U-Haul offers competitive pricing on a wide selection of moving trucks, additional services, and packing supplies. U-Haul provides cost flexibility, allowing you to pick and choose additional services during the booking process. This includes options for moving labor.
Renting a moving truck from the right company can alleviate some of the hassles you’ll inevitably face on moving day. Quality moving truck rental providers are transparent about billing and insurance policies and may even offer additional moving services. Our team has researched the best moving truck rental companies. In this guide, we narrow our choices down to the cheapest moving truck rentals.
Avoiding hidden costs: Our survey of 1,000 homeowners revealed that packing materials were the highest hidden cost of moving for 26% of respondents. A full-service moving company can give you more clarity on what you'll pay. Here are our top picks.
5 Cheapest Moving Truck Rental Companies
We found the following truck rental options to be the cheapest providers:
- U-Haul
- Enterprise
- Penske
- Home Depot
- Budget
Why We Chose U-Haul
U-Haul is one of the most recognizable names in the DIY moving space. The company provides a streamlined booking process and lets you arrange pick-up 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through U-Haul’s mobile app. U-Haul offers a large collection of truck sizes and offers one of the largest selections of add-ons of the providers on this list. Whether you’re booking a truck for a single-item local move, junk removal, or a three-bedroom interstate move, U-Haul has a truck size available for your needs.
Pros and Cons
Availability
U-Haul provides its services in all 50 states. U-Haul operates 23,000 locations across the United States and Canada. These range from local “neighborhood dealers,” which rent out trucks for local moves, to full U-Haul locations that sell moving supplies and offer storage. One-way rentals cost more from the larger locations.
Services
U-Haul offers many add-ons for your moving truck rental. Add-ons include storage services, packing supplies, and assistance finding packing and loading services through U-Haul’s online platform, Moving Help. The company asks which add-ons you would like as you go through the online reservation process.
U-Haul provides a variety of moving protection plans. Its basic plan, Safemove, eliminates your financial liability for any damages that occur to your rented equipment.
More comprehensive options, such as the Safemove Plus plan, offer coverage of your cargo, while the Safetrip plan provides roadside assistance for jump starts, lockout service, lost keys, fuel service, stuck vehicles, and trailer hookup problems.
U-Haul Services:
- Truck and van rentals
- Car trailers
- Trailer hitches
- Moving supplies
- Storage services
- U-Box portable moving and storage containers
- Packing and unpacking services (via third party)
- Loading and unloading services (via third party)
- Mobile app
- Moving checklist
- Damage protection coverage plans
- Roadside assistance
U-Haul Moving Truck Sizes:
- 8-foot pickup truck
- 9-foot cargo van
- 10-foot box truck
- 15-foot box truck
- 17-foot box truck
- 20-foot box truck
- 26-foot box truck
Cost
U-Haul includes a $50 reservation guarantee. If U-Haul, through its own fault, fails to meet your selected time, place, and equipment size, you receive $50 back.
Sample Quote: We went through the booking process to rent a 20-foot box truck (which fits an average three-bedroom home) from U-Haul. These are the pricing estimates we received.
- Long-distance quote: To go from Boston to Miami, we received a quote for $4,440. This includes up to six days of use, 1,811 miles, and $112 for a SafeMove plan.
- Local quote: For a local move in Boston, a 20-foot box truck rental costs $40 per day plus $1.59 per mile. For a 20-mile move, assuming an extra five miles to pick up and return the truck, you’d pay nearly $72 total. A SafeMove plan costs an additional $14. This brings your total to $86, not including fuel costs.
Payment Options: U-Haul accepts payment via credit cards, debit cards, and cash. You can pay in advance upon reserving your truck rental, or you can pay upon pick-up.
Known for its car rental services, Enterprise has branched off into moving truck rentals. It offers an extensive list of truck sizes, affordable rates, and 24/7 roadside support. However, Enterprise only offers its services for local moves, and the company has fewer add-on options than other providers on this list.
Why We Chose Enterprise
Enterprise provides a large selection of truck sizes and types of vehicles, so you can rent the right truck no matter the size of your local move. Enterprise offers fair rental rates with low mileage costs and comprehensive contents coverage plans.
Pros and Cons
Availability
Enterprise is available in every state, as well as Puerto Rico. There are roughly 500 Enterprise truck rental locations across this territory. No one-way rentals are available through this provider.
Services
Enterprise offers equipment for towing a vehicle behind your moving truck but has few other offerings for additional services.
Enterprise offers four truck rental protection plans for covering damages and emergencies. Its Damage Waiver (DW) option, the cheapest plan, covers liability for any damage that occurs to your rental.
Enterprise also provides more comprehensive plans, such as its Roadside Assistance Protection (RAP) and Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) plans, for a higher cost. The RAP plan provides services such as the replacement of lost keys, flat tire service, and jump-starts. Its PAI plan provides coverage for accident-related medical expenses, accidental death, and ambulance expense benefits.
Enterprise Services:
- Moving vehicle rental
- Car towing equipment
- Moving and packing supplies
Enterprise Moving Truck 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
Sample Quote: We went through the quote process for booking an Enterprise truck rental for a local move.
- Long-distance quote: N/A
- Local quote: Renting a 15-foot parcel van costs $131.73 after taxes, with additional mileage fees of $0.29 per mile. In addition, you can purchase liability coverage for up to $29.99 per day. If you’re driving around 20 miles, your total charges will be $167.52 before fuel charges.
Payment Options: Enterprise accepts credit cards and select debit cards. It does not take cash payments.
Penske truck rentals cost slightly more than some competitors, but it provides some of the highest quality trucks on the market by changing out its low-emission trucks more often than companies such as U-Haul. Penske also provides a variety of moving protection plans and helps you save money on long-distance moves due to its unlimited mileage option. You can save more by checking out its ongoing deals and discounts online.
Why We Chose Penske
Penske’s 2,500-plus locations across the United States make it one of the most accessible and convenient truck rental options available for clients with various moving needs. Its moving labor and moving supply purchase options make it a quality one-stop shop for all DIY moving needs.
Pros and Cons
Availability
Penske is available in every state except Alaska. There are 2,500-plus Penske locations across this territory. At many of these locations, you can purchase moving supplies. You can also schedule one-way rentals with this provider.
Services
Penske offers a variety of add-ons to its truck rental options. This includes assistance with moving labor, car towing options, and storage services. Penske also has a roadside assistance plan for any unexpected emergencies during transit.
Penske offers four insurance coverage plans, including the roadside assistance plan. Its Basic plan is a Limited Damage Waiver (LDW), so you are not held responsible for any damages that occur to your rented equipment. More extensive coverage plans with Penske include coverage for cargo damage and personal injuries.
Penske Services:
- Moving vehicle rental
- Car trailers/towing equipment
- Moving supplies
- Moving checklist
- Storage services
- Roadside assistance
- Insurance coverage plans
- Packing and unpacking services (via third party)
- Loading and unloading services (via third party)
Penske Moving Truck 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
Sample Quote: The quotes below reflect pricing for 22-foot (long-distance) and 26-foot (local) Penske box trucks.
- Long-distance quote: Our long-distance quote for a move between Boston and Miami came to a total of $5,863.82. This included unlimited mileage, a $343 liability coverage plan, and convenient drop-off at a Miami Penske location after a seven-day rental.
- Local quote: Our local quote for a 26-foot truck was $147.02, which included liability coverage. Current mileage fees are $0.59 per mile. You’ll pay $11.80 for 20 miles of driving. This brings the total to $158.82 before fuel costs.
Payment Options: Penske makes payment relatively easy. It accepts all major credit cards, as well as cash, bank checks, and cashier’s checks.
Home Depot is a great option for local moves due to its Load ‘N Go pickup trucks and cargo vans. These vehicles have low rates and come with a large selection of equipment and tool rentals. Home Depot works with Penske to provide the same services with a larger network, using Home Depot stores as pick-up and drop-off locations.
Why We Chose Home Depot
Home Depot offers cheap rates for smaller local moves. Its Load N’ Go vehicles average $130 per day of use with unlimited mileage. You may be able to book Penske’s services for long-distance moves in areas it does not serve if you use Home Depot’s rental locations instead. Most Home Depot stores offer a comprehensive array of moving supplies, which can expedite your moving process.
Pros and Cons
Availability
Home Depot offers its services in all 50 states. More than 1,200 Home Depot stores offer truck rentals. Home Depot owns smaller trucks for local moving needs. Inquire about one-way rentals from select locations if you need long-distance moving assistance.
Services
Home Depot’s Load N’ Go service makes flatbed trucks, cargo vans, and 14-foot box trucks available for local moves. The smaller trucks are an especially good value if you have a studio or one-bedroom apartment. Home Depot requires that you use your own car insurance in conjunction with one of its Load ‘N Go vehicles.
To fulfill long-distance moving truck rentals, Home Depot relies on its Penske partnership. Insurance coverage plans for these moving trucks (12-foot, 16-foot, 22-foot, and 26-foot) are available through Penske.
Home Depot Services:
- Load N’ Go vehicle rental
- Home Depot tool and equipment rental
- Packing supplies
- Moving checklist
Home Depot Moving 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
Sample Quote: A local move with a Home Depot truck is priced at only $29 for the first 75 minutes. Our local quote below reflects an eight-hour rental time. All rentals require a valid form of ID and proof of insurance at pick-up.
- Long-distance quote: We obtained a long-distance quote through Penske for a move from Boston to Miami with Home Depot. We were quoted $5,863.82, which includes unlimited mileage and Penske’s basic coverage plan.
- Local quote: Our local quote for a 16-foot Home Depot truck was $169.18. This includes unlimited mileage but not fuel costs.
Payment Options: Home Depot truck rentals must be paid for via credit card.
Budget is a reputable moving truck rental company that offers competitive prices. The company provides four different truck sizes and offers ongoing discounts and deals on its website. You can potentially save more money if you are a student, senior, military member, AARP member, police, firefighter, or involved in other groups to which Budget offers discounts.
Why We Chose Budget
Budget provides competitive rates for local move truck rentals. Its prices are fairly standard for cross-country moves. Budget includes roadside assistance in its basic coverage plan, whereas most other companies charge an additional fee for this service. It has a less noticeable presence within the DIY moving space but still provides quality trucks for both local and long-distance moves.
Pros and Cons
Availability
Budget is located in every continental U.S. state. It is not available in Hawaii or Alaska. There are roughly 800 Budget truck locations that service one-way rentals and local moving with same-location returns.
Services
Budget offers loading, unloading, and packing services through HireAHelper. Budget also offers a unique add-on called PlatePass, an automated toll payment solution that enables you to use toll-gated lanes and cashless toll collection lanes with one of Budget’s trucks.
Budget provides three insurance coverage plan options. The Value Protection Package includes both a damage liability waiver and roadside assistance. Its Complete Protection Package provides both cargo and personal injury coverage.
Budget Services:
- Moving vehicle rental
- Moving and packing supplies
- Car carriers and tow dollies
- Insurance coverage plans
- PlatePass
- Packing services (via third party)
- Loading and unloading services (via third party)
Budget Moving Truck Sizes:
- 11-foot cargo van
- 12-foot box truck
- 16-foot box truck
- 26-foot box truck
Cost
Sample Quote: All rentals include refundable deposits of $150 to be paid back upon the return of your rental.
- Long-distance quote: Our quote for a move from Boston to Miami with a 26-foot truck came to $6,847.23. This includes $329.88 in liability coverage and unlimited miles.
- Local quote: A 20-mile local move within the Boston area with a 26-foot truck totaled $118.56. This includes a single-day rental with $52.98 in basic liability coverage. Fuel and add-ons, such as moving equipment, will cost extra.
Payment Options: At most locations, a credit card is your only payment option. Some locations allow debit card payment but may require that you show an ID in order to pay this way.
Compare Alternative Moving Companies
If you do not want the stress of handling your move on your own, you can reach out to a full-service moving company. The movers we’ve listed in the table below can offer more comprehensive assistance for moves of all sizes. You’ll pay a premium price for their services but will have a more hands-off moving experience.
Best For | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Link | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
International Van Lines | Best Full-Service Mover |
|
B | VISIT SITE | |
American Van Lines | Most Experienced Mover |
|
A | VISIT SITE | |
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group | Most Efficient |
|
B | VISIT SITE | |
Safeway Moving Inc. | Most Customer-Oriented |
|
A+ | VISIT SITE | |
Moving APT | Best Customer Service |
|
B | VISIT SITE | |
JK Moving Services | Most Customizable |
|
A+ | VISIT SITE | |
North American Van Lines | Best for Claims |
|
A+ | VISIT SITE | |
Allied Van Lines | Best for Vehicle Relocation |
|
A+ | VISIT SITE | |
United Van Lines | Best Base Moving Coverage |
|
A+ | VISIT SITE | |
Mayflower | Best for Large Moves |
|
A+ | VISIT SITE |
International Van Lines | |
---|---|
Logo | |
Best For | Best Full-Service Mover |
Star Rating |
|
BBB Rating | B |
American Van Lines | |
---|---|
Logo | |
Best For | Most Experienced Mover |
Star Rating |
|
BBB Rating | A |
Interstate Moving & Relocation Group | |
---|---|
Logo | |
Best For | Most Efficient |
Star Rating |
|
BBB Rating | B |
Safeway Moving Inc. | |
---|---|
Logo | |
Best For | Most Customer-Oriented |
Star Rating |
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
Moving APT | |
---|---|
Logo | |
Best For | Best Customer Service |
Star Rating |
|
BBB Rating | B |
JK Moving Services | |
---|---|
Logo | |
Best For | Most Customizable |
Star Rating |
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
North American Van Lines | |
---|---|
Logo | |
Best For | Best for Claims |
Star Rating |
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
Allied Van Lines | |
---|---|
Logo | |
Best For | Best for Vehicle Relocation |
Star Rating |
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
United Van Lines | |
---|---|
Logo | |
Best For | Best Base Moving Coverage |
Star Rating |
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
Mayflower | |
---|---|
Logo | |
Best For | Best for Large Moves |
Star Rating |
|
BBB Rating | A+ |
International Van Lines
Many of the companies on this list offer some moving labor via third-party companies for loading and unloading, but if you want an all-inclusive moving experience, we recommend International Van Lines (IVL). IVL can handle practically every part of your move for you, including furniture disassembly and reassembly, packing and unpacking, loading and unloading, and transportation.
IVL offers multiple contents protection plans that cover your personal belongings. It also offers vehicle relocation services and can provide specialty services for handling unique and difficult items, such as pianos and antiques.
We received an estimate to move a two-bedroom home from Chicago to Houston within a month’s time for $2,015–$3,445 with International Van Lines. This includes the company providing loading and driving services and requires a 25% deposit to reserve your moving date.
U-Pack
U-Pack is an inexpensive alternative that allows someone else to handle the driving for you. A self-service portable storage container company, U-Pack delivers your choice of either its ReloCube (70 x 82 x 93 inches) or a 27-foot moving trailer to your home.
You then have up to three days to load all your belongings and notify U-Pack when to pick up and deliver your items to your new home. You’ll have another three-day window to unload your belongings.
U-Pack only provides its services for moves more than 150 miles, but its pay-for-what-you-use policy for its moving trailers allows you to make a budget-friendly move with some driving assistance.
We received an estimate from U-Pack for two ReloCubes going from Philadelphia to Tampa, Florida, in roughly a month for $2,713. This quote is all-inclusive and features no hidden fees.
Things To Consider When Renting an Affordable Moving Truck
Renting a moving truck is no small task. A lot of responsibility comes with tackling this DIY approach to relocation. Just like planning a full-service move, you’ll need to consider different factors in the lead-up to your DIY relocation.
Truck Size and Type
There is a wide variety of moving trucks and vehicles you may be able to rent. Think about how much space you need to fit all of your belongings. Having too much space is better than too little, as you can tie down your belongings.
If you are planning a local move, you might be able to save money by renting a cargo van or pickup truck and making multiple trips back and forth. Long-distance moves will probably require larger trucks.
Truck type is extremely important when selecting a truck rental company for a DIY relocation. U-Haul trucks are fairly easy to drive but offer marginally fewer cubic feet of storage than Penske or Enterprise trucks across all size options. U-Haul trucks feature a lower cab and a familiar Ford F-650 engine in the 26-foot model. Penske and Enterprise, on the other hand, offer more standard trucks with seats that are further off the ground. Consider your overall comfort when selecting a rental truck.
Truck sizes across different companies should have the capacity for the following move sizes:
- Cargo van: Student moves and single-room moves
- 10 feet: Studio apartments
- 12 feet: One-bedroom homes and studio apartments
- 16 feet: Small two-bedroom homes and large one-bedroom residences
- 20 feet: Small three-bedroom homes and nearly all two-bedroom residences
- 26 feet: Most three-bedroom homes
Insurance Coverage Plans
One of the most unexpected costs with moving truck rentals can be insurance coverage plans. You will, at least, want to get a damage waiver of some kind. This way, you are not responsible for any damages that may occur to the company’s vehicle while in your possession.
If you have valuable belongings or are concerned about personal safety, you may want to consider more comprehensive coverage plans that include cargo insurance and personal injury coverage.
Truck rental companies offer different insurance plans. Many basic insurance offerings sound all-inclusive but cover collisions only. This means that the box and your belongings within won’t be covered by a basic policy. Ask about this when you book your truck rental.
Additionally, consider contacting your existing insurance provider about temporary supplemental coverage. Some homeowners and car insurance policies offer this at an added cost. For example, Lemonade provides renters insurance or homeowners insurance that can protect your valuable items during a move. Lemonade will only cover your stuff while you’re moving if you’re moving independently (i.e., packing your stuff and transporting it yourself, not hiring a moving company). If you hire a moving company, you’ll need third-party insurance.
Roadside Assistance
Another important factor to look out for when reviewing coverage options is roadside assistance. You never know what might happen on the road, so it’s best to opt for a moving truck rental company that provides roadside assistance for flat tires, fluid leakage, and other mechanical problems.
This could cost you extra, or it could be included in your base rental agreement. In many cases, equipment failure will be covered, while operator error may not.
Customer Service
Though moving truck rentals are a DIY service, you still want good customer support. An effective way to gauge the quality of the customer support of a moving truck rental company is to read through some online customer reviews. Popular online review sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and Yelp all help provide a window into how a company’s customer service operates.
Look into customer service hours for your given truck rental company branch. Some may advertise 24-hour customer service, but response times could be slow if calls are bounced to a call center during off hours. This could be of greater concern for long-distance clients who will likely be on the road past business hours.
Our Conclusion
Renting a truck and handling your move on your own is the cheapest relocation option. That said, DIY truck rentals are better suited for smaller local moves. Unless you’re experienced with manual labor or are moving to and from a first-floor apartment or one-floor house, consider hiring a professional moving service. Your choice entirely depends on your comfort with planning and executing a move on your own. If you’re on the fence, we recommend getting quotes from full-service movers in your area to find the cheapest option that meets your needs.
Other Moving Resources
We’ve done in-depth research on the best moving companies in the United States and have compiled these easy-to-digest comparisons:
- Best Cheap Moving Companies
- Best Moving Companies for Small Moves
- Best Moving Companies for Military Moves
- Best Moving Companies for Apartments
- Best Moving Companies for Antiques
- Best Moving Companies for Senior Discounts
FAQ About Cheap Moving Truck Rentals
Based on our research, U-Haul offers more competitive base pricing for moving truck rentals. However, if you need to do a lot of driving, Budget might be a better choice, as it provides unlimited mileage and U-Haul doesn’t.
In order to drive a rental truck, you need a valid driver’s license or military ID. The age to rent a moving truck varies by company, though. For example, you may rent a U-Haul when you are 18, but Enterprise Truck Rental 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 are considering to make sure you present all required documentation upon pickup.
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, be sure to check if the company offers any special deals or discounts. Moving truck rental companies may offer standard ongoing promotions, but many also include discounts for students, seniors, military members, emergency responders, and more.
No, you don’t need a special license to drive a U-Haul truck. A typical class-D driver’s license will suffice when renting a moving truck from most rental companies.
Similarly to renting a car, 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 at when you were given the keys.
Our Rating Methodology
The This Old House Reviews Team backs 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, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score out of 100.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.