How Much Does Renting A Moving Truck Cost?

‍Planning a move can be an exciting but also a daunting experience. Whether you’re moving across town or the country, one of the most important aspects to consider is your Budget. Understanding the cost of renting a moving truck is crucial in setting realistic expectations and ensuring a smooth transition to your new home. Renting a moving truck is a popular choice for many individuals and families, offering a flexible, cost-effective solution. In this article, we’ll delve into the various factors influencing the cost of renting a moving truck. You’ll clearly understand the expenses involved and be better equipped to plan your move efficiently.

Renting A Truck for A Local Move

Hiring a rental truck for a local move (where the car is picked up and returned at the exact location) is cost-effective. The pricing structure for local truck rentals encompasses two main components:

Daily Base Rate: This represents the fixed cost of renting the truck and is commonly highlighted in advertisements. Prices may vary, especially during peak seasons. For a car in the 10′-17′ range, you can expect to pay around $19.99 to $29.99 daily. For larger trucks spanning 20′ to 26′, the daily rate might range from $29.99 to $39.99.
Mileage Charges: Alongside the daily rate, you’ll also be accountable for the distance covered during your move. These rates can fluctuate, particularly during peak times. Typically, on weekdays, the mileage charge ranges between $0.49 and $0.99 per mile. The rates could be higher on weekends, naturally falling within $0.99 to $1.99 per mile.

Renting A Truck for A Long Distance Move

The rates for one-way truck rentals can vary due to several factors. These factors include the journey’s distance, the truck’s size, customer demand, the popularity of the route, and the time of year (such as peak seasons). You can obtain a quote for one-way truck rentals from major rental companies through their online platforms.

Unlike renting a truck for a local move, receiving a one-way price quote covers a specific number of miles and days. For instance, Budget Truck and Penske Truck typically offer unlimited miles for most one-way trips. The calculation for these miles is automated based on the distance of the journey. Generally, the miles and days included in your quote are more than adequate for your travel needs. If necessary, you often have the option to extend the rental duration and miles by paying an extra fee.

Factors That Determine the Cost to Rent a Moving Truck

Whether your move is local or long-distance, it’s essential to establish your Budget before delving into the options of box truck, pickup truck, or cargo van rentals. Setting clear pricing expectations is crucial. The subsequent factors significantly influence the calculation of your ultimate expenses.

Truck Dimension

The moving truck size you choose is a significant factor in determining rental costs. Different truck sizes are designed to accommodate various home sizes and have varying fuel efficiencies. Let’s take a look at some commonly available truck sizes and their associated costs:

Compact Pickup Truck: Renowned names like U-Haul and The Home Depot provide compact pickup truck rentals. For an in-town trip, The Home Depot extends a promotional rate of $19 for a 75-minute rental or a $129 24-hour rate. On the other hand, U-Haul’s compact pickup entails a $19.95 initial fee, accompanied by mileage charges and optional insurance supplements.
Cargo Van: U-Haul is among the most conspicuous options for cargo van rentals. With a fundamental charge of $19.95, this van is spacious enough for most dormitory or student apartment relocations. Penske also presents a cargo van alternative, albeit at a slightly higher base cost.
10-foot Truck: U-Haul’s 10-foot truck offers a slightly larger capacity than its cargo van counterpart. With a starting cost of $19.95, this truck is a good choice for smaller studio apartments or moving a single room’s worth of belongings.
12-foot Truck: Another prevalent choice among small truck selections is the 12-foot option, made available by various moving truck rental enterprises. Both Penske and Budget Truck Rental accommodate this size, with storage capacities of 450 and 380 cubic feet, respectively. These trucks can comfortably house the furnishings and belongings of up to two small rooms.
Midsize Trucks: The range of midsize rental trucks varies across different companies, spanning from 15 to 17 feet in length. Daily rental charges initiate at $30 and, in many instances, can exceed $150 based on factors such as mileage and the chosen rental company.
Large Moving Trucks: Most truck rental providers furnish larger trucks with 20, 22, or 26 feet dimensions. These trucks offer storage capacities suitable for spacious two-bedroom homes or standard three- to four-bedroom residences. Initial rental rates start at $40 per day and extend beyond $150, depending on specific factors.

Mileage

Mileage is another essential factor to consider when renting a moving truck. Some rental companies, such as Budget Truck Rental, offer unlimited mileage for long-distance and interstate moves. However, most providers charge a per-mile fee for local moves. The per-mile fee can range from 20 to 99 cents, depending on the rental company and the time of year you book your truck.

The Return Location

The return location of your rental truck can also affect the overall cost. You may incur additional fees if you need to drop off your vehicle at a different location. While some rental companies, like The Home Depot and Enterprise, do not offer one-way rentals, national chains such as U-Haul and Penske provide this service. It’s always a good idea to check with the rental company about their policies and any associated fees before finalizing your reservation.

Towing Needs

If you plan on towing additional items, such as a car or a trailer, you’ll need to rent a tow dolly or trailer. Most moving trucks and cargo vans have towing capabilities, but the added weight will decrease your mileage per gallon. U-Haul offers tow dollies and trailers for rental, with prices ranging from $44.99 to $54.99.

Consider the Moving Date

The time of year you plan to move can impact the cost of renting a moving truck. Full-service moving companies often increase their rates during the summer months, and the same can be true for truck rental companies. While the base rental rates may remain the same, you can expect to see higher per-mile costs between May and September. Consider scheduling your move during less busy times to save on rental costs.

Additional Moving Services

Just like when hiring professional movers, additional services and add-ons can affect your rental rates. Many truck rental companies offer online portals where you can hire movers to assist with loading and unloading your belongings. Additionally, some rental companies serve as retailers for furniture pads and moving supplies, including boxes, packing paper, mattress bags, and more. These services and supplies can be convenient but may incur additional expenses. Evaluating your specific needs and Budget before opting for any extras is vital.

Cost by Different Truck Sizes

The distance of your journey can notably influence the cost associated with renting a moving truck. The greater the mileage covered, the higher the expenses incurred. Additionally, the pricing structure can differ depending on whether you’re returning the truck to the same rental location or opting for a one-way rental with a different drop-off point.

Local Relocations

Below are the rental charges major moving truck providers offer for a local round-trip move originating in Rockford, Illinois. The rates assume the rental of a box truck and the use of the same pickup and drop-off spots:

Budget: Approximately $20 to $77 per day and an additional 69 to 92 cents per mile.
Enterprise: Roughly $75 to $100 per day, accompanied by an extra 39 cents per mile.
U-Haul: Around $20 to $40 per day, plus an added 99 cents per mile.

When preparing for a local move, it’s essential to consider the trade-off between renting a larger truck and making multiple trips. While a smaller truck may entail lower rental fees, it’s important to factor in the potential increase in mileage charges.

Long-Distance Moves

Let’s delve into the pricing structures set by these providers for long-distance moves across states. It’s worth mentioning that Enterprise, which usually doesn’t facilitate truck rentals with drop-offs in different locations, is separate from this comparison.

Budget: A fixed cost ranging from $2,097 to $4,659 caters to rentals of up to five days, accompanied by unrestricted mileage – a flexible option.
U-Haul: U-Haul’s package includes up to five days of rental usage and a distance allowance of 1,287 miles Charging a flat rate of $2,544 to $3,882.

Remember that surpassing the stipulated rental duration or mileage limit outlined by the provider may lead to extra charges.

Additional Costs

Regarding cost-effective moving options, renting a moving truck trumps even the most budget-friendly moving companies. However, don’t just focus on the rental rates and mileage fees; there are other expenses to consider:

Insurance: Most rental companies provide insurance choices for both the rental truck and your belongings. Take your time to thoroughly understand the terms and conditions of any damage waiver or moving insurance policy. Knowing what’s covered and what’s not is essential.
Packing Materials: If you plan to handle the packing yourself, you’ll need to purchase packing supplies. You can save money by seeking out used materials online or asking local businesses for spare boxes. Alternatively, you can compare prices at stores like The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Walmart. Packing supplies are also available at truck rental companies and office supply stores.
Assistance with Moving: Loading and packing your possessions into a rental truck can be quite an undertaking, especially if you’re tackling it solo. For local moves, you might rely on friends and family to assist, saving you some money. However, for longer journeys, it might be worth considering professional movers. While this will increase your moving expenses, saving you considerable time and effort.
Renting Moving Equipment: Unless you hire professionals to help load, you might need to rent moving equipment like dollies, furniture pads, and straps. These extra rental costs can accumulate quickly.
Fuel and Toll Expenses: Toll roads might come into play if you’re covering a substantial distance. Certain rental companies offer toll packages to help cut toll costs; make sure to ask about these possibilities when reserving your truck. Also, remember to account for gasoline expenses, especially for extended moves.

Popular Moving Truck Rental Companies

We’ve compiled a list of top truck rental providers that are available nationwide. These companies offer a range of truck sizes and quick price quotes to cater to a variety of moving requirements.

U-Haul

U-Haul stands out as a prominent North American truck rental player. With an expansive network of 21,000+ locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces, it caters to the DIY moving niche that emerged after its 1945 founding. The company effectively tapped into the demand for convenient and affordable interstate moves by introducing one-way truck rentals. Although it maintains a strong presence, U-Haul’s offerings come with both pros and cons.

The benefits include widespread availability, diverse truck and trailer sizes, competitive pricing, and easy online reservations. However, downsides include the lack of guaranteed reservations, potential hidden fees, and unlimited mileage. While U-Haul is cost-effective for long-distance moves, thorough research is essential to grasp the fine print and assess whether it aligns with individual needs.

Pros:

Over 21,000 locations across North America.
Various truck and trailer sizes are available.
Offers one-way moves for convenience.
Competitive and affordable pricing.
Easy online reservation process.
No deposit is required for booking.

Cons:

No guaranteed reservations, potential for unavailable vehicles.
Mileage fees apply—no unlimited mileage option.
Possibility of hidden fees.
Research and evaluation are required before booking.

Price:

Local moves: Flat-fee truck rental plus mileage charge (around $1/mile)
Long-distance moves: Flat-fee truck rental with mileage allowance, extra mileage fee after limit
Additional fees: Damage protection ($14 to $90+), environmental fee ($1 to $5), fuel costs, taxes

Services:

Insurance options: Safemove (basic coverage) and Safemove Plus (enhanced coverage)
Additional equipment available for rent: Car trailers, cargo trailers, utility trailers, moving straps, dollies, moving boxes, U-Box containers
U-Haul self-storage options with various unit sizes and features
U-Haul Moving Help marketplace for local moving labor services

Prices and availability may be based on location and specific move details. It’s important to thoroughly research and compare before making a decision.

Penske Truck Rental

Penske Truck Rental is a prominent and trusted name in truck rentals, renowned for its widespread presence across the United States and Canada. Founded in 1969, it has expanded to encompass over 2,500 rental locations and boasts a vast fleet of 50,000 trucks available for rent. Offering competitive rates, especially for long-distance moves, Penske is with its commitment to eco-friendly practices, underscored by its EPA recognition for fuel efficiency and emissions reduction.

Unlimited mileage on one-way journeys and guaranteed reservations for those booked 48 hours ahead add to its appeal. However, local moves do incur per-mile charges, and a refundable security deposit is required upfront. With transparent pricing, various discounts, and newer vehicles, Penske remains a strong choice for DIY movers.

Pros:

Nationwide availability with over 2,500+ rental locations
Guaranteed reservations if booked at least 48 hours in advance
Unlimited miles on one-way moves, which is beneficial for long-distance moves
Easy online reservation process
Special discounts for military members, AAA members, and students
Recognized by the EPA for fuel efficiency and carbon emissions reduction

Cons:

Per-mile fee for local moves
A refundable security deposit is required for local moves.
Local moving prices can be steeper than competitors.
Additional fees for fuel, liability coverage, taxes, and environmental fees

Pricing:

Local moves have a base rate plus a per-mile fee.
Long-distance moves have a base rate with unlimited miles.
Additional costs include fuel, deposit, liability coverage, taxes, and environmental fee.
A late fee of $100 per day for trucks returned later than contracted dates.

Services:

Penske offers optional coverage plans.
Moving supplies and accessories are available for purchase.
Car carriers and tow dollies for car towing.
Self-storage options through partner facilities.
Moving labor assistance through Simple Moving Labor.

Budget Truck Rental

Budget Truck Rental, an extension of Budget Car Rental, offers an economical solution for truck rentals with an expansive reach of nearly 2,800 corporate and dealer locations in the US. Founded in 1958, Budget is known for its customer-centric approach and cost-effective options. Catering to diverse needs, it facilitates both local and long-distance moves. While its base prices are low, customers should be mindful of potential additional charges and varying mileage fees.

Budget’s user-friendly online reservation system enhances convenience, although precise booking details might only sometimes be assured. The company stands out for its exclusive discounts for military, AARP members, students, and first responders.

Pros:

Known for cost-effective truck rental choices.
Over 2,800 locations across the U.S.
Offers both local and long-distance moving options.
Allows for one-way moves.
Easy online reservation process.
Offers discounts for military members, AARP, students, and more.

Cons:

Add-on charges might exceed initial quotes.
Per-mile fees for local and some long-distance moves.
Booking details like location and truck size are optional.
Requires a refundable deposit for local moves.

Services:

Wide availability across the continental U.S.
Variety of truck sizes, including cargo vans, 12-foot, 16-foot, and 26-foot trucks
Loading/unloading help is available through HireAHelper.
Tow dolly and car carrier rentals for vehicle transport
Multiple coverage options for damage protection
Low mileage rates for local moves
Limited guaranteed reservations

Enterprise Truck Rental

Enterprise Truck Rental, a division of Enterprise Holdings, is a reliable choice for a diverse fleet of vehicles catering to personal and business needs. With over two decades of experience since its inception in 1999, Enterprise excels in providing a broad range of trucks and vans, catering to various moving requirements. With an impressive network of more than 370 locations across the US and Canada, Enterprise offers vehicles like pickup trucks, cargo vans, box trucks, and stake beds, accommodating everything from small apartment moves to larger residential relocations.

Upholding a reputation for quality service, Enterprise’s commitment to customer satisfaction remains evident, although feedback is limited. While online booking can occasionally pose challenges, the company’s extensive offerings and competitive pricing position it as a middle-ground option among truck rental providers.

Pros:

Wide variety of vehicles, including vans, trucks, and specialty options.
Emphasis on quality customer service.
Competitive and low mileage fees.

Cons:

Limited to local moves, not ideal for long-distance relocations.
Online scheduling can sometimes be challenging.

Pricing:

Additional insurance coverages include damage waivers, personal accident insurance, roadside protection, and supplemental liability.
Pricing varies based on vehicle, rental duration, and mileage.
Some rental agreements offer free mileage up to certain distances (around 300 miles).
Mileage fees are competitive, with van rates typically ranging between $0.20 and $0.25 per mile.

Services:

Offers an extensive fleet of vehicles for personal and business use.
The fleet includes pickup trucks, cargo vans, box trucks, and stake bed trucks.
Cargo capacities range from 1,300 to 10,000 pounds, accommodating various moving needs.
A customer-focused approach, supplementing business fleets and aiding private moves.
370+ locations across the US and Canada for convenient access.

Is It Worth It to Rent a Moving Truck?

Choosing a rental moving truck might be optimal if you’re preparing for a short-distance relocation or a one-way move and your moving plan is relatively uncomplicated. While moving truck companies provide the option of hiring moving labor as an extra service, most individuals who go for moving truck rentals choose to handle the labor themselves. Considering a moving truck rental could be a practical decision if you’re comfortable with driving a truck and your new residence is a single-story dwelling. To assist you in making an informed choice about your move, we suggest obtaining estimates from the finest moving companies accessible in your vicinity.

How to Find the Best Moving Truck Rental Company

Here is a step-by-step guide to assist you in choosing the perfect rental company for your moving truck needs:

Conduct Research on Rental Companies: Begin by delving into online reviews and ratings, granting you insights into the service quality various rental companies provide. Leverage personal networks, including friends, family, and neighbors, for potential recommendations.
Compare Rental Costs: After compiling a list of potential rental companies, thoroughly compare their pricing structures and associated fees. Prioritize companies that present competitive and transparent pricing models. To make an informed decision, account for variables such as mileage, fuel, and insurance costs.
Evaluate Truck Size Options: Not all companies or locations offer a comprehensive range of truck sizes. Determine the specific truck type and size that suits your requirements and eliminate any companies that cannot accommodate your needs.
Assess Availability: If your move is on short notice or coincides with a peak moving season, you may encounter limitations regarding availability. To preempt this issue, secure your rental well in advance.
Thoroughly Review the Rental Agreement: Before affixing your signature, meticulously scrutinize the terms and conditions of the rental agreement. Be on the lookout for concealed fees that could be tacked onto your rental cost. Gain a clear comprehension of the company’s insurance, fuel, and mileage policies.
Explore Additional Services: In certain cases, rental companies extend supplementary services such as packing assistance, loading, and unloading. Should you require extra support for your move, factor in these services, considering their associated costs.

By following these steps, you can identify a moving truck rental company that aligns perfectly with your moving requirements.

Tips for Renting a Moving Truck

To ensure a seamless experience when renting a moving truck, consider these valuable pointers:

Strategic Planning: The key to a successful move is foresight. Booking your moving truck well in advance expands your choices. Avoid the last-minute rush, which could lead to dealing with unreliable companies or ending up with a truck that’s too small.
Invest in Insurance: Prioritize obtaining moving truck insurance; it’s a prudent investment. Mishaps such as accidental truck damage or theft of your belongings can cast a shadow over your move-in process if you lack adequate coverage.
Enlist Support: Relocating comes with its share of stress. If you opt for a DIY move, don’t hesitate to seek assistance from friends and family. You might also consider borrowing essential moving supplies like blankets or spare boxes, which can be immensely helpful.

Conclusion

Renting a moving truck is a cost-effective and convenient option for many individuals and families. By considering factors such as truck size, mileage, return location, towing needs, moving date, and additional services, you can better estimate the overall cost of your rental. Remember to compare prices and policies from different rental companies to ensure you find the best deal for your specific requirements. With careful planning and budgeting, renting a moving truck can help make your move a smooth and successful experience.

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