Home Depot vs. U-Haul Truck Rental: Which Is Better?

At a Glance: Home Depot vs. U-Haul Truck Rentals

Here’s the quick version of how Home Depot and U-Haul compare for local and one-way truck rentals.

Truck Sizes: Home Depot vs. U-Haul

In general, Home Depot has trucks sized for small local moves or home improvement projects, while U-Haul offers more truck sizes for larger homes, one-way moves, and anyone trying to finish in one trip.

Home Depot Truck Sizes

Home Depot rents several types of vehicles, but only the 12 ft box truck and, in some cases, the cargo van have the enclosed space you would need for moving a home. Here is a simple breakdown of everything in their local fleet:

Flatbeds and Pickups

These include the 8 ft pickup and two flatbed sizes (8 ft and 10 ft). They work best for store runs, materials, or oversized items that are fine staying uncovered.

• 8 ft pickup: carries up to 2,200 lbs and is good for small purchases
• 8 ft flatbed: carries up to 3,000 lbs, open bed, sides that fold, about 77 cu ft of space
• 10 ft flatbed: carries up to 3,000 lbs, larger open bed with 121 cu ft of space, also has folding sides.

These vehicles are helpful for projects but are not designed for moving furniture or boxed household items.

Cargo Van

This van has a low entry height and an enclosed space large enough for small furniture and boxes. It can work for a studio or a very small one-bedroom apartment.

• About 142.9 cu ft of usable cargo space
• Exterior dimensions are 126 inches deep, 130 inches high, and 70.2 inches wide
• Interior cargo dimensions are not listed in the product details
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• Max load is 3,000 lbs

The cargo van is a practical option for small apartment moves where you do not need a full box truck.

12 ft Box Truck

This is Home Depot’s only true moving truck and the one most people use when relocating household items.

• 515 cu ft of enclosed cargo space
• Fits a studio or a small one-bedroom
• Max load is 3,850 lbs
• Comes with a loading ramp, rear view camera, tie rails, and a dolly
• Unlimited mileage included

This truck has enough height and room for furniture, mattresses, and stacked boxes, but larger homes will require multiple trips.

U-Haul Truck Sizes

U-Haul has a wider range of moving vehicles than Home Depot, including a pickup, a cargo van, and four box truck sizes. The box trucks are the most useful for moving a home, since they offer the enclosed space and height needed for furniture and stacked boxes.

Pickup Truck

U-Haul’s 8 ft pickup is best for small jobs or hauling a few larger items. It also has real towing capacity, which can help with personal vehicles or equipment.

• Inside bed: 8' x 5'1" x 1'10-1/2"
• Max load: 2,280 lbs
• Towing capacity: up to 6,000 lbs
• Seats 3 adults

This pickup is not ideal for moving a home, but it can help with small loads or towing something during your move.

Cargo Van

U-Haul’s 9 ft cargo van works for furniture, boxes, and small apartment moves, where you want a fully enclosed space.

• Enclosed cargo area of 9'6" x 5'7" x 4'8"
• Good for a studio or a small one-bedroom apartment

This van is a reasonable option if you do not need the height or ramp of a box truck.

10 ft Box Truck

This is U-Haul’s smallest box truck and a common pick for studio moves.

• 402 cu ft of cargo space
• Best for a studio or a small 1-bedroom apartment
• No loading ramp
• Towing capable

This size is close to Home Depot’s 12 ft truck, but slightly smaller. It’s good for studio moves or if you need to move a few big furniture items.

15 ft Box Truck

This is the step up for slightly larger households or those who have a lot of belongings in their studio or storage.

• 764 cu ft of cargo space
• Best for a 1-bedroom home or a 2-bedroom apartment
• Comes with a loading ramp
• Towing capable

Works well when you want a single trip and have more furniture than a studio.

20 ft Box Truck

A good match for medium-sized moves, and one of the most common sizes for moving trucks.

• 1,016 cu ft of cargo space
• Best for a 2 to 3-bedroom home
• Loading ramp included
• Towing capable

This is a strong all-around option for most family-sized moves.

26 ft Box Truck

U-Haul’s largest rental truck and the one that fits the most in one trip.

• 1,682 cu ft of cargo space
• Best for a 3 to 4-bedroom home
• Loading ramp included
• Towing capable

This is the choice for bigger households or anyone who wants to avoid repeat trips. If you have a very large home, or a home with storage space like an attic and garage, this is probably the truck to pick.

Pricing: Home Depot vs. U-Haul Truck Rentals

Home Depot can be cheaper for longer local moves because its rentals include unlimited mileage. U-Haul is usually the better value for quick, low-mileage trips because its daily base rates start lower.

The biggest difference in pricing is how each company charges you. Home Depot uses a time-based structure with unlimited mileage, which can make it the better value for longer local moves. U-Haul charges a daily base rate plus mileage for local rentals, so it can be cheaper when your trip is short and low-mileage, but your U-Haul cost depends on how long you need the truck and how far you drive.

How Are Home Depot and U-Haul Rates Structured?

A one-hour Home Depot truck rental costs $29 before taxes, fees, fuel, and optional add-ons, provided you return the vehicle within the first 75 minutes. After that first 75-minute tier, Home Depot applies extended rates until the full-day rate applies.

For the 12-ft box truck example we checked, Home Depot listed the rate as $29 for 75 minutes, $159 per day, or $1,113 per week, with unlimited mileage included. You still have to pay for fuel, return the vehicle to the same store, and provide a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance.

U-Haul uses a daily-plus-mileage model for local rentals. You pay a base daily rate based on the truck size, then add a per-mile fee that can change by location, date, truck size, and demand. That structure can make U-Haul very affordable for short local moves, but mileage can add up quickly when your move covers more ground.

Cost Example: 6-Hour, 30-Mile Local Move

For a 6-hour, 30-mile local move, U-Haul usually comes out ahead because the mileage stays low and the daily base rates are inexpensive. Home Depot becomes more competitive when your mileage climbs because the price does not increase with distance.

This example uses the current Home Depot daily rate we checked and sample U-Haul pricing from Miami. It does not include taxes, fuel, optional coverage, dollies, or other add-ons.

If you need enough room to move a larger home in one trip, U-Haul is the only brand here that offers larger truck sizes. Home Depot works best for small homes, moving a few pieces of furniture, home improvement/renovation, or simple hauls where unlimited mileage saves the most money.

Home Depot Truck Rental Pricing

Home Depot’s pricing is time-based, with a $29 rate for the first 75 minutes, a flat $159 daily rate, and the option to rent by the week. Exact pricing is determined at the store and may change by location, but the advertised pricing we checked was:

• $29.00 for 75 minutes
• $159.00 per day
• $1,113.00 per week

Your rental may be subject to additional fees, such as:

• Environmental fee, if applicable
• Toll charges and related processing fees
• Fuel charges if the vehicle is not refueled before return
• Taxes or other local fees

U-Haul Truck Rental Pricing

U-Haul uses a mileage-based pricing model for local rentals. You pay a daily rate based on the truck size plus a per-mile charge, which can make short local moves very affordable. For a deeper look at how these costs add up, you can read our full breakdown in How Much Does a U-Haul Really Cost?

Long-distance and one-way rentals follow a different flat-rate structure, with pricing based on your route, truck size, dates, and allowed mileage. For most local renters, the main costs are the daily rate, mileage, fuel, optional coverage, and any equipment or add-ons they choose.

U-Haul Local Truck Pricing Example (Mileage Fee of $1.39 in Miami, FL)

Mileage rates vary by location. In the Miami sample pricing used for this comparison, all available trucks were listed at $1.39 per mile.

Mileage fees may also change based on demand, season, pickup location, and truck size. U-Haul can also add small fees, including environmental fees, vehicle-related fees, optional damage protection, equipment rentals, and fuel charges if you do not refuel the truck properly.

Which Moving Truck Rental Is Cheaper?

U-Haul is usually cheaper for short, low-mileage moves, while Home Depot is often cheaper for higher-mileage local moves that fit in a smaller truck.

Home Depot charges by time and includes unlimited mileage, so driving farther does not raise the rental price. U-Haul starts with a lower daily rate, but the per-mile charge can make the final cost climb quickly.

The result is simple:

• If your move is close by, U-Haul usually wins.
• If your move covers more ground, Home Depot often ends up cheaper.

The next section shows where that price difference starts to flip.

Price Breakpoint: When Does Home Depot Become Cheaper?

Home Depot becomes cheaper when U-Haul’s daily rate plus mileage charges climb above Home Depot’s $159 daily rate. Since Home Depot includes unlimited mileage, its price stays flat once the full-day rate applies. U-Haul starts lower, so it usually wins for short and many medium-distance moves. But the per-mile charge can catch up when your local move involves more driving.

Using the sample U-Haul rate of $1.39 per mile, Home Depot’s $159 daily rate starts to beat U-Haul at roughly:

• 79 miles for a 26-ft truck
• 86 miles for a 20-ft truck
• 93 miles for a 15-ft truck
• 101 miles for a pickup, cargo van, or 10-ft truck

These breakpoints are only for the Miami sample pricing used here. If your local U-Haul mileage fee is higher or lower, the point where Home Depot becomes cheaper will shift.

Real World Use Cases

Below are examples using the current sample pricing for Miami, FL. Mileage fees, base rates, and small add-on charges can shift by pickup location, so think of these as helpful benchmarks rather than exact totals for every Miami-area store. Each scenario shows how the cost changes when time or mileage increases.

Cost Example: 1-Hour 15-Minute Move / 8 Miles

This is the kind of move where you are going a few blocks away or moving to the next neighborhood over.

Winner: Home Depot

For very short moves with only a handful of miles, Home Depot’s 75-minute rate is hard to beat. The catch is timing: if you go past that first rental window, the cost can jump quickly.

Cost Example: 4-Hour 15-Minute Move / 22 Miles

Picture a typical across-town move, where you make one or two short trips to get everything settled.

Winner: U-Haul

When your move goes past the 75-minute mark but stays within a small local radius, U-Haul usually costs much less. Keep in mind that Home Depot does not offer one-way moves. You have to return the truck to the same store where you picked it up.

Cost Example: 1-Day Move / 120 Miles

This reflects a full-day move where you are driving between nearby cities and getting everything loaded and unloaded in one stretch.

Winner: Home Depot

Once mileage climbs, Home Depot’s flat daily rate pulls ahead. At 120 miles, the savings become more noticeable, as long as the 12-ft Home Depot truck gives you enough space for your move.

One-Way Rentals: Can You Move Out of Town?

U-Haul offers one-way rentals, but Home Depot does not for its branded Load ’N Go trucks. If you rent a Home Depot pickup, cargo van, or box truck, you have to return it to the same store where you picked it up.

That makes Home Depot a better fit for local moves, store runs, or same-day hauling, where you can circle back to the original location. The pricing is based on time, with unlimited mileage included, so it can still work well for longer local errands or nearby city-to-city trips if you are returning to the same store.

U-Haul works differently. For local moves, you can usually rent and return the truck to the same location, paying a daily rate plus mileage. For one-way moves, you pick up the truck in one city and drop it off at another U-Haul location near your destination. One-way pricing is typically quoted as a flat rate based on your route, truck size, move date, and allowed mileage.

For an across-town move, either company can work, but for an out-of-town, one-way, or interstate move, U-Haul is the practical choice.

Availability: Home Depot vs. U-Haul

Availability matters because the closest pickup location can save time, fuel, and return mileage, especially if you are doing a quick local move. It’s one of the biggest differences between the two companies, with U-Haul having a much larger service footprint than Home Depot.

Home Depot Availability

The Home Depot operates 2,497 locations across the United States, but not every store carries every rental vehicle. Pickups and cargo vans are often easier to find than 12-ft box trucks, and some vehicles may be available for immediate pickup or reservation, depending on local inventory.

Truck rental hours generally follow store hours. Many locations open early, which can help with morning moves, but Home Depot-branded vehicles must be returned to the same store where they were picked up. One-way rentals are not available for Home Depot Load ’N Go trucks.

Home Depot is a good fit when you live close to a participating store with the right vehicle in stock and only need a small truck or van for a local move, store run, or same-day haul.

U-Haul Availability

With more than 28,000 locations in the United States, U-Haul is the larger and most flexible rental network. Its locations include U-Haul stores, neighborhood dealers, and partner sites, which improve your chances of finding a nearby truck in the size you need.

Hours vary by location, but many U-Haul sites offer 24/7 pickup and drop-off through U-Haul Truck Share. This can make it easier to schedule a move outside standard business hours. U-Haul also supports one-way rentals, which is important if you are moving between cities or states.

With more locations, more truck sizes, and more pickup and drop-off options, U-Haul is usually more convenient for most moves. Home Depot can still work well if the nearest store has the vehicle you need and you are making a local round trip.

Fuel Efficiency: Home Depot vs. U-Haul Truck Rentals

Home Depot and U-Haul fuel efficiency depends on the exact vehicle you rent, how heavily it is loaded, and how much city driving your move involves. In general, Home Depot’s smaller, newer rental trucks may be slightly more fuel-efficient, while U-Haul’s larger trucks use more gas because they carry heavier loads.

• The Home Depot box truck we rented was a Ford Transit 350 HD, and it got about 12 miles per gallon during our local test move. The truck also had an MPG display on the dashboard, which made it easier to track fuel use during the rental.
• U-Haul’s 10-ft rental truck gets up to 12 miles per gallon under ideal conditions, while its larger trucks are generally listed at up to 10 miles per gallon. Once the truck is packed with furniture and boxes, your actual fuel economy will likely be lower.

No matter which company you choose, plan to refuel before returning the truck. Both companies can charge refueling fees if the fuel level is too low at drop-off, and those fees are usually higher than filling up yourself.

Ease of Driving: Home Depot vs. U-Haul Truck Rentals

Home Depot’s smaller, newer trucks are often easier and more comfortable to drive, while U-Haul’s driving experience depends more on the age and condition of the specific truck you are given.

Driving a Home Depot Rental Truck

Home Depot’s box truck is smaller than most U-Haul trucks, plus the fleet is relatively newer. As a result, driving a Home Depot truck might be more comfortable and feel more like driving a pick-up truck than a boxy moving truck. The cab is lower and easier to get into, parking is less of an issue, and the wide mirrors mean visibility is generally good.

Driving a U-Haul Rental Truck

U-Haul’s fleet has been around longer, and some rentals simply aren’t as new as others. The 10-foot trucks should be relatively easy to drive (like Home Depot’s 12-foot rental), but the larger models can be more challenging to maneuver and ride a little rougher.

Coverage and Insurance Options

Home Depot requires truck renters to have valid liability insurance that covers the operation of a non-owned vehicle, while U-Haul sells several optional coverage plans for rental trucks. This is one of the biggest differences between the two companies if you are worried about liability, cargo damage, or roadside issues.

Home Depot Coverage Options

Home Depot does not sell insurance for its truck or van rentals. To rent a Home Depot vehicle, you need a valid driver’s license and valid liability insurance that covers the operation of a non-owned vehicle.

Before you book, call your auto insurance provider and ask whether your policy covers rental moving trucks or cargo vans. Some personal auto policies cover standard rental cars but exclude larger vehicles, commercial-style trucks, or certain rental uses.

Because Home Depot does not offer add-on vehicle insurance, take photos before and after your rental. Capture every side of the truck, the cab, cargo area, tires, mirrors, roofline, odometer, and fuel level so you have a clear record if there is a dispute.

U-Haul Coverage Options

U-Haul has several optional coverage plans at different price points. Depending on the rental type and location, these may include a damage waiver, cargo protection, medical or life protection, supplemental liability coverage, and roadside assistance.

Safemove covers the rental equipment, cargo, and medical or life protection. Safemove Plus adds supplemental liability coverage for moving trucks, which can be helpful if your personal auto policy does not cover rental trucks or has limited protection.

Between Home Depot and U-Haul, U-Haul offers broader coverage choices. Home Depot can still work well for short local rentals, but only if you already have the required liability insurance for a non-owned vehicle.

Hidden Fees: What to Watch For

The most common extra costs with Home Depot and U-Haul truck rentals are fuel, late returns, mileage, tolls, environmental fees, coverage add-ons, and charges for returning the truck dirty or damaged. These fees are not always hidden, but they can be easy to miss when you are focused on the base rental price.

With Home Depot, watch for refueling charges if you return the truck with the fuel level below the required minimum. You may also be responsible for tolls, processing fees, late-return charges, and costs tied to damage or cleaning. Since Home Depot vehicles must be returned to the same store, you should also factor in the fuel and time needed for the return trip.

The highest extra cost when renting a U-Haul truck is usually mileage on local rentals. Other common charges can include environmental fees, extra-day fees, extra-mile fees on one-way moves, optional coverage, equipment rentals, refueling charges, tolls, and cleaning or damage fees. Cancellation rules can also vary by reservation type and location.

Before you book either truck, check the estimated total, not just the advertised daily rate.

Reservation Process: Home Depot vs. U-Haul Truck Rentals

U-Haul’s reservation process is generally more flexible, while Home Depot’s process depends more on local store inventory and same-store pickup and return rules.

Reserving a Home Depot Rental Truck

Home Depot lets you search nearby stores for available rental vehicles and reserve online where available. Availability can vary by store, so you may need to check nearby locations if your closest store does not have the pickup, cargo van, or 12-ft box truck you need.

To complete the rental, you need a valid driver’s license, proof of liability insurance that covers a non-owned vehicle, and a major credit card for payment and the refundable deposit. Home Depot says the refundable deposit is typically $150 in the U.S., though the exact amount can depend on the rental and location.

Home Depot is straightforward if the right vehicle is available nearby, but it is less flexible than U-Haul because vehicles must be returned to the same store where they were picked up.

Reserving a U-Haul Rental Truck

U-Haul’s online reservation system is streamlined and easy to use. After you enter your pickup location, drop-off location, move date, and truck size, you can compare rates, choose coverage, and add moving equipment such as dollies, blankets, or boxes.

U-Haul also supports reservations through its app, and many locations offer Truck Share 24/7 for mobile pickup and return. That can make U-Haul easier if you need to start early, return after hours, or book a one-way move.

The only downside is that the reservation flow may include several pages for add-ons before you reach your final quote. Some of those options are useful, but it is worth reviewing each one carefully so you do not pay for coverage or equipment you do not need.

Returning the Truck: Home Depot vs. U-Haul Truck Rentals

Both U-Haul and Home Depot expect the truck to come back on time, reasonably clean, and with the proper fuel level. The major difference between them is how flexible they are with return options.

Returning a Home Depot Rental Truck

Home Depot trucks must be returned to the same store where they were picked up. That matters for local moves because your rental time, fuel use, and route all need to include the drive back to the original store.

You are responsible for returning the truck with the same amount of fuel it had at pickup. If you bring it back below that level, Home Depot may charge a fuel fee. To protect yourself, take a photo of the fuel gauge at pickup and return, and keep your gas receipt in case the store asks for it.

Before returning the truck, remove trash, check the cab and cargo area for personal items, and take a few final photos of the vehicle’s condition.

Returning a U-Haul Rental Truck

When you pick up your U-Haul truck, your paperwork or mobile rental record should show the current fuel level. Double-check the gauge before leaving, and take a photo if anything looks off.

You are responsible for returning the truck with the same fuel level listed on your rental contract. If the fuel is low, U-Haul can charge for fuel and a service fee. U-Haul vehicles returned with less than a quarter tank may also be subject to an additional service fee.

U-Haul also expects the truck to be returned clean and on time. Many locations support mobile self-return, which lets you upload photos, answer return questions, and drop off the truck through the U-Haul app after hours.

Pros and Cons: Home Depot vs. U-Haul Truck Rentals

Home Depot is simpler and can be cheaper for small, higher-mileage local moves, while U-Haul offers more truck sizes, more locations, one-way rentals, and stronger coverage options.

Pros and Cons: Home Depot Truck Rentals

Home Depot keeps pricing simple with unlimited mileage, an included dolly, and a single 12-ft moving truck. This can save money on longer local days, but the fleet is limited, and truck renters must already have valid liability insurance that covers a non-owned vehicle.

Home Depot stores also tend to open early, which can help with morning moves. The main limitation is that Home Depot-branded vehicles must be returned to the same store where they were picked up.

Pros and Cons: U-Haul Truck Rentals

U-Haul offers more truck sizes, one-way rentals, and optional coverage plans. The tradeoff is that local rentals include mileage fees, which can get expensive depending on your location, truck size, move date, and total driving distance.

U-Haul also offers 24/7 mobile pickup and return at many locations, which can make scheduling easier. However, you may need to pay extra for equipment, coverage, added mileage, or additional rental days.

Which Is Better? Home Depot vs. U-Haul Truck Rentals?

U-Haul is better for most moving truck rentals, but Home Depot can be the better value for small local moves with higher mileage. U-Haul has more truck sizes, more locations, one-way rentals, and optional coverage plans, which makes it the more practical choice for most household moves.

Home Depot is more limited, but it still has a clear place. If you are moving a few pieces of furniture, making a same-day store run, or driving a lot of local miles and returning to the same store, its unlimited mileage can work in your favor.

Here’s the quick decision guide:

• Studio or small one-bedroom local move under 50 miles: U-Haul is usually cheaper unless you can finish within Home Depot’s first 75-minute rental window.
• Multi-bedroom local move: U-Haul is the better choice because it offers 15-ft, 20-ft, and 26-ft trucks.
• One-way move out of town: U-Haul is the practical option because Home Depot-branded trucks must be returned to the same store.
• Same-day store run with high mileage: Home Depot can be the better deal because mileage is included.

Scorecard Summary

Below is a quick look at how Home Depot and U-Haul performed across several categories.

Making the Most of Your Moving Truck Rental

Hiring professional movers on an hourly basis can make a huge difference when using a time-sensitive moving solution. Since Home Depot is all about finishing within the first 75 minutes, having movers expedite the move can shave some time off that final bill. But not only that, they can use their Tetris skills to pack the truck way more efficiently than most of us ever could. This means secure belongings that don’t shift in transit (aka less damage) and fewer trips back and forth.

If you are not sure how much help you really need, you can start with our guide on how many movers you should hire. Once you have a sense of the right crew size, HireAHelper makes it easy to compare local moving pros, see real customer reviews, and book the help that fits your timeline and budget.

Why Trust HireAHelper

This comparison is based on first-hand truck rentals from both brands, plus real-world moving experience from HireAHelper’s nationwide moving-crew network.

For this guide, we compared both companies the way many renters do: by checking current rates, reviewing rental terms, and looking at how the trucks work for simple local moves. We also used first-hand rental experience from booking the trucks, paying the actual prices, and using them on a real job.

HireAHelper works with moving labor crews across the U.S. who help customers load and unload rental trucks every week. That gives us a practical view of how truck rental costs, truck sizes, mileage fees, pickup windows, and return rules affect real moves.

HireAHelper is not affiliated with U-Haul, Home Depot, or any rental truck brand. This comparison is editorial and meant to help you choose the rental option that fits your move.