U-Haul Truck Rental Review: Pricing, Pros & Cons

U-Haul is usually the first name that comes to mind when people think about renting a moving truck — and for good reason. But popularity isn't the whole story. In this review, we'll go beyond the $19.95 starting rate to show you what U-Haul actually costs, how it compares to other brands, and when another option might serve you better.

To rent a U-Haul, you'll need to be at least 18 with a valid driver's license. If you use Truck Share 24/7 — U-Haul's self-service pickup-and-return system through the app — you'll also need a second form of ID. Online reservations require a credit or debit card, though you can pay in cash when you return the truck. Cash rentals do require a deposit, usually $100 or the estimated rental cost, whichever is higher.

U-Haul Reviews and Pricing

The prices below reflect what people actually paid for their U-Haul rentals, not the starting rates you see advertised. We pulled averages from real moves using trucks suited for a 3-bedroom apartment or a 2-bedroom house, which gives a solid baseline for a medium-sized move.

U-Haul Truck Sizes

U-Haul's Costs & Fees

The prices in the table below show what customers say they paid for U-Haul rentals on real moves. These averages cover three common distances: local trips under 50 miles, regional moves around 500 miles, and long-distance moves close to 1,200 miles. Each row shows the cost of different home sizes after adding the truck rate, mileage, and common add-ons.

Base Rates

U-Haul advertises a low starting price for each truck size, but that only covers the basic rental. Bigger trucks cost more per day, and prices change depending on your region and the time of year. Moves during summer, weekends, or at the start or end of the month usually cost more because demand is higher, or things like fuel prices rise. If a certain truck size is hard to find in your area, the starting price might also be higher than you expect.

Mileage Fees

For local rentals, you pay a per-mile rate on top of the daily price, so your total cost depends on how far you drive. One-way rentals are different. You get a set number of miles for your trip and pay extra if you go over. Rates often go up on busy moving days, so booking last-minute or during peak times usually means higher mileage charges.

Fuel Costs

Fuel is a big expense when you rent a truck. Smaller trucks use less gas than larger ones, and a full load means higher fuel use. Long-distance moves also add up because you'll need to refill several times more than during a local move. The chart below estimates fuel cost per truck size for a 1,200-mile trip.

Additional/Hidden Costs

U-Haul's base rate only covers the truck, so your final bill may include extra charges. These often show up at checkout or when you return the truck. Common add-ons include:

• Environmental fees
• Extra day charges if you keep the truck longer than planned
• Equipment add-ons like dollies, furniture pads, or tie downs
• Cleaning fees if the truck is returned dirty
• Location-specific charges for after-hours drop-offs or incomplete return steps

These costs can change depending on the location, so it's a good idea to check your reservation details and return instructions before you finish booking.

U-Haul Truck Sizes & Features

When we checked out U-Haul's fleet, we wanted to see what each truck size can handle. The lineup covers everything from pickups to trucks for 3- to 4-bedroom homes, and each size drives a bit differently. The chart below highlights what we noticed during testing, so you can pick the right truck for your space, furniture, and comfort on moving day.

U-Haul Truck Sizes at a Glance

Standard Features

When we tested different truck sizes, we found that most U-Haul vehicles have the same basic features that make loading and driving easier. Depending on the truck, you'll likely find:

• Low deck heights for easier lifting
• Built-in loading ramps on trucks 15 ft and up
• Tie-down points for securing boxes and furniture
• Seating for two or three people
• Towing compatibility on many sizes
• Air conditioning and updated cab layouts
• Standard safety features like seat belts and large mirrors

These features really helped when we were loading heavy items and getting used to driving a larger truck.

How to Choose the Right Truck Size

Choosing the right truck size usually comes down to your biggest piece of furniture. A truck can only be as small as the largest item you need to load, since the bulky pieces, like sectionals, king beds, wardrobes, and appliances, fill space much faster than boxes. If you're driving a long distance, having a little extra room makes stacking easier, keeps weight balanced, and helps prevent damage when the road gets bumpy.

When you're torn between two sizes, it's almost always better to size up. Larger trucks do use more fuel, but that difference is still cheaper and easier than taking multiple trips because everything did not fit. A bit of extra space gives you room for last-minute items, protects fragile items from getting crushed, and saves you from repacking when you are already tired.

What People Are Saying About U-Haul

In hundreds of reviews, most people say U-Haul is convenient and easy to book, especially for last-minute moves. Many mention friendly staff, clean trucks, and simple pickup and drop-off at both local and long-distance locations. Some reviewers even got newer trucks with low mileage, making long drives smoother. For simple, DIY moves, U-Haul usually delivers what people expect at a fair price.

However, some people get frustrated with the availability. The most common complaint is being sent to a different pickup location, sometimes 20 minutes away or more. Reviewers also mention delays at busy stores, especially if only one employee is working or the mobile pickup system is slow.

Equipment shortages come up, too. Some customers said their location ran out of blankets or dollies they reserved, or their truck was older, noisy, or missing basic items like a gas cap.

Overall, most people find that U-Haul works well if you want a simple rental at a widely available price. The trucks usually get the job done, but service can vary by location. If you double-check your reservation, confirm your equipment, and allow extra time for pickup and drop-off, you'll likely have a smooth move. You can read more firsthand reviews below.

U-Haul has the largest fleet in the country, making it the easiest company to book on short notice. However, truck quality, fuel efficiency, and long-distance pricing can vary more than with some competitors. The chart below shows how U-Haul compares to other major brands on the things most customers care about.

Side-by-Side Comparison

When U-Haul Is a Good Fit

People moving small apartments, dorm rooms, or single items usually have a good experience because U-Haul offers pickups, cargo vans, and compact 10 ft trucks that are easy to drive and park. U-Haul is also a good choice if you need add-ons like car trailers or towing equipment, since these are stocked more often than at smaller rental companies.

When Another Brand May Be Better

If you're gearing up for a long-distance move, Penske is a popular pick thanks to its newer trucks and reputation for getting you there reliably. Their cabs are usually more comfortable, and you might save a bit on gas, which is always nice on a long-distance move. If you're sticking closer to home, Budget is worth a look — especially if you're hoping to snag a lower rate or take advantage of local discounts at their franchise spots.

Moving a bigger household? It might be smart to go with a company that has a newer, more consistent fleet, since U-Haul's trucks can be a bit hit-or-miss depending on where you rent. For local moves, Enterprise is a solid bet if you want a newer van or need a heavy-duty box truck for those extra-heavy loads.

If things like fuel efficiency, newer trucks, or just knowing exactly what you're getting matter to you, it's a good idea to compare U-Haul with a few other companies before you book. That way, you're less likely to run into any surprises when moving day rolls around.

Alternatives to U-Haul Truck Rental

If U-Haul isn't right for your move, there are several other national truck rental companies to consider. Each has its own strengths, like newer trucks or better long-distance prices. Here are the brands people often compare to U-Haul and what they're best for.

Penske

Best for:

• Long-distance moves
• Renters who want newer, well-maintained trucks

Penske usually has one of the newest fleets and offers more reliable long-haul trucks. It's a good choice if you want a truck that feels solid for a multi-day trip. Read our full Penske review.

Budget

Best for:

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

Budget often has discounts and promotions, making it one of the cheaper alternatives to U-Haul, especially for short moves. It's also a good choice if you want a simple booking process. 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 rentals, but their vans and smaller trucks are often newer and easy to drive. This makes them a good choice for moving across town or handling a small home. Read our full Enterprise review.

Moving Container Alternatives

Best for:

• People who do not want to drive a truck
• Long-distance moves where fuel is a concern

If you don't want to drive a truck, a moving container can give you a long-distance solution without the stress of driving. These are worth considering if you want predictable pricing, door-to-door delivery, and the convenience of short-term storage. Read our reviews on the best storage containers for moving.

Final Verdict: Is U-Haul Truck Rental a Good Option?

U-Haul is a great choice if you need a truck quickly, want lots of pickup locations, or are making a short local move with a simple load. It's a good value if you don't mind older trucks or some variation between locations.

If you're planning a long-distance move, want a newer truck, or prefer more predictable pickup and drop-off, it's worth comparing Penske or Budget. U-Haul is best when convenience matters more than perfect truck quality, and you want a rental you can find almost anywhere.