U-Haul rental prices depend on truck size, distance, and season

U-Haul charges by the day, week, or month, with prices that shift based on demand. A one-way local rental of a 10-foot truck might run $20 to $40 per day in the off-season, but the same truck during summer moving season or for a long distance can cost $60 to $150 per day or more. The company also charges a mileage fee on some rentals, or includes unlimited mileage on others—the math changes depending on whether you are moving across town or across the country.

The final bill includes the truck or trailer rental, mileage (if applicable), equipment fees for dollies or furniture pads, fuel if you return it empty, and a damage waiver if you choose one. U-Haul's website lets you enter your pickup location, dropoff location, and moving date to see the exact price for your situation before you commit.

Key Takeaways

  • Daily rental rates for a 10-foot truck range from $20 to $150 depending on distance, season, and local demand.
  • U-Haul charges either a per-mile fee or offers unlimited mileage; long-distance moves usually include unlimited mileage, while local moves charge by the mile.
  • Equipment rentals like dollies, furniture pads, and hand trucks add $5 to $15 each to your total cost.
  • Fuel costs are your responsibility unless you return the truck with a full tank, which costs more upfront but may save money if gas prices are high.
  • Prices are highest from May through September and lowest in winter months; booking early can lock in lower rates.

How U-Haul calculates the base rental fee

U-Haul charges a daily rate that varies by truck size. A 10-foot truck (holds about one bedroom's worth of furniture) costs less per day than a 15-foot truck or a 20-foot truck. The company also offers trailers—a 5x8 enclosed trailer or a 6x12 utility trailer—which have their own daily rates, usually lower than trucks of similar capacity.

The rental period you choose matters. A one-day rental costs more per day than a weekly rate for the same truck. A monthly rental spreads the cost further. U-Haul's website shows you the per-day cost and the total for your exact dates when you search.

Local moves (within about 100 miles) often charge a base daily rate plus a per-mile fee—typically 99 cents to $1.50 per mile. One-way long-distance moves usually include unlimited mileage, so you pay the daily rate and nothing more for driving distance, but the daily rate itself is higher to account for the mileage you will cover.

Mileage fees and unlimited-mileage options

If you are renting locally and returning the truck to the same location, U-Haul charges a per-mile fee. A 50-mile round trip to a storage unit might add $50 to $75 to your rental cost, depending on truck size. This is where the math can surprise you: a cheap daily rate plus high mileage can exceed the cost of a one-way rental to a distant city.

One-way rentals—where you pick up in one city and drop off in another—include unlimited mileage. You pay a higher daily rate, but you do not pay per mile no matter how far you drive. This is usually the better deal if you are moving more than 100 miles away.

U-Haul's website calculator shows both the daily rate and the mileage cost (or notes "unlimited mileage") before you book, so you can compare a local round-trip rental against a one-way move to see which is cheaper for your situation.

Equipment and add-on costs

Beyond the truck or trailer, U-Haul rents moving equipment that adds to your bill. A furniture dolly costs about $5 to $7 per day. A hand truck runs $3 to $5. Furniture pads or blankets are $1 to $2 each. A dolly with straps for securing items might be $10 to $15. If you need several pieces of equipment, the total can reach $30 to $50 for a one-day rental.

U-Haul also sells boxes, tape, and packing supplies at the rental location, though these are usually more expensive than buying them elsewhere. If you are storing items in a unit after the move, you may want to bring your own boxes or source them from grocery stores first.

A damage waiver (sometimes called a loss damage waiver) costs extra and covers accidental damage to the truck or trailer. The fee varies but is typically $15 to $30 per day. Your personal auto insurance or credit card may cover rental truck damage, so check your policy before paying for the waiver.

Fuel costs and tank return options

U-Haul trucks run on gasoline or diesel, depending on the size. You are responsible for fuel. You can return the truck empty and pay U-Haul's fuel surcharge, which is usually higher than the local gas price, or you can fill the tank yourself before returning it and pay only for the gas you used.

Returning with a full tank is almost always cheaper. U-Haul's fuel surcharge can be 50 to 100 percent above the pump price. If you are moving 200 miles in a 20-foot truck that gets 8 miles per gallon, you will use about 25 gallons. Filling it yourself at $3.50 per gallon costs $87.50; U-Haul's surcharge might cost $130 to $175. Fill the tank before you return the truck.

Seasonal pricing and how to find the best rate

U-Haul prices climb sharply from May through September, when most people move. A truck that costs $30 per day in February might cost $100 per day in July. Winter months (November through March) offer the lowest rates. If your move is flexible, shifting it by a few weeks can cut your rental cost by 30 to 50 percent.

Booking early locks in the price you see on the website. Prices can rise as the rental date approaches, especially during peak season. The U-Haul website shows real-time pricing for your specific dates and locations, so you can compare costs across different weeks if you have flexibility.

Weekday moves are sometimes cheaper than weekend moves, and moving mid-month is often cheaper than moving on the first or last day of the month. These patterns vary by location, so check the website for your area.

Comparing U-Haul to storage unit access

If you are renting a storage unit, you may need a truck to move items in and out. A one-day U-Haul rental plus mileage might cost $50 to $150, depending on distance and truck size. Some storage facilities offer free or discounted truck rentals to tenants, so ask before you book with U-Haul. A few storage companies partner with U-Haul and can explore a discount code.

If you are making multiple trips to the storage unit over time, renting a truck each time adds up. Some people choose to hire movers for the initial move to the unit, then use smaller equipment (hand truck, dolly) for future trips. Others rent a truck once and store it at the unit for the month, though this is only cost-effective if you need it frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a U-Haul truck online and pick it up the same day?

Yes, U-Haul allows same-day bookings on its website or by phone, though availability depends on your location and the truck size you need. Peak season (May through September) may have limited same-day availability. Booking a few days ahead gives you more choice and sometimes a lower rate.

What happens if I return the truck late?

U-Haul charges an additional daily rate for each day or partial day you keep the truck past the return time. The rate is the same as the original daily rental rate. If you think you might need the truck longer, call U-Haul before the return time to extend the rental rather than returning it late and paying the extra charge.

Do I need a credit card to rent a U-Haul truck?

Yes, U-Haul requires a valid credit card to book and pay for a rental. A debit card may work in some cases, but the company places a hold on the card for the estimated rental cost plus a damage deposit. Call your local U-Haul location to confirm payment options if you do not have a credit card.

Is there a discount if I rent a truck for a month?

Monthly rentals have a lower per-day rate than daily or weekly rentals, but the total cost is still substantial—typically $300 to $600 or more for a 10-foot truck, depending on location and season. U-Haul's website shows the monthly rate when you select a month-long rental period.

What if I need a truck bigger than U-Haul offers?

U-Haul's largest truck is the 20-foot box truck. If you need more space, you can rent multiple trucks, rent a truck plus a trailer, or contact other moving companies like Penske or Home Depot, which rent larger trucks and may have different pricing for your situation.