Penske Truck Rental Review: Pricing, Pros & Cons

HireAHelper's Advice: Penske at a Glance for Your Move

Penske is the truck people pick when they want a newer vehicle and a guaranteed reservation — especially for a long-distance move. But the reliability comes with higher local rates and a smaller pickup network than U-Haul. In this review, we'll go beyond Penske's "newest fleet" pitch to show you what it actually costs, how it stacks up against the other big brands, and when another option might serve your move better.

To rent a Penske truck, you'll generally need to be at least 18 with a valid driver's license, and Penske may ask for a second form of ID at the counter. Online reservations require a credit or debit card to hold the booking, and Penske will run a quick verification at pickup. Expect a security deposit at pickup — the amount depends on whether your move is local or one-way and on how you're paying — and remember that your quoted rate is guaranteed once you reserve, with free changes or cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup.

Penske Reviews and Pricing

The prices below reflect directional averages for Penske rentals on trucks suited to a 3-bedroom apartment or a 2-bedroom house — a solid baseline for a medium-sized move. Penske generally runs higher than U-Haul on short local trips but holds its own on long-distance moves, where unlimited miles on one-way rentals smooth out the math. [DRAFT — verify averages.]

Penske Truck Sizes

Penske’s Costs & Fees

The prices in the table below show directional estimates for Penske rentals across home sizes and three common move distances: local trips under 50 miles, regional moves around 500 miles, and long-distance moves close to 1,200 miles. Penske generally runs higher than U-Haul on local rentals, but unlimited miles on most one-way rentals helps balance the total on long trips. [DRAFT — verify figures.]

Base Rates

Penske sets its rates by your route, your dates, and the size of the truck. Prices shift with demand and the time of year, so the same truck can quote different totals from one day to the next. Once you book, however, Penske guarantees the quoted rate, and you can change or cancel up to 24 hours before pickup without a fee. Every rental also includes a small environmental charge.

Mileage Fees

Penske charges for mileage differently depending on the type of move. Local rentals pay a daily rate plus a fee per mile, so your total depends on distance driven. Most one-way rentals include unlimited miles at no extra cost, which makes Penske an attractive option for long trips. If you add extra days to a one-way rental, you'll pay a flat daily rate for those days, and once you've picked up the truck those added days are non-refundable.

Fuel Costs

Fuel is one of the biggest variables on a long-distance Penske rental. Larger Penske trucks run diesel, which can deliver slightly better mileage on highway routes than gas-powered competitors. The chart below estimates fuel cost per truck size for a 1,200-mile trip.

Additional/Hidden Costs

Penske's base rate only covers the truck, so your final bill may include extra charges depending on your reservation and how you return the truck. Common add-ons include:

• Environmental fees on every rental
• Extra day charges if you keep the truck longer than your reservation
• Optional equipment fees for hand trucks, furniture pads, tow dollies, or car carriers
• Fuel difference charges if the tank is returned below the level you started with
• Cleaning fees if the truck is returned dirty
• A security deposit at pickup that varies by payment method and whether the move is local or one-way

Penske does not add hidden mileage or turn-in fees — return the truck on time, at the same fuel level, and in the same condition, and your final total should match the reservation.

Penske Truck Sizes & Features

When we worked through Penske's fleet, we wanted to see how each truck size handles the realities of a move. Penske skips pickups and goes straight to high-roof cargo vans and box trucks at 12, 16, 22, and 26 feet — and the bigger trucks run diesel, which gives them a different feel on the highway. The chart below highlights what stood out, so you can pick the right truck for your space, your furniture, and your comfort on moving day.

Penske Truck Sizes at a Glance

Standard Features

Across the fleet, Penske trucks share a consistent set of features that make packing and driving straightforward. Most trucks include:

• Automatic transmission
• Air conditioning
• Power steering and anti-lock brakes
• Cargo tie rails and a roll-up rear door
• Seating for two or three people
• Loading ramps on the 16-, 22-, and 26-foot trucks
• 24/7 roadside assistance included with every rental

The consistency across the lineup is one of the reasons Penske trucks feel reliable on a long highway day.

How to Choose the Right Truck Size

Choosing the right Penske truck usually comes down to your largest piece of furniture and how far you're driving. The 22- and 26-foot diesel trucks have taller interiors and flat cargo floors, which makes it easier to stack furniture safely for a long trip. If you're moving several bedrooms or have large items like sectionals, king beds, or tall dressers, sizing up gives you headroom so you don't have to wedge heavy pieces in awkwardly.

Most Penske one-way rentals include unlimited miles, so many people choose a larger truck to pack safely and avoid repacking on moving day. When you're torn between two sizes, sizing up is almost always the right call: the slightly higher fuel cost is cheaper and less stressful than making multiple trips or driving home to grab the items that didn't fit.

What People Are Saying About Penske

In hundreds of reviews, most people say Penske trucks feel newer and more comfortable than what they've rented elsewhere, especially on long highway days. Customers consistently call out clean cabs, well-maintained engines, and a simple pickup and return experience. Many also praise the customer service — when there's a hiccup with equipment or location, reps are often willing to adjust the price on the spot.

The most common complaint is price. Penske quotes can run higher than U-Haul or Budget on short local moves, and the cheapest deals often come from calling a representative rather than booking online. Some reviewers wished they'd known about AAA, student, or military discounts before they finalized their reservation.

A few customers also mention equipment shortages at smaller locations — pads or hand trucks that didn't show up — and a handful note older cab features like smaller mirrors or basic radios on certain trucks. These are the exception, though, not the rule.

Overall, most people find that Penske delivers on its reliability promise, particularly for cross-state moves. If you book early, ask about discounts, and confirm your equipment at pickup, you're likely to have a smooth move. You can read more firsthand reviews below.

How Penske Compares to Other Truck Rental Companies

Penske has one of the newest fleets in the industry and a reservation-guarantee policy that makes long-distance planning easier. The trade-off is a smaller pickup network and higher daily rates than budget-focused competitors. The chart below shows how Penske stacks up against the other major brands on the things most customers care about.

Side-by-Side Comparison

When Penske Is a Good Fit

Penske is a strong choice if you're planning a long-distance move or want a newer, well-maintained truck for a multi-day trip. Most one-way reservations include unlimited miles, so you don't have to track mileage or worry about going over an allowance. The reservation guarantee means you'll know your truck size and pickup spot are locked in, and 24/7 roadside assistance is a useful safety net on a long highway day.

When Another Brand May Be Better

If you're moving locally and want the lowest price, U-Haul or Budget will usually beat Penske, especially for smaller trucks or short trips across town. Enterprise is worth a look if you just need a cargo van or a newer, easy-to-drive small box truck for a single-day local move. Penske also has fewer pickup locations than U-Haul, so if you live in a rural area or somewhere with limited Penske coverage, a brand with a bigger network may be more convenient.

If newer trucks, reliability, and clear long-distance pricing matter most to your move, Penske is hard to beat — but it's still worth comparing two or three quotes before you book.

Alternatives to Penske Truck Rental

If Penske isn't right for your move, there are several other national truck rental companies to consider. Each has its own strengths — bigger networks, lower base rates, or smaller vans for local jobs. Here are the brands people most often compare to Penske and what they're best for.

U-Haul

Best for:

• Last-minute availability
• Renters who need a pickup truck or a 10-foot truck Penske doesn't offer

U-Haul has the largest pickup network in the country, the widest range of truck sizes, and trailer options Penske doesn't carry. It's the easiest brand to book on short notice. Read our full U-Haul review.

Budget

Best for:

• Price-conscious renters
• Local or regional moves with flexible timing

Budget often runs lower daily rates than Penske, and discounts and promotions are common. It's a good fit if your priority is the lowest sticker price, especially on shorter trips. Read our full Budget review.

Enterprise Truck Rental

Best for:

• Local moves
• People who prefer cargo vans or small box trucks

Enterprise only offers local round-trip rentals, but their vans and smaller trucks are often newer and easy to drive. It's a good fit for moving across town or handling a small load. Read our full Enterprise review.

Moving Container Alternatives

Best for:

• People who don't want to drive a truck
• Long-distance moves where fuel and driving fatigue are a concern

If you don't want to drive a truck across the country, a moving container gives you long-distance flexibility without the wheel time. Containers are worth considering if you want predictable pricing, door-to-door delivery, and short-term storage built in. Read our reviews of the best storage containers for moving.

Final Verdict: Is Penske Truck Rental a Good Option?

Penske is a great choice if reliability matters more than rock-bottom price — especially for a long-distance move. The trucks are newer, the reservation is guaranteed, and unlimited miles on most one-way rentals make long routes easier to plan.

If you're moving locally on a tight budget, U-Haul or Budget will usually beat Penske on price, and Enterprise is worth a look for small local jobs. Penske is best when you want a truck that's going to feel solid on the highway, a price you can count on, and the confidence that your reservation will be there when you show up.