4 Cheapest Moving Truck Rental Companies in 2024
Here’s the quick answer: U-Haul is our top pick for cheapest moving truck rentals, thanks to their wide selection of affordably priced truck sizes. With more than 22,000 brick-and-mortar locations across the U.S., U-Haul is also one of the most readily available truck rental companies.
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Whether U-Haul is the best pick for you depends on the particulars of your DIY move. You may also want to consider our other recommendations for wallet-friendly rentals:
- Overall pick for cheapest truck rental: U-Haul
- Cheapest truck rental for local moves: Penske Truck Rental
- Truck rental with the most discounts: Budget Truck Rental
- Cheapest truck rental for small moves: Home Depot Truck Rental
Our track record
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Our overall pick: U-Haul
We like U-Haul (DOT#2220242) for its unbeatable combination of affordability, variety, and availability. It offers the largest range of truck sizes in the industry — from pickups to move a few pieces of furniture to 26-foot trucks for larger homes.
With more than 21,000 locations nationwide, U-Haul is easily the most accessible rental company, no matter how far you’re moving. Their national coverage is why we named U-Haul among our list of the best moving truck rentals in the industry.
More about U-Haul
Pros & Cons
- Six truck sizes
- The most physical locations, including in rural areas
- Add-on options like car trailers and moving supplies
- Patented E-Z load ramps are shorter, wider, and sturdier than competitors’
- Hidden fees (like a $1–$5 environmental charge)
- Low long-distance mileage allowance (meaning you may pay significantly more in overage fees)
Services
- Moving trucks (available in 10-, 15-, 20-, and 26-foot sizes)
- Cargo vans
- Pickup trucks
- Towing trailers
- Moving supplies
- One-way truck rentals
Cost
Here’s a quick look at U-Haul’s costs:
| Services | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Local moves | $19.95–$39.95/day |
| Long-distance moves | Varies by location and truck size |
| Mileage fees | $0.59–$0.99/mile |
Availability
U-Haul Truck Rental has more than 22,000 locations across all 50 states and Canada.
Customer satisfaction
U-Haul has generally negative online reviews. While the Better Business Bureau (BBB) gives them an A+ score, customers on U-Haul’s BBB’s profile rate them at just 1.1 out of 5 stars. The company has a similarly dismal rating of 1.2 on Trustpilot.
While it seems, on the surface, that U-Haul is not a good company to do business with, the truth is that your experience will vary by physical location. U-Haul operates on a dealer partnership model in which individual local businesses act as certified U-Haul dealers.
For example, customers in some places praise U-Haul for above-and-beyond customer service, quick rental transactions, and quality equipment. Those same accolades are actually sources of complaints from people who have used U-Haul in other locations. Unhappy customers have reported unfriendly or disorganized staff, issues with rental confirmations, and trucks in need of repair or maintenance.
It’s also important to note many of the reviews refer to U-Haul’s storage units and U-Box moving container rentals, not to the rental trucks.
For those reasons and the overall quality of the U-Haul brand, we rated them a 4.15 out of 5 stars, with high marks in product selection, availability, pricing, and perks like the E-Z load ramp, which allows for easier and loading lower to the ground.
Here’s what U-Haul customers had to say:
“The entire experience was great. No hiccups. I showed up just before the store closed to rent a 10ft box truck. The manager…had me set up with a truck in minutes. She runs a tight ship and I appreciate everything she did for us.” —Shannon O., Trustpilot
“I reserved a 15-foot truck to be picked up at 10 a.m. from a location near me a week before my move. The day before, I got a call saying they could only give [me] a 26-foot truck at 12 p.m. I had friends coming to help [me] move. My whole day was planned around a 10 a.m. pickup time…. I was told I could pick up a 26-foot truck at 10 a.m. from a different, farther location, but no one was there, so I would have to use the self check-in on the app, which was a nightmare. It took 40 minutes to get the truck. [The app] wanted pictures of my passport, [my] lease, [and] my work contact info… and kept crashing [so] I had to reenter the information several times…. [I] will not use [U-Haul] again. Renting a truck was supposed to be the easiest part of a stressful day and ended up the biggest nightmare.” — David K., BBB
“I just drove a 20-foot truck 1,000 miles with zero issues. The truck had 3,000 miles, was super clean, [and] had that amazing U-haul ramp [and an] instrument panel that told me my fuel efficiency and [how] many miles I had left on the tank…. I have not used the app very much, but there are amazing customer service teams at the other end of every single phone call I have made to U-Haul. Honestly, they have the best customer service agents I have encountered in the past five years.” —Holly, Trustpilot
- More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
- Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
- Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
- U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
Cheapest truck rental for local moves: Penske
Penske (DOT#327574) stands out for their clear and transparent pricing, making them one of the best options for affordable local moves. Their trucks are newer and well-maintained, which reduces the risk of breakdowns during your move.
While Penske tends to be pricier for one-way, long-distance moves, their local flat rates are competitive, especially when compared to U-Haul and Budget.
More about Penske
Pros & Cons
- Flat, transparent pricing on local moves
- Guaranteed reservations
- 24/7 roadside assistance
- Fuel-efficient trucks
- Higher starting costs for long-distance moves
- Limited availability in some rural areas
Services
- Truck rentals in multiple sizes: 12, 16, 22, and 26 feet
- One-way truck rentals
- Cargo vans
- Roadside assistance
- Guaranteed rental reservations
- Towing equipment
Cost
This is a snapshot of pricing with Penske:
| Services | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Local moves | $130/day |
| Long-distance moves | Varies by location and truck size |
| Mileage fees | Unlimited for one-way rentals |
Availability
Penske Truck Rental operates in all 50 states and has approximately 2,500 physical locations.
Customer satisfaction
Like U-Haul, Penske’s online reviews are generally negative but include feedback regarding the company’s other services like long-term storage. Penske also allows small businesses to lease their trucks, which mean service will ultimately depend on local ownership and management.
They hold a B rating with the BBB and a 2.9 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot. We gave Penske a 4 out of 5 stars, finding its customer service to be strong but subtracting some points for slightly higher prices.
According to online reviews, Penske stands out for fair pricing, last-minute reservations, and quick and easy claims processing. Katie, one of our Better Moves Project participants, appreciated Penske’s unlimited mileage when she moved about 800 miles from Chicago to North Carolina. Some customers criticize the company for vehicle breakdowns and other maintenance issues, as well as changes in rental orders, despite their promise to deliver the desired truck and pickup date on all bookings.
Here’s what Penske customers had to say:
“We ordered a 12-foot truck for a one-way delivery three weeks in advance. When we arrived to pick it up, we were told that we had been downgraded to a van. Luckily, [it] all fit. The rental was… for six days. However, we arrived at our location three days early and only used the van for three days. When we called, we were told there would be no refund for the three days we did not use the van (yet it was dropped off and rerented during our rental period to someone else).” — Beth H., BBB
“I just rented a Penske 26-foot truck. The truck was in excellent condition and great to drive. [The] price was great and every one’s service was exceptional! Thank you, Penske, for making the move better!” —Matt Swift, Trustpilot
- Limits environmental impact as part of the EPA's SmartWay Program
- Non-slip flooring makes loading and unloading easier
- Easily choose truck size with their Truck Wizard Tool
Truck rental with the best discounts: Budget Truck Rental
Budget Truck Rental (USDOT#1092543) takes the prize for offering the most discounts, making it a great option for anyone looking to maximize savings. Whether you’re a student, senior, or military member, Budget’s frequent promotions can significantly lower your moving costs. Combined with competitive base rates, Budget is an excellent choice for movers who want to save money without sacrificing quality.
More about Budget
Pros & Cons
- 20% discount for military members and first responders
- User-friendly online reservations
- Unlimited miles on long-distance moves
- Choice of pickup and drop-off locations
- Only three truck sizes
- Pricier add-on services like equipment rental
Services
- 12-, 16-,and 26-foot trucks
- Cargo vans
- Pickup trucks
- Roadside assistance and other protection plans
- Labor assistance through HireAHelper
- Moving supplies
- Vehicle towing
Cost
Take a look at Budget’s cost breakdown:
| Services | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Local moves | $29.99–$49.99/day (with mileage fees) |
| Long-distance moves | Varies by location and truck size |
| Mileage fees | $0.70–$1/mile |
Availability
Budget Truck Rental has 2,800 offices throughout 49 states, but is not available in Alaska.
Customer satisfaction
The BBB gave Budget Truck Rental an A+ but customers aren’t as generous. The company has an average rating on the BBB of 1.03 out of 5 stars and fares only slightly better on Yelp, with a 1.8 out of 5. For our part, we scored Budget as a 4.3 out of 5 stars, citing the company’s unlimited long-distance mileage, competitive pricing, and easy online booking process as standout features.
Customers who were pleased with Budget appreciated their stellar customer service and attention to detail. But the company has some critical feedback from people like Better Moves participant Chandra regarding last-minute changes to or cancellations of reservations.
Here’s what Budget customers had to say:
“Excellent customer service all the way through our truck rental. I would recommend them anytime.” —Alyjesalyjes J., Yelp
“[The owner] checked in with me the day before to ensure me he had the truck. He did a complete walkthrough with me upon picking it up and even checked the tire pressure for me to make sure i was safe during my long trip. The truck was practically a new truck and was clean from the inside and out.” —John G., Yelp
- Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
- Round-trip and one-way moves available
- User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
Cheapest truck rental for small moves: Home Depot
While Home Depot has a partnership with Penske, the home improvement chain also has its own line of in-house trucks, which we think are a great affordable solution for lighter moving projects. They have a variety of smaller vehicles — cargo vans, pickup trucks, and small box trucks — at low, flat daily rates.
They’re ideal for apartment moves, quick hauls, or local deliveries. And renting directly from your local Home Depot store makes it a convenient option that saves you both time and money.
More about Home Depot
Pros & Cons
- 75-minute “Load ‘N Go”rentals
- Pickup and drop off at Home Depot locations
- No mileage fees on short trips
- Only one in-house truck size
- No one-way or long-distance services
Services
- In-house 12-foot truck rentals (more options with Penske-brand trucks)
- Pickup trucks
- Moving supplies and equipment
- Cargo vans
- Load N’ Go flat-fee program for 75-minute pickup and van rentals
- Towing trailers
Cost
Here’s what you can expect to pay for a truck rental with Home Depot:
| Services | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Local moves | $19–$29/day (for Home Depot vehicles) |
| Long-distance moves | No long-distance services |
| Mileage fees | $0.59–$0.79/mile |
Availability
You can rent Home Depot trucks at any of their store locations in the continental U.S. Rentals are not available in Alaska or Hawaii.
Customer satisfaction
Home Depot doesn’t have any online reviews specifically for their truck rental services, but the company as a while has an A+ BBB rating and generally mixed feedback from consumers. Of the reviews that reference rental trucks, customer impressions run the gamut from satisfied with the experience to disappointment with canceled reservations.
Here’s what Home Depot customers had to say about their truck rentals:
“Best deal around. I rent [their cargo vans] to move furniture and throw out large waste items I’ve collected. Where else can you [pay] $30 to rent a van?” —WorkingPractice7313, Reddit
“[I] reserved a truck for today… so it could be loaded and driven to a new apartment tomorrow. We have friend[s] lined up to help loading and unloading. At noon today, we got an email that our reservation was canceled. Apparently, someone else needed a truck and wasn’t returning it in time for our reservation. What good is a reservation system if you can’t count on it being filled?” —Dave, Trustpilot
Comparing the cheapest moving trucks
Take a look at how our cheapest rental truck recommendations stack up against each other:
| Company | Cargo van | Pickup trucks | Box trucks |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | ✓ | 8 feet | 10, 15, 20, and 26 feet |
| Penske | ✓ | X | 12, 16, 22, and 26 feet |
| Budget | ✓ | ✓* | 12, 16, and 26 feet |
| Home Depot | ✓ | ✓ | 12 feet |
*Offers pickup trucks for odd jobs and local moves, but not long-distance relocations
Compare by discounts
Saving money on a truck rental goes beyond just the base rate. Discounts can make a big difference, especially for students, military members, and seniors. Some companies, like Budget, offer multiple ways to save, while others may only provide seasonal promotions or none at all.
Here’s a quick comparison of the available discounts for each truck rental company to help you find the best deal:
| Company | Student Discount | Military Discount | Senior Discount | Seasonal Promotions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | X | X | X | X |
| Penske | ✓ | ✓ | X | ✓ |
| Budget | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Home Depot | X | ✓ | X | ✓ |
Compare by cost
Truck rentals involve a lot of costs beyond the base rate. Mileage fees and add-ons like towing equipment can affect your final price.
Here are some sample rental truck costs for long-distance moves of approximately 2,000 miles and local moves around 50 miles:
| Company | Long-distance move cost | Local move cost |
|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | $71–$5,727 | $39–$153 |
| Penske | $76–$5,689 | $45–$164 |
| Budget | $69–$5,456 | $36–$149 |
| Home Depot | $82–$5,923 | $45–$162 |
Truck rental cost factors
Because all rental truck companies structure their prices differently, you’ll need to consider a few factors to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. Arming yourself with good information helps you zero in on a company that meets your needs at a price you love.
Pricing structure
Some moving companies charge a flat fee (plus mileage overages), while others price based on the size of the truck and distance traveled. Flat fees are more predictable, but may not include taxes or hidden fees. You’re also more likely to see flat fees for long-distance or one-way moves with unlimited mileage.
Truck size
As you may guess, a 26-foot truck will cost you more than a cargo van. Make sure to get a good estimate of how much space you’ll actually need so you get the right truck size. One way to scale back your moving truck rental costs is to declutter and downsize ahead of your move.
Here’s a general guide to help you determine the right truck size:
| Truck Size | Capacity |
|---|---|
| 10–16 feet | Studio apartment or one-bedroom apartment |
| 12–22 feet | 1–2 bedrooms |
| 16–22 feet | 2–3 bedrooms |
| 22–26 feet | 3+ bedrooms |
Insurance
You’ll be liable for any damage while you driving a moving truck or just having it in your possession. Adding an insurance policy protects you from unexpected costs that could inflate your budget if the unexpected happens. While insurance can add a few bucks to your total costs, it can dramatically reduce your liability if you get into an accident or damage the vehicle in some way while in your care.
Add-on moving services and moving supplies
Since budget moving companies don’t have the same depth of service as full-service moving companies, you’ll likely have a lot of additional needs throughout the process.
Many rental moving truck companies allow you to add third-party services through their partners or arrange your own help. Moving supply rentals, such as wardrobe boxes and furniture pads, can also be a cost-effective and sustainable tool for coordinating your move.
You can opt out of any or all add-on moving services, but knowing the company offers them can reduce the time you spend finalizing your move’s logistics with multiple vendors.
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FAQ
Where do I return the moving truck?
Return locations will depend on your move type. For example, if you rent a moving truck for a long-distance move, you’ll likely have to return it to a different location. However, local moves usually allow you to return it to the original rental location.
Which company offers the least expensive one-way truck rental?
Penske offers the least expensive one-way truck rental, but rental prices will ultimately come down to the vehicle you select and the distance you intend to travel. All one-way truck rentals include unlimited mileage, whereas U-Haul will tack on additional mileage fees if you exceed the allotted amount.
Which moving truck rental is best for long distance?
Penske’s affordable rates and unlimited mileage make it our favorite for long-distance and cross-country moves, but renters may prefer the convenience of U-Haul’s central locations across the country.
We recommend requesting quotes from all our best moving truck rental companies and comparing the rental offers, protection plans, included services, and any available add-ons. You can use our moving calculator to quickly get multiple estimates.
How can I save money when renting a moving truck?
You can save money when renting a moving truck by packing and loading everything yourself or with friends and family and without hiring a labor-only company for assistance. Comparing moving quotes from at least three truck rental options can also help you make the most affordable choice.
Take stock of how much you have so you can pick the right truck size for your move. Get rid of anything you won’t need in your new home to keep the truck size as small as possible (and therefore, as cheap as possible). And if you’re moving long-distance, choose a company like Penske with unlimited miles to avoid overage fees.
Do I have to pay for gas when renting a moving truck?
Yes, you’ll have to pay for gas when renting a moving truck. Rental rates rarely include the cost of fuel. Fuel costs can vary. Most truck rental companies require you to fill up the truck to the same amount it was when you rented or you’ll be subject to additional charges.
Before you return your truck, you can shop around for your chosen gas station. Different varieties of trucks have different gas mileage, which can further affect your truck rental costs if you’re not mindful.
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