Yes, many storage facilities offer truck rentals on-site or through partnerships
A lot of storage companies have added truck rentals to their services, either by running their own fleet or partnering with rental companies like U-Haul or Home Depot. This means you can rent a truck and access your unit in one trip, which saves time if you're moving items in or out. Not every location offers this — it depends on the facility size and the company's business model — so you'll need to check with your specific storage provider.
The trucks available range from small cargo vans to full-size moving trucks, depending on the facility. Some places rent by the hour for local moves, while others rent by the day or longer. Pricing varies widely based on truck size, distance, and how long you keep it, so comparing a few facilities in your area will give you a real sense of what you'll pay.
Key Takeaways
- Major storage chains like Public Storage, CubeSmart, and Life Storage often have truck rentals available at their locations, though not every branch offers them.
- Many facilities partner with U-Haul or other national rental companies rather than owning their own trucks, so availability and pricing depend on that partnership.
- Truck rental rates at storage facilities are usually comparable to standalone rental shops, but bundling storage and truck rental can simplify logistics on moving day.
- Smaller independent storage facilities are less likely to offer trucks, so call ahead to confirm before choosing a unit based on that service.
How storage facilities partner with truck rental companies
Most storage companies don't own their own trucks. Instead, they partner with established rental chains — U-Haul is the most common — and let customers rent through that partnership. When you rent a truck at a storage facility, you're usually booking through the rental company's system, and the facility gets a commission. This arrangement keeps the storage company from having to maintain a fleet and handle insurance and maintenance.
Some larger chains like Public Storage and CubeSmart have their own branded truck rental programs, but these still often rely on third-party logistics. The advantage to you is convenience: you can walk into the storage office, rent a truck, and drive it to your unit without leaving the property. The disadvantage is that availability depends on what the rental partner has in stock that day, and pricing is set by the rental company, not the storage facility.
Which storage chains commonly offer truck rentals
Public Storage, one of the largest chains in the United States, offers truck rentals at many of its locations through a partnership with U-Haul. CubeSmart and Life Storage also partner with rental companies at select locations. Extra Space Storage has truck rentals available at some facilities. However, not every branch of these chains offers trucks — a Public Storage in a small town may not have them, while one in a major city likely will.
Independent storage facilities rarely have truck rentals unless they're part of a regional chain. If you're looking at a smaller local facility, ask directly whether they offer trucks or have a partnership. Some will refer you to a nearby U-Haul location, which may be a short drive away but defeats the purpose of one-stop convenience.
Truck sizes and rental terms at storage facilities
Storage facilities that rent trucks typically offer cargo vans (good for small moves or single rooms), 10-foot trucks (apartment-sized), 15-foot trucks (small house), and 20-foot or larger trucks (full house). The exact inventory depends on the facility and the rental partner. Rental terms vary: some places rent by the hour for local moves, others by the day, and some offer weekly or monthly rates if you need the truck longer.
Pricing for a cargo van might run $20 to $40 per day at a storage facility, while a 20-foot truck could be $50 to $100 or more, depending on your location and the rental company's rates. Mileage is sometimes included in the rental, and sometimes charged separately. Always ask whether the rate includes mileage, insurance, and fuel, because those add up quickly.
When to rent a truck at your storage facility versus elsewhere
Renting a truck at your storage facility makes sense if you're moving items into or out of your unit and want to minimize trips and logistics. You avoid the hassle of renting from one place and driving to your storage unit at another. It also works well if you're doing a local move and need the truck for just a few hours.
However, if you're doing a long-distance move, you might find better rates at a dedicated rental company like U-Haul, Penske, or Home Depot, especially if you're renting for multiple days. Storage facility rentals are often priced for local, short-term use. Compare rates before you commit — call your storage facility and a couple of standalone rental shops to see what the actual cost difference is in your area.
What to check before choosing a storage facility for truck rental
If truck rental is important to your decision, contact the specific storage location you're considering and ask three things: Do they offer truck rentals? What sizes are typically available? And what are the current rates? Don't assume that because a chain offers trucks at one location, your local branch does too.
Also ask whether you need to reserve the truck in advance or whether you can rent on the spot. Some facilities require a reservation, especially for larger trucks. If you're planning a move, booking ahead is safer. Ask about insurance options and whether your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental trucks — that can save you money on the facility's insurance add-on.
Alternatives if your storage facility doesn't offer truck rentals
If your storage facility doesn't have trucks, you have several options. U-Haul has locations in most towns and cities, and you can reserve online and pick up near your storage unit. Penske and Home Depot also rent trucks at many locations. Some local moving companies rent trucks by the hour or day. For very small moves, you might rent a cargo van from a car rental company like Enterprise or Hertz, which sometimes costs less than a moving truck.
Another option is to hire a moving company to handle the truck and labor, though that's more expensive. If you're moving items gradually over time, you might not need a truck at all — some storage facilities allow you to bring items in your personal vehicle, which is free and flexible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reserve a truck online at a storage facility?
Some storage chains let you reserve trucks through their website or the rental partner's site, but many require you to call or visit in person. Check the facility's website or call ahead to see their reservation process. If you need the truck on a specific day, booking in advance is safer than showing up and hoping one is available.
Do I need a credit card to rent a truck at a storage facility?
Yes, rental companies require a valid credit card and a driver's license. Some facilities may accept debit cards with a larger hold, but a credit card is standard. You'll also need to be at least 18 years old, though some rental companies require you to be 21 or older for larger trucks.
Is insurance included in the truck rental price at storage facilities?
No, insurance is usually an add-on. The rental company will offer damage waiver or liability coverage for an extra fee per day. Before you buy it, check whether your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental trucks — many do, which means you can decline the facility's insurance and save money.
What if I need the truck longer than a few days?
Storage facility truck rentals are typically priced for short-term use. For rentals longer than a few days, compare rates with Penske, U-Haul, or Home Depot, which often have better weekly or monthly pricing. You might also ask the storage facility whether they offer discounts for longer rentals.
Can I rent a truck if I don't have a storage unit at that facility?
Most storage facilities that offer truck rentals allow anyone to rent, not just customers with units. However, some may require you to be a storage customer or may charge a higher rate for non-customers. Call ahead to confirm the facility's policy.