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

U-Haul^® At a Glance

U-Haul has the biggest rental truck network in the country, so many people choose it when they need a truck quickly. The fleet includes pickups, cargo vans, and box trucks from ten to twenty-six feet. Most locations also have towing equipment, moving supplies, and storage, making it easy to get everything you need in one place.

With over 21,000 locations in the U.S. and Canada, U-Haul's main advantage is how easy it is to find a truck. The company serves all kinds of customers, from students and families to small businesses and anyone doing a local or one-way move themselves.

To rent a truck, you need to be at least eighteen and have a valid driver's license. If you use Truck Share 24/7 (U-Haul's self-service pickup and return system that lets you get your truck entirely through the U-Haul app), you'll also need a second form of ID. You must use a credit or debit card to reserve online, but you can pay in cash when you return the truck. Cash rentals require a deposit, usually starting at $100 or the estimated rental cost, depending on your move.

U-Haul^® Truck Sizes

U-Haul^® Services Offered

U-Haul^® Costs and 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. We'll include a simple fuel cost chart in the next section to help you estimate what each truck size might use.

Estimated Fuel Costs for a 1200 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 and 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.

Our Experience & How Renting a U-Haul^® Works

When we booked with U-Haul, we paid attention to how easy it was to get a quote and what the rental process was like from start to finish. With so many locations, we could compare availability in different ZIP codes and see how consistent the experience was. The steps below outline what we found during booking, pickup, and moving day, for both local and long-distance moves.

Availability

U-Haul's main advantage is availability. With over 21,000 locations, we easily found a truck nearby. However, the exact size we wanted wasn't always at the closest location. Sometimes, we had to go to a different store, which matches what many reviewers say. The network is large, but you might need to drive a bit to get the truck you want.

Getting a Quote and Booking

When we asked for quotes, the online system was fast but not always easy to use. Rates were clear, but the checkout pages added lots of optional equipment with pre-selected quantities. We had to remove those to avoid extra charges. We also called customer service to get a quote, which was a smoother process. The phone reps helped us check availability and explained how rates could change based on the pickup day or truck size.

After we confirmed our reservation, U-Haul locked in the rate, which was helpful. Changing the date didn't change the price, but canceling on the same day had a fee. In general, the booking process went best when we double-checked each step instead of relying on the automated system.

Insurance

U-Haul has several insurance options, which can feel overwhelming if you haven't rented a truck before. When we picked up our truck, we saw Safemove, Safemove Plus, and the Collision Damage Waiver for vans and pickups. The key thing we learned is that most auto insurance and credit cards don't cover moving trucks. So, we suggest picking a protection plan unless you know you're covered. The prices were clear, and the staff explained each option well.

Moving Day

Picking up the truck was simple. We showed our license and backup ID, took inspection photos, and checked the fuel level before leaving. The truck was in decent shape, but as other reviewers mention, mileage and wear can vary by location. Loading was easy with the ramp on the larger truck, and the tie-downs made it simple to secure big furniture.

Returning the truck took a few extra minutes because the lot was busy, but the process was easy. We were reminded to sweep out the back to avoid a cleaning fee and to refill the tank to the starting level.

How U-Haul^® Works With Local Moves

In our local test, mileage was the biggest cost factor. The base rate looks low, but the per-mile charge adds up fast, especially if you make two trips or drive across town. Local rentals must be picked up and dropped off at the same place, and the process is quick if you return on time. We liked how easy it was to rent equipment like dollies and moving pads, though many people bring their own to save money.

How U-Haul^® Works With Long-Distance Moves

For long-distance moves, U-Haul gives you a set number of days and miles. Our quote included five days and over a thousand miles, which matched our route. If you return the truck early or drive fewer miles, you might get a small refund. If you need more days or go over the mileage, you'll pay extra fees.

The main difference from a local move is the flexibility with pickup and drop-off. With so many U-Haul locations, we easily found stores at both ends of our route, though availability varied by city. It's smart to pick up early, load safely, and allow extra time for fuel stops, especially with bigger trucks.

Photos of U-Haul^® in the Wild

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.

How U-Haul^® Compares to Other Truck Rental Companies

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.

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.

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.

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.

U-Haul^® Frequently Asked Questions

Is U-Haul the cheapest truck rental?

U-Haul is often one of the lowest-priced options for short local moves, especially when you only need a pickup, cargo van, or 10 ft truck. For long-distance moves, U-Haul can still be affordable, but companies like Budget or Penske may offer more consistent pricing or better value once you factor in mileage, fuel, and insurance. It helps to compare at least two quotes before booking.

Are U-Haul trucks reliable for long trips?

Most U-Haul trucks handle long-distance routes without issues, and many customers report smooth drives even on older vehicles. Still, truck condition varies by location, and some reviewers mention receiving high-mileage trucks. If you are driving more than a thousand miles, it is a good idea to inspect the truck carefully, test the lights and brakes, and ask for a different vehicle if something does not feel right.

What fees should I expect?

In addition to the base rate, you should budget for mileage charges, fuel, insurance, and a small environmental fee. U-Haul may also add charges for extra days, equipment rentals, and cleaning if the truck is returned dirty. Some locations add fees after an after-hours drop off if the required return steps were not completed. Reviewing your reservation before checkout helps you avoid surprises.

Do U-Haul trucks come with unlimited mileage?

Local U-Haul rentals do not include unlimited mileage. You will pay a per-mile charge in addition to the base rate. Long-distance rentals include a set number of miles for the trip. If you go over that allowance, U-Haul charges an additional fee for each extra mile.

How early should I book?

Booking at least 2-4 weeks ahead gives you the best chance of getting the truck size and pickup location you want. During summer or holiday weekends, reserving even earlier is helpful. U-Haul accepts same-day bookings, but availability can be limited, and you may be assigned to a different location than the nearest one to you.

What should I check before driving off the lot?

Before leaving the lot, check the fuel level, take photos of the exterior, and confirm the mileage matches your contract. Test the headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and wipers to make sure everything works. It also helps to look inside the cargo area for debris, missing furniture pads, or anything that could affect your load. Taking a few extra minutes at pickup can prevent charges later.