What U-Haul is and how to rent a truck

U-Haul is a truck and equipment rental company where you rent moving trucks, trailers, and boxes by the day, week, or month. You pick up a vehicle at one location and can drop it off at a different U-Haul location — you do not have to return it to where you started. The company operates thousands of locations across the United States and Canada, including franchises at hardware stores, gas stations, and dedicated U-Haul centers.

To rent from U-Haul, you visit their website or call a location directly, choose your truck size and rental dates, and pay upfront or at pickup. You need a valid driver's license and a credit card. The rental price depends on the truck size, how far you are moving, and the time of year — summer moves cost more than winter ones. U-Haul charges by the day, and you pay a mileage fee on top of the daily rate, or you can pay a flat rate that includes unlimited mileage.

U-Haul also rents trailers, cargo vans, and specialty equipment like dollies, furniture pads, and hand trucks. Many people rent a small trailer instead of a large truck if they are moving a modest amount of stuff, because trailers often cost less per day than trucks.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul charges a daily rental rate plus mileage, or a flat rate that covers unlimited miles, so compare both options before you book.
  • You can pick up a truck at one location and drop it off at another, which is useful if you are moving to a different city, but one-way rentals usually cost more than round trips.
  • Summer months (May through September) have higher prices and less availability, so booking early matters if you are moving during peak season.
  • U-Haul rents boxes, dollies, and packing supplies separately from the truck, and these add to your total cost.
  • Insurance and damage waivers are optional but recommended, especially if you have never driven a large truck before.

Truck sizes and what fits in each one

U-Haul offers several truck sizes, and choosing the right one saves you money and prevents a second trip. A 10-foot truck holds about one to two rooms of furniture and is the smallest option — good for studio apartments or small moves. A 15-foot truck fits a two-bedroom apartment. A 20-foot truck handles a three-bedroom house. A 26-foot truck is the largest standard option and fits a four to five-bedroom house.

The size you need depends on how much furniture you have, not just the number of rooms. If you are moving mostly boxes and a few pieces of furniture, a smaller truck works. If you have a lot of large items — couches, dressers, beds — you need more space. U-Haul's website has a size estimator where you enter what you are moving and it suggests a truck size.

Trailers are another option. A 5x8 utility trailer costs less per day than a truck but holds less. A 6x12 enclosed trailer protects your belongings from weather and holds more than an open trailer. Enclosed trailers cost more but are worth it if you are moving valuable items or if the weather forecast looks bad.

One-way rentals versus round trips

A round-trip rental means you pick up the truck and return it to the same location. A one-way rental means you pick it up in one city and drop it off in another. One-way rentals are more expensive because U-Haul has to move the truck back to balance their fleet across locations.

If you are moving from New York to Florida, a one-way rental is your only option. But if you are moving across town, a round trip is cheaper. Some people rent a truck one way and then rent a smaller truck or trailer to bring back items they forgot, which can still be cheaper than paying the one-way premium on a large truck.

Pricing for one-way moves varies wildly depending on direction. Moving from a city with high demand (like Los Angeles) to a city with low demand can be much cheaper than the reverse, because U-Haul needs trucks in high-demand areas. Check the price both ways before you decide which direction to move your stuff.

Pricing: daily rates, mileage, and flat rates

U-Haul charges in two ways. The first is a daily rate plus mileage — you pay a set amount per day (for example, $20 per day) plus a per-mile fee (for example, $0.99 per mile). This works well for short moves. The second is a flat rate that includes unlimited mileage — you pay one price and drive as far as you want. Flat rates work well for long moves.

To figure out which is cheaper, multiply your estimated mileage by the per-mile fee and add the daily rate. Compare that to the flat rate. If you are moving 500 miles and the per-mile fee is $0.99, that is $495 in mileage plus the daily rate. If the flat rate is $400, the flat rate wins. If the flat rate is $600, the daily-plus-mileage option wins.

Prices change based on demand. Moving in July costs more than moving in January. Moving on a weekend costs more than moving on a weekday. If you have flexibility on when you move, checking prices for different dates can save you hundreds of dollars. U-Haul's website shows prices when ready, so you can compare.

Insurance, damage waivers, and what happens if you damage the truck

Damage waivers are optional add-ons that limit how much you pay if you damage the truck. Without a waiver, you are responsible for all damage — dents, scratches, broken mirrors, interior damage, mechanical damage. With a waiver, you typically pay a set amount (like $25 or $50) per incident, and U-Haul covers the rest.

Your personal auto insurance may cover rental trucks, but many policies exclude commercial rentals or large trucks. Call your insurance company before you rent and ask whether a U-Haul truck is covered. If it is not, U-Haul's damage waiver is worth buying. If your insurance covers it, you may not need the waiver, but read the fine print — some policies have high deductibles.

U-Haul also offers roadside information as an add-on. If the truck breaks down, roadside information covers towing and repairs. This is useful if you are driving a long distance or if you are not comfortable with mechanical problems. The cost is usually $10 to $20 for the rental period.

Fuel, cleaning, and return conditions

You return the truck with a full tank of fuel, or U-Haul charges you for fuel at a premium rate. Fill up the tank yourself at a gas station before you return the truck — it is cheaper than letting U-Haul do it. Keep your receipt so you can prove you filled it.

The truck must be returned clean inside and out. If it is dirty, U-Haul charges a cleaning fee, usually $50 to $150 depending on how dirty it is. Sweep out the cargo area, wipe down the interior, and wash the outside if it is muddy. This takes 30 minutes and saves you money.

Return the truck on time. Late returns are charged at the daily rate, so if you rent for one day and return it the next day, you pay for two days. Some locations have a grace period of an hour or two, but do not count on it. If you think you might need the truck longer, rent it for more days upfront — it is cheaper than paying late fees.

How to book and what to bring to pickup

Book online at uhaul.com or by phone at 1-800-468-4285. Online booking is faster and you can see prices and availability when ready. You need to enter your pickup location, dropoff location, rental dates, and truck size. U-Haul will show you available trucks and prices.

At pickup, bring your driver's license, credit card, and the confirmation email or number from your reservation. The staff will inspect the truck with you, point out any existing damage, and ask you to sign a form acknowledging the truck's condition. Take photos of the truck before you leave — this protects you if U-Haul later claims you caused damage you did not cause.

Ask the staff how to operate the truck before you drive away. If you have never driven a large truck, ask them to show you where the mirrors are, how to adjust them, how the brakes feel, and where the fuel door is. A five-minute walkthrough prevents mistakes on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a U-Haul truck if I am under 25?

Yes, but U-Haul charges an additional fee for drivers under 25, usually $15 to $20 per day. You still need a valid driver's license. Some locations may have a minimum age requirement, so call ahead if you are very young.

What if I need to extend my rental after I pick up the truck?

Call U-Haul as soon as you know you need more time. If the truck is available at your dropoff location, they can extend the rental and charge you for the extra days. If the truck is already reserved for someone else, you may have to return it on time and rent a different truck for the remaining days.

Do I need a special license to drive a large U-Haul truck?

No. In most states, you can drive a U-Haul truck with a regular driver's license as long as the truck is under 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating. Larger trucks may require a commercial driver's license, but U-Haul's standard fleet does not. Check your state's rules if you are unsure.

Can I rent a U-Haul truck for a one-way move and then return it early?

Yes, but you will still pay for the full rental period you booked. If you rent a truck for three days one-way and return it after one day, you pay for three days. It is better to book only the days you need.

What happens if the truck breaks down during my move?

Call U-Haul roadside information at the number on your rental agreement. If you bought roadside information, they cover towing and repairs. If you did not, you pay for towing out of pocket. U-Haul will arrange a replacement truck if the breakdown is their fault, but this can take hours, so plan for delays.