Renting a moving truck is often more affordable than hiring professional movers, and many of these budget-friendly options still provide a quality moving experience. U-Haul tops our list of the cheapest moving truck rentals because it offers competitive pricing and flexible costs, letting you choose the services that fit your budget.
We researched the best moving truck rental companies available nationwide and compared prices, services, and reputations. Our guide highlights our five recommendations for the cheapest moving truck rentals to help you plan your move.
Key Takeaways
- U-Haul earns our top spot for cheap moving truck rentals thanks to its competitive pricing and easy online booking process.
- Long-distance truck rentals average around $2,945, while local rentals can start at roughly $30 a day for a 10-foot truck and climb past $100 a day for a 20-foot model.
- Rates are the highest during peak seasons of spring and summer, and renters can often save $50 or more per day by booking in the fall or winter off-season.
The 5 Cheapest Moving Truck Rental Companies
We found the following companies offer the cheapest moving truck rentals:
- U-Haul
- Budget Truck Rental
- Enterprise Truck Rental
- Penske
- The Home Depot
Our Picks for Cheap Moving Truck Rentals
U-Haul
U-Haul truck rentals offer competitive pricing on a wide selection of moving trucks, additional services, and packing supplies. The company provides a streamlined booking process and lets you arrange pickup 24 hours a day, seven days a week through its mobile app. U-Haul offers the largest selection of add-ons in our review, including moving labor. It has truck sizes and extra services available whether you’re booking for a single-item local move, junk removal, or a three-bedroom interstate move.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Adds convenience by selling moving supplies
- Offers assistance with packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading
- Offers five insurance plans at affordable prices
Cons
- Has changed reservations to different locations on short notice, per some customer reviews
- Doesn’t have unlimited mileage for one-way moves
- Likely isn’t covered under your auto insurance policy
Services and Truck Sizes
U-Haul offers many add-on services for your moving truck rental, including storage, packing supplies, and assistance finding packing and loading services through the company’s online platform, Moving Help. Here’s a list of the company’s most popular services:
- Car trailers
- Damage protection plans
- Mobile app
- Moving supplies
- Roadside assistance
- Trailer hitches
- Truck and van rentals
- U-Box portable moving and storage containers
U-Haul offers the following truck sizes:
- 26-foot box truck
- 8-foot pickup truck
- 9-foot cargo van
- 10-foot box truck
- 15-foot box truck
- 20-foot box truck
- 26-foot box truxk
- 29-foot box truck
Cost
To help you compare pricing, we obtained quotes for a sample long-distance and local move with U-Haul. For a long-distance move from Phoenix to Dallas, the company quoted us $1,807 for a 20-foot box truck, which included up to five days of use, 1,259 miles, and $85 for a Safemove plan. To move locally in Phoenix, we were quoted $86 for a 20-foot box truck with 10 hours of use and a Safemove plan.
Note that these costs do not include the price of fuel or moving supplies. U-Haul also includes a $50 reservation guarantee, so if the company fails to meet your selected time, place, and equipment size, you receive the $50 back.
Payment Options
You can pay for your U-Haul rental with cash or a credit or debit card.
Insurance Options
U-Haul offers two primary insurance plans. Its basic plan, Safemove, eliminates your financial liability for any damages to your rented equipment. Its more comprehensive option, the Safemove Plus plan, also covers your cargo. You can also add U-Haul’s Safetrip plan, which provides roadside assistance for jump-starts, lockout service, lost keys, fuel service, stuck vehicles, and trailer hookup problems.
Budget Truck Rental
Budget is a reputable moving truck rental company that offers competitive prices. The company provides four truck sizes and offers ongoing discounts and deals on its website. You can save more money if you’re a student, senior, military member, AARP member, police, firefighter, or involved in other groups to which Budget offers discounts. Budget includes roadside assistance in its basic coverage plan, unlike U-Haul and other companies that charge extra.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Includes unlimited mileage on long-distance moves- Offers a wide variety of deals and discounts on its website
- Provides PlatePass, an automated toll payment solution, for an additional cost
Cons
Isn’t available in Alaska and Hawaii- Only offers four truck size options
- Varies insurance coverage by location
Services and Truck Sizes
Budget offers packing, loading, and unloading services through HireAHelper. Budget also provides a unique add-on called PlatePass, an automated toll payment that enables you to use toll-gated lanes and cashless toll collection lanes with one of Budget’s trucks. You can also request car carriers, tow dollies, and moving and packing supplies.
Budget offers the following moving truck sizes:
- 11-foot cargo van
- 12-foot box truck
- 16-foot box truck
- 26-foot box truck
Cost
To estimate pricing, we obtained local and long-distance quotes for a 16-foot box truck, which Budget says is enough for a three-bedroom home. All rentals include refundable deposits of $150, which Budget pays back upon your rental’s return.
Budget quoted us $1,355 for a five-day long-distance move from Phoenix to Dallas with unlimited mileage. For a local move within Phoenix, we were quoted $89 for one day’s worth of rental truck usage with up to 50 miles.
Payment Options
Budget offers the following payment methods: cash, credit card, debit card, or personal check. Note that some locations require you to show an ID to pay with a debit card.
Insurance Options
Budget provides three insurance coverage plan options. The Value Protection Package includes both a damage liability waiver and roadside assistance. Its Complete Protection Package offers both cargo and personal injury coverage.
Enterprise Truck Rental
Enterprise is known for its car rental services but also offers moving truck rentals. It has an extensive list of truck sizes, affordable rates, and 24/7 roadside support. Note that Enterprise only rents trucks for local moves, so you can’t take your rental to another state and drop it off at a different Enterprise like you can with U-Haul or Budget. The company also has fewer add-on options than the other providers in our review. However, Enterprise offers fair rental rates with low mileage costs and comprehensive coverage plans.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers 14 different truck sizes
- Provides add-ons for towing cars
- Includes 24/7 roadside assistance
Cons
Doesn’t offer a low-price guarantee- Doesn’t offer moving labor assistance
- Only rents for local moves
Services and Truck Sizes
Enterprise has fewer service add-ons than competitors we’ve reviewed. The company provides equipment for towing a vehicle behind your moving truck and moving and packing supplies.
However, Enterprise boasts one of the most extensive selections of moving vehicle sizes:
- 1/2-ton pickup truck (6-foot and 8-foot beds available)
- 3/4-ton pickup truck (6-foot and 8-foot beds available)
- 1-ton pickup truck (6.5-foot and 8-foot beds available)
- 7-foot compact cargo van
- 10.5-foot cargo van
- 10.5-foot heavy-duty cargo van
- 12-foot heavy-duty XL cargo van
- 12-foot high-roof cargo van
- 15-foot van parcel van
- 16-foot cab-over truck
- 16-foot stake-bed truck
- 24-foot stake-bed truck
- 24-foot box truck
- 26-foot box truck
Cost
We went through the quote process for booking an Enterprise truck for a local move in the Phoenix metro area using a 20-foot box truck, which the company recommends for a three- to four-bedroom home. We were quoted $100 for a day’s worth of use driving up to 50 miles. The company does not offer rentals for one-way, long-distance moves.
Payment Options
You can pay with a credit or debit card if renting through Enterprise.
Insurance Options
Enterprise offers four truck rental protection plans that cover damages and emergencies. The cheapest plan is the Damage Waiver (DW), which covers liability for any damage that may occur to your rental. You can opt for Roadside Assistance Protection (RAP) and Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) if you want more comprehensive protection. The RAP plan includes replacing lost keys, flat tire service, and jump-starts. The PAI plan covers accident-related medical expenses, accidental death, and ambulance expense benefits.
Penske Truck Rental
Penske costs more than other providers we reviewed, but it provides some of the highest quality trucks by changing out its low-emission trucks more often than companies such as U-Haul. Penske also offers various moving protection plans and helps you save money on long-distance moves by including unlimited mileage. You can save even more by checking out its ongoing deals and discounts online. Penske’s 2,500-plus locations across the U.S. make it one of the most accessible and convenient truck rental options for various moving needs.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Provides unlimited miles on long-distance moves- Offers various discounts for military members, students, AAA members, and more
- Offers discounted moving assistance through Simple Moving Labor
Cons
- Doesn’t offer a low-price guarantee
- Has fewer moving supply options than some competitors
- Isn’t available in Alaska
Services and Truck Sizes
Penske offers various service add-ons to its truck rental options. This includes assistance with moving labor, car towing options, and the following:
- Loading and unloading services (via third party)
- Moving checklist
- Moving supplies
- Packing and unpacking services (via third party)
- Roadside assistance
- Storage services
You can rent a truck from Penske in these sizes:
- 11-foot high-roof cargo van
- 12-foot box truck
- 16-foot box truck
- 22-foot box truck (long-distance moves only)
- 26-foot box truck
Cost
We went through the quote process with Penske for a 22-foot box truck for a long-distance move. The company doesn’t offer this size for local moves, so we used a 16-foot box truck. Penske says both of these options are ideal for a three-bedroom home.
Our estimate for the long-distance move was $2,629, which included six days of use with unlimited mileage and 24/7 roadside assistance. For the local move, we were quoted $73 for 50 miles worth of use.
Payment Options
Penske accepts payments in the form of cash, credit cards, bank checks, or cashier’s checks.
Insurance Options
Penske offers four insurance coverage plans. Its basic plan is a Limited Damage Waiver (LDW), so you’re not liable for any damages to your rented equipment. More extensive coverage plans include coverage for cargo damage and personal injuries. Penske also has a roadside assistance plan for any unexpected emergencies during transit.
For moving truck rentals, The Home Depot offers a good option for local moves with its Load ‘N Go pickup trucks and cargo vans. Home Depot’s vehicles have low rates, and the company offers a large selection of equipment and tool rentals. Home Depot works with Penske to provide long-distance rentals with an even larger network, using Home Depot stores as pickup and drop-off locations. The company’s Load N’ Go vehicles average $130 per day of use with unlimited mileage. Most Home Depot stores offer a comprehensive array of moving supplies, such as boxes, straps, blankets, and other tools. Given its status in the home improvement industry, Home Depot can expedite your moving process and make relocation generally easier.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers unlimited mileage on its in-house vehicles
- Provides a large selection of tool and equipment rentals
- Partners with Penske to offer more availability for its trucks
Cons
Doesn’t offer a low-price guarantee- Doesn’t provide insurance options
- Only offers larger box trucks through Penske
Services and Truck Sizes
Home Depot’s Load N’ Go service offers flatbed trucks, cargo vans, and 14-foot box trucks for local moves. The smaller trucks are especially valuable if you have a studio or one-bedroom apartment. The company relies on its Penske partnership to fulfill long-distance moving truck rentals.
Home Depot also sells packing supplies and tool and equipment rentals through the store.
Home Depot offers the following truck sizes:
- 6 3/4-foot F250 flatbed truck
- 10-foot T250 flatbed truck
- 9-foot cargo van
- 14-foot moving box truck
- 12-foot Penske box truck
- 16-foot Penske box truck
- 22-foot Penske box truck
- 26-foot Penske box truck
Cost
We went through Home Depot’s quote process for a local move with a 12-foot box truck. The company outsources its larger moving trucks to Penske, so we encourage you to refer to the quote in our Penske section above for a long-distance move.
The local move cost $29 for 75 minutes, $139 per day, or $973 per week for a 12-foot box truck. Each option included unlimited mileage, and as with other truck rentals, the driver is responsible for fuel costs.
Payment Options
You can pay for your Home Depot truck rental with a credit card.
Insurance Options
Home Depot requires you to use your car insurance in conjunction with one of its Load ‘N Go vehicles. For long-distance trucks, you can purchase insurance coverage through Penske.
What Do You Need To Rent a Moving Truck?
You’ll need to follow a few standard requirements to rent a moving truck, including having proof of meeting these criteria:
- Minimum age: Most companies set a minimum age limit to rent a truck, with typical requirements falling between 18–25 years old.
- Valid driver’s license: You must have a valid and active driver’s license you can show upon picking up a rental truck.
- Insurance: Some companies require showing proof of auto insurance in order to rent a truck. You can also purchase supplemental insurance from the rental company if you want more coverage.
- Security deposit: Companies require a refundable security deposit when you pick up your rental truck, typically between $100 and $500. This deposit covers damages or cleaning fees if needed.
It’s not mandatory, but we highly recommend liability insurance when renting a moving truck to protect you from potentially significant risks and expenses if accidents occur. Understanding the protections needed for a move can help determine the right insurance options.
Do Moving Truck Rentals Have Any Restrictions?
When you decide to rent a moving truck, it’s important to consider the responsibilities you’re taking on. In addition to assuming responsibility for any damage that occurs to the truck, most companies enforce time constraints on rentals. Rental periods typically run in 24-hour increments, so efficient planning is crucial to avoid late fees. Companies also exclude certain costs from your quote, which means you’ll have to cover expenses like gas and moving supplies out of your own pocket.
Quick Tip
- Looking to rent a moving truck but not sure how to get started on your moving process? We put together an ultimate moving checklist and a list for pre-move planning to help you organize and prepare for your move.
How Much Does a Moving Truck Rental Cost?
The cost of renting a moving truck can vary significantly depending on the total distance of your move, the truck’s size, and a few other factors. We collected quotes from various rental truck companies and found an average price of $2,945 for a long-distance moving truck rental. Larger trucks generally cost more. For example, a 10-foot truck can start around $30 daily for a local move, while a 20-foot truck may cost more than $100.
Daily and weekly rates are usually cheaper than hourly. Long-distance moves lasting a month or more have the lowest rates. Rates are highest during spring and summer because those are peak moving seasons. Off-season rates in fall and winter can be cheaper by $50 or more per day. In addition, renting in a metropolitan area generally costs more than in a small town. There’s usually a per-mile charge for exceeding the allotted mileage, and one-way rentals include additional fees.
Homeowner Insights
In our moving survey, 77% of respondents said their move required one truck, while roughly 20% needed two trucks. Of those who needed extra trucks, 46% were charged an added fee. If you need multiple trucks, ask whether your rental company offers discounts or bundled pricing.
Comparing Truck Rental Costs by Company
U-Haul and Budget offer the best prices for a moving truck based on our top picks. Compare rates, deposits, and other fees across each cheap moving company on our list below.
| Company | Price to Rent | Deposit | Mileage Fee | Truck Size Sampled |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | $1,807 | $50 | $1.09 per mile | 20-foot |
| Budget | $1,354.84 | $150 | $0.89 per mile | 16-foot |
| Enterprise | $95 per day (local only) | Varies by location | $0.23 per mile | 20-foot |
| Penske | $2,629 | $100 | $0.79 per mile | 22-foot |
| Home Depot | $139 per day (local only) | $150 | Unlimited | 12-foot |
Do You Need Insurance To Rent a Moving Truck?
You are not legally required to buy insurance to rent a moving truck. However, most moving companies offer optional coverage to help protect you financially if any damage occurs when you’re using a rental truck. We put together a list of common types of moving truck rental insurance below, although some companies may use different names for these plans.
- Collision damage waiver (CDW): Also known as loss damage waiver, this optional coverage limits your liability if a rental truck is damaged or stolen. The typical deductible is $250–$500.
- Cargo insurance: This insurance protects the value of items stored in the truck if the load is damaged, lost, or stolen during the rental period.
- Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): This provides compensation for injuries or death that may occur when using a moving truck. Health insurance policies may already cover these.
- Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI): Extra liability coverage begins when the minimum state or company liability insurance is exhausted. This plan helps protect you from paying large sums if you cause damage to another vehicle or property.
Homeowner Insights
Only 33% of our moving survey respondents purchased extra valuation coverage for their belongings. The most frequently reported cost for coverage was $500, though prices varied widely depending on the moving provider, coverage level, and move size.
How To Choose a Cheap Moving Truck Company
Renting a moving truck is no small task, and operating this type of vehicle involves a lot of responsibility. It’s important to consider a few things, like your move type and the size truck size you need, before choosing a rental company.
Move Type
You can classify most moves as either local or long-distance. Local moves describe moving distances within the same city, typically within 150 miles or less, whereas long-distance moves cross states or even the country. The type of move you’re undergoing can drastically impact your cost and the work required for a move. For example, local moves typically cost less and require less moving labor. The company you choose should offer vehicle options that match the type of move you need to make.
Truck Size and Type
You can typically pick from a wide variety of moving truck and vehicle sizes, depending on what your chosen company offers. To help you estimate what size truck you need, we put together a list of recommendations for different types of moves.
- Cargo van: Single-room and student moves
- 10-foot truck: Studio apartments
- 12-foot truck: One-bedroom homes or studio apartments
- 16-foot truck: Large one-bedroom homes or small two-bedroom homes
- 20-foot truck: Two bedroom-homes or small three-bedroom homes
- 26-foot truck: Most three-bedroom homes
Quick Tip
- For smaller local moves, you can possibly save money by renting a cargo van or pickup truck and making multiple trips back and forth. However, keep in mind that you must cover the cost of gas out of pocket.
Customer Service
A moving truck rental is a do-it-yourself (DIY) service, but it’s still important to have good customer support. An effective way to gauge the quality of a truck rental company’s customer support is to read online customer reviews. Popular review sites such as the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Yelp all help provide a window into how a company’s customer service operates.
Also, look into the customer service hours for your chosen truck rental company branch before booking. Some may offer 24-hour customer service, which can prove useful for long-distance moves that require being on the road past business hours.
Contract and Policy Details
Understanding the key terms and policies in your moving truck rental agreement is important. To help you read through your contract and decide if a company offers what you need, we put together details on what to look out for.
Truck rental companies typically require you to return the vehicle with the same level of fuel as when you picked it up. Failure to do so may result in additional fuel charges, often at inflated prices.
Truck rental companies usually have limited liability for any damage or loss to your belongings during the move. Their contracts usually include clauses that limit their liability to a minimal amount, unless you purchase additional protection or insurance.
Most rental companies require you to purchase their insurance coverage, which can increase the cost of the rental. This coverage may include a collision damage waiver, cargo protection, and supplemental liability insurance.
Rental agreements often include mileage restrictions or charges for exceeding a specified mileage allowance. Long-distance moves may incur substantial mileage fees, so it’s important to understand these charges upfront.
Rental companies have specific guidelines regarding the size of the truck you can rent based on the weight and volume of your belongings. They may also limit or charge extra for certain equipment, such as hand trucks, furniture pads, or towing equipment.
Rentals are usually based on 24-hour periods, and late returns can incur significant penalties or additional daily charges. It’s important to plan your move carefully and account for potential delays or unforeseen circumstances.
Comparing Moving Truck Rentals vs. Full-Service Options
You might consider a moving truck rental because it’s cheaper than a professional moving company. While renting a moving truck costs less, it also means you’ll have to handle all the work of packing and loading and unloading yourself. To help you compare the pros and cons of moving trucks versus using full-service movers, we break down both options in more detail below.
Cost
- Moving truck rental: The cost of renting a moving truck can vary significantly depending on several factors. The main factors are the total distance of your move and the size of the truck. For example, a 10-foot truck can start around $30 daily for a local move, while a 20-foot truck may cost more than $100.
- Full-service movers: Hiring a full-service moving company is convenient and provides peace of mind, but it can get expensive. Moving costs are based on distance, crew members, and the weight or volume of items. Full-service movers can charge from several thousand dollars to over $10,000 for a long-distance move.
Driving Skills
- Moving truck rental: If you decide to rent a moving truck, know that driving such a large vehicle can be challenging, especially if you lack experience. Moving trucks are usually much bigger and heavier than standard passenger vehicles, so you’ll need to exercise additional caution when navigating tight spaces, making turns, and reversing. Ignoring these factors can increase the risk of accidents, property damage, or personal injury.
- Full-service movers: Professional moving companies hire experienced drivers who are trained and licensed to operate large trucks safely and efficiently. These drivers are well-versed in handling moving vehicles and are skilled at maneuvering them through residential areas, narrow streets, and loading docks. Also, professional movers are trained to load items in a way that minimizes the risk of shifting cargo that could result in damage.
Newer Trucks
- Moving truck rental: Rental truck companies usually have a fleet of older, well-worn trucks. Although these trucks are maintained regularly, they may not have the latest safety features and amenities available in newer models. Rental trucks are also more prone to wear and tear due to frequent use, which could lead to a less comfortable or dependable ride.
- Full-service movers: Professional moving companies usually invest in newer and more advanced trucks for their fleets. These vehicles are designed specifically for the challenges of moving and are equipped with features that can make the process smoother and safer.
Number of Vehicles
- Moving truck rental: When renting a moving truck, you’ll have access to only one vehicle. The size of the truck depends on your specific needs, but you’ll be limited to one for transporting all of your belongings. This can be challenging for larger moves or when items need to be moved from multiple locations, requiring numerous trips or coordination with friends and family.
- Full-service movers: Professional moving companies have a range of vehicles to suit different types of moves. For a typical residential move, they may send a large truck accompanied by a smaller shuttle van or cargo vehicle. The larger truck is used to transport the majority of your belongings, while the smaller vehicle is ideal for items that require special handling, such as appliances, electronics, or valuable pieces of furniture.
Packing and Loading
- Moving truck rental: If you decide to rent a moving truck, keep in mind that you’ll be solely responsible for packing and loading your possessions, along with any help you can gather. You’ll need to find your own packing supplies, such as boxes, bubble wrap, and furniture pads, and make sure that everything is packed and secured appropriately for transport.
- Full-service movers: Professional moving companies offer full-service packing and loading as part of their services. Experienced movers are trained in efficient and safe packing techniques and use high-quality materials specifically designed for relocating household goods. They’ll carefully pack and wrap your belongings to ensure that everything, from fragile items to large furniture pieces, is properly protected and secured for the move.
Our Recommendation
- If you’re considering a full-service move, we put together a list of the best professional moving companies. We recommend American Van Lines, Allied Van Lines, International Van Lines, JK Moving Services, or North American Van Lines.
FAQs About Cheap Moving Truck Rentals
What do I need to drive a truck rental?
You need a valid driver’s license or military ID to drive a rental truck. The age to rent a moving truck varies by company, though. For example, you may rent a U-Haul when you’re 18, but Enterprise requires you to be at least 21. These are the standard requirements for a moving truck rental, so be sure to check with the truck rental company you’re considering to ensure you present all required documentation upon pickup.
How can I save more money on my truck rental?
There are a few steps you can take to try to save on your moving truck rental. Typically, the earlier you book, the cheaper the rate you’ll receive, so be sure to book a moving truck rental as soon as you know you need one. Also, check if the company offers any special deals or discounts. Moving truck rental companies may offer standard ongoing promotions, but many include discounts for students, seniors, military members, emergency responders, and more.
Do I have to refill the gas in my rental truck before returning?
You must return your truck in the same condition as when it left the rental agency lot. This includes filling up your tank to the level it was when you were given the keys.
Will a couch fit in a 10-foot truck?
You can fit more in 10 feet than you might expect. A 10-foot rental truck for most couches will be sufficient if you check the measurements. Therefore, always measure furniture dimensions before moving because sizes can vary, and also, remember that proper loading and securing items are vital.
Do moving truck rentals come with roadside assistance?
Truck rental companies typically offer roadside assistance as an additional protection plan or include it in the insurance options listed previously. Typical roadside assistance services include towing, tire changes, jump-starts, lockout services, fuel delivery, and winching.
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling options, additional benefits and custom service options, and reputation among customers to arrive at a final score on a 5-point rating scale.
