Best Moving Truck Rental Companies Compared

Author: Staff Writer | Updated Date: 08-04-2026

The best moving truck rental company depends on your budget, moving distance, truck size, and whether you need a local or one-way rental.

U-Haul offers the largest rental network in the United States, Penske is a popular choice for long-distance moves, Budget is known for competitive pricing, Enterprise is generally best suited for local truck rentals rather than one-way household moves, and The Home Depot is ideal for short-distance and hourly truck rentals.

This guide compares the best moving truck rental companies, including available truck sizes, pricing factors, one-way availability, roadside assistance, and the types of moves each company is best suited for.

Best Moving Truck Rental Companies at a Glance

Truck Rental Company Best For One-Way Rentals Available Vehicles
U-Haul Overall availability and DIY moves Yes Pickup trucks, cargo vans, box trucks, trailers, towing equipment
Penske Truck Rental Long-distance moves Yes Box trucks, towing equipment
Budget Truck Rental Budget-conscious movers Yes Box trucks, towing equipment
Enterprise Truck Rental Local moves

Generally not available

Pickup trucks, cargo vans, box trucks
The Home Depot Truck Rental Short local moves and hourly rentals No Pickup trucks, cargo vans, box trucks

The rankings reflect overall usefulness for residential moves rather than a single nationwide price, since rates and availability change by route, location, date, and demand.

How We Selected the Best Moving Truck Rental Companies

The companies in this guide were selected based on factors that matter most to people planning a move, including:

  • Nationwide availability
  • Truck size selection
  • Local and one-way rental options
  • Pricing flexibility
  • Customer reviews
  • Roadside assistance
  • Additional moving equipment
  • Overall value for residential moves

The best truck rental company isn't necessarily the cheapest. Consider the total cost of your move, including mileage, fuel, insurance, equipment rentals, taxes, and optional protection plans before booking.

Which Moving Truck Rental Company Is Best?

Need Recommended Company
Best Overall U-Haul
Best for Long-Distance Moves Penske Truck Rental
Best Budget Option Budget Truck Rental
Best for Local Moves Enterprise Truck Rental
Best for Hourly Rentals The Home Depot Truck Rental

1. U-Haul

U-Haul is our best overall choice for availability and equipment selection because it has the largest rental network, the widest selection of moving equipment, and vehicles suitable for nearly every type of move. Whether you're moving across town or across the country, U-Haul offers one-way rentals, pickup trucks, cargo vans, moving trucks, trailers, towing equipment, storage, and moving supplies from thousands of locations throughout the United States and Canada.

Best For

  • Local moves
  • Long-distance moves
  • Apartments and homes of all sizes
  • Customers needing trailers or towing equipment

Available Vehicles

  • Pickup trucks
  • Cargo vans
  • 10', 15', 20', and 26' moving trucks
  • Utility trailers
  • Cargo trailers
  • Car trailers and tow dollies

Pros

  • Largest rental network in North America
  • Wide variety of truck sizes
  • One-way and local rentals
  • Extensive trailer and towing options
  • Moving supplies and storage available

Cons

  • Mileage charges usually apply to local rentals
  • Truck condition may vary by location
  • Additional fees can increase the final rental cost

Bottom Line

If you're unsure which truck rental company to choose, U-Haul is usually the safest option because of its nationwide availability, large fleet, and broad range of moving services.

2. Penske Truck Rental

Penske Truck Rental is one of the best choices for long-distance moves because of its newer fleet, roadside assistance, and many one-way rentals include unlimited mileage, depending on the reservation.

Penske focuses primarily on box trucks designed for residential moves and is well known for reliable vehicles and transparent long-distance pricing.

Best For

  • Cross-country moves
  • One-way rentals
  • Families moving long distance
  • Customers who want newer trucks

Available Vehicles

  • High-roof cargo van for local rentals
  • 12-foot truck
  • 16-foot truck
  • 22-foot truck
  • 26-foot truck
  • Tow dolly
  • Car carrier

Pros

  • Unlimited mileage on many one-way rentals
  • Modern, well-maintained fleet
  • 24/7 roadside assistance
  • Suitable for long-distance moves

Cons

  • Fewer neighborhood locations than U-Haul
  • Cargo vans are available for some local rentals, but Penske does not typically offer pickup trucks for household moves.

  • Local rentals may cost more than competitors

Bottom Line

Penske is an excellent choice if you're moving hundreds or thousands of miles and want predictable pricing, newer equipment, and dependable roadside assistance.

3. Budget Truck Rental

Budget Truck Rental is one of the best choices for budget-conscious movers because it frequently offers competitive pricing, nationwide availability, and discounts for one-way and local moves. While its location network is smaller than U-Haul's, Budget remains a popular option for people looking to reduce moving costs.

Best For

  • Budget-conscious movers
  • Local moves
  • Long-distance moves
  • Small to medium-sized households

Available Vehicles

  • 12-foot truck
  • 16-foot truck
  • 26-foot truck
  • Tow dolly
  • Car carrier

Pros

  • Competitive rental rates
  • Frequent discounts and promotions
  • One-way and local rentals
  • Nationwide locations

Cons

  • Fewer locations than U-Haul
  • Limited truck size selection
  • Mileage charges may apply to local rentals

Bottom Line

If keeping your moving costs low is your top priority, Budget Truck Rental is often worth comparing alongside U-Haul and Penske before booking.

4. Enterprise Truck Rental

Enterprise Truck Rental is a good option for local moves because it offers pickup trucks, cargo vans, and box trucks through many neighborhood locations. Unlike some competitors, Enterprise focuses primarily on local rentals, making it better suited for moves within the same city or nearby areas.

Best For

  • Local moves
  • Apartment moves
  • Small business rentals
  • Home improvement projects

Available Vehicles

  • Pickup trucks
  • Cargo vans
  • 15-foot box truck
  • 16-foot cabover truck
  • 20-foot box truck
  • 24-foot box truck
  • 26-foot box truck

Vehicle sizes and personal-rental availability vary by location. Some larger trucks are primarily marketed for commercial use.

Pros

  • Well-maintained fleet
  • Pickup trucks and cargo vans available
  • Convenient neighborhood locations
  • Customer experiences vary by branch

Cons

  • One-way truck rentals are generally unavailable
  • Fewer moving-specific services
  • Not ideal for most cross-country moves

Bottom Line

Enterprise is a strong choice if you're moving locally and prefer renting from a nearby branch with a wide selection of commercial vehicles.

5. The Home Depot Truck Rental

The Home Depot Truck Rental is best within the same city, furniture pickups, and home improvement projects rather than long-distance household moves. With hourly rental options and pickup trucks, cargo vans, and box trucks available at many stores, it can be an economical choice for transporting a small number of items.

Best For

Available Vehicles

  • Pickup trucks
  • Cargo vans
  • Load 'N Go moving trucks

Pros

  • Convenient hourly rentals
  • Easy pickup at many store locations
  • Good for moving a few large items
  • Online reservations and same-day pickup may be available, depending on the vehicle and store.

Cons

  • No one-way rentals
  • Not suitable for cross-country moves
  • Limited truck sizes compared to dedicated truck rental companies

Bottom Line

If you're moving locally or transporting furniture across town, The Home Depot Truck Rental offers a convenient and affordable alternative to a traditional moving truck.

Moving Truck Size Guide

Choosing the right truck size can help reduce your moving costs and avoid making multiple trips.

Home Size Recommended Vehicle
Studio apartment Cargo van, pickup truck, or 10-foot moving truck
1-bedroom apartment 10-12 ft truck
2-bedroom apartment 15-17 ft truck
3-bedroom home 20 ft truck
4+ bedroom home 26 ft truck

These are general planning guidelines. Use the rental company’s sizing tool or provide a detailed inventory before booking.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Moving Truck?

The cost to rent a moving truck depends on several factors, including the rental company, truck size, moving distance, rental duration, season, and location.

Your total rental cost may include:

  • Daily or weekly rental rate
  • Mileage charges (for many local rentals)
  • Fuel costs
  • Taxes and fees
  • Insurance or protection plans
  • Dolly and moving blanket rentals
  • Towing equipment, if needed

Request a written quote before booking so you understand exactly what is included in the advertised price.

How to Choose the Best Moving Truck Rental Company

Before booking a truck rental, compare more than just the advertised daily rate.

Consider:

  • Truck size availability
  • One-way rental options
  • Mileage policy
  • Fuel requirements
  • Roadside assistance
  • Insurance coverage
  • Equipment rentals
  • Pickup and return locations
  • Customer reviews
  • Total estimated cost

Choosing the right rental company depends on your move, not just the lowest advertised price.

Quick Comparison

Feature U-Haul Penske Budget Enterprise Home Depot
Local moves Widely available Available in many markets Available Primary focus Primary focus
One-way rentals Available Available Available Generally not available Not available for Load ’N Go vehicles
Pickup trucks Available Not typically offered for household moves Not typically offered Available Available
Cargo vans Available Available for some local rentals Not typically offered Available Available
Box trucks Multiple sizes available Multiple sizes available Multiple sizes available Multiple sizes available Limited selection
Trailers and towing Wide selection Tow dolly and car carrier Tow dolly and car carrier Limited moving-specific options Utility and specialty trailers available at participating locations
Best for Overall availability and equipment selection Long-distance and one-way moves Budget-conscious movers Local moves and commercial vehicles Short local moves and hourly rentals

Infographic comparing U-Haul, Penske, Budget, Enterprise, and Home Depot truck rentals by best use, vehicles, one-way options, and value.

Bottom Line

The best moving truck rental company depends on your moving distance, budget, truck size, and the services you need. U-Haul is the best overall choice for most DIY movers because of its extensive nationwide network and wide selection of trucks and trailers. Penske is an excellent option for many long-distance moves, Budget is often a strong choice for cost-conscious renters, Enterprise works well for local moves, and The Home Depot is ideal for short-distance and hourly rentals.

Before booking, compare more than just the advertised rental price. Review mileage charges, fuel policies, insurance options, truck availability, one-way rental policies, and equipment fees to understand the total cost of your move. Request written quotes from multiple companies so you can compare pricing and services side by side.

Choosing the right truck rental company can help you save money, avoid unexpected charges, and make your move easier from start to finish.

Editor's Note

This comparison was reviewed by the Movers.com Moving Industry Analyst team using publicly available truck rental information, pricing factors, vehicle availability, mileage policies, customer reviews, and common residential moving scenarios.

Truck sizes, rental rates, one-way availability, mileage terms, roadside assistance, protection plans, and customer experiences vary by company, location, route, season, and demand. Always request a complete quote and review the rental agreement before booking.

Get expert moving tips and compare your options for free at Movers.com.

You can compare licensed and insured movers, request free moving quotes, and explore truck rental reviews, moving cost guides, checklists, and planning tools to choose the best solution for your move.

Whether you are planning a local DIY move, a one-way relocation, or a long-distance household move, Movers.com provides practical resources to help you compare truck rental companies and move with confidence.

Questions about your move? Talk to one of our moving specialists.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best moving truck rental company depends on your specific move. U-Haul is often the best overall choice because of its large network of locations, wide range of truck sizes, trailers, and one-way rental options. Penske is a popular option for long-distance moves, Budget is frequently chosen for competitive pricing, Enterprise works well for many local moves, and The Home Depot is ideal for short-distance or hourly rentals.

There is no single cheapest company for every move. Rental costs vary by truck size, distance, location, moving date, mileage charges, fuel costs, and optional services. Budget and U-Haul often offer competitive base rates, while Penske may provide better value for some one-way moves. Comparing written quotes from several companies is the best way to find the lowest overall cost.

Many Penske one-way truck rentals include unlimited mileage, making them a popular choice for long-distance moves. Local rentals from most companies typically charge by the mile. Mileage policies vary by company, location, and rental agreement, so always confirm the terms before booking.

The right truck size depends on how much you're moving.

  • Cargo van: Studio apartment or a few large items
  • 10-12 ft truck: One-bedroom apartment
  • 15-17 ft truck: Two-bedroom apartment or small home
  • 20 ft truck: Three-bedroom home
  • 26 ft truck: Four-bedroom or larger home

If you're unsure, ask the rental company for a recommendation based on your inventory.

Renting a moving truck is often the more affordable option if you're willing to pack, load, drive, and unload your belongings yourself. Hiring professional movers usually costs more but includes labor and transportation, making it a convenient choice for larger households, heavy furniture, or long-distance moves. Compare both options based on your budget, time, and the amount of work you're comfortable doing.

Before booking, compare:

  • Total rental price
  • Mileage charges
  • Fuel policy
  • One-way rental availability
  • Truck sizes
  • Insurance and protection plans
  • Roadside assistance
  • Equipment rentals, such as dollies and moving blankets
  • Customer reviews
  • Pickup and return locations

Looking beyond the advertised daily rate can help you avoid unexpected costs and choose the truck rental company that best fits your move.