U-Haul Competitors: Truck Rental Alternatives
Quick answer: The top U-Haul competitors are Budget Truck Rental for low prices, Penske for long-distance moves, and Enterprise for vehicle variety. Budget takes up to 20% off for military members and students, and Penske includes unlimited miles on every one-way rental. Compare all of them in our guide to the best rental trucks, or keep reading to find the right fit for your move.
Jump to the U-Haul competitor info you’re looking for:
Why trust 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.
At a glance: U-Haul vs. competitors
U-Haul has the most locations, but Penske is the only major brand with unlimited miles on every one-way rental. The table below compares each company’s strengths, largest truck, and one-way options.
| Company | Best for | Largest truck | One-way |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Low prices & discounts | 26 ft. | ✓ |
| Penske | Long-distance | 26 ft. | ✓ (unlimited miles) |
| U-Haul | Availability | 29 ft. | ✓ |
| Enterprise | Vehicle variety | 26 ft. | ✗ |
| Home Depot | Quick local jobs | 12 ft. | ✗ |
| Hertz | Pickups & vans | Box truck | Ask location |
| Avis | Pickups | Via Budget | Via Budget |
Choosing a U-Haul alternative
The right U-Haul alternative depends on your distance, your budget, and how much flexibility your move date has.
- Local move: Budget, Home Depot, or Enterprise, with hourly or daily rates
- Long-distance move: Penske or Budget, with Penske’s unlimited one-way miles
- Lowest price: Budget, with up to 20% off for military, students & AARP members
- Guaranteed truck: Penske, which guarantees an equivalent or larger truck
- No driving: A moving container like PODS or U-Pack
Top U-Haul competitors
We ranked these U-Haul competitors using more than 1 million verified customer reviews across 25+ data sources, plus firsthand reports from our Better Moves Project.
Budget: Best for low prices
Budget Truck Rental pairs low base rates with some of the best discounts in the industry, including 20% off for military members with orders. Students get 20% off local rentals and 15% off one-way rentals, and AARP members save up to 20%.
Budget rents cargo vans and 12-, 16-, and 26-foot trucks at nearly 2,300 locations. It doesn’t guarantee reservations, which caught Better Moves participant Chandra off guard when her truck wasn’t available on move day.
Budget pros & cons
- Up to 20% off for military & students
- 4 sizes up to 26 ft.
- Car carriers & tow dollies
- Nearly 2,300 locations
- No reservation guarantee
- Extra one-way miles cost extra
rating
4.3 / 5
Penske: Best for long-distance
Penske includes unlimited miles on every one-way rental, which makes cross-country costs easier to predict. It also guarantees your reserved truck, or an equivalent or larger one, when you book more than 24 hours ahead.
Penske rents a cargo van and 12-, 16-, 22-, and 26-foot trucks at more than 2,500 locations, but no pickups. AAA members save 12%, and military members save 15%. See how it stacks up in our Penske vs. U-Haul comparison.
Penske pros & cons
- Unlimited one-way miles
- Reservation guarantee
- 12% AAA & 15% military discounts
- 2,500+ locations
- No pickup trucks
- $250 fee for late changes
rating
4 / 5
U-Haul: Best for availability
U-Haul runs more than 25,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada, so there’s almost always a truck nearby. Its seven sizes run from pickups to a 29-foot truck, plus moving trailers and U-Box containers.
In-town rentals start at $19.95 plus mileage, while one-way rentals come with a flat rate and a set number of miles. U-Haul also pays $50 if it can’t provide the truck you reserved.
U-Haul pros & cons
- 25,000+ locations
- 7 truck sizes up to 29 ft.
- Trailers & U-Box containers
- $50 reservation guarantee
- Per-mile fees on local rentals
- Truck condition varies by location
Enterprise: Best for variety
Enterprise Truck Rental offers 20 truck and van models, from pickups and cargo vans to 26-foot box trucks and stake beds. It’s a strong pick for local moves and business jobs, but it generally doesn’t allow one-way truck rentals.
Enterprise has nearly 600 truck rental locations across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada. Most renters must be 21 or older.
Enterprise pros & cons
- 20 truck & van models
- Box trucks up to 26 ft.
- Stake beds up to 24 ft.
- Nearly 600 locations
- One-way rentals rarely allowed
- Most renters must be 21+
Home Depot: Best for local jobs
Home Depot rents cargo vans, flatbeds, and 12-foot box trucks for $19 for the first 75 minutes, with unlimited mileage. You’ll return the vehicle to the same store, so it works best for a few big items or a short in-town move.
Some stores also rent Penske trucks, which do allow one-way moves. Compare the two brands in our U-Haul vs. Home Depot guide.
Home Depot pros & cons
- $19 for the first 75 min.
- Unlimited mileage
- Moving supplies on the same trip
- Penske trucks at some stores
- Return to the same store
- $150 deposit & 21+ age limit
Hertz: Best for pickups & vans
Hertz is best known for cars, but it also rents small and full-size pickups, cargo vans, and box trucks at select locations. It’s a simple option for moving a handful of items across town.
Hertz doesn’t publish one-way truck rates, so call your pickup location before you plan a long-distance move.
Hertz pros & cons
- Small & full-size pickups
- Cargo vans
- Box trucks at select locations
- No published one-way truck rates
Avis: Best for pickups
Avis rents pickup trucks like the Toyota Tacoma and Ram directly. For cargo vans and 12-, 16-, or 26-foot moving trucks, Avis sends renters to its partner, Budget Truck Rental.
Avis pros & cons
- Pickups like Tacoma & Ram
- Cargo vans through Budget
- 12, 16 & 26-ft. trucks through Budget
- No moving trucks of its own
Containers: Best for no driving
Moving containers from companies like PODS and U-Pack skip the driving entirely. The company drops off a container, you pack it, and the company ships it to your new home or holds it in storage.
Containers cost about 30% less than full-service movers on average. See our best moving container companies or compare PODS competitors.
Moving container pros & cons
- No truck to drive
- Storage options between homes
- Pack on your own schedule
- Loading help often needed
rating
4.8 / 5
Truck rental pricing
Truck rental companies price local and one-way moves differently, so always compare the total cost instead of the daily rate. Our moving cost calculator weighs your distance, home size, and move date together, so your estimate reflects your actual move.
- Local moves: Most companies charge a daily or hourly rate plus mileage. U-Haul starts at $19.95 plus mileage, and Home Depot charges $19 for the first 75 minutes with unlimited miles.
- One-way moves: U-Haul and Budget quote a flat rate with a set number of days and miles. Budget charges $0.70 for each extra mile booked ahead, while Penske includes unlimited miles.
- Deposits: Some brands require a deposit, especially if you pay with a debit card. Home Depot holds $150 on its Load ‘N Go trucks.
- Fees to watch: Fuel, damage waivers, dollies and pads, after-hours returns, and cleaning can all add to your bill. Ask the counter to walk you through every line before you sign.
Pro tip: Price the same truck size, dates, and coverage at two or three companies before you book. Our moving cost calculator runs on 1,000+ live price points refreshed every month, so you have a real benchmark for each quote.
Availability & coverage
A bigger network makes it easier to find the size you need, especially during the peak moving season.
- Budget: Nearly 2,300 locations, with rentals limited to the contiguous U.S.
- Penske: 2,500+ locations in 49 states, D.C., and Canada, but not Alaska
- U-Haul: 25,000+ locations in all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces
- Enterprise: Nearly 600 truck locations across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada
- Home Depot: Most stores, with returns to the same location
Truck sizes & fleet
Pick a truck that fits your load in one trip. Our moving truck size calculator can help you narrow it down.
- Budget: Cargo van and 12-, 16-, and 26-foot trucks
- Penske: Cargo van and 12-, 16-, 22-, and 26-foot trucks, with no pickups
- U-Haul: Pickup, cargo van, and 10-, 15-, 20-, 26-, and 29-foot trucks
- Enterprise: 20 models, including pickups, cargo vans, box trucks, and stake beds
- Home Depot: Cargo van, 8- and 10-foot flatbeds, and a 12-foot box truck
- Hertz & Avis: Mostly pickups and cargo vans
Add-ons & services
Add-ons can make your move easier, but they also raise the final bill.
- Protection plans: U-Haul, Budget, and Penske sell optional damage and liability coverage. Check your auto policy and credit card benefits first so you don’t pay twice.
- Towing equipment: U-Haul, Budget, and Penske rent car carriers and tow dollies for their larger trucks.
- Moving supplies: Most locations sell boxes and rent dollies and furniture pads. Home Depot is especially handy for last-minute supplies.
- Roadside assistance: Most major brands offer 24/7 roadside help. Save the number in your phone before you leave the lot.
Reservations & age limits
Only U-Haul and Penske back their reservations with a guarantee, and age limits vary by company.
| Company | Reservation guarantee | Min. age |
|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | $50 if your truck isn’t available | 18 |
| Budget | None | 18 (fee under 24) |
| Penske | Same or larger truck if booked 24+ hrs. ahead | 18 |
| Enterprise | None stated | 21 (18 in NY & MI) |
| Home Depot | None stated | 21 |
Pro tip: Book as early as you can, especially from May - September, and call your pickup location 48 - 72 hours ahead to confirm your truck size and pickup time. Our peak moving season guide shows which dates cost the most.
Best U-Haul alternatives by move type
Match your move type to the company that handles it best:
| Situation | Best pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Local move | Budget & Home Depot | Low hourly & daily rates |
| Long-distance move | Penske | Unlimited one-way miles |
| Lowest price | Budget | Up to 20% off with discounts |
| Large move | U-Haul | 29-ft. truck |
| Guaranteed truck | Penske | Same or larger truck guaranteed |
| No driving | PODS & U-Pack | Moving containers |
rating
4.23 / 5
- Specialty packing services
- White-glove reputation
- 80+ years' experience
Specialty moves
Some moves call for more than a basic box truck, so plan around those needs before you pick a vehicle.
- Business moves: Enterprise offers stake beds and box trucks for local business jobs.
- No driving or storage needed: Moving containers or full-service movers can bridge gaps between closing dates.
- Moves to Canada: U-Haul and Penske both have locations in Canada, while Budget rentals stay in the contiguous U.S.
- Pianos, antiques, and artwork: Professional movers are the safer choice for fragile, high-value items.
How to save on a truck rental
DIY moves are all about controlling variables, so lock in your date, shop around, and skip the extras you don’t need.
- Avoid peak dates. Mid-week and mid-month pickups typically cost less than month-end weekends.
- Book early. Reserve 2 - 4 weeks ahead for local moves and 4 - 6 weeks ahead for one-way moves.
- Compare totals. Line up quotes with the same truck size, mileage, and coverage, since the lowest daily rate isn’t always the lowest total.
- Use discounts. Budget, Penske, and others offer military, student, AARP, or AAA discounts, so ask whether they stack with promo codes.
- Return on time and full. Late fees and refueling charges add up fast, so photograph the fuel gauge and odometer at return.
- Check your own coverage. Some auto policies and credit cards cover truck rentals, so confirm in writing before you decline protection.
Safety & vehicle condition
Newer fleets, good tires, and a properly secured load make a big difference in safety on a long drive.
- Penske: A newer fleet makes long interstate drives more predictable.
- U-Haul: The largest fleet means vehicle age and condition vary, so inspect tires, lights, and the ramp before you leave.
- Budget: Condition varies by location, so ask for a swap if something doesn’t feel right.
- Home Depot, Hertz, and Avis: Short local trips keep wear-and-tear concerns low.
Pro tip: Distribute weight evenly, secure tall items, and re-check your straps after the first 10 - 15 miles. Review NHTSA’s safe driving tips and our moving truck size calculator before you load.
U-Haul competitor FAQs
Who is cheaper than U-Haul?
Budget Truck Rental is often cheaper than U-Haul, especially once you add its military, student, or AARP discounts of up to 20%. Home Depot can also beat U-Haul on short local jobs at $19 for the first 75 minutes. Compare total costs with our moving cost calculator, since mileage and fees can flip the winner.
What is the largest moving truck you can rent without a CDL?
The largest moving truck you can rent without a CDL is U-Haul’s 29-foot truck, which stays under the 26,001-pound weight rating that triggers a commercial license requirement. Budget, Penske, and Enterprise top out at 26 feet. Use our moving truck size calculator to see how much space you need.
Do I need insurance for a rental truck?
You don’t always need extra insurance for a rental truck, since some auto policies and credit cards cover them. U-Haul, Budget, and Penske sell optional damage and liability protection at the counter. Confirm your coverage in writing before you decline, and read our moving insurance guide.
Can I tow my car behind a rental truck?
Yes, you can tow your car behind a rental truck from U-Haul, Budget, or Penske, which all rent car carriers and tow dollies. Check that your vehicle works with the truck’s tow rating before you book. Better Moves participant Chandra towed her car behind a Penske truck from Georgia to New York.
Which truck rental companies offer unlimited mileage?
Penske offers unlimited mileage on every one-way rental, and Home Depot includes unlimited mileage on its local Load ‘N Go trucks. U-Haul and Budget include a set number of miles on one-way rentals and charge for extra miles. See our Penske review for details.
More moving resources
How we chose the best moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.
Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.
Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.
State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.
Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).
Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
