U-Haul Pricing Depends on Truck Size, Distance, and Season
U-Haul charges based on the truck size you rent, how far you're moving, and what time of year you book. A local one-day rental of their smallest truck (10 feet) typically costs between $20 and $40, while a 26-foot truck for the same distance runs $40 to $80. One-way moves across state lines cost significantly more—a 10-foot truck from New York to Florida might run $800 to $1,200, while the same distance in a 26-foot truck could reach $1,500 to $2,500.
The price you see online changes based on demand. Summer months (May through September) are peak moving season, so rates climb. Moving on a weekday is usually cheaper than a weekend move. U-Haul also charges mileage on one-way rentals—typically 59 cents per mile for a 10-foot truck and higher for larger vehicles—so the total distance matters as much as the truck size.
Key Takeaways
- Local one-day rentals of a 10-foot truck cost roughly $20 to $40, while 26-foot trucks run $40 to $80 for the same distance.
- One-way moves are priced per mile plus a base fee, so a cross-country trip in a large truck can easily exceed $2,000.
- Summer and weekend moves cost more than weekday rentals in the off-season, sometimes by 50 percent or more.
- U-Haul charges separately for equipment like dollies, furniture pads, and boxes, which can add $100 to $300 to your total.
- Prices shown online are real-time quotes based on current demand, so the same truck on the same route costs different amounts on different days.
How U-Haul Calculates the Base Rental Fee
U-Haul starts with a base rental fee that depends on truck size and rental duration. For a local move (typically within 40 miles), you pay a daily rate plus mileage. The 10-foot truck is their entry-level option and the cheapest; the 15-foot, 20-foot, and 26-foot trucks increase in price as cargo capacity grows. A 15-foot truck might cost $35 to $60 for a local day, while a 20-foot truck runs $50 to $90.
One-way rentals work differently. U-Haul charges a base fee for the truck plus a per-mile rate. The base fee covers the truck itself; the mileage charge covers fuel and wear. On a 500-mile one-way move, mileage alone can cost $295 to $590 depending on truck size. U-Haul publishes their per-mile rates on their website, but the base fee varies by route and season.
What Affects Your Final Price
Several factors push the quoted price up or down. Time of year is the biggest lever—moving in July costs far more than moving in January. Day of the week matters too; Friday and Saturday moves are pricier than Tuesday or Wednesday. Truck availability in your area affects price; if U-Haul has few trucks available locally, they charge more to encourage you to book early or choose a different size.
Distance is straightforward for one-way moves but less obvious for local rentals. U-Haul measures local moves in miles driven, so a 50-mile round trip costs more than a 10-mile one. Equipment add-ons are separate line items: a furniture dolly costs $5 to $10, furniture pads run $1 to $3 per pad, and a box of 10 moving boxes costs $15 to $20. If you rent a dolly, pads, and boxes, you can easily add $100 to $200 to your bill.
Comparing Truck Sizes and What They Cost
| Truck Size | Local Day Rental (Typical) | One-Way 500 Miles (Typical) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-foot | $20–$40 | $400–$700 | Studio apartment, small bedroom, office |
| 15-foot | $35–$60 | $600–$1,000 | One-bedroom apartment, small house |
| 20-foot | $50–$90 | $900–$1,400 | Two-bedroom house, large apartment |
| 26-foot | $40–$80 | $1,200–$2,000 | Three-bedroom house, full household |
The 10-foot truck is the most affordable option for small moves and fits in most parking spaces. It holds roughly 4,000 pounds and works for a studio or one-bedroom apartment. The 15-foot truck is the middle ground—it costs more but holds significantly more cargo and is still maneuverable. The 20-foot and 26-foot trucks are for larger moves; the 26-foot is U-Haul's largest standard option and can hold a full three-bedroom house.
Prices in the table are estimates based on typical demand periods. Your actual quote will differ based on your specific dates, location, and current demand. Always check U-Haul's website or call their reservation line for a real quote before deciding on truck size.
Hidden Costs Beyond the Truck Rental
The truck rental price is only part of your total cost. U-Haul charges for equipment separately: dollies, furniture pads, boxes, tape, and mattress covers all add up. A furniture dolly ($5 to $10) is essential if you have heavy items. Furniture pads protect your belongings and furniture during the move; a set of 12 pads costs $5 to $8. Moving boxes range from $1 to $3 per box depending on size, and you may need 20 to 50 boxes for a typical apartment move.
Insurance is optional but worth considering. U-Haul offers damage waiver coverage (usually $10 to $20 per day) that covers damage to the truck itself, not your belongings. Your personal homeowner's or renter's insurance may already cover your items during a move, so check before buying U-Haul's coverage. Fuel is your responsibility on local moves; on one-way moves, U-Haul includes fuel in the per-mile rate, but you still pay for any fuel you use beyond what the truck's tank holds at pickup.
How to Get the Best Price on a U-Haul Rental
Book early if you know your move date. U-Haul's prices rise as your move date approaches, especially during peak season. Booking two to four weeks ahead usually saves money compared to booking a few days before. Moving on a weekday (Tuesday through Thursday) is cheaper than Friday through Sunday. If your move is flexible, shifting it by even one day can save $20 to $50.
Compare truck sizes on U-Haul's website before you decide. Sometimes a larger truck costs only slightly more than a smaller one, especially on one-way moves, so you may get better value by upsizing. Check whether you actually need equipment add-ons; many people already own dollies or can borrow boxes from friends. U-Haul occasionally runs promotions for first-time renters or military members, so ask when you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does U-Haul charge a deposit?
U-Haul requires a valid credit card at the time of reservation to hold your booking, but this is not a separate deposit—it's the card they'll charge for the rental. You pay the full rental cost when you pick up the truck. If you cancel within a certain window (usually 24 hours), you may avoid a cancellation fee.
What if I return the truck late?
U-Haul charges an hourly late fee if you return the truck after your reservation ends. The fee is typically $40 per hour for the first two hours, then higher rates after that. Always return the truck on time or call ahead to extend your reservation if you need more time.
Are there cheaper alternatives to U-Haul?
Penske and Home Depot also rent moving trucks, and their prices sometimes undercut U-Haul depending on your location and dates. For local moves, renting from an independent truck rental company can be cheaper. For long-distance moves, full-service movers and freight companies offer different pricing models worth comparing.
Do I need insurance for a U-Haul truck?
U-Haul's damage waiver covers the truck itself, not your belongings. Check your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy first—many cover your items during a move. If you're not covered, U-Haul's waiver ($10 to $20 per day) protects you if you damage the truck, but it doesn't cover your possessions.
Can I get a quote without booking?
Yes. U-Haul's website lets you enter your pickup and drop-off locations, dates, and truck size to see a price estimate without committing to a reservation. The quote is valid for a limited time and may change if you wait to book, since prices adjust based on demand.