Budget Moving Truck Rental Review

Budget Truck Rental is well known for offering affordable moving truck rentals for both local and long-distance moves. With several truck sizes available, Budget is a popular choice for DIY movers looking to balance cost and convenience.

Budget Rental Trucks

Budget has four rental trucks available: a cargo van, a 12-foot truck, a 16-foot truck, and a 26-foot truck. These vehicles are designed for different move sizes, from studio apartments to larger family homes, making it easier to choose a truck that matches your moving needs. One useful feature is that many Budget trucks have translucent roofs, allowing more natural light inside the cargo area during loading and unloading.

What Size Rental Truck Do I Need?

If you're deciding between two truck sizes, it's usually safer to choose the larger option. A truck that's too small may require multiple trips, increasing both time and fuel costs.. If you’re on a true budget, you can do some quick math to determine how much size you’ll need. Many boxes have a cubic foot measurement on them.

Keeping a full checklist can seem like a lot of upfront effort and it is. But to save the most money, you’ll want to know how much stuff you really have.

*Box capacities are approximate estimates and may vary depending on box size, furniture, and packing method.

Budget 16-Foot Truck: Specifications, Fuel Economy, and Seating Capacity

The Budget 16-foot truck seats up to two adults in the cab. Because the cargo area is completely separate, passengers should never ride in the back of the truck.

If you're considering the Budget 16-foot truck, the specifications below can help you determine whether it's the right choice for your move.

The Budget 16-foot truck typically seats up to three adults, making it suitable for a driver and two passengers. Keep in mind that the cargo area is completely separate from the cab, so passengers cannot ride with belongings in the back of the truck.

What Can a Budget 16-Foot Truck Hold?

The Budget 16-foot truck is generally suitable for:

• One- to two-bedroom apartments with larger furniture
• Many two- to three-bedroom homes
• Large appliances
• Sofas, beds, dining furniture, and moving boxes

If you're unsure whether everything will fit, preparing a moving inventory before reserving your truck can help you choose the right size.

What Affects a Budget Truck's Fuel Economy?

Actual fuel economy depends on several factors, including:

• How heavily the truck is loaded
• Stop-and-go city driving versus highway driving
• Hills and steep grades
• Weather conditions
• Driving speed and acceleration

A lightly loaded truck on the highway typically uses less fuel than a fully loaded truck driven through city traffic.

Fuel Tank Tips Before Returning Your Truck

Before returning your rental:

• Refill the truck to the required fuel level shown in your rental agreement.
• Keep your fuel receipt until the rental is complete.
• Returning the truck with less fuel than required may result in additional refueling charges

Using Budget for Local and Long-Distance Moves?

Budget provides online quotes for both local and one-way moves. Your rental cost depends on factors such as truck size, distance, move date, rental duration, and pickup and return locations. Optional equipment and protection plans can also affect the final price.

*Quotes are subject to change and may be different based on location

Buying Budget Truck Insurance

Budget offers optional protection plans that can help reduce your financial responsibility if your rental truck is damaged or involved in an accident. The available coverage options and pricing vary by location, so review your rental agreement carefully before deciding which protection plan is right for your move.

Budget may offer the following optional protection plans, depending on your rental location:

• Physical Damage Waiver
  • waives all of your responsibility for loss or damage (excludes tire damage)
• Supplemental Liability (SLI)
  • protects you against property claims made from a third party
• Personal Accident and Cargo
  • Covers you, your passenger, and your stuff
• Roadside Safety Net (like roadside assistance) includes non-emergency help like:
  • Tire change
  • Jumpstart
  • Windshield repair
  • Lockout assistance
  • Non-collision towing
• PlatePass: Allows you to use all toll lanes.
  • You are charged per rental day for it.

If you are doing a long-distance move through major cities or tollways, the PlatePass speeds up your trip with access to the electronic toll lane (you don't have to wait for the cash lanes).

Typical Cost of a Local Budget Truck Rental

The cost of renting a Budget moving truck for a local move depends on several factors, including:

• Truck size
• Rental duration
• Mileage driven
• Pickup and return location
• Time of year
• Optional protection plans and equipment

Local rentals typically include a daily rental rate plus a per-mile charge. Additional costs such as fuel, taxes, and optional equipment rentals can increase the final price. Request a quote online before booking to estimate your total moving cost.

Typical Cost of a Long-Distance Budget Truck Rental

For one-way moves, Budget typically provides a single quote that may include:

• Truck rental
• Mileage allowance
• Rental period
• Basic taxes and fees

Your total price will vary based on:

• Distance traveled
• Truck size
• Move date
• Pickup and drop-off locations
• Seasonal demand
• Optional protection plans and moving equipment

Long-distance rentals often include unlimited mileage, but always review your reservation details to understand what is included.

Optional Equipment and Protection Plans

Depending on your rental location, Budget may offer optional moving equipment and protection plans, including:

• Furniture pads
• Appliance or utility dollies
• Hand trucks
• Tow dollies and car carriers
• Protection plans
• Roadside assistance

Availability and pricing vary by location, so review your reservation details before completing your booking.

Is the Budget 16-Foot Truck the Right Size for Your Move?

The Budget 16-foot truck is a good choice if you're moving:

• A two-bedroom apartment
• A small to medium-sized home
• Several large furniture pieces
• Appliances and dozens of moving boxes

If you're moving a larger household or expect to fill the truck completely, compare the next truck size before booking to avoid making multiple trips.

What We Think About Budget?

Budget Truck Rental is a solid choice for DIY movers looking for an affordable truck rental option. Its fleet includes truck sizes suitable for everything from studio apartments to larger homes, and the company offers one-way rentals, optional protection plans, and moving equipment at many locations.

While pricing is generally competitive, availability, truck models, and optional services can vary by location. Comparing quotes with other truck rental companies before booking can help you find the best option for your move.

Budget occasionally offers discounts for eligible customers and promotional offers throughout the year. Available discounts and eligibility requirements can change, so check the official Budget Truck Rental website before booking. 

Budget generally offers competitive pricing compared with other national truck rental companies. However, the overall value depends on your location, truck availability, travel distance, and the optional services you choose. For a more detailed breakdown of rental pricing, see our complete guide to Budget moving truck rental costs.