Penske is a national leader in truck rentals, known for high-quality, newer trucks and offering unlimited miles on one-way trips. In 2026, a Penske truck typically costs between $1,200 and $1,700 for a two-bedroom, long-distance move of 1000 miles or less.
When you’ve done the hard work of finding a new home, you just need a truck to get your stuff there. Penske’s one of the many rental options out there, but is its higher price point compared to other companies worth it for your specific move?
At HireAHelper, we have been helping people move every day for over a decade. In this guide, we evaluated Penske based on pricing, real customer feedback, and how they stack up against U-Haul and Budget so you can make the best decision for your own move. Here’s everything you need to know before you book.
Sindi Webster is the Senior Sales Manager for Moving at Porch Moving Group, where she leads the team that helps customers find the right help for their move. Her focus is the quote-to-booking stretch — making sure customers get accurate pricing up front and get matched with the providers best suited to the job.
Sindi has spent seven years in the moving industry and has supported more than 200,000 moves, with deep experience coordinating local labor — loading, unloading, and transportation services nationwide. She brings that perspective to HireAHelper content, helping make sure what readers find here reflects how quoting and booking actually work.
Choosing the right truck rental often comes down to one question: Are you prioritizing your budget or your peace of mind?
Penske is widely considered a premium option in the DIY moving world. While they aren't always the cheapest choice, they are known for being one of the most reliable. If you are willing to pay a little more for a newer truck and a smoother ride, they are a fantastic contender.
Penske is a great match if:
Consider a different brand if:
The booking process changes depending on where and how far you’re going. Penske separates reservations into "Local" (Round-trip) and "One-Way" (Long-distance).
A local move means you pick up and drop off the truck at the same location.
A one-way move means you drop the truck off in a new city.
Tip: Always ask about discounts. AAA members, military personnel, and students can often get 10% to 12% off.
There are several factors that go into the cost of your moving truck. Mileage, fuel, and other fees can be priced dynamically. In other words, it changes based on supply and demand, much like airline tickets, and that volatility is something you should keep in mind when booking.
Based on recent quotes, here is what you might expect to pay for different move scenarios:
| Move Scenario | Truck Size | Est. Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-Bedroom Local | 12-foot or 16-foot | $120 - $140 | Includes daily rate + mileage (approx. 20-50 miles). |
| 2-Bedroom Long-Distance | 16-foot or 22-foot | $1,200 - $1,700 | One-way quote (approx. 1,000+ miles). Includes unlimited miles. |
| 3+ Bedroom Cross-Country | 26-foot | $4,300 - $5,500 | Coast-to-coast move. Includes unlimited miles. |
Sticking to a moving budget is tough, especially when the initial truck quote is just the starting point. To help you plan for the full cost of your rental, we’ve broken down the common fees and add-ons that are typically added at the counter. Here is exactly what to look out for so you have a clear picture of your final bill.
As with the other major truck rental companies, Penske offers several options for insurance and liability coverage:
Make sure to review your policy in detail before checkout, as coverage may vary, and you’ll want to be sure you’re getting what you need.
In addition to a rental truck, your move will require moving supplies like boxes, tape, furniture pads, and a dolly. You have lots of options for buying and renting supplies and equipment, like borrowing from friends and family or purchasing them at your local hardware store.
If you need, you can buy or rent moving supplies from Penske as well. Prices may vary by date or location, but here’s what we saw in the quote flow for both local and long-distance quotes:
| Item | How it’s Offered | Typical Details | Quoted Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hand truck/Dolly | Rental add-on | Stair-climber style with straps | -$15 for local move -$15 for long-distance move |
| Furniture pads | Rental add-on | 4’×6’; available in 12-packs | $20 per dozen |
When researching, I was informed that there were supplies offered for sale at the location where I was picking up my Penske truck, although there were no specific details about which supplies were available. According to Penske’s website, they offer the following supplies for sale, but pricing varies by location:
Need to tow your vehicle as part of your move? Penske offers two options for towing equipment (available only with a Penske truck reservation): a tow dolly and a car carrier.
Each type serves a different purpose and is better for certain cars. Here’s what to know:
In the chart below, we break down each piece of equipment further:
| Tow Dolly | Car Carrier | |
| Best for | Front-wheel-drive cars | AWD, 4WD, RWD vehicles |
| Key Limits | – Load cap ~4,300 lbs – Max towed width: 74 in – Max wheelbase: 125 in | – Load cap 4,055–5,000 lbs (depends on truck size) – Max towed width: 80.5 in – Max wheelbase: 128 in |
| Considerations | – Rear wheels on road (adds tire wear) – Not for AWD/4WD – Cheaper than car carrier | – All wheels lifted off road (no tire wear) – More stability for long-distance moves |
Quotes vary depending on factors such as date and distance. Generally speaking, adding a tow dolly or car carrier adds several hundred dollars to a move.
To keep your budget on track, watch out for common "hidden" costs. These are things you might not know about or expect, so they’ll seem like a surprise on your final bill. Here’s what to look out for:
Penske stands out for its regularly updated, well-maintained vehicles. Here’s what you can expect in terms of features:
Like its major truck rental competitors, Penske offers several truck size options, and it falls somewhere between U-Haul and Budget in terms of its size offerings. Here’s a closer look at the dimensions and other details for each size option, along with recommendations for what size home it’s best suited for.
| Rental Sizes | Details | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Smallest Box Truck (12-foot) | – Cargo Dimensions: 12′ L x 6’6″ W x 6’1″ H – Exterior Dimensions: 18’6″ L x 6’7″ W x 8’9″ H – Capacity: 450 ft³, 3,100 lbs. – Fuel Type: Gasoline, Up to 12 mpg – Can’t tow a car | Dormitory or studio apartment 1–2 rooms |
| Mid-range Box Truck (16-foot) | – Cargo Dimensions: 16′ L x 7’7″ W x 6’6″ H – Exterior Dimensions: 22’5″ L x 8′ W x 10’6″ H – Capacity: 800 ft³, 4,300 lbs. – Fuel Type: Gasoline, Up to 12 mpg | 1 BR Apartment (2–3 Rooms) |
| Large Box Truck (22-foot) | – Cargo Dimensions: 21’11” L x 8’1″ W x 8’1″ H – Exterior Dimensions: 31’5″ L x 8’6″ W x 12’6″ H – Capacity: 1,200 ft³, 10,000 lbs. – Fuel Type: Diesel, Up to 13 mpg | 1–2 BR Home (3–5 Rooms) |
| Largest Box Truck (26-foot) | – Cargo Dimensions: 25’11” L x 8’1″ W x 8’1″ H – Exterior Dimensions: 35’5″ L x 8’6″ W x 12’6″ H – Capacity: 1,700 ft³, 10,000 lbs. – Fuel Type: Diesel, Up to 13 mpg | 3–5 BR Home (5–7 Rooms) |
How does this compare to Penske’s competitors? As far as traditional box trucks go, Penske has just as many size options as U-Haul. Budget only offers 3 options for small, medium, and large-sized moves. Here’s how the three fleets compare:
| Penske | U-Haul | Budget | |
| Pickup Truck | Not an option | – Pickup Truck – 19 mpg – 8′ × 6’1″ bed – Can tow a car | Not an option |
| Cargo Van Small studio apt | Limited availability | – 18 mpg – 246 ft³ – Can’t tow a car | – 8–14 mpg – 323 ft³ – Can’t tow a car |
| Smallest Box Truck Studio or 1 BR apt | 12-ft Box Truck: – Up to 12 mpg – 450 ft³ – Can’t tow a car | 10-ft Box Truck: – 12 mpg – 402 ft³ – Can tow a car | 12-ft Box Truck: – 8–14 mpg – 380 ft³ – Can’t tow a car |
| Mid-range Box Truck 1–2 BR home | 16-ft Box Truck: – Up to 12 mpg – 800 ft³ – Can tow a car | 15-ft Box Truck: – 10 mpg – 764 ft³ – Can tow a car | 16-ft Box Truck: – 6–10 mpg – 658 ft³ – Can tow a car |
| Large Box Truck 2–3 BR home | 22-ft Box Truck (Diesel): – Up to 13 mpg – 1,200 ft³ – Can tow a car | 20-ft Box Truck: – 10 mpg – 1,016 ft³ – Can tow a car | Not an option |
| Largest Box Truck 3–5 BR home | 26-ft Box Truck (Diesel): – Up to 13 mpg – 1,700 ft³ – Can tow a car | 26-ft Box Truck: – 10 mpg – 1,682 ft³ – Can tow a car | 26-ft Box Truck: – 8–10 mpg – 1,698 ft³ – Can tow a car |
Want a deeper dive into how these companies stack up on price? You can read more in our piece on Penske vs. U-Haul: Is Penske a Cheaper Alternative to U-Haul?
To get a real sense of what it's like to rent from Penske, we analyzed feedback from verified customers on platforms like ConsumerAffairs and Trustpilot. While Penske is often seen as a premium provider, user experiences highlight a mix of high-quality equipment and logistical headaches.
When the rental goes smoothly, customers are quick to praise the quality of the drive and the helpfulness of individual staff members.
Despite the high marks for vehicle quality, a pattern of administrative and logistical issues appears in negative reviews.
Like any rental company, Penske has its strengths and weaknesses. It is generally considered a premium option — great for reliability and long hauls, but potentially pricey for short local trips.
Here is a quick look at where the brand shines and where it falls short compared to competitors like U-Haul and Budget.
In the end, deciding if Penske is the right fit for you largely comes down to the distance of your move and your comfort level behind the wheel. If you are going far and want predictable, mileage-included pricing, Penske is a compelling option.
Looking for the absolute lowest price? Check out our rankings of The 7 Cheapest Moving Trucks of 2025
If you love the idea of a reliable Penske truck but hate the thought of lifting heavy furniture, you have options. A labor-only move gives you the best of both worlds: you rent the truck to control your timeline and budget, but you hire professional movers just for the loading and unloading.
By pairing a Penske rental with HireAHelper labor, you save significant money over a full-service moving company while still saving your back.
Pro Tip: If you do choose Penske, don't forget to ask about discounts. They actively offer deals for AAA members, military personnel, and students, which can sometimes bring prices down to match competitors'.
With over 17 years of experience in the moving industry and more than 1 million moves under our belts, HireAHelper has built a nationwide network of over 1,700 vetted moving providers. With our deep industry insights drawn from nationwide customer reviews and first-hand shopper research, we pride ourselves on delivering the most up-to-date, unbiased data on moving companies like Penske — helping readers make confident, informed comparisons.
U-Hauls can be found just about anywhere, creating a wide network of easily accessible moving trucks across the nation. You can pick one up in California and drive it all the way to New York, then return it to your... Read More
.png&w=64&q=75){kind=small}
Kevin The MoverJan 16, 2026
Moving to a new apartment isn't always easy. Tight spaces, unclear rules, and even hidden fees can quickly derail your carefully laid plans.
To help you avoid any moving-day surprises, we’ve put together this guide... Read More
Kevin The MoverJun 6, 2025
For most people, planning a move means deciding between renting a U-Haul and hiring full-service movers. The choice typically comes down to time vs. money. While renting a U-Haul and DIYing your move is a lot of... Read More
Melanie MorrisOct 24, 2025
Packing for a move is already a big job without the need for last-minute surprises, which is why it helps to know what is not allowed on a moving truck before you accidentally pack a prohibited item. Some banned... Read More
Kevin The MoverJun 06, 2025
If you’re driving a rental truck for your move, you may have a question crop up as you're planning your route down the highway: Do U-Hauls have to stop at weigh stations? The answer to your question depends on what... Read More
Kevin The MoverNov 06, 2025
As you're planning a big move, knowing the average U-Haul mpg can help you build a realistic budget. There are often charges related to fuel, so when you're driving a rental truck, high gas prices can strain your... Read More
Kevin The MoverJan 19, 2026