What To Know Before Renting a U-Haul (2024) (2024)

Whether you’re planning a cross-country relocation or a quick cross-town move, renting a U-Haul truck gives you control over the cost and scheduling of your move. Below, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know before renting a U-Haul, from truck sizes and pricing to late fees and additional services.

How Does U-Haul Work?

U-Haul offers a range of moving trucks, utility trailers, and equipment designed to get your belongings to your new home. U-Haul also provides towing equipment, packing supplies, self-storage facilities, and portable moving containers. The company has a large presence in the United States and Canada and ranks among the top truck rental companies.

How Much Does U-Haul Moving Cost?

U-Haul has two different pricing models: one for in-town moves and another for long-distance, one-way moves. Pricing and availability vary by location, so it’s worth getting a custom moving quote through the U-Haul website.

The cost to rent a moving truck for one-way moves depends on the truck size, pickup location, destination, and move date. U-Haul prices often work out to about $0.90–$1.00 per mile, but you might pay more in cities with a higher cost of living.You may also pay a higher rate for Friday and Saturday rentals.

For local rates, our team pulled quotes for four cities across the United States and found that rates were fairly consistent. U-Haul charges a base rate starting at $19.95 plus a per-mile fee for local moves. This fee varies by location but often falls in the range of $0.59–$0.99 per mile.

For long-distance rates, we pulled quotes for a move from Pittsburgh to Jacksonville, Florida, for a Wednesday in April. The rates for the trip included four days of use and roughly 1,000 miles. Note that pickup trucks and cargo vans are not available for long-distance moves. Here are some sample U-Haul truck rental rates for local and long-distance moves:

*Cost data in this article was sourced from U-Haul.

Late Fees

U-Haul charges $40 a day for late trucks and $20 a day for late trailers and towing devices. U-Haul also charges an additional fee of $1 per mile for one-way moves if you exceed the mileage allowance.

The default for local moves is four hours of use, but U-Haul customers can adjust the rental length up to 24 hours. Some locations offer multi-day in-town rentals. Long-distance moves include four days of use. Make arrangements ahead of time if you think you will exceed the days or mileage included in your rental.

Is a U-Haul Reservation Guaranteed?

U-Haul considers a reservation “confirmed” if you book your reservation online at a location that features its $50 guarantee badge. If they do not have the size of truck you reserved at that location on your scheduled day, the company will pay you $50. If you select a location without the guarantee badge, U-Haul will contact you a day before your scheduled pickup to finalize the details.

Does U-Haul Offer Moving Labor Services?

U-Haul is not a full-service mover and does not offer in-house moving services. Instead, it directs customers to Moving Help to find local professional movers who can help with packing, loading, cleaning, and other tasks.

What Is the Best Way To Pack a U-Haul?

Place the heaviest items closest to the truck cab and along the sides when packing a moving truck. This provides a stable base and ensures even weight distribution. Disassemble furniture and stack items vertically when possible to maximize your space. Use tie-downs and straps to secure the load.

How Often Will I Have To Stop for Gas When Driving a U-Haul?

Multiply the tank size for your vehicle by its estimated gas mileage to determine how often you must stop for gas. A 15-foot box truck, for instance, has a 40-gallon tank and a maximum fuel efficiency of 10 mpg, which translates to a range of 400 miles on a single tank of gas.

Below is the information for U-Haul’s most common box truck sizes. Remember that fuel efficiency may vary, and you may want to stop more often for safety reasons.

Can My Whole Family Fit in a U-Haul?

Your whole family will probably not be able to fit in a U-Haul. Pickup trucks and 15- to 26-foot box trucks have a bench seat that fits the driver and two passengers. Cargo vans and 10-foot box trucks have two bucket seats.

If you are traveling with more than three family members, or if your child is not old enough to sit in the front seat of a vehicle, U-Haul recommends renting U-Box containers instead of a truck. You fill these portable storage boxes onsite and the company’s drivers will deliver them to your new location.

Our Conclusion

U-Haul customers have a wide range of truck sizes and moving equipment to choose from. Browse the U-Haul website to determine the best moving truck rental for your needs and for more information on insurance and roadside assistance policies. We also recommend comparing its prices and services to those of its top competitors.

FAQ About Renting a U-Haul

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.