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

U-Haul charges by the day, the distance you travel, or both—the final cost depends on which truck or trailer you rent and where you're going. A local one-way rental of a 10-foot truck might cost $20 to $40, while a cross-country move in a 26-foot truck can run $2,000 to $4,000 or more. Peak moving season (May through September) costs significantly more than winter months. U-Haul also charges mileage fees on some rentals, equipment fees for dollies or furniture pads, and fuel surcharges depending on current gas prices.

The price you see online is not final—taxes, fuel, and damage waivers add to the total. U-Haul publishes no fixed rates because pricing changes daily based on demand at each location. The best way to know what you'll actually pay is to enter your specific pickup location, destination, and moving date on their website or call a local U-Haul dealer.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul charges per day, per mile, or a combination, so a 10-foot local truck costs far less than a 26-foot cross-country truck.
  • Prices fluctuate daily and are highest from May through September, when most people move.
  • The online quote does not include taxes, fuel, damage waivers, or equipment rentals like dollies and furniture pads.
  • Renting during off-peak months (October through April) typically costs 30 to 50 percent less than summer rates.
  • One-way rentals usually cost more than round-trip rentals because U-Haul must reposition the truck.

How U-Haul calculates the base rental cost

U-Haul offers two main pricing models: daily rate with mileage, or a flat rate for a set distance. A daily rate means you pay a per-day fee plus a per-mile charge—useful for short, local moves. A flat rate covers the truck for a specific route, like moving from one state to another, with unlimited mileage included. Which model is cheaper depends on how far you're going and how many days you need the truck.

Truck size is the biggest factor in base price. A 10-foot truck (holds about one to two rooms of furniture) is the cheapest option. A 15-foot truck costs more. A 20-foot or 26-foot truck, which can hold a full house, costs substantially more. Trailers—5-foot, 6-foot, or enclosed—are cheaper than trucks but hold less and may require a tow vehicle you already own.

U-Haul also rents specialty equipment: cargo vans, pickup trucks, and moving boxes. A cargo van might cost $30 to $50 per day for a local move. Moving boxes range from $1.50 to $3 each depending on size. Dollies, furniture pads, and tie-down straps are rented separately and add $5 to $20 to your total.

What adds to the final bill beyond the base price

Taxes vary by state and county, typically adding 5 to 10 percent to your subtotal. Fuel is charged separately—U-Haul may add a fuel surcharge on top of the rental, or you may be responsible for returning the truck with a full tank. Damage waivers (optional insurance) cost $15 to $30 per day and protect you if the truck is damaged during your rental. Without a waiver, you are liable for all damage.

Equipment rentals stack up quickly. A furniture dolly costs $5 to $10 per day. A hand truck is $3 to $5 per day. Furniture pads, rope, and moving blankets are sold or rented by the bundle. A basic equipment package might add $30 to $50 to a one-day local move. For a long-distance move, these costs are smaller relative to the total but still present.

Some U-Haul locations charge a drop-off fee if you return the truck to a different location than where you picked it up. This fee varies widely and can be $50 to $200 or more depending on the distance between locations. Always ask about drop-off fees before confirming your reservation.

Seasonal and day-of-week price swings

U-Haul prices are highest on weekends and during the summer moving season. A truck that costs $30 per day on a Tuesday in February might cost $80 per day on a Saturday in July. The last week of the month and the first week of the next month are also peak times because many leases and home sales close on the first or last day of the month.

Winter months (November through March) offer the lowest rates because fewer people move. Renting in January or February can save you 30 to 50 percent compared to June or July. If your move is flexible, shifting it by even a few weeks can cut your U-Haul cost significantly. Weekday moves are cheaper than weekend moves at the same location.

One-way versus round-trip rentals

A round-trip rental means you pick up the truck at one location and return it to the same place. A one-way rental means you pick it up at one location and drop it off at another. One-way rentals almost always cost more because U-Haul has to move the truck back to balance its fleet. A 200-mile one-way move might cost $400 to $600, while the same distance as a round-trip could cost $250 to $350.

However, if you're moving permanently to a new city, a one-way rental is your only option. In that case, compare the one-way price to renting a truck locally, driving it yourself, and selling it—sometimes that is cheaper, though it requires more work and carries more risk.

How to find the lowest price for your specific move

Enter your exact pickup location, destination, and moving date on uhaul.com to see real-time pricing. Prices update constantly, so checking at different times of day may show different rates. Call a local U-Haul dealer directly—sometimes they offer discounts not shown online, especially for longer rentals or corporate moves.

Compare truck sizes. A 15-foot truck might be only $10 more per day than a 10-foot truck, but it holds significantly more. A 26-foot truck is more expensive but may be cheaper per cubic foot of space than renting two smaller trucks. Use U-Haul's size guide to estimate how much space you need, then price out the options.

If you have a AAA membership, military service record, or work for certain employers, ask about discounts. Some credit card companies offer U-Haul discounts. Renting mid-week in the off-season is almost always cheaper than weekend summer moves, so if you have flexibility, use it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for a full tank of gas when I return the truck?

No. U-Haul charges you for fuel based on how much gas the truck used during your rental. You can return it empty and pay their fuel rate, or return it with a full tank and pay nothing extra. Their fuel rate is usually higher than gas station prices, so returning it full is often cheaper if you're near a gas station.

What happens if I keep the truck longer than I reserved?

U-Haul charges an additional daily rate for each extra day, plus mileage if applicable. The daily rate for an extension is usually the same as your original rate, but it's best to call ahead and extend your reservation rather than returning it late, which may incur late fees or prevent the next customer from picking up the truck on time.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my U-Haul reservation?

U-Haul allows cancellations, but refund policies vary by location and reservation type. Canceling more than a few days before your move date usually results in a full refund. Canceling close to your move date may result in a cancellation fee. Check your confirmation email for the specific cancellation policy for your reservation.

Are there hidden fees I should know about?

The main costs beyond the base rental are taxes, fuel, damage waivers, equipment rentals, and drop-off fees. U-Haul discloses all of these at checkout before you confirm payment. Read the final quote carefully—it should itemize every charge so you know exactly what you're paying for.

Is it cheaper to rent from U-Haul or a competitor like Penske or Home Depot?

Prices vary by location and date. U-Haul, Penske, Home Depot, and Budget all rent trucks, and rates differ depending on truck availability in your area. Get quotes from all of them for your specific move date and destination—the cheapest option changes week to week and location to location.