The cost to rent a U-Haul truck varies based on truck size, rental duration, distance, and location, with additional fees for mileage, insurance, fuel, and optional equipment.
Local Moves (Return to Same Location)
- Base daily rental rates start at $19.95 for smaller vehicles like cargo vans, pickup trucks, and 10-foot trucks.
- Larger trucks, such as 20-foot and 26-foot models, start around $39.95 per day.
- Mileage charges typically range from $0.40 to $1.00 per mile , depending on the market.
- Optional insurance costs range from $14 to $28 per day.
- Additional fees may include environmental fees ($1-$5), taxes, fuel (you must refill the tank), cleaning fees (up to $25 if returned dirty), and equipment rentals like dollies or furniture pads ($7-$15 each).
- A bare-bones local rental usually starts around $50 before mileage and fuel costs are added
Long-Distance One-Way Moves
- U-Haul uses a flat-rate pricing model including a set number of days and miles.
- Base rates for long-distance moves typically range from $200 to $2,000+ , depending on truck size and distance.
- Cross-country moves can cost between $800 to $2,500+ , including mileage allowance, with total costs (including insurance and fuel) reaching approximately $1,200 to $3,500.
- Insurance for long trips may cost $40-$100, and fuel costs vary widely depending on distance and truck size
Summary Table of Base Rates (2025)
Truck Size| Base Daily Rate (Local)| Mileage Fee per Mile| Long-Distance Base
Rate Range
---|---|---|---
Cargo Van / Pickup| $19.95| $0.40 - $1.00| $200+
10-foot Truck| $19.95| $0.59 - $0.99| $200+
15-foot Truck| ~$29.95| $0.59 - $0.99| $200+
20-foot Truck| ~$39.95| $0.59 - $0.99| $200+
26-foot Truck| ~$39.95| $0.59 - $0.99| $200 - $2,000+
Additional Notes
- Prices fluctuate with seasonality, location, and demand; weekends and summer months are more expensive.
- Insurance and equipment rentals are optional but recommended for protection and convenience.
- Fuel must be refilled to avoid extra charges.
- U-Haul offers a price guarantee once you book, locking in your quoted rate
In conclusion, while the advertised $19.95 rate is a starting point for small local rentals, the total cost of renting a U-Haul truck typically ranges from about $50 for a local move with mileage and fuel to several thousand dollars for long-distance moves depending on truck size and distance traveled.
