Penske® Reviews
Moved a somewhat large (1000 sqft) 1 bd apartment with a 16' truck and towed my vehicle on a trailer, from (basically) Austin to Los Angeles. Penske isn't the most comfortable ride for a long distance one-way (especially for a 6'7" man!), but the truck was clean, we had no mechanical issues (though there did seem to be an electrical issue in the dash, with the radio lights and audio spontaneously turning off & on), it was by far the best price available, and customer service was easy to connect to and work with.
Pickup at Home Depot was good, the person was very knowledgeable. The truck was not full of DEF upon pickup, was also filthy dirty. (HD apologized and said is Penske's responsibility) We didn't know how much DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) was needed on a 3000 mile trip but we felt it should be full to start. Spent $130 to purchase along way as we kept getting low and if you run out, your truck will not move. Very important issue to educate consumers on when renting out trucks that use Diesel! Penske did issue credit (kept all receipts for DEF) and a customer courtesy credit for the truck condition. (rented autohauler as well for the $2400) We used them because there were no Uhaul's available and would not use again unless absolutely had to because of the cost of Diesel unlong with DEF issue
Great moving experience - low to the ground and the ramp was perfect for moving heavy furniture. This truck was fairly new only 5,000 miles on it to start. We did one way, and it was easy to find location then to return. Flat rate, easy to drive also! We used Penske because we have used them and have been pleased in the past.
The sales rep did a great job of finding me a truck the day before my move when another company dropped the ball. The truck was good other than one tire that was basically bald. It was a hazard that ended up needing to be fixed while we were on the road, and customer service was unsatisfactory during that process. I would still use them again as a reservation actually guarantees you a truck unlike other companies, but make sure any issues with the vehicle are resolved before you leave.
Overall I am a fan of Penske, I think they are the best moving truck company. This truck had spotty cruise control which was frustrating for my long drive so I would just recommend checking that if you have a long distance to travel. The customer service to make changes and confirm was smooth and the rental process was easy. Overall I recommend but maybe just ask a few questions about the truck you are getting.
In this pandemic era we now exist in, movig is an even MORE stressful event as contractors, land-lords, and even home-owners are vetting renters more scrupulously, probably from being burned with past renters. Building trust is now left to third-party realtors that have even stricter application processes. That being said, having to request extra days (@$100.00/day, post pick-up) felt like asking for permission. Their PRIMARY BUSINESS MODEL is to make money, yes? Why are they making me feel bad, for wanting to give them extra money, when I truly could have paid some rental storage facility for SEVERAL MONTHS, for what they are charging me for just EIGHT EXTRA DAYS? Life is TRULY never under our control and at MY expense of @ $2,500.00, I was made to feel like an employee than a PAYING CUSTOMER.
I always use Penske because of the excellent condition of the trucks. The one I received had only 5000 miles on it and operated flawlessly. I accidentally locked the keys in the truck and the road side assistance group got someone out to me in short order. It could not have been a better experience.
I had a great experience with the whole rental process at Penske (telephone-agents, online system & truck guarantee.) Unfortunately, two drawbacks: 1) I rented TOO BIG...did not believe their info and took a 26ft when we only needed a 22ft. A well packed truck holds what they say on their estimator - huge amount - especially if lots of boxes and less oddly shaped furniture. Live and learn. 2) Penske gave me an older truck for a very long one-way drive; bad luck of the draw. Though she made it fine, the truck was loud & bench seat uncomfortable. Our hopes of play books-on-tape through sound system abandoned immediately. NOTE: I cancelled a Budget truck because their truck rental system is a frightful mess with no ability to guarantee your truck size. (Budget received this feedback directly. I even turned down the discount they offered to win back our business. Discount was a pittance compared to money lost if they screw up your whole move from day one with "no truck"! )
