5 Best U-Haul Alternatives & Competitors
Fact Checked by: Here’s the bottom line: Over the years, the U-Haul brand name has become a household word, but there are other options out there. Here are the top five U-Haul competitors — Budget, Penske, Enterprise, Home Depot, and Hertz. Just because U-Haul is the most popular moving truck rental company doesn’t mean they are the best choice for your move.
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Whether you are moving across the city or across the country, you have likely considered renting a U-Haul to move all of your belongings. Full-service movers can be expensive, so one way to cut costs is to rent a box truck or pickup truck from one of the best moving truck rental companies and move your items yourself.
Key takeaways
- Booking a moving truck for your next move typically costs less than a full-service moving company, but you will need to have a driver’s license and be prepared to perform most of the labor for your move on your own.
- When renting a moving truck, you need to be prepared to do the driving yourself, but there are less intimidating rental options for those with smaller households, such as pickup trucks and cargo vans.
- Renting a moving truck is especially beneficial for those making local moves, as they can take multiple trips. Long-distance movers will need to book a truck large enough to get all their items cross-country in one trip and ensure they book a one-way move.
- Movers choosing to rent a moving truck for their long-distance move should choose a company that offers roadside assistance like AAA and need to consider companies that offer options like tow dollies for getting their personal vehicle from one home to the other.
Top 5 U-Haul competitors
U-Haul is an excellent moving truck rental company, but here are some competitors that offer similar moving services that might be a better choice for some movers:
- Budget Truck Rental
- Penske Truck Rental
- Enterprise Truck Rental
- Home Depot Truck Rental
- Hertz Car Rental
U-Haul vs. competitors
To help you compare the U-Haul competitors side by side, check out the chart below.
| Company | Average cost | State availability | BBB score | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | $30–$50 per day (plus fees for mileage) | All 50 states and Canada | A+ |
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| Penske | $130–$200 per day | 49 states (not in AK) and 8 Canadian provinces | B |
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| Enterprise | $89–$228 per day (plus mileage fees for miles over 300) | All 50 states and Puerto Rico and Canada | A |
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| Budget | $375 for an apartment or $1,500 for a 3-bedroom house | 48 states (not in AK or HI) | A+ |
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| Home Depot | $19–$139 per day, or a weekly rental for around $973 | All 50 states and Canada, Mexico, Guam, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thomas | A+ |
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| Hertz | $56 per day | All 50 states. | A+ |
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5 Best U-Haul alternatives
Still not sure which U-Haul competition is best for your move? Read on to see some of the differences in services and add-ons between these moving truck companies.
1. Budget Truck Rental
As their name suggests, Budget Truck Rental is known for their low rental prices. Beyond affordable rates, they also offer several discounts to customers who are AARP or military members, making them one of the most affordable U-Haul competitors.
Budget Truck Rental also has some sweet rental features, like unlimited mileage on both local and cross-country one-way moves. They also have an easy-to-use app for searching rental locations near you and booking your truck directly.
Budget offers three truck sizes: a cargo van, a 12-foot truck, and a 26-foot truck. They also carry towing equipment like hitches and tow dollies which are compatible with their 26-foot truck.
Before you get too excited, know that while Budget rental rates are cheap, they don’t offer the same number of rental services as other companies on the list. You won’t be able to get moving supplies with Budget, for example, nor are rentals guaranteed. This has caused problems in the past, according to customer reviews, as some movers like Chandra have shown up to find there was no truck available at Budget for their move.
But if you are okay with just a truck for your DIY move and don’t mind having a backup plan, Budget may be the best cost-effective solution.
- Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
- Round-trip and one-way moves available
- User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
Pros and cons
- Low prices and discounts available
- Unlimited mileage on all one-way moves
- User-friendly app
- Towing equipment available
- Only three truck sizes available
- No guaranteed reservations
2. Penske Truck Rental
Out of all the top competitors, Penske Truck Rental is the most environmentally friendly. With low-emission, fuel-efficient trucks, those driving across the country won’t have to worry as much about the pressure their move is putting on the environment.
Penske isn’t quite as widely available as U-Haul because it’s only available in the continental United States. But unlike other truck rental companies, Penske allows you to leave the vehicle at Home Depot drop-off locations, meaning you are more likely to have one near both your new and old home.
Penske offers unlimited mileage on long-distance moves and discounts to students and military members, as well as discounts when their trucks are booked in conjunction with a self-storage facility.
Penske also has five truck sizes, with the smallest being a cargo van and the largest, a 26-foot truck, which can hold five to seven rooms’ worth of belongings. One of our favorite things about Penske is they offer guaranteed reservations, so you know your truck will be there on your booked moving day.
While Penske isn’t the cheapest U-Haul alternative, they do have competitive pricing for the services they offer. Just know that they are known as a more expensive option for those making local moves, so we recommend them for cross-country movers specifically.
- 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
Pros and cons
- Unlimited mileage for long-distance moves
- Discounts available
- Carries more environmentally friendly rentals than other companies
- Five truck sizes to choose from
- All reservations are guaranteed if made more than 24 hours in advance
- Can pick up and drop off at Home Depot or a Penske location
- Local moves don’t qualify for unlimited mileage
- No trailers or tow dollies offered for rent
3. Enterprise Truck Rental
Enterprise Truck Rental has the most options when it comes to truck sizes. Their current fleet features 18 different truck sizes, with smaller options like pickups and cargo vans, as well as larger trucks like a 26-foot box truck and 24-foot stake bed truck. No matter how much stuff you have to move, it’s likely Enterprise has a solution.
Additionally, Enterprise carries several add-ons you might need during your move, such as straps, packing supplies, and tow dollies, making them your one-stop shop for moving help.
The downside with Enterprise is that one-way moves aren’t always available. This means they might not be a reliable option for those moving a long distance.
That being said, the first 300 miles of your move are included for free, so if you are moving more than 50 miles from your home — but no more than 150 miles — it may be worthwhile to rent from Enterprise with a plan to return your vehicle to the rental location.
Pros and cons
- 18 truck sizes to choose from (the most in the moving truck rental industry)
- Offers towing and moving supplies
- First 300 miles are free
- Doesn’t always offer one-way moves
- Pricing can fluctuate widely depending on your location
Read our full Enterprise Truck Rental review.
4. The Home Depot Truck Rental
The Home Depot is well known for their low-cost hourly rentals and easy attainability and is an excellent option for local moves. With four different truck sizes to choose from, you can move just a bedroom or a small apartment starting at just $20 per hour.
Home Depot’s home improvement store locations are plentiful, meaning you likely won’t have to go far to pick up your truck. However, they do not always allow one-way rentals. This means you may need to return your rented truck to the location where you rented it, so if you are making a long-distance move, be sure to ask before you book with Home Depot.
Home Depot does have unlimited mileage for a low cost, and packing supplies are readily available at all Home Depot stores, making them a convenient choice for those moving to a new home in the same city as well as those moving many miles from home.
Pros and cons
- Can pick up and return at either Penske or Home Depot locations
- Unlimited mileage options available
- Packing and moving supplies are conveniently available at Home Depot locations
- One-way rentals not always allowed
- Costs can add up quickly if choosing an hourly rental cost
- Insurance is not available for purchase
Read our full Home Depot Truck Rental review.
5. Hertz Car Rental
Hertz Car Rental is more known for its car rentals than its trucks, but they do offer a range of moving vehicles for rent, whether you require a box truck or maybe a flatbed truck. It’s worth noting, however, that they may not have all the vehicles in their fleet available for pickup at all locations.
Hertz does allow one-way moves, making them an option for both long-distance and local movers. They do share some of their fleet with Penske, so don’t be surprised if you book with Hertz and find yourself picking up a Penske box truck. For this reason, it is a good idea to start your search with Penske before heading to the Hertz website.
One downside of renting a vehicle with Hertz is that because they aren’t primarily a moving truck company, they don’t have moving supplies or tow dollies on hand, so you’ll need to prepare on your own. Plus, they tend to cost a little more than the competition while offering similar services.
Pros and cons
- Shares a fleet with Penske and Home Depot, so many truck options are available
- Offers one-way moves
- Roadside assistance packages are available for an extra cost
- No moving supplies or tow dollies available
- Doesn’t provide a lot of information about your rental truck in advance
U-Haul alternatives: What services do they offer?
| U-Haul | Budget | Penske | Enterprise | Home Depot | Hertz | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local, round-trip moves | ||||||
| One-way moves | Varies | Varies | ||||
| Multiple truck sizes | ||||||
| Trailers | x | x | x | |||
| Moving and packing supplies(at an additional cost) | x | |||||
| Packing and loading/unloading help | x | x | x | |||
| Roadside assistance | x | xtra cost) | x | xtra cost) | ||
| Vehicle shipping | x | x | x | x | ||
| Insurance included | x | x | x | x | x | x |
| Insurance available for purchase | x | |||||
| Cancellation rules | Free 24 hours before, otherwise you lose your deposit | Free before 48 hours, after that a $50 fee | Free cancellation anytime | $50 cancellation fee for all cancellations. Loss of deposit for all cancellations less than 24 hours prior to rental | Free if done 12 hours prior to rental, otherwise a cancellation fee is charged (varies based on rental type) | Free prior to 48 hours before booking, otherwise you will lose all, or a portion of your deposit |
| Offers guaranteed reservations | x | x | x | x |
U-Haul alternatives: Availability
| U-Haul | Budget | Penske | Enterprise | Home Depot | Hertz | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| States available | All 50 states | 48 (not in AK or HI) | 49 (not in AK) | All 50 states | All 50 states | All 50 states |
| Canada? | x | x | ||||
| Other international locations? | x | x | x | Puerto Rico | Mexico, Guam, Puerto Rico, St Croix, and St. Thomas. | x |
U-Haul competitors: How their trucks and fleets compare
When shopping for a rental truck company, it’s important to consider the size of their fleet. Not only does a larger fleet mean you have more options available, but it also means you are less likely to overpay, as you will be able to find the exact size truck you need for your move.
Below is a breakdown of what each company has to offer.
U-Haul: Truck sizes and fleet information
U-Haul has a fleet that features seven different truck sizes. They have trucks as small as a pickup and as large as 26 feet. U-Haul also offers a range of trailers for movers who need to tow their vehicle to their new home.
Because U-Haul is the most popular on this list, their vehicles also tend to have more wear and tear than other companies. When leasing from U-Haul, you’ll want to take extra time with the walkaround and existing damage report to ensure you aren’t charged for damage that was already present.
- 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
Budget: Truck sizes and fleet information
Budget has one of the smaller fleets on this list with only four vehicle sizes: pickup truck, cargo van, 12 feet, and 16 feet. While they do offer both tow dollies and car carriers, they can’t facilitate moves larger than a one-bedroom house due to their limited truck sizes.
- Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
- Round-trip and one-way moves available
- User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
Penske: Truck sizes and fleet information
Penske has a fleet of five truck sizes. The smallest is a cargo van and the largest is a 26-foot truck, bringing truck renters a wide variety of options to choose the perfect vehicle for their move. The only thing Penske doesn’t offer is a pickup truck, but through their partnership with Home Depot, you can rent a pickup from Home Depot and return it to a Penske rental truck location.
- 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
Enterprise: Truck sizes and fleet information
Enterprise has the largest fleet on the list, with 18 different sizes and styles of trucks to choose from. Whether you want a pickup truck to move things into storage or a 26’ box truck, they have you covered.
Additionally, some trucks on their fleet feature lift gates, which can make it easier to load and unload things from the truck. A liftgate is especially recommended for those who aren’t as physically able to lift furniture as you can easily use a dolly combined with a liftgate to avoid most of the lifting tasks during your move.
Pickup trucks/vans
| Standard pickup | Half-ton pickup | Quarter-ton pickup | One-ton pickup | Compact cargo van | Cargo van | Heavy-duty cargo van | XL cargo van | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Single pieces of furniture | Single pieces of furniture | Single pieces of furniture | Single pieces of furniture | One room | One room | One room | Studio apartment |
| Dimensions | Vary based on model | Vary based on model | Vary based on model | Vary based on model | 83” x 52” x 48” | 126” x 56” x 55” | 126” x 56” x 55” | 143” x 56” x 55” |
| Cubic footage | Vary based on model | Vary based on model | Vary based on model | Vary based on model | 123 cf | 260 cf | 224 cf | 254 cf |
| Weight limit | 1,800 pounds | 2,000 pounds | 4,000 pounds | 6,000 pounds | 1,480 pounds | 3,700 pounds | 4,080 pounds | 3,950 pounds |
| Towing capable? | x | x | x | x | x | x |
Box trucks/stake bed trucks
| 15-foot parcel van | 16-foot parcel van with lift gate | 16-foot cabover truck | 20-foot box truck | 24-foot box truck | 26-foot box truck | 12-foot stake bed | 16-foot stake bed | 24-foot stake bed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | 1–3 rooms | 3–4 rooms | 3–4 rooms | 4 rooms | 5 rooms | 5+ rooms | Large landscaping projects | Equipment or material removal | Equipment or material removal |
| Dimensions | 15’ x 8’ x 7’ | 16’ x 96” x 84” | 16’ x 8’ x 7’6” | 20’ x 8.5’ x 8.5’ | 24’ x 8’6” x 8’6” | 26’ x 8’6” x 8’6” | 12’ x 96” | 16’ x 96” | 24’ x 102” |
| Cubic footage | 810 cf | 920 cf | 920 cf | 1,000 cf | 1,700 cf | 1,800 cf | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Weight limit | 5,000 pounds | 4,300 pounds | 7,500 pounds | 10,000 pounds | 10,000 pounds | 10,000 pounds | 5,300 pounds | 6,000 pounds | 10,000 pounds |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | Gasoline | Gasoline | Diesel | Diesel | Diesel | Diesel | Diesel | Diesel |
| Towing capable | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x | x |
The Home Depot: Truck sizes and fleet information
While Home Depot truck rentals are convenient, they also have a small fleet with only four truck sizes available. Renters can choose from two types of flatbed truck, a cargo van, or a small 12-foot box van.
Because they don’t offer as large of trucks as other companies, Home Depot truck rentals are usually recommended for those moving apartments or rooms rather than entire houses.
| 8-foot flatbed truck | 10-foot flatbed truck | Cargo van | 12-foot ox truck | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Single pieces of furniture | Single pieces of furniture | 1 room | 1 room, small studio |
| Cubic footage | 77.3 cf | 200 cf | 277 cf | 515 cf |
| Weight limit | 3,000 pounds | 3,000 pounds | 3,000 pounds | 3,850 pounds |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | Gasoline | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Hertz: Truck sizes and fleet information
Out of all the U-Haul competitors, Hertz has the smallest fleet with only three truck sizes. Hertz renters can choose from two pickup sizes, as well as a cargo van for their move. While this isn’t ideal for large families, it can be an affordable way for a college student to move to their new dorm
Just keep in mind that Hertz doesn’t offer options for towing a vehicle like other companies on this list.
| Cargo van | Small pickup truck | Large pickup truck | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | 1 room | Single pieces of furniture | Large pieces of furniture |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | Gasoline | Gasoline or diesel |
U-Haul competitors: Insurance options
One of the reasons truck rentals are cheaper than professional movers is because you will be doing the driving. This money-saving choice does have one caveat, however — you may need to have your own insurance coverage for your move.
Some U-Haul competitors do offer insurance packages, as well as roadside assistance packages which can help your move to go smoothly. We explore all the insurance options of the various companies below.
U-Haul insurance options
U-Haul offers seven insurance plans, but many are restricted to a specific vehicle type. Here are what these plans include.
| Plan | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Safemove |
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| Safemove Plus |
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| Pickup truck and van coverage |
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| Safetow |
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| Safetrip |
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| Safestor |
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| Safehaul |
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Budget insurance options
Budget has several optional insurance plans that you can reserve with your rental to help you move go smoothly.
| Plan | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Complete Protection |
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| Choice Protection |
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| Value Protection |
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Penske insurance options
Penske has a wide variety of insurance plans to choose from, though the one available to you may depend on the type of truck you are renting.
| Plan | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Basic | Covers damage to the Penske truck |
| Standard | Everything in Basic, plus third-party liability claims |
| Value | Everything in Standard, plus cargo accident insurance |
| Plus | Everything in Plus, and provides insurance for an injury of you or your passengers in an accident |
Enterprise insurance options
Enterprise offers four different insurance plans to customers. Here is what the different plans include.
| Plan | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Damage Waiver (DW) | Covers the driver in the event of damage, loss, or theft of the vehicle |
| Personal Effects Coverage (PEC) | Covers the driver and anyone traveling with the driver’s personal effects in case of damage |
| Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP) | Protects the driver against liability claims if they cause an accident and are sued |
| Roadside Assistance | 24/7 roadside assistance |
The Home Depot insurance options
Home Depot does not offer insurance plans for purchase with their rentals. This means you will need to have your own automobile insurance and take proof with you when you arrive to pick up your load ‘n go vehicle.
It is also worth noting that Home Depot requires that all those renting a vehicle with them be 21 years of age and hold either an American or Canadian driver’s license.
Hertz insurance options
Hertz has several insurance options you can purchase when you rent their vehicle. The plans are outlined below.
| Plan | Coverage |
|---|---|
| SuperCover | Covers all damage to the vehicle(including loss and theft) and provides roadside assistance |
| Maximum Cover | Covers all damage to the vehicle and waives the driver’s responsibility in case of loss or theft |
| Accident Excess Reduction | Reduces liability for loss or theft of the vehicle |
| Glass & Tire | Covers glass and tire damage |
| Roadside assistance | Provides premium roadside assistance |
How much do U-Haul competitors cost?
While U-Haul may be the most famous truck rental company, this does not mean they are the cheapest. The costs you spend renting from a U-Haul competitor will vary based on the factors of your move.
We recommend shopping around and receiving several quotes before choosing a rental company to ensure you are getting the best deal on your move.
Factors that impact the cost of moving
The cost of your move will vary widely from company to company depending on the parameters of your move. Below are some of the common factors which you can expect to impact how much you will pay.
- The amount of stuff you own: The more things you own, the larger of a truck you will need to rent and the more it will cost.
- Move distance: Longer moves cost more in fuel and mileage.
- One-way vs. round-trip rental: One-way long-distance moves often cost more because the company has to plan for your vehicle to be removed from their service area.
- Car-towing: If you are planning to tow your car, you will need to rent a vehicle that has towing capabilities as well as a car trailer or tow dolly to carry your car.
- Time of year: Moving during the high season (typically summer) will cost renters more than moving during the winter.
- Extra services required: If you need extra services, like help loading and unloading, this will cost more than doing everything yourself.
- Discounts available: Some companies offer discounts for military or AARP members, and students, which can help lower your overall cost.
Which U-Haul alternative is right for your move?
Whether you are moving across the country or maybe across the neighborhood, before booking a truck rental you should take the time to consider all the options that are out there. The truck that suits you best may only be available at one truck rental company, or you may feel better with the peace of mind that comes with a premium insurance or roadside assistance plan.
Either way, you’ll want to get a quote from multiple moving truck companies before you book your move. Head over to moveBuddha’s moving cost calculator to get started.
FAQs
Is U-Haul bigger than Penske?
Both U-Haul and Penske offer movers a wide variety of truck sizes to choose from for their move. While U-Haul does have two more vehicle options than Penske, they both have vehicles as small as a cargo van and as large as a 26-foot truck.
What is the best truck rental company?
The best truck rental company will depend on the type of move you are making and what features you prioritize. Those who want a liftgate to lower the amount of lifting they have to do will find Enterprise to be the best, while those who want to move across town as cheaply as possible might prefer Home Depot truck rental.
What is the largest size moving rental truck?
The largest size moving truck that you can rent and drive yourself is a 26-foot box truck. While larger trucks do exist, you’ll need a commercial driver’s license in order to drive one.
What can I use to move heavy objects?
To help prevent yourself from getting hurt, you’ll want to use a dolly, lift straps, rollers, and ramps to help you lift heavy objects during your move.
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