U-Haul Truck Sizes and Prices

Author: Katherine Broome | Updated Date: 03-17-2026

If you are planning a move and thinking about renting a moving truck, U-Haul is probably one of the first names that comes to mind. The company operates thousands of locations across the United States and offers a range of trucks designed for everything from small apartment moves to large household relocations.

But one question stops many people before they book:

What size U-Haul truck do I need, and how much will it cost?

Infographic comparing U-Haul truck sizes including pickup truck, cargo van, 10 ft, 15 ft, 20 ft, and 26 ft trucks, showing what size home each truck fits and typical daily rental price ranges.

Choosing the wrong truck can turn a simple move into a stressful one. A truck that is too small means multiple trips. A truck that is too large costs more than necessary and can be harder to drive. On top of that, rental prices are not always as simple as the advertised daily rate.

This guide breaks down U-Haul truck sizes, rental prices, and capacity so you can understand exactly what to expect before you reserve a truck.

By the end of this guide, you will know:

  • The full range of U-Haul moving truck sizes
  • U-Haul truck rental prices for different moves
  • What each truck size can realistically fit
  • Hidden fees that increase rental costs
  • When renting a truck makes sense and when hiring movers may be easier

Moving should not feel complicated. Once you understand truck sizes and pricing, choosing the right option becomes much easier.

TL;DR - U-Haul Truck Sizes Chart: Quick Overview

U-Haul offers several types of rental vehicles designed for different move sizes. These range from pickup trucks and cargo vans to large moving trucks capable of transporting the contents of a four-bedroom home.

Here is a simple U-Haul truck size chart to help you compare your options.

Truck Type Best For Capacity Cargo Space Typical Daily Price
Pickup Truck Furniture pickup  1 room ~76 cu ft  $20 to $30
Cargo Van Studio move  1 room ~245 cu ft  $20 to $30
10 ft truck Small apartment  1 to 2 rooms ~400 cu ft  $20 to $40
15 ft truck Small house  2 to 3 rooms ~764 cu ft  $30 to $50
20 ft truck Medium home 3 to 4 rooms ~1,016 cu ft  $40 to $60
26 ft truck Large home  4 to 5+ rooms ~1,682 cu ft  $50 to $70

These base rates often look inexpensive at first glance. However, the final U-Haul truck rental cost usually includes mileage charges, fuel, taxes, and optional equipment.

Understanding how those costs add up is essential before booking a rental.

Seasonal Pricing Notice

Is a 20-foot U-Haul Truck Big Enough? 

A 20 ft U-Haul truck is usually large enough for the contents of a two or three bedroom home. 

It typically fits: 

  • Several beds 
  • Living room furniture 
  • Major appliances 
  • Dining room furniture 
  • 50–80 moving boxes 

For many households, the 20 ft truck provides enough cargo space without the driving difficulty of the larger 26 ft truck. 

If you are moving a larger household or a four-bedroom home, the 26 ft truck is usually the safer option. 

Moving costs are significantly higher during peak season (May–September). Summer rates are typically 20–40% higher than winter rates.

U-Haul Truck Rental Prices: What It Actually Costs

Many people assume a moving truck rental costs about twenty dollars because that is the price advertised in many locations.

In reality, the true cost to rent a U-Haul truck usually includes several additional charges.

Typical price components include:

  • Base daily rental rate
  • Mileage fees
  • Fuel costs
  • Insurance coverage
  • Taxes and environmental fees
  • Equipment rental such as dollies or pads

A realistic cost breakdown for a local move might look like this:

Cost Component Typical Cost
Base rental price $20 to $70 per day
Mileage charge $0.59 to $0.99 per mile
Insurance coverage $10 to $30 per day
Equipment rental $7 to $15
Fuel $30 to $100

For many moves, the total U-Haul truck rental cost ends up between:

$100 and $400 for local moves

Long distance rentals often cost more but include mileage in the price.

U-Haul Truck Fuel Costs 

Fuel is one of the most overlooked moving costs when renting a truck. Use our fuel cost calculator to determine the right estimate.

Most U-Haul trucks average between: 

  • 8 to 10 miles per gallon for larger trucks 
  • 10 to 12 miles per gallon for smaller trucks 

Example fuel estimate for a 100-mile move:

Truck Size MPG Estimated Fuel Cost
10 ft truck ~12 MPG $30–$40 
15 ft truck ~10 MPG  $40–$50 
20 ft truck ~10 MPG $40–$55
26 ft truck ~8 MPG  $50–$70

Actual fuel costs depend on gas prices and driving conditions. 

U-Haul Moving Truck Sizes Explained

Understanding each truck type helps you avoid renting more space than necessary or discovering halfway through packing that you need a bigger truck.

Below is a detailed U-Haul truck size guide explaining what each option is designed for.

Cargo vans are often used for tiny moves or transporting a few pieces of furniture.

Capacity:

Pros

  • Easy to drive

  • Fits in normal parking spaces

  • Good fuel efficiency

Cons

  • Not suitable for full apartment moves

10-Foot U-Haul Truck

The 10 ft truck is often recommended for small apartment moves.

Capacity:

  • Studio apartment

  • Small one-bedroom home

  • Mattress set

  • Sofa

  • Several boxes

Key details:

  • Approximate capacity of 400 cubic feet

  • Usually does not require a ramp

  • Good for short-distance moves

15-Foot U-Haul Truck

This truck size works well for small family homes.

Capacity:

  • One or two bedroom apartment

  • Medium furniture pieces

  • Appliances such as refrigerators

  • Several dozen boxed

Advantages

  • Built in loading ramp

  • More cargo space without dramatically increasing driving difficulty

20-Foot U-Haul Truck

The 20 ft truck is one of the most commonly rented moving trucks because it handles larger household moves.

Capacity:

  • Two to three bedroom home

  • Large furniture items

  • Major appliances

  • Large number of boxes

This truck size is often recommended for long-distance relocations.

26-Foot U-Haul Truck

The largest option in the U-Haul lineup is designed for big household moves.

Capacity

  • Three to four bedroom homes

  • Large furniture collections

  • Full household moves

Advantages

  • Maximum cargo capacity

  • Fewer trips required

Challenges

  • Harder to maneuver in city areas

  • Requires careful driving in tight spaces

Hidden Costs Most Renters Do Not Expect

The biggest mistake many renters make is assuming the advertised daily rate reflects the total cost.

Several factors can significantly increase the final price.

Common hidden costs include

  • Mileage charges that increase the total bill

  • Fuel costs for larger trucks

  • Environmental and administrative fees

  • Insurance coverage requirements

  • Equipment rental
Another overlooked cost is time. Loading and driving a rental truck can take much longer than expected.

When comparing options, it is important to weigh the true cost of renting a U-Haul truck versus hiring professional movers.

Infographic comparing U-Haul, Penske, and Budget truck rental companies showing daily price ranges, truck sizes, and what each company is best for.

U-Haul Truck Comparison: Which Size Should You Choose?

Choosing the correct truck size depends less on square footage and more on how many items you are moving.

Here is a simplified comparison guide.

Move Type Recommended Truck
Studio apartment Cargo van or 10 ft truck
1-bedroom apartment 10 ft truck
2-bedroom home 15 ft truck
3-bedroom home 20 ft truck
4-bedroom home 26 ft truck

If you are unsure between two sizes, choosing the larger option usually saves time and avoids multiple trips.

When Renting a Moving Truck Makes Sense

Renting a truck can be a good option for certain types of moves.

It works best when:

  • The move is local
  • You have help loading and unloading
  • You are comfortable driving a large vehicle
  • The household size is small to moderate

However, renting a truck means handling every part of the move yourself.

That includes:

  • Packing
  • Loading furniture
  • Driving the truck
  • Fueling the vehicle
  • Unloading at the destination

For larger homes or complex moves, many people find that hiring movers is easier and often not significantly more expensive.

When Hiring Professional Movers Is the Better Choice

DIY truck rentals often appear cheaper at first, but they require a lot of physical effort and coordination.

Professional movers can handle:

  • Packing fragile items
  • Loading furniture safely
  • Transporting belongings efficiently
  • Reducing the risk of damage

They also remove the stress of driving a large truck through unfamiliar areas.

For families, long-distance moves, or households with many belongings, hiring movers often saves both time and energy.

Compare Movers and Truck Options in One Place

Before deciding on a truck rental, it helps to compare your options.

At Movers.com, you can quickly compare professional movers, pricing estimates, and moving services to find the option that fits your move best.

Instead of guessing which truck size to rent or which company to call, you can review multiple providers and choose the service that works for your timeline and budget.

Getting quotes only takes a few minutes and can help you avoid costly mistakes during your move.

Editor's Note

This guide, reviewed by our Moving Industry Analyst team, is based on publicly available pricing, customer reviews, and regular moving scenarios.

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

You can get free moving quotes from licensed and insured movers, compare moving companies near you, and plan your move with confidence using our step-by-step moving guides and checklists.

Whether you’re planning a local move, a long-distance relocation, or need help with packing and loading, Movers.com connects you with trusted moving professionals and practical tools to make moving easier and more affordable.

Questions? Talk to our moving specialists

Frequently Asked Questions

Most U-Haul moving trucks include built in loading ramps to make it easier to move heavy furniture and appliances into the truck. Typically, the 15 ft, 20 ft, and 26 ft U-Haul trucks come with loading ramps.

Smaller vehicles such as cargo vans and pickup trucks do not include ramps because their cargo floors are lower to the ground. The 10 ft truck may or may not include a ramp depending on the specific model, but many locations provide ramps with larger trucks for easier loading.

To rent a U-Haul truck, you typically need a valid driver's license and a payment method such as a credit card or debit card. The renter must also meet the minimum age requirement, which is usually 18 years old to rent a truck and 16 years old for trailers.

Some locations may also require a deposit depending on the payment method used. When picking up the vehicle, renters should bring their driver's license and confirmation details for the reservation.

Yes. U-Haul offers moving equipment that helps secure furniture and boxes during transport. Many locations sell or rent items such as ratchet straps, tie downs, furniture pads, and moving dollies.

Using straps helps prevent items from shifting while the truck is in motion, which can reduce the risk of damage to furniture and appliances during the move.

The daily rental price for a U-Haul truck usually ranges from about $20 to $70 per day, depending on the truck size. Smaller vehicles such as cargo vans and pickup trucks often start around $19.95 per day, while larger trucks such as the 20 ft or 26 ft models cost more.

However, the final cost is usually higher because most rentals also include mileage fees, fuel costs, insurance coverage, and taxes.

Yes, and it may be easier than you think. Instead of renting a truck, buying packing supplies, and doing all the heavy lifting yourself, use Movers.com to compare moving companies in minutes.

You can quickly review multiple quotes from licensed movers and choose a service that fits your budget.

Many people discover that hiring movers can cost less than expected, especially when you factor in truck rental, fuel, mileage, and equipment fees.

Yes. Professional movers handle the entire process through Movers.com. You can connect with trusted, licensed movers who will pack your belongings, load the truck, transport everything safely, and unload at your new home.

Instead of worrying about lifting furniture or driving a large truck, you can relax and let experienced movers take care of the work while you focus on your new beginning.

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