Penske Truck Rental Review

Penske At a Glance

Penske is known for having some of the newest and best-maintained trucks, which is a big reason people pick them for long trips. They also offer 24-hour roadside assistance, so if you have any issues while driving, help is available at no extra cost.

Their fleet has high-roof cargo vans and 12, 16, 22, and 26-foot box trucks. Every truck has an automatic transmission, air conditioning, power steering, anti-lock brakes, cargo tie rails, and a roll-up rear door. The bigger trucks also have flat floors and loading ramps to make packing and stacking easier.

If you book at least 24 hours in advance, the truck size you choose is guaranteed. If they need to make a change, Penske will give you an equal or bigger truck when you pick up. You can also change your rental dates or cancel up to 24 hours before pickup without a fee, which gives you more flexibility if your plans change.

For one-way moves, Penske gives you free unlimited miles anywhere in the U.S. This pricing means you don't have to worry about tracking miles or extra fees, which is excellent for long trips. If you need to tow a car, you can add a tow dolly or car carrier to most reservations.

Penske Truck Sizes

Penske Services Offered

Services Legend

• Available
• Not Offered

Trucks

Vans

Pickups

Storage

Towing Supplies

Packing Supplies

Local Movers

Penske's Rates & Fees

Penske sets its rates based on your route, the dates you choose, and the size of the truck. Prices can change depending on demand, equipment availability, and the season, so it's common to see different totals from day to day. However, once you book, Penske guarantees your quoted rate. You can change or cancel your reservation up to 24 hours in advance without a fee. Every rental also includes a small environmental charge.

Mileage Fees

Penske charges for mileage based on the type of move. For local rentals, you pay a daily rate plus a fee per mile, so your total depends on your distance. Most one-way rentals include unlimited miles at no extra cost, making it easier to plan for long trips. If you add extra days to a one-way rental, you pay a flat daily rate for those days, but once you pick up the truck, those extra days are non-refundable.

Fuel Costs

Fuel costs are separate from your rental total, and how much you use depends on the truck size and how much you're carrying. Penske's smaller box trucks use gasoline, while the larger 22- and 26-foot trucks use diesel. You'll also need to return the truck with the same amount of fuel to avoid extra charges. In the next section, we'll show estimated fuel use by truck size to help you plan for a long trip.

Estimated Fuel Costs for a 1200 Mile Trip

Additional/Hidden Costs

Penske's prices are clearly laid out, but you might see a few extra charges depending on your rental experience. Here are the main ones to look out for:

• An environmental fee is added to every rental. This helps cover the safe handling and disposal of materials used to keep the trucks in good shape.
• You'll be charged for extra days if you keep the truck longer than your reservation.
• Local moves come with mileage charges because these rentals use a per-mile fee.
• There are optional equipment fees for things like hand trucks, furniture pads, tow dollies, or car carriers.
• If you bring the truck back with less fuel than you started with, you'll be charged for the difference.
• You may be charged a cleaning fee if the truck needs to be cleaned upon drop-off.
• Security deposits are required, and the amount depends on your payment method and whether your move is local or one-way.

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

Penske Truck Sizes & Features

Penske's fleet is built around newer, well-maintained trucks that are easy to load, comfortable to drive, and sized for everything from small apartments to multi-bedroom homes. Each truck handles a little differently, so this overview can help you choose the one that fits your space, furniture, and comfort level on moving day.

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
• Anti-lock brakes
• Cargo tie rails
• Rear roll-up doors
• Seating for two or three people
• 24-hour roadside assistance is included with every rental

These features make each size feel familiar, even if you have never driven a moving truck before.

How to Choose the Right Penske Truck Size

When choosing a Penske truck, think about how much space your largest items need and how far you'll be driving. The bigger diesel trucks have taller interiors and flat cargo floors, making it easier to stack furniture for long trips.

If you're moving several bedrooms or have large items like sectionals, king beds, or tall dressers, the 22- or 26-foot trucks give you extra space so you don't have to squeeze in heavy pieces.

Most one-way moves come with unlimited miles, so many people choose a larger size to pack safely and avoid having to repack on moving day. Penske's newer trucks also make long drives more comfortable if you're deciding between two sizes.

Our Experience & How Renting a Penske Works

We wanted to see what it's like to rent from Penske, so we tried out the quoting process ourselves, checked different ZIP codes, and talked to their team by chat and phone. Penske's system works a bit differently from other truck companies. Rates change depending on demand, availability, and your dates, and the booking process uses real-time inventory instead of just starting prices. Here's what we noticed at each step.

Availability

Penske has over 2,500 rental locations across North America, so most mid-sized and large cities are covered. While they don't have as many locations as U-Haul, Penske's sites usually offer a steady selection of trucks. When we checked different ZIP codes, the truck sizes matched what the quote system showed, and the reservation guarantee made us feel confident our truck would be ready at pickup.

Getting a Quote and Booking

Getting a quote from Penske is pretty simple once you know the steps, but the website can be slow or freeze at times. When that happened, using chat or calling a representative was much quicker. The people we spoke with explained rate changes, confirmed which trucks were available, and checked for discounts like AAA, student, military, or seasonal deals.

We were surprised by how much prices can change from day to day. Penske updates rates based on how many trucks are available and how many people are booking, so the price you see one day might be different the next. Once you make a reservation, your rate is set unless you change the truck size or your dates. You can also change or cancel your reservation up to 24 hours before pickup without a fee.

Insurance

Penske offers several insurance options, including Limited Damage Waiver, Supplemental Liability Insurance, Cargo Protection, Personal Accident Insurance, and Towing Protection.

You don't have to buy coverage, but it's a good idea since most car insurance and credit cards don't cover box trucks. The prices were clear at checkout, and the staff explained what each plan included. If you're towing a car, you can get Towing Insurance to protect it while it's being moved or loaded.

Moving Day

Pickup was simple. Penske requires a valid driver's license and a second form of ID, and some locations complete a quick digital license verification at the counter. A representative walked us through the truck features, pointed out the ramp and cargo tie rails, and confirmed the fuel level.

Penske's trucks tend to feel newer, which makes the cab comfortable and the ride smoother once loaded. Dropping the truck off was just as easy. As long as the truck was clean, fueled to the same level, and on time, there were no surprise charges added at return.

How Penske Works With Local Moves

Local moves with Penske work on a daily rate plus a per-mile charge. The total depends on how far you drive and how long you keep the truck, so planning out your errands or extra trips ahead of time can help control the cost. Local rentals must be picked up and returned to the same location, and you will leave a refundable security deposit at pickup.

We found that most people who choose Penske for a short move do so because they prefer a newer truck or want roadside assistance included, even if the daily rate is higher than a few of the other brands.

How Penske Works With Long-Distance Moves

Long-distance trips are where Penske tends to shine. Most one-way moves include unlimited miles, which removes a lot of the guesswork when you are planning a route across several states. The quote includes a set number of days based on your distance, and you can add extra days for a flat fee if you need more time. At pickup, there is no deposit required if you are paying with a credit card, and the reservation details are guaranteed unless you booked within 24 hours of pickup.

On longer trips, Penske's newer trucks and diesel engines on the bigger models really make a difference. The cabs are quieter, the ramps are strong, and the trucks drive well even when they're full. With the reservation guarantee, unlimited miles, and 24-hour roadside help, Penske is a good choice for anyone who wants their long-distance move to go smoothly from beginning to end.

Photos of Penske in the Wild

More Photos of Penske

What People Are Saying About Penske

Penske often gets positive feedback for its customer service, newer trucks, and simple pickup and return process. Renters say the trucks are clean, reliable, and good for long trips. Staff are described as friendly and helpful, especially when questions arise. Several people also liked how easy it was to adjust the price if their reservation changed, which made a good impression.

Some reviewers had minor issues, often with equipment availability or discounts. One person said the location only had some of the equipment they had reserved, but Penske lowered the price to fix the problem. Another wished they had known to bring their AAA card for a discount. A few customers also mentioned visibility problems or older cab features, like small mirrors or basic radios.

Overall, most reviews are positive. People like the quality of the trucks, the helpful customer support, and their reliability for long trips. While some issues came up, most renters said their experience was smooth once they started driving. You can find more firsthand reviews in the section below.

How Penske Compares to Other Truck Rental Companies

Penske stands out as an excellent choice for people planning larger moves. Their trucks are newer, long-distance pricing is simple, and the reservation guarantee helps renters feel sure the truck they book will be ready for them. While Penske doesn't have as many locations as some other companies, many customers say the experience is more reliable. Here's how Penske measures up on the things that matter most to renters.

Side-by-Side Comparison

When Penske Is a Good Fit

Penske is a fantastic choice if you're planning a long-distance move or want a newer, well-maintained truck for your trip. Most one-way reservations come with unlimited miles, so you don't have to worry about your route. The reservation guarantee means you'll know exactly what to expect on moving day. Penske is also a good fit if you want a smoother ride on the highway or prefer 24-hour roadside assistance.

When Another Brand May Be Better

If you're moving locally and want to save money, you might get a better deal with U-Haul or Budget, especially for smaller trucks or short trips around town. Enterprise is a good option if you just need a cargo van or a commercial vehicle for a single day. Penske doesn't have as many pickup locations as some other companies, so if you live in a rural area or a place with fewer options, you may find more choices with brands that have a bigger network.

Final Verdict: Is Penske Truck Rental a Good Option?

Penske is a good choice if you want a reliable truck and a clear price for long trips. Most of their trucks are newer, and their reservation guarantee helps you avoid surprises. Unlimited miles on most one-way moves also make it easier to plan longer routes. If you want comfort on the road or need a truck that can handle heavy loads, Penske is often a solid pick.

If you are moving locally and want to save as much money as possible, you might want to look at brands with lower daily rates. But if you have a bigger home, a longer drive, or care more about reliability than getting the lowest price, Penske is one of the best choices for peace of mind.

Penske Frequently Asked Questions

Is Penske the cheapest truck rental?

Penske usually isn't the cheapest choice for short local moves. Their prices depend on demand, availability, and the time of year, so they can be higher than brands with lower daily rates. Still, many people pick Penske for newer trucks, guaranteed reservations, and simple long-distance pricing, especially when unlimited miles are part of the deal.

Are Penske trucks reliable for long trips?

Yes. Penske is known for having a high-quality fleet. Their trucks are usually newer, well-maintained, and designed for long highway trips. The larger trucks have diesel engines that carry heavy loads smoothly, and 24/7 roadside assistance is included if you need help during your move.

What fees should I expect?

Your Penske bill may have a few standard fees. Every rental has a small environmental charge. Local moves include a per-mile fee, and you might pay extra if you keep the truck longer than planned. Optional items like hand trucks, furniture pads, tow dollies, or car carriers are listed separately. You'll also be charged if you return the truck with less fuel than when you received it or if it needs cleaning.

Do Penske trucks come with unlimited mileage?

Most one-way rentals include unlimited miles at no extra cost, making Penske a popular choice for long-distance moves. However, local moves work differently. They have a daily rate plus a per-mile fee, so your total cost depends on how far you drive.

How early should I book?

It's best to book as early as possible - at least 2-4 weeks in advance, especially if you need a large truck or are moving during a busy time. Penske's prices change with demand and availability, so booking early helps you get the rate you want. You can change or cancel your reservation up to 24 hours before pickup without a fee.

What should I check before driving off the lot?

Before you leave, check the fuel level, inspect the truck for any damage, and take a few photos for your records. Make sure the mirrors are set, the lights and signals work, and the moving ramp works smoothly if your truck has one. Also, check that any extras you rented, like pads or a hand truck, are in the cargo area before you start your trip.