U-Haul is one of the most popular truck rental companies for do-it-yourself moves. It offers pickup trucks, cargo vans, and moving trucks for both local and long-distance moves.
U-Haul often advertises local truck rentals starting at $19.95, but that is usually only the base rental rate. Your final cost will depend on truck size, mileage, rental duration, fuel, taxes, fees, and any optional coverage you choose.
How much does U-Haul actually cost?
The cost of renting a U-Haul truck depends on the truck size, move distance, rental duration, pickup and drop-off locations, mileage, fuel, taxes, and optional coverage. The advertised rate is not usually the final price because additional charges may apply.
Use this formula to estimate your total U-Haul rental cost:
Base truck rental rate + Mileage charges + Optional coverage + Fuel costs + Environmental fees + Taxes = Final U-Haul truck rental price
For a local move:
Usually local moving truck rentals are quite affordable. Truck rates start at a flat rate of $19.95 with additional fees such as fuel costs, mileage, environmental fees and taxes. And pick-up trucks and cargo vans come out for $19.95. Larger moving trucks cost $10 to $20 extra daily. There are also mileage fees which range from $0.59 to $0.99 per mile and a gas re-fill charge if the tank is empty on return. For example: If you are moving locally and planning a one-way move, you'll have to pay $124.95 extra.
For a long-distance move:
If you move from New York to Florida, and the trip is 1,365 miles including small detours like stopping at rest areas. Your rates for the five days with mileage will look something like this:
| Truck size |
House size |
Final total |
| 10' |
1 bedroom |
$2,298 |
| 15' |
2 bedrooms |
$2,551 |
| 20' |
4 bedrooms |
$2,984 |
| 26' |
5 bedrooms |
$3,717 |
What are the U-Haul truck rental options?
U-Haul has many options at lowest costs for whatever your moving needs are. Here's what they are:
- U-Haul truck share is one of the most flexible deals you can get. This allows you access to a moving truck without the costs or responsibilities of owning one. You can rent a truck for any amount of time based on your schedule. Pick up and return it at your convenience... any time, day or night, using your phone.
- One-way truck rentals can help with long distance relocations. There are over 20,000 U-Haul rental locations spread out across the U.S. and Canada. Find one near your destination and drop the truck off at the closest location without having to drive it back to where you started.
- In-town truck rentals are for local moves where you pick up and drop off at the same location. If you only need a truck to move within the state, or up to 40 miles, truck rates start as low as $19.95. If you need extended miles or days, there's a special rental rate for that.
What size vehicles does U-Haul offer?
U-Haul offers different vehicle sizes for different types of moves. The right option depends on how much you need to move, the distance of your move, and your budget. Smaller vehicles, such as pickup trucks and cargo vans, are usually better for small local moves, while larger moving trucks are better for apartments, homes, and long-distance moves.
Pick-up trucks
Pickup trucks are best for small local moves, furniture pickup, home improvement projects, and towing. They are usually a good choice when you only need to move a few large items and do not need a full moving truck.
Pickup truck details:
- Inside bed dimensions: 8' x 5'1" x 1'10-1/2"
- Max load: 2,280 lbs.
- Gross vehicle weight: 6,800 lbs. max
- Empty weight: 4,474 lbs.
- Towing capacity: Up to 6,000 lbs.
- Fuel type: Unleaded
- Fuel efficiency: Up to 19 mpg
Features may include:
- Automatic transmission
- Air conditioning
- Seating for up to 3 adults
- Air bags
- Gentle-Ride suspension
- Towing capability
Box trucks
The other types of trucks you can rent at U-Haul are mostly for moving full bedrooms. For example, the 10 ft. and 15 ft. box trucks would be ideal for 1 to 2 bedroom moves, whereas the 20 and 26 ft. box trucks would be best suited for 3 to 4 bedroom moves. Below chart shows the detailed information about the U-Haul trucks.
| Truck size |
10' truck |
15' truck |
20' truck |
26' truck |
| Volume |
402 |
763 |
1,015 |
1,611 |
| Maximum load |
2,810 |
6,385 |
5,605 |
7,400 |
| Vehicle weight |
8,600 |
14,500 |
14,500
|
20,000 |
| Empty weight |
5,790 |
8,115 |
8,895 |
12,600 |
| Tow capacity |
6,000 |
10,000 |
7,500 |
7,500 |
| Interior |
9'11" x 6'4" x 6'2" |
15' x 7'8" x 7'2" |
19'6" x 7'8" x 7'2" |
26'5" x 7'8" x 8'3" |
| Miles/gallon |
12 |
10 |
10 |
10 |
| Air bags |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| A/C |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
| Seats available |
2 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
Does U-Haul offer insurance?
U-Haul offers optional protection plans that can be added to your rental. These plans can increase your total rental cost, but they may help reduce your financial responsibility if the truck, your belongings, or another person’s property is damaged during the move.
Since many personal auto insurance policies and credit cards may not cover rental moving trucks, it is a good idea to check with your insurance provider before renting. If your existing policy does not cover moving truck rentals, you may want to consider U-Haul’s protection options.
U-Haul’s main protection options for moving trucks are Safemove and Safemove Plus.
SafeMove
Safemove provides basic protection for the rental truck and certain covered belongings during the move. It generally includes a damage waiver, cargo protection, and medical or life protection for the driver and passengers in the U-Haul rental truck.
Safemove may cover:
- Most accidental damage to the U-Haul rental truck
- Tire damage
- Overhead damage, subject to a deductible
- Theft of the rented U-Haul equipment, if neglect did not play a role
- Cargo damage caused by collision, fire, windstorm, or overturn
- Medical and life protection for the driver and passengers
Cargo protection is subject to limits, deductibles, and exclusions, so customers should review the rental contract before choosing coverage.
Safemove Plus
Safemove Plus includes the benefits of Safemove and adds supplemental liability coverage. This can help protect you if you damage someone else’s vehicle or property while driving the U-Haul rental truck.
Safemove Plus may include:
- Damage waiver protection
- Cargo protection
- Medical and life protection
- Supplemental liability coverage
- Tire damage coverage
- Overhead damage coverage with a $0 deductible
Safemove Plus is usually the broader protection option, but availability, deductibles, and coverage details may vary by location, truck type, and state rules.
Other U-Haul protection options
U-Haul may also offer other protection options depending on what you rent. These can include a collision damage waiver for pickup trucks and cargo vans, Safetow for trailers and towing equipment, and Safetrip for roadside assistance services.
Before adding any protection plan, compare the cost with your existing auto insurance, renter’s insurance, homeowner’s insurance, or credit card benefits. This can help you avoid paying for duplicate coverage while still making sure you are protected.
What else does U-Haul provide?
In addition to truck rentals, U-Haul also offers storage, moving supplies, trailers, towing equipment, and U-Box moving and storage containers. These services can make it easier to plan your move, especially if you need packing materials, temporary storage, or towing support.
Storage
U-Haul offers storage options at many of its locations. Depending on availability, these may include:
- Clean, dry, and secure facilities
- Open 7 days a week, evenings, and holidays
- 24-hour access at almost all locations
- Climate-control available
- Payments online, no deposits
- Storage insurance
- One-month free self-storage
- One-way equipment rentals
- U-Box moving and storage containers
Moving supplies and equipment
U-Haul also provides moving supplies and rental equipment to help with packing, loading, and transportation. These may include:
- Packing materials
- Car, cargo, and utility trailers for towing
- Low and wide loading ramp for easy access
- Dual mirrors on trucks for higher vision
- Hitch with 2" ball to tow your trailer
- AM/FM radio
- Complimentary roadside assistance
What's the average price of U-Haul U-box container?
U-Box is U-Haul’s portable moving and storage container service. It can be used for temporary storage, local moves, long-distance moves, or shipping household items to another location.
The cost of a U-Box container can vary based on several factors, including your location, move date, number of containers, rental period, delivery method, and shipping distance. Because prices are not the same for every move, it is best to get a custom quote from U-Haul before booking.
Each U-Box container is designed to hold about one room to one and a half rooms of household items. U-Haul currently offers one U-Box container size, with a capacity of about 257 cubic feet.

Before you book a U-Haul truck
Before confirming your U-Haul truck rental, review the payment method, reservation details, pickup location, return location, included mileage, and any extra fees. Your rental contract will show important details such as where to return the truck, when it is due back, and what charges may apply if you return it late or exceed the included mileage.
If a rate is not available online for certain equipment, it may be due to location availability, rental type, towing compatibility, or market-specific restrictions. In that case, contact your local U-Haul location for the most accurate options.
Editor's Note
U-Haul can be an affordable option for local and long-distance DIY moves, but the advertised base rate is only one part of the total cost. Your final price will depend on the truck size, mileage, rental duration, fuel, taxes, fees, location, and optional coverage.
Before booking, compare truck sizes, review the included mileage and days, check whether your insurance covers rental moving trucks, and get a custom quote for your exact move. This will help you avoid surprises and choose the right U-Haul option for your budget.
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