What U-Haul Is and How to Rent a Truck or Container

U-Haul is a truck and container rental company where you rent moving equipment by the day, week, or month and return it to a U-Haul location when you are done. You can rent a pickup truck, a cargo van, a moving truck (sometimes called a box truck), or a portable storage container that stays on your property. U-Haul charges by the distance you travel, the size of the equipment, and how long you keep it — not a flat rate.

You reserve online at uhaul.com, by phone at 1-800-468-4285, or at a local U-Haul dealer. When you pick up, you show a driver's license and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). U-Haul will inspect the truck or container for damage before you take it and again when you return it. If there is new damage, you may be charged a repair fee.

The rental price includes the truck or container itself. Mileage, fuel (if you return it empty), insurance, equipment like dollies or furniture pads, and late fees are separate charges added to your bill. You can see the total estimated cost before you confirm the reservation.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul charges based on equipment size, distance traveled, and rental length, so the cost varies widely depending on your move.
  • You can rent a truck for a one-way trip or a round trip, and prices differ — one-way moves to popular destinations may cost more.
  • Portable U-Haul containers can stay at your home while you pack, then U-Haul picks them up and delivers them to your new address.
  • You must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver's license and a credit or debit card to rent a truck or van.
  • Damage inspections happen at pickup and return, and you are responsible for any new damage beyond normal wear.

Truck and Van Sizes and What They Hold

U-Haul offers several truck sizes. A cargo van is the smallest and holds about as much as a large closet — good for a single room or a few pieces of furniture. A 10-foot box truck fits a one-bedroom apartment. A 15-foot truck holds a two-bedroom apartment. A 20-foot truck holds a three-bedroom house, and a 26-foot truck is for a four-bedroom or larger move.

U-Haul also rents pickup trucks if you need to haul materials or a few items without a fully enclosed space. The size you need depends on how much you are moving. U-Haul's website has a size guide where you enter what you own — furniture, boxes, appliances — and it suggests a truck size. If you are unsure, call the location where you plan to pick up and describe what you are moving; staff can recommend the right size.

Renting a truck that is too small means multiple trips or leaving things behind. Renting one that is too large wastes money. Most people underestimate how much space they need, so if you are between two sizes, the larger one is usually the safer choice.

One-Way and Round-Trip Rentals

A round-trip rental means you pick up and return to the same U-Haul location. A one-way rental means you pick up at one location and drop off at a different one. One-way rentals cost more per mile because U-Haul has to move the truck back, but they save you the drive home empty.

Prices for one-way moves vary by direction and season. Moving from a city where many people are leaving to a city where many are arriving (like moving away from a cold climate in winter) is cheaper than the reverse. U-Haul publishes rates online, and you can compare one-way and round-trip costs before you book.

If you are moving a long distance, a one-way rental often makes sense. If you are moving locally or renting equipment for a single project, round-trip is usually cheaper. The reservation system shows you both options and the price difference.

U-Haul Portable Containers

U-Haul PODS (Portable On Demand Storage) are metal containers delivered to your home. You pack at your own pace, U-Haul stores it if you need, and then they deliver it to your new address. You do not have to rent a truck and do the move yourself in one day. The container stays on your property while you load it, which is less stressful than a timed truck rental.

PODS pricing is based on container size (10, 15, or 20 feet), how long you keep it, and the distance to your new home. You pay for the container itself, delivery to your home, storage (if you need it), and delivery to your destination. Unlike a truck rental where you pay per mile, PODS charges a flat rate for the whole move.

PODS work well if you are moving slowly, need storage between homes, or prefer not to drive a large truck. They cost more than renting a truck yourself but less than hiring full-service movers. You can reserve a PODS container through uhaul.com or by calling 1-844-PODS-NOW.

Insurance, Damage, and What You Are Responsible For

U-Haul offers damage waiver insurance at checkout. This covers damage to the truck or container while you have it rented, but it does not cover damage to your belongings inside. Your homeowner's or renter's insurance may cover your items during a move — check your policy before you rent.

You are responsible for any damage beyond normal wear and tear. Normal wear includes minor scratches, small dents, and dirt. If you return the truck with a cracked windshield, a large dent, or interior damage, U-Haul will charge you for repairs. Damage charges range from under $100 for minor issues to several hundred dollars for major damage.

Before you leave the lot, walk around the truck with the staff member and point out any existing damage. Take photos of the condition at pickup and return. If you cause damage during the rental, report it to U-Haul right away rather than hoping they do not notice — transparency usually results in a lower charge than a damage claim filed later.

Fuel, Late Returns, and Additional Fees

U-Haul trucks come with a full tank of fuel. You can return it full (and pay nothing extra), or return it empty and pay U-Haul's fuel charge, which is usually higher than gas station prices. Most people find it cheaper to fill up at a gas station before returning the truck.

If you keep the truck past your return time, U-Haul charges a late fee. The fee structure varies — some locations charge an hourly rate for the first few hours, then a daily rate if you keep it overnight. Check your rental agreement for the late fee policy at your specific location. Returning the truck on time is important because late fees add up quickly.

U-Haul also charges for equipment rentals like dollies, furniture pads, and hand trucks if you add them to your reservation. These are optional — you can bring your own equipment or buy pads and dollies at a hardware store. Some people find it worth paying U-Haul's equipment fee for convenience; others save money by bringing their own.

Age Requirements and What You Need to Rent

You must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver's license to rent a U-Haul truck or container. U-Haul accepts a U.S. driver's license, passport, or military ID. If you are under 25, some locations charge a young driver fee (usually $15 to $20 per day), though this varies by location.

You need a credit or debit card in your name to hold the reservation and pay at pickup. U-Haul will place a hold on your card for the estimated rental cost plus a damage deposit. The hold is released when you return the equipment and settle the final bill.

If you do not have a driver's license or are under 18, you cannot rent from U-Haul. Some moving companies offer full-service moves where they drive and pack for you, but that is a different service and costs significantly more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a U-Haul truck for just a few hours?

U-Haul's minimum rental is typically one day, though some locations may offer shorter rentals. The daily rate applies even if you use the truck for only a few hours. If you need equipment for just a few hours, a hardware store rental or a local moving company may be cheaper.

What happens if I return the truck dirty?

U-Haul charges a cleaning fee if the truck is excessively dirty inside or out. A light layer of dust or a few crumbs is normal wear, but dirt, mud, or debris inside the cargo area can result in a $50 to $150 cleaning charge. Vacuum and wipe down the interior before you return it.

Can I rent a U-Haul if I do not have a credit card?

U-Haul requires a credit or debit card for the reservation hold and payment. If you have a debit card, that works. If you have neither, you may be able to pay in person at a U-Haul location, but policies vary — call ahead to confirm.

Is U-Haul cheaper than hiring movers?

U-Haul is usually cheaper than full-service movers because you do the packing and loading yourself. For a local move, a truck rental might cost $50 to $150 plus mileage. Full-service movers typically charge $1,500 to $5,000 or more depending on distance and volume. PODS containers fall in the middle.

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

Yes, you can extend a rental if the truck is available at your return location. Call U-Haul or visit the location before your return time to request an extension. You will be charged for the additional days at the daily rate, plus any extra mileage if you travel further.