Best Cheap Moving Truck Rentals in 2026
Here’s the quick answer: The best cheap moving truck rentals are Budget for discounts, Penske for one-way moves with unlimited miles, and U-Haul for availability, with local trucks starting at $19.95 plus mileage. Home Depot works for quick local jobs, and Enterprise suits business rentals. This guide compares prices, truck sizes, fees, and discounts so you can pick the best rental truck for your budget.
Why moveBuddha:
- On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
- When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
Jump to the truck rental info you’re looking for:
Which moving truck rental is cheapest?
The cheapest moving truck rental depends on your route, dates, and how far you drive, but each major brand wins in a specific scenario. Here’s the quick breakdown, based on thousands of quotes and our Better Moves Project data:
| Company | Cheapest for |
|---|---|
| Budget | Stacked discounts on local & one-way rentals |
| Penske | Long-distance moves with unlimited miles |
| U-Haul | Last-minute & rural rentals |
| Home Depot | Small, same-day local hauls |
| Enterprise | Business & commercial rentals |
Prefer to skip the driving? These top-rated full-service movers are both moveBuddha Certified, so you get $1,000 in added coverage and dispute mediation if something goes wrong.
How do cheap moving truck rental prices compare?
Truck rental prices vary by location, date, size, and demand, so treat these as starting points. Here’s how the five brands stack up on price and one-way mileage:
| Company | Local starting price | One-way mileage |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | Varies by location | Set allowance, then $0.70 – $0.85/mi |
| U-Haul | $19.95 + mileage | Set allowance, then $1/mi |
| Penske | Varies by location | Unlimited |
| Home Depot | $19 vans, $29 trucks | Ask your store |
| Enterprise | Quote only | Limited |
Compare quotes for the same dates and truck size on the same day. moveBuddha’s moving cost calculator weighs distance, home size, move date, and service level together, so you can see whether a DIY truck or a full-service mover costs less for your move.
In-depth reviews: The best cheap moving truck rentals
Budget Truck Rental: Best for cheap rates & discounts
Budget Truck Rental (USDOT #1092543) offers some of the most ways to save, including up to 25% off local rentals picked up Sunday through Thursday and up to 20% off for AARP members. Budget rents 12-foot, 16-foot, and 26-foot box trucks plus cargo vans in the contiguous U.S., but its trucks can’t be driven into Alaska, Canada, or Mexico.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Student, military & AARP discounts | Only three box truck sizes |
| Clear online booking | One-way rentals cap your miles |
| Tow dollies, car carriers & pads | Add-ons raise the final price |
One-way Budget rentals come with a set mileage allowance, and extra miles cost $0.70 each if you buy them before pickup or $0.85 after. Budget can also connect you with labor help through HireAHelper if you want help loading, and it’s smart to call ahead during peak moving season, since inventory changes daily.
“Budget Truck Rental had better rates than other truck rental companies, not just for the truck but also for the extras like moving pads, hand trucks, and towing equipment. I received communication from them that my moving truck was available, but when I arrived to pick up my moving truck I discovered that they had reserved more trucks than they actually had and I had to scramble to find a replacement.”
—Chandra, Better Moves Project
rating
4.3 / 5
U-Haul: Best for availability & last-minute rentals
U-Haul (USDOT #2220242) has 25,000+ locations across the U.S. and Canada, so it often has a truck when other brands sell out. Local rentals start at $19.95 plus a per-mile fee that varies by location, and trucks come in 10-foot, 15-foot, 20-foot, and 26-foot sizes, plus pickups and cargo vans.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Largest rental network | Environmental & local fees |
| Widest range of sizes | Mileage caps on one-way moves |
| Low decks & ramps for easy loading | $1/mi over your allowance |
One-way U-Haul rentals include a set number of miles and days. Going over costs $1 per mile, and extra days run $40 each, so confirm your allowance before you leave the lot. You can also add moving trailers, tow dollies, and supplies at checkout.
“The entire experience was great. No hiccups … had me set up with a truck in minutes.”
—Shannon O., Trustpilot
“I reserved a 15-foot truck … The day before, I got a call saying they could only give a 26-foot at 12 p.m. … The app kept crashing … Renting a truck ended up the biggest nightmare.”
—David K., BBB
rating
4.15 / 5
Penske Truck Rental: Best for long-distance moves with unlimited miles
Penske (USDOT #327574) includes unlimited miles on one-way rentals, which protects you from overage fees on long moves. Penske rents cargo vans and 12-foot, 16-foot, 22-foot, and 26-foot trucks from 2,000+ locations in the U.S. and Canada, with 24/7 roadside support.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unlimited one-way miles | Starting rates can run higher |
| 15% military & 12% AAA discounts | Fewer rural locations than U-Haul |
| Well-maintained fleet | Local rentals charge per mile |
Penske’s one-way pricing can look higher upfront, but unlimited miles often make it cheaper in the end on routes over a few hundred miles. Local round-trip rentals are billed per mile, so compare them against Budget and U-Haul for in-town moves.
“Penske came through with a competitive and accurate quote, easy online communication, and a clean and reliable truck that averaged about 11.5 mpg … good bang for the buck.”
—Katie, Better Moves Project
rating
4 / 5
Home Depot Truck Rental: Best for small, same-day local moves
Home Depot rents cargo vans from $19 and trucks from $29, with unlimited miles on its moving vehicles. It’s a cheap, convenient pick for apartment moves, furniture runs, and dump hauls, since you pick up and return the vehicle at your local store.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low starting prices | Few large truck sizes |
| Unlimited miles | Availability varies by store |
| Supplies in the same store | Best for short rentals |
Call your store to confirm the rental period, vehicle sizes, and whether one-way returns are allowed, since policies vary by location.
“Best deal around. I rent their cargo vans to move furniture and throw out large waste items … Where else can you pay ~$30 to rent a van?”
—WorkingPractice7313, Reddit
“We reserved a truck … At noon the day of pickup, we got an email that our reservation was canceled … What good is a reservation system if you can’t count on it?”
—Dave, Trustpilot
Enterprise Truck Rental: Best for business & local round-trips
Enterprise Truck Rental runs nearly 600 locations across the U.S. and Canada and rents pickups, cargo vans, and box trucks. It’s built for business accounts, with programs like Flex-E-Rent for long-term rentals, and most personal rentals are local round-trips.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong business programs | Limited one-way rentals |
| Deep pickup & van selection | Quote-only pricing |
| No CDL needed for most trucks | Fewer locations than U-Haul |
Renters ages 21 and up can book most vehicles, while 18- to 20-year-olds can rent only in New York and Michigan. Get a quote and compare it with at least two other providers.
What truck sizes does each company offer?
Choosing the right size matters, since a truck that’s too small forces extra trips and one that’s too big costs more to rent and fuel. Here’s what each company offers:
| Company | Box trucks | Vans & pickups |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | 12, 16 & 26 ft | Cargo vans |
| U-Haul | 10, 15, 20 & 26 ft | Vans & pickups |
| Penske | 12, 16, 22 & 26 ft | Cargo vans |
| Home Depot | Varies by store | Vans & flatbeds |
| Enterprise | Varies by market | Vans & pickups |
moveBuddha’s moving truck size calculator matches your home size and furniture to a truck length, so you don’t pay for space you won’t use.
Which truck rental discounts can you get?
Small discounts add up on multi-day rentals. Confirm each discount shows on your reservation before pickup:
| Company | Discounts |
|---|---|
| Budget | Up to 25% off Sun – Thu local pickups, up to 20% for AARP, student & military |
| Penske | 15% military, 12% AAA, student & seasonal codes |
| U-Haul | Check local promos |
| Home Depot | Low flat starting prices |
| Enterprise | Business account pricing |
Where can you find rental truck locations?
Use each company’s location finder to check inventory, confirm hours, and call ahead:
| Company | Locations | Finder |
|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | 25,000+ | Find U-Haul |
| Penske | 2,000+ | Find Penske |
| Enterprise | Nearly 600 | Find Enterprise |
| Budget | Contiguous U.S. | Find Budget |
| Home Depot | Select stores | Find Home Depot |
How do you book a truck rental without overpaying?
A few minutes of planning can save you hours and dollars on moving day. Follow these steps:
- Compare three quotes for the same dates and truck size, and make sure each one includes taxes and fees.
- Pick the smallest truck that fits your inventory, since it saves on the base rate and fuel.
- Price both one-way and round-trip options, and prioritize unlimited miles for long-distance moves.
- Apply every discount you qualify for and check that it shows on your reservation.
- Book three to six weeks ahead for summer dates and reconfirm 48 hours before pickup.
- Bring your driver’s license, payment card, and proof of insurance, plus licenses for any extra drivers.
- Photograph the truck’s sides, cargo area, odometer, and fuel gauge before you drive off.
- Return the truck on time with the same fuel level, and keep your receipts and photos.
What add-ons are worth it for a truck rental?
The right equipment can protect your back, your schedule, and your budget. Here are the extras worth considering:
| Add-on | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Ramps & low decks | Make heavy items easier to load |
| Liftgates | Lift appliances with less strain |
| Tow dollies & car carriers | Bring a second car without a driver |
| Pads, dollies & straps | Protect furniture & speed up loading |
| Roadside assistance | Help with tires, lockouts & towing |
What hidden fees come with truck rentals?
Hidden fees can push a cheap truck rental well past your quote. Build these into your estimate before you book:
| Fee | How to avoid it |
|---|---|
| Mileage | Plan your route & confirm your allowance |
| Fuel | Refuel to the pickup level before return |
| Environmental fees | Check your estimate for local charges |
| Cleaning | Sweep out the truck before drop-off |
| Late returns | Add an extra day if you’re unsure |
| Young drivers | Check age rules before you book |
| Tolls | Ask how your provider bills tolls |
| Damage | Photograph the truck & note existing damage |
moveBuddha’s pricing tools draw on 1,000+ live price points collected every month, so you can check whether your truck rental total still beats hiring movers once fees are added.
Do you need insurance for a rental truck?
Protection plans can save you thousands if something goes wrong. Coverage varies by company, so compare limits as well as cost:
| Plan | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Damage waiver (LDW/CDW) | Damage to the rental truck |
| Supplemental liability | Damage you cause to others |
| Cargo coverage | Your belongings in transit |
| Personal accident | Medical costs for you & passengers |
| Roadside assistance | Tires, lockouts, jump starts & towing |
Pro tip: Check whether your credit card or auto policy covers rental trucks before you buy a plan, since many exclude larger vehicles. See our guide to the best rental trucks for more ways to compare companies.
How can you save money on a truck rental?
Small, smart choices add up to real savings. Use these strategies to cut costs without adding risk:
- Move midweek and mid-month, between the 10th and 20th, when demand and rates are lower.
- Book several weeks ahead for summer dates, then reconfirm 48 hours before pickup.
- Measure large items and choose the smallest truck that fits.
- Sell or donate items before you pack so you can drop down a truck size.
- Stack student, military, AARP, or AAA discounts with promo codes.
- Pick up early and return on time to avoid extra-day fees.
- Choose Penske’s unlimited miles for long-distance routes with detours.
What are the best truck rentals for businesses?
Enterprise Truck Rental leads for business accounts, with fleet variety, long-term Flex-E-Rent programs, and multi-vehicle reservations. Penske and U-Haul also support business customers with large networks and equipment like liftgates and trailers, while Home Depot works well for trades making quick material runs.
Ask each company about monthly rates and fleet pricing if your team rents often.
What are the alternatives to renting a moving truck?
If you don’t want to drive a big truck, you still have budget-friendly options:
| Option | How it works |
|---|---|
| Moving containers | You load, & companies like PODS or U-Pack drive |
| Hybrid moves | Rent a small truck & hire loading help |
| Full-service movers | A crew packs, loads, drives & unloads |
“Small, hybrid move … did the loading and unloading myself.”
—Jarom, Better Moves Project
FAQ
What is the cheapest moving truck rental company?
The cheapest moving truck rental company depends on your trip. U-Haul local rentals start at $19.95 plus mileage, Home Depot vans start at $19, and Budget offers up to 25% off local rentals picked up Sunday through Thursday. For long-distance moves, Penske’s unlimited one-way miles often make it cheapest overall.
Which company has the cheapest one-way truck rentals?
Penske often has the cheapest one-way truck rentals because its one-way quotes include unlimited miles. Budget and U-Haul include a set mileage allowance and charge $0.70 – $1 per extra mile. Compare total quotes for your exact route before you book.
Do I pay for gas in a rental truck?
Yes, you pay for gas in a rental truck, since you must return it at the same fuel level you received. Companies charge a premium per gallon if you return it low. Refuel right before drop-off to save.
Are truck rental reservations guaranteed?
Truck rental reservations aren’t always guaranteed, and some companies swap sizes or pickup locations during busy periods. Reconfirm your reservation 24 – 48 hours before pickup. Get any changes to size, location, or price in writing.
How do I avoid surprise truck rental fees?
Avoid surprise truck rental fees by photographing the truck at pickup and return, including the odometer and fuel gauge. Return it on time with the same fuel level. Confirm your mileage allowance and overage rate in writing on one-way moves.
What size moving truck do I need?
The moving truck size you need depends on your home size, with 10-foot to 12-foot trucks fitting studios and 26-foot trucks fitting larger homes. Oversized furniture can push you up a size. Use our moving truck size calculator to find the right fit.
Which cheap moving truck rental should you choose?
Start with Penske for long-distance moves with unlimited miles and Budget for local discounts. Check U-Haul for availability and size options, use Home Depot for quick local hauls, and add Enterprise if you’re renting for a business.
Want real numbers for your route and dates? moveBuddha’s moving cost calculator shows what a DIY truck, container, or full-service mover would cost for your move.
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