U-Haul rental pricing is based on truck size, distance, and current demand, not a flat daily rate
U-Haul charges by the day and by the mile, but the per-mile rate changes depending on how far you're going and how busy they are. A local one-way rental (under 100 miles) costs differently than a cross-country move. The company publishes no fixed price list because rates shift week to week. You get a quote only after you enter your pickup location, dropoff location, rental dates, and truck size into their website or by calling 1-800-468-4285.
The total bill includes the base rental fee (which covers the truck for the number of days you keep it), mileage charges, and any add-ons you select. If you return the truck late, you pay an additional daily rate. Fuel is your responsibility — you return the truck with a full tank or pay U-Haul's refueling charge, which is higher than gas station prices.
Understanding what drives the price helps you predict costs and spot when a quote is reasonable. The same truck on the same route can cost 30 to 50 percent more during peak moving season (May through September) than during winter months.
Key Takeaways
- U-Haul quotes are custom to your route and dates; you cannot find a price without entering your specific pickup and dropoff locations.
- You pay for both days and miles, so a 500-mile trip over two days costs more than the same distance covered in one day.
- Returning the truck late, adding equipment like dollies or blankets, and refueling at U-Haul rates all add to the final bill.
- Peak season (May through September) and weekend rentals typically cost significantly more than weekday rentals in winter.
- U-Haul's damage waiver and roadside information are optional add-ons that protect you but increase the total cost.
How the daily and mileage charges stack up
The daily rate is what you pay to rent the truck itself for each 24-hour period. A 10-foot truck might rent for $19.95 per day in January but $39.95 per day in July. The mileage rate is separate — typically between $0.79 and $1.29 per mile depending on truck size and market conditions. Both rates are quoted together when you get your estimate.
On a 300-mile, one-day rental of a 10-foot truck, you might see a quote like this: one day at $29.95 plus 300 miles at $0.99 per mile ($297), totaling roughly $327 before taxes and add-ons. The same truck for the same distance over two days could cost $59.90 (two days) plus $297 (mileage), or about $357 — the extra day adds cost even though you're not driving farther.
U-Haul's website shows you the estimated mileage and daily charges separately in the quote, so you can see which component is driving the price. If the mileage rate seems high, it usually means demand is up or the route is less common.
Truck sizes and what they cost to rent
U-Haul offers trucks in several sizes: 10-foot, 15-foot, 20-foot, and 26-foot, plus specialty options like cargo vans and pickup trucks. Larger trucks rent for more per day and often have higher per-mile rates. A 10-foot truck is the cheapest option; a 26-foot truck is the most expensive.
The size you need depends on what you're moving. A studio apartment or small office typically fits in a 10-foot or 15-foot truck. A two-bedroom house usually requires a 20-foot or 26-foot truck. Renting a truck that's too small means a second trip or overstuffing, which can damage your belongings. Renting one that's too large wastes money.
U-Haul's website includes a size guide that asks about the number of rooms and furniture pieces you're moving, then recommends a truck. Use that tool before you get a quote so you're comparing the right size to your actual needs.
One-way versus round-trip rentals
A round-trip rental means you pick up and drop off at the same location. A one-way rental means you pick up in one city and drop off in another. One-way rentals usually cost more per mile because U-Haul has to position the truck back to a busy location afterward. A 200-mile one-way rental often costs more than a 400-mile round-trip.
If you're moving to a city where U-Haul has high demand (like moving from a rural area to a major metro), the one-way rate may be lower because the truck ends up where it's needed. If you're moving away from a major city to a rural area, the one-way rate will be higher.
Always get quotes for both options if you have flexibility. Sometimes a round-trip with a longer rental period is cheaper than a one-way move, especially if you need a few days to unload and return the truck.
Add-ons that increase your total cost
U-Haul offers several optional services that add to your bill. A damage waiver (sometimes called a loss damage waiver) reduces your financial responsibility if the truck is damaged during your rental — typically $0.99 to $1.99 per day. Roadside information covers towing and lockout service for roughly $5 to $10 per rental. Equipment rentals like dollies, furniture pads, and hand trucks cost $2 to $15 each.
The damage waiver is worth considering if you're an inexperienced driver or renting a large truck in unfamiliar terrain. Without it, you're liable for all damage, which can run into thousands of dollars. Roadside information is less critical if you have AAA or roadside coverage through your auto insurance, but it's inexpensive if you don't.
Equipment rentals add up quickly if you need many items. Buying cheap dollies and pads at a hardware store and donating them after your move sometimes costs less than renting from U-Haul, especially on longer rentals.
Fuel and late-return charges
You must return the truck with a full tank of fuel. If you don't, U-Haul charges you for a fill-up at a rate that's typically $1 to $2 per gallon higher than local gas prices. A 26-foot truck holds roughly 40 gallons, so returning it empty could cost $40 to $80 extra.
Plan your route so you can fill up at a regular gas station within a few miles of the U-Haul location before you return the truck. U-Haul's website shows the dropoff address, so you can map gas stations nearby in advance.
Late returns are charged at the daily rental rate. If you rent for one day and return the truck 25 hours later, you pay for two full days. Some U-Haul locations offer a grace period (usually 30 minutes to an hour), but don't count on it. Plan to return the truck during business hours on the day you reserved it.
How to get an accurate quote and avoid surprises
Visit uhaul.com or call 1-800-468-4285 with your pickup address, dropoff address, and the dates you need the truck. Enter the exact dates and times — a quote for Friday at 9 a.m. to Saturday at 9 a.m. is different from Friday at 9 a.m. to Monday at 9 a.m. The website shows the base rental, mileage estimate, and any taxes or fees before you commit.
The quote is an estimate, not a may provide. Your actual mileage may differ if you take a different route, and your final bill will include any add-ons you select at pickup. Read the quote carefully to see what's included and what costs extra.
If the quote seems high, try adjusting your dates slightly — moving your rental to a weekday or a different week can lower the price significantly. Compare quotes for different truck sizes if you have flexibility on what you're moving. Some people find that renting a smaller truck and making two trips costs less than renting a larger truck once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a credit card to rent from U-Haul?
Yes. U-Haul requires a valid credit card in your name at pickup. They place a hold on the card for the estimated rental cost plus a damage deposit (usually $100 to $200). The hold is released after you return the truck and they inspect it for damage.
What happens if I damage the truck?
Without a damage waiver, you pay for all repairs out of pocket. With a waiver, your liability is capped at a deductible (usually $0 to $300 depending on the waiver level). U-Haul inspects the truck when you return it and documents any damage. Repairs can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, so the waiver is worth the small daily fee if you're nervous about driving a large truck.
Can I rent a U-Haul trailer instead of a truck?
Yes. U-Haul rents enclosed and open trailers in sizes from 4x8 feet to 6x12 feet. Trailers cost less per day than trucks but require a vehicle with a trailer hitch to tow them. Trailer rental pricing works the same way — daily rate plus mileage — and you pay for fuel in your own vehicle, not U-Haul's.
Is there a minimum rental period?
No. U-Haul rents by the day with no minimum, though local one-way rentals may have different terms. A one-day rental is available, but the daily rate applies even if you keep the truck for just a few hours.
What if I need to cancel my reservation?
Cancellations made at least 24 hours before your pickup time are usually free. Cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee. Check U-Haul's cancellation policy when you book, as it can vary by location and rental type.