What Penske offers and who rents from them

Penske is a truck rental company owned by Penske Truck Leasing. They rent moving trucks, cargo vans, and trailers by the day, week, or month to people moving homes, businesses relocating, or anyone hauling cargo. You can rent from Penske locations across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico — there are over 2,100 locations. You pick up a truck at one location and can return it to a different one if you need to, though that costs more.

Penske rents to people 18 and older with a valid driver's license. You do not need to be a member of anything or pre-register. You can reserve online at penske.com, by phone, or in person at a location. Most people rent for a one-way move (pick up in one city, drop off in another) or a local move (pick up and return to the same area).

Key Takeaways

  • Penske charges by the day, mile, or both depending on your rental type, and prices vary by truck size, location, and how far you are moving.
  • You will need a valid driver's license, proof of residency, and a payment method; some locations ask for a second form of ID.
  • One-way rentals (different pickup and return locations) cost more than local rentals and include unlimited mileage on longer distances.
  • Damage waivers and insurance are optional add-ons that protect you if the truck is damaged, but you are responsible for the truck unless you buy coverage.
  • Reservation prices are not may provide until you complete the rental, and final costs depend on fuel charges, mileage overages, and any equipment you add.

Truck sizes and what each one holds

Penske offers several truck sizes. A 10-foot box truck holds about 2,000 pounds and fits a one-bedroom apartment or small office move. A 14-foot truck holds roughly 4,500 pounds and works for a two-bedroom home. A 16-foot truck holds about 6,000 pounds for a three-bedroom move. A 20-foot truck holds around 8,000 pounds for a larger three- or four-bedroom home. Penske also rents cargo vans (smaller, no ramp) and trailers that you tow behind your own vehicle.

The size you need depends on how much furniture and boxes you have. Penske's website has a size guide where you can enter what you are moving and get a recommendation. If you underestimate, you may not fit everything; if you overestimate, you pay for space you do not use. Many people rent a size one step up from what they think they need to avoid running out of room.

How Penske prices work: daily, mileage, and one-way costs

Penske charges in different ways depending on the rental type. For a local rental (same pickup and return location), you pay a daily rate plus a per-mile charge. The daily rate varies by truck size and location; a 10-foot truck might cost $19 to $29 per day in one city and $25 to $35 in another. Mileage charges also vary by truck size and location, typically $0.79 to $1.29 per mile.

For a one-way rental (different pickup and return locations), Penske charges a base rate that includes unlimited mileage on longer distances. The base rate depends on the truck size, the distance, and current demand. A one-way rental from New York to Florida in a 16-foot truck might cost $1,200 to $1,800; the same truck rented locally for a week might cost $400 to $600 plus mileage. One-way rentals are usually more expensive per day but save money on mileage if you are traveling far.

Fuel is your responsibility. You pick up the truck with a full tank and return it full, or you pay Penske's fuel charge (which is higher than gas station prices). If you return the truck with less fuel than you picked it up with, Penske charges you for the missing fuel at their rate, usually $3.50 to $5.00 per gallon depending on location and fuel prices at the time.

Insurance, damage waivers, and what happens if the truck is damaged

When you rent, Penske asks if you want to buy a damage waiver or insurance. These are optional. If you do not buy coverage and the truck is damaged — dents, scratches, broken equipment, mechanical damage from misuse — you pay for repairs. Damage costs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor dents to thousands for major damage.

A damage waiver (sometimes called Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) limits your liability for damage to a set amount, usually $0 to $2,500 depending on the plan. You still pay the deductible if there is damage. The waiver costs $15 to $30 per day. A liability insurance add-on covers damage you cause to other people's property (like hitting a parked car). This is separate from damage to the truck itself.

Your personal auto insurance may cover rental trucks, but you need to check your policy before you rent. Some credit cards offer rental truck coverage if you charge the rental to that card. If you have coverage through your insurance or credit card, you may not need to buy Penske's waiver, but read the terms carefully because some policies have limits or exclusions for moving trucks.

What you need to bring and how to reserve

To rent from Penske, bring a valid driver's license and proof of residency (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement with your current address). Some locations ask for a second form of ID. You will need a payment method — credit card, debit card, or cash (policies vary by location). Penske puts a hold on your card for the estimated rental cost plus a security deposit, usually $100 to $200.

You can reserve online at penske.com by entering your pickup location, return location, dates, and truck size. The website shows available trucks and prices. You can also call 1-800-PENSKE-1 or visit a Penske location in person. Online reservations are not may provide until you complete the rental at the location. Prices shown online are estimates and may change based on demand, fuel surcharges, or other factors.

Arrive early on your rental day. The rental process takes 15 to 30 minutes. The attendant will inspect the truck with you, show you how to operate it, and go over the contract. You will sign paperwork that lists the truck's condition, mileage, and fuel level. Take photos of the truck before you leave the lot so you have proof of its condition when you picked it up.

Returning the truck and what charges may explore

Return the truck to your reserved location on the date and time you booked. If you return it late, Penske charges a late fee, usually $40 to $75 per hour or a daily rate if you are more than a few hours late. Return the truck with a full fuel tank. If you do not, Penske charges you for fuel at their rate, which is higher than what you would pay at a gas station.

The attendant will inspect the truck for damage, check the mileage, and verify the fuel level. If there is damage, you will be charged unless you bought a damage waiver. If you drove more miles than your plan included (on a local rental), you pay the overage at the per-mile rate. The final bill is calculated at return, not at reservation, so the amount you pay may be higher or lower than your estimate.

If you rented one-way and want to return to your original location instead, contact Penske before your return date. Changing a one-way rental to a local rental or vice versa usually costs more and may not be possible depending on availability.

Penske versus other truck rental companies

U-Haul is the largest truck rental company in the United States and has more locations than Penske. U-Haul often has lower advertised daily rates but charges per-mile fees that can add up on longer moves. U-Haul also rents moving equipment (dollies, furniture pads, boxes) at each location.

Budget (owned by Avis) rents trucks and offers similar pricing to Penske. Budget locations are fewer than Penske or U-Haul, so availability depends on your area. Home Depot and Lowes rent trucks through third-party providers for local moves only, usually at lower daily rates but with mileage charges and no one-way option.

Penske is known for newer trucks and consistent maintenance. U-Haul has the most locations and equipment variety. Budget is often competitive on price. The best choice depends on your route, truck size, and whether you need one-way or local rental. Get quotes from at least two companies before you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a Penske truck if I do not have a credit card?

Policies vary by location. Some Penske locations accept debit cards or cash, but you will need to provide proof of residency and a second form of ID. Call your local Penske location before you go to confirm what payment methods they accept, because not all locations take cash.

What happens if I return the truck dirty?

Penske charges a cleaning fee if the truck is excessively dirty inside or out, usually $50 to $150 depending on how much cleaning is needed. You are expected to return the truck reasonably clean — sweeping out boxes and trash is standard. Heavy dirt, mud, or stains inside the cargo area will result in a charge.

Can I extend my rental if I need the truck longer?

Yes, but you must contact Penske before your return date. If the truck is available, they will extend your rental and charge you for the additional days at the daily rate. If the truck is already reserved for another customer, you cannot extend it. Call ahead rather than showing up late, because late fees are higher than extension rates.

Is my personal auto insurance enough to cover a rental truck?

Some auto insurance policies cover rental trucks, but many exclude them or limit coverage. Check your policy or call your insurance company before you rent. If your policy does not cover rental trucks, Penske's damage waiver is worth buying. Do not assume you are covered — the cost of repairs can exceed what you save by skipping the waiver.

What if the truck breaks down during my rental?

Call Penske roadside information at the number on your rental contract. Penske will send help or arrange a replacement truck. You are not charged for mechanical breakdowns that are not your fault. If the breakdown is caused by misuse (like running out of oil because you did not check it), you may be charged for repairs.