Renting a moving truck is one of the most cost-effective ways to handle a long-distance move, but choosing the right rental company can save you hundreds (or cost you hundreds if you choose poorly). With so many options—U-Haul, Budget, Penske, Enterprise, and more—how do you know which one is right for your move?
This comprehensive guide compares the top moving truck rental companies, breaks down pricing structures, and helps you avoid common pitfalls that can turn a budget-friendly DIY move into an expensive headache.
Top Moving Truck Rental Companies Compared
1. U-Haul
Best for: Budget-conscious movers and wide availability
Fleet sizes: 10', 15', 17', 20', 26'
Pricing structure: Per day rate + mileage for one-way moves. Local moves are typically charged by day + mileage or flat rate packages.
Typical cost (1,000 mile move, 20' truck): $1,200-$1,800
Pros:
- Most locations nationwide (over 21,000)
- Usually cheapest option
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Extensive equipment rental (dollies, furniture pads, etc.)
- Online reservation system
Cons:
- Truck quality varies significantly by location
- Customer service can be inconsistent
- Hidden fees common
- Trucks often not cleaned between uses
- Fuel efficiency lower than competitors
Customer rating: 3.8/5
2. Budget Truck Rental
Best for: Mid-range option with good truck quality
Fleet sizes: 12', 16', 22', 26'
Pricing structure: Similar to U-Haul with per-day and mileage charges
Typical cost (1,000 mile move, 22' truck): $1,400-$2,000
Pros:
- Generally newer, better-maintained trucks
- Competitive pricing
- Good fuel efficiency
- Price match guarantee
- Affiliate with Avis, so can return to more locations
Cons:
- Fewer locations than U-Haul
- Limited availability during peak season
- Customer service mixed reviews
Customer rating: 4.0/5
3. Penske Truck Rental
Best for: Premium truck quality and reliability
Fleet sizes: 12', 16', 22', 26'
Pricing structure: Per-day + mileage, or all-inclusive packages for long-distance
Typical cost (1,000 mile move, 22' truck): $1,600-$2,200
Pros:
- Newest, best-maintained fleet
- Excellent fuel efficiency (saves money on gas)
- Superior customer service
- Free unlimited mileage on some routes
- All trucks equipped with loading ramps
- Cleaner trucks
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- Fewer locations than U-Haul or Budget
- Limited availability in rural areas
Customer rating: 4.5/5
4. Enterprise Truck Rental
Best for: Excellent customer service
Fleet sizes: Cargo vans, 16', 24'
Pricing structure: Daily rate + mileage
Typical cost (1,000 mile move, 16' truck): $1,300-$1,900
Pros:
- Excellent customer service (known from car rental business)
- Well-maintained trucks
- Pick-up and drop-off convenience
- Loyalty rewards if you're an Enterprise car rental member
Cons:
- Smaller fleet selection
- Fewer locations specifically for truck rental
- Not always cheapest option
Customer rating: 4.3/5
5. Home Depot Truck Rental
Best for: Local moves only
Fleet sizes: Cargo van, pickup truck, 26' box truck
Pricing structure: Hourly rental only (75 minutes minimum, billed in 15-minute increments)
Typical cost: $19-$129 for 75 minutes depending on vehicle size
Pros:
- Extremely affordable for local moves
- Convenient Home Depot locations
- No mileage limits
- Great for quick apartment moves within the city
Cons:
- Local moves only (same-day return required)
- Not suitable for long-distance moves
- Must return to same location
- Limited to Home Depot store hours
Customer rating: 4.1/5
How to Choose the Right Truck Size
Choosing the wrong size truck is costly—too small means multiple trips or leaving belongings behind; too large wastes money.
Truck Size Guide
10-12' truck (Cargo van or small truck):
- Studio or small 1-bedroom apartment
- 1-2 rooms of furniture
- Fits: couch, bed, boxes, small appliances
15-16' truck:
- 1-2 bedroom apartment
- 2-3 rooms of furniture
- Fits: multiple beds, couch, dining table, washer/dryer
20-22' truck:
- 2-3 bedroom home
- 3-5 rooms of furniture
- Fits: full household of furniture, appliances, lots of boxes
26' truck:
- 3-5 bedroom home
- 5+ rooms of furniture
- Fits: entire large household, can double-stack items
Pro tip: When in doubt, size up. Running out of space mid-pack is a nightmare, and the price difference between sizes is usually minimal ($50-150).
Understanding Rental Costs
Base Rental Rate
This is the daily or per-move rate for the truck itself. For long-distance one-way moves, this is typically $500-$1,500 depending on distance and truck size.
Mileage Charges
For one-way long-distance moves, you're often allotted a certain number of miles. Going over can cost $0.40-$1.00 per extra mile.
Additional Fees to Watch For
- Environmental fee: $1-5
- Damage waiver (insurance): $14-$40/day
- Equipment rental: Dollies ($10-15), furniture pads ($15-20), hand trucks
- After-hours return fee: $20-50 if returning outside business hours
- Cleaning fee: If truck returned excessively dirty
- Fuel charges: Must return with same fuel level or pay inflated refueling rates
- Taxes: Can add 10-15% to total cost
How to Get the Best Price
1. Book Early
Rental prices increase as availability decreases. Book 2-4 weeks in advance for best rates, longer during peak season (May-September).
2. Be Flexible With Dates
Mid-week and mid-month moves are cheaper than weekends and month-end.
3. Compare Multiple Companies
Get quotes from at least 3 companies. Prices can vary by hundreds of dollars for the same route.
4. Look for Discounts
- AAA membership discounts (10-20% off)
- Student discounts
- Military discounts
- Senior discounts (55+)
- Promo codes (search online before booking)
5. Avoid Peak Season
Summer months (May-September) have highest demand and prices. If possible, move in fall or winter for lower rates.
6. Choose the Right Insurance
Don't automatically buy rental company insurance. Check if your:
- Credit card provides rental truck coverage
- Auto insurance extends to rental trucks
- Homeowner's or renter's insurance covers belongings in transit
One-Way vs. Round-Trip Rentals
One-Way Rentals
How it works: Pick up truck in City A, drop off in City B
Best for: Long-distance permanent moves
Pricing: Usually a flat rate that includes mileage allowance
Pros:
- No need to return to original location
- Save time and gas money
- All-inclusive pricing easier to budget
Cons:
- Can be more expensive than round-trip for some routes
- Limited availability depending on demand
Round-Trip Rentals
How it works: Pick up and return to same location
Best for: Local moves or when you need to make multiple trips
Pricing: Daily rate + mileage
Pros:
- Sometimes cheaper for certain routes
- More flexibility with pickup/drop-off location
Cons:
- Have to drive truck back (time and gas cost)
- Pay for extra days and mileage
Renting a Moving Truck: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Get Quotes Online
Use each company's website to get quotes. Input:
- Pickup and drop-off locations
- Date and time
- Truck size needed
Step 2: Compare Total Cost
Don't just look at base rate. Add up:
- Rental fee
- Estimated fuel cost (check truck's MPG)
- Insurance/damage waiver
- Equipment rentals
- Taxes and fees
Step 3: Read Reviews
Check reviews for the specific rental location, not just the company overall. Quality varies by location.
Step 4: Book Your Reservation
Reserve online or by phone. You'll need:
- Credit or debit card
- Driver's license information
- Contact information
Step 5: Confirm Reservation
A few days before pickup, call to confirm your reservation and truck availability.
Step 6: Pickup Day
Bring:
- Valid driver's license
- Credit card (usually required even if paid online)
- Reservation confirmation
- Proof of insurance if using your own
Step 7: Inspect the Truck
Before leaving the lot:
- Walk around truck and photograph existing damage
- Check fuel level and document it
- Test brakes, lights, turn signals
- Adjust mirrors
- Understand how to operate ramp/lift gate
Step 8: Return
- Fill gas tank to same level as pickup
- Clean out debris
- Return on time to avoid late fees
- Get receipt confirming return
Driving a Moving Truck: Safety Tips
- Practice in parking lot: Get comfortable with truck's size before hitting the road
- Allow extra time: Trucks are slower—add 20% to your usual travel time
- Take it slow: Accelerate and brake gradually
- Wider turns: Swing wide when turning to avoid hitting curbs
- Check mirrors constantly: Trucks have large blind spots
- Avoid low clearances: Know your truck height and watch for low bridges/parking garages
- Secure load: Use tie-downs and distribute weight evenly
- Plan your route: Avoid narrow streets and low bridges
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not measuring furniture/doorways: Know if your furniture fits through doors before moving day
- Underestimating truck size needed: Running out of space mid-move is terrible
- Forgetting to refuel: Rental companies charge 3-4x normal gas prices to refuel for you
- Not reading rental agreement: Know mileage limits, return time, and fees
- Skipping truck inspection: You'll be charged for damage you didn't cause if not documented
- Loading improperly: Heavy items should go in front, secure everything
- Not checking license requirements: Some states require special licenses for trucks over certain weights
Alternatives to Truck Rental
Portable Storage Containers (PODS, U-Pack)
How it works: Container delivered to your home, you pack, they transport it
Cost: $1,500-$5,000 for long-distance moves
Best for: Those who want to pack at their own pace
Freight Trailers (ABF U-Pack)
How it works: You load your belongings into part of a freight trailer
Cost: $1,000-$4,000
Best for: Budget movers comfortable with loading/unloading
Full-Service Movers
Cost: $2,000-$10,000+
Best for: Those who can afford convenience and don't want to drive a truck
Compare options: Comparing the top 5 international moving companies
Final Thoughts
Renting a moving truck gives you control over your move and can save thousands compared to hiring full-service movers. The key is choosing the right company, truck size, and understanding the total cost before you commit.
For most people, Penske offers the best balance of truck quality and reliability, while U-Haul provides the most budget-friendly option if you're careful about fees. Budget and Enterprise fall nicely in the middle.
Take your time comparing options, read the fine print, and don't forget to factor in gas costs when budgeting. Happy moving!
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