
- Responsible for tolls and fees
- Insurance usually more costly
Long-distance moves are more complicated. First, you have to drive further, which inevitably means paying a larger bill. Second, you have to find a rental company that allows you to pick up the truck in one place and drop it off in another. This means that the company must have locations in your departure and arrival zones.
Versus Other Moving Options
Pros
- Very often the most affordable moving option
- Likely the most customizable option for your specific move
- Discounts are easier to come by
Cons
- You have to do the driving
- Harder to know final cost, due to fees
- The most in demand moving option year-round
Rental moving trucks were once the only way to make a move, especially one across the country. But nowadays, you have more options to consider, including:
- Doing it all yourself
- Moving containers
- Space on a freight truck
Still, for those who like to drive - even driving the hugest of those bad boys - moving trucks remain a viable, affordable option.
They have decent flexibility, dwarfed only by the moving container, and are usually the most affordable way to move, short of moving things in your own car with your own muscles.
Rental truck insurance
Insurance isn't really optional with moving truck rentals. Most credit card companies and auto insurance policies won't cover the cost of the truck if there is significant damage on your watch. Totaling a truck can cost upward of $45,000, so you'll have to consider investing in insurance!
Most of the rental truck companies offer some sort of logical option. Many provide you with more than one possibility, too, and it's usually one insurance that provides the bare minimum and another that allows you to go all in. Unfortunately, you ultimately have to make a choice regarding much of the truck will be covered, as well as personal property and human life within the vehicle in case of an accident.
Paired With Movers
Pros
- The best cure to moving stress in the world
- Extremely great value for their cost
- Efficient with their time and bring lots of knowledge to your move
Cons
- Are more expensive than a DIY Move
- Cannot drive your moving truck if hired as labor-only
- Subject to their schedule and local availability
You can hire professionals to load and unload the truck to make the experience considerably easier. Sometimes this option can cost as low as one or two hundred bucks. To figure out exactly how much your moving truck/mover combo would cost, you just have to study your options to determine the best fit for your move.
Most truck rental companies sell other moving supplies, such as boxes and packing tape. But you might be able to find these items cheaper at the local hardware store or even the dollar store, so keep that in mind. You can rent hand trucks and furniture pads from truck rental companies, too. Tows for your car are also available.
Don't forget these things w/ your truck
- Moving blankets
- Hand trucks
- Car tows
- Boxes
- Ties
You can rent these at most truck rental and hardware stores, and most are essential. Many movers automatically provide many of these things, which really help out with moving costs!
Are There Any Downsides with Moving Trucks?
There are often hidden fees. Some companies charge an environmental fee, for example.
You must budget for gas, which is not going to be included in an estimate.
The locations of the truck rental company matters. Why? If you get a great price but have to drive another vehicle far away to pick up the truck, you will be spending more on gas and losing time. Also, some companies allow you to drop off your truck at a different facility, which makes them ideal for a long-distance move. However, if you are moving from, say, New Jersey to Florida and have to pick up and drop off at the same New Jersey location ... that truck isn't for you.
You have to be willing and able to drive it yourself. This is not for everyone. Know thyself and determine whether you can handle it. Some people love the opportunity, while others dread it. Regardless, you have to be insured and prepared for the worst case scenarios.
Recent Moving Truck Customer Reviews
They saved my life. Budget rental is garbage. Should have went with U-Haul to begin with, but thankfully they had trucks available and was able to pick one up and keep it until the job was done, despite the mismanagement of Budget.
The only factor that was not excellent was the unavailability of a 20 foot truck which had been reserved. 26 foot truck replacement was bigger than needed and rougher ride.
This is second Penske rental for moving college age kids in last 6 months. First time put in ton of research and picked Penske. A rep from other major rental company dropped price to match my quote, I commented that I was leaning Penske for their trucks and the rep admitted that Penske has the reputation in the industry for best trucks out there. For 1,000 mile drive I wanted a truck I could trust. This time was only 200 miles. Called Penske, got great price. And, all their "other" fees lower (dolly, pads, etc.). Looking forward to when kids all out of college and I don't need to be renting trucks, but next time I rent, I'm pretty certain I'll pick Penske for truck quality and overall value.
This was second one-way rental from Penske in a 26' truck in past six months. Once for moving daughter 1,000 miles and this one was for moving my son 200 miles. Truck in good condition, clean, and had no problem with the dolly, furniture pads, etc. I priced and compared all major companies. There are a number of small ways Penske comes in with lower fees. The 22' truck I requested hadn't been delivered when I arrived and Penske upgraded me to the 26' available at no additional cost. Only one child still in college so hope my moving days will be over but recent experiences tell me Penske will be next truck I rent.
Don’t use Budget. I went to pick up the truck from Budget with my confirmation number. They said they didn’t have one that size for over a week. They offered me one 4 ft shorter which wouldn’t fit our items. I asked for the larger truck sitting outside and they said it was reserved. What about my reservation? She just said sorry I don’t have one. Customer service said they would find one for me and asked how far I was willing to drive. They put a rush request in and no one called me back. U-Haul across the street took care of us immediately.
The truck was in good shape and I got a great rate for my one way rental. I loved that the rental covered 4 days and included unlimited miles! I also loved that the requested equipment and pick up location were guaranteed since I placed my reservation more than a day in advance.
The rental truck with a car trailer was not at the reserved location. Had to drive to another location. I thought Penske had this "guaranteed to be at the reserved location" thing. Operating instructions were good.
Quick and easy to reserve the truck. The website is very clear and understandable. The renting location was very personable and professional. The online registration made it easier and quicker at the U-Haul office.
Chose Budget because the rate was $80 less than competitors and for three days vs 24 hours. It gave me more time to load/unload. The truck was somewhat worn, but fulfilled it's purpose.
The truck was a 16' and fit a one bedroom + den apartment and handled well on the road. The truck did have a flat and a half full tank at pickup. Service came quickly to fix the flat once called.
We used a 26-foot Budget rental truck for our move along with a car carrier trailer. The truck was in great shape, and everything was operational. We had no issues with this rental. The only call out is the location we picked the truck up at did not have furniture pads or a hand truck. Other than that, the rental truck and process were great.
The whole process of renting the truck was amazing. The prompts on things I might need such as moving blankets and other things were very helpful. Budget had the very best pricing. The whole process was painless. There were no hidden added fees when I arrived to pick up the truck.
Rented a Cargo Van in NJ to move from my Brooklyn apartment to NJ, so pickup/dropoff same location. Easy reserve, very clean van with low mileage, staff very helpful, after hours drop off available. Perfect size for one bedroom apartment. Have rented cargo vans many times from Enterprise with absolutely no issues. Highly recommend. Easier to rent van with hired helpers than using moving company.
Enterprise is awesome. I had to run late to my return due to unexpected moving challenges, so I gave them a call and they were helpful and offered some flexible options. Would use again.
Rented a 15' Ford E450-based truck for my move. There was plenty of space for my one bedroom apartment. I'd say I only used 60-70% of the total volume at most. The seat was comfortable. The engine had good pickup when turning into traffic or trying to merge on the highway. The ride was good and my goods came through undamaged. The hydraulic lift was very helpful loading and unloading. The rental location allowed afterhours returns via key drop. Well worth the money!
Rented Cargo van since moving less than a full room of furniture. Enterprise truck rental was only company that allowed vans to travel out of state and offered unlimited miles.Van was almost new and was just what I needed. Found low visibility for changing lanes the only problem with van.Price was reasonable and staff pleasant to work with.
The agent in their Baltimore, MD location allowed me to pick up the Cargo Van over the weekend following Christmas after they were closed and did not begin billing me until 8AM Monday morning, the start of the contract. The $600 was for a one-way ($250 extra charge) rental for two days from Baltimore to Carmel, IN (Indianapolis)
U-Haul® is a registered trademark of U-Haul International, Inc. Budget Truck Rental®, LLC is a registered trademark of Budget Truck Rental, LLC. Penske Truck Leasing Co., L.P.® is a trademark of Penske System, Inc.
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