Renting a Moving Truck: Rates, Sizes, and What to Know Before You Book
Reviewed by Joey Padgett · Last reviewed September 2026
Renting a moving truck is the cheapest way to move most of your belongings, with a real tradeoff: you're doing the physical work and driving a large vehicle you may not be used to. Here's what to expect from the costs, the sizing, and the booking process.
Truck Rental Costs
Local Rentals (In-Town, Same-Day Return)
Local rentals are priced per day plus a per-mile charge.
| Truck Size | Base Rate | Per-Mile Charge | Good For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-foot truck | $20 to $40/day | $0.79 to $1.09/mile | Studio, small 1BR |
| 15-foot truck | $30 to $50/day | $0.79 to $1.09/mile | 1 to 2 bedroom |
| 20-foot truck | $40 to $70/day | $0.79 to $1.09/mile | 2 to 3 bedroom |
| 26-foot truck | $50 to $90/day | $0.79 to $1.09/mile | 3 to 4 bedroom |
Source: U-Haul, Penske Truck Rental, Budget Truck Rental
A typical local move of 20 to 40 miles in a 15-foot truck costs $80 to $180 total including mileage.
One-Way Rentals (Different Pickup and Drop-Off)
One-way rentals for long-distance moves are priced as a flat fee based on truck size, distance, and time of year.
| Move Distance | 10-foot Truck | 15-foot Truck | 20-foot Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 250 miles | $200 to $500 | $300 to $700 | $400 to $900 |
| 250 to 500 miles | $400 to $800 | $500 to $1,000 | $600 to $1,200 |
| 500 to 1,000 miles | $700 to $1,400 | $900 to $1,600 | $1,100 to $2,000 |
| Cross-country | $1,200 to $2,000 | $1,500 to $2,500 | $1,800 to $3,000 |
Add fuel separately: large moving trucks typically get 8 to 12 miles per gallon. A 1,000-mile drive uses roughly 85 to 125 gallons.
Which Truck Size Do You Need?
| Truck Size | Typical Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 10-foot | 1 to 2 rooms | Studio or small 1-bedroom |
| 15-foot | 3 to 5 rooms | 1 to 2 bedroom apartment |
| 20-foot | 5 to 7 rooms | 2 to 3 bedroom home |
| 26-foot | 7 to 10 rooms | 3 to 4 bedroom home |
When in doubt, go up a size. A truck that's slightly too large is easier to manage than multiple trips or leaving things behind. The cost difference between truck sizes is usually modest.
Comparing the Major Truck Rental Companies
U-Haul is the largest and most available, with pickup locations nearly everywhere. Local rates are competitive. One-way rates can be higher than competitors but vary significantly by route and demand. U-Haul's app and website make reservations and check-in relatively easy.
Penske is often the preferred option for one-way long-distance moves. Trucks are generally newer and better maintained than average. Rates for one-way rentals are frequently competitive with or lower than U-Haul for the same route.
Budget Truck Rental is worth getting a quote from, particularly for local rentals. One-way availability is more limited than U-Haul or Penske depending on your route.
Enterprise Truck Rental focuses more on commercial and cargo vans but has moving trucks at some locations. Worth checking if you need a cargo van for a small move.
Get quotes from at least two companies for any move. Pricing varies enough that checking takes two minutes and can save $100 to $300.
What's Actually Included (and What Isn't)
Included in most rentals: The truck, a basic walk-through on how to operate it, a fuel gauge, and a recommended fuel level to return it at.
Usually not included:
- Moving pads and blankets (available as a rental add-on, worth getting)
- A dolly or hand truck (also available as an add-on; get one for any move with heavy items)
- Furniture dollies
- Moving straps
- Gas (return the truck with the same fuel level, or pay the rental company's refueling rate, which is usually higher than the pump)
Add-ons worth getting:
- Furniture dolly: $10 to $15/day. Essential for stacks of boxes.
- Furniture pads/blankets: $5 to $20 for a set. Protect furniture during transit.
- Appliance dolly: $10 to $15/day. For refrigerators, washers, and dryers.
Driving a Moving Truck: What to Expect
Moving trucks handle very differently from passenger vehicles. A few things that matter:
Turning radius. Large trucks need more space for turns. Watch your clearance on the right side, which extends further than you'd expect.
Height clearance. Know the height of your truck before you drive anywhere. Gas station canopies, parking garage clearances, and overpasses have height limits. The rental company will tell you the truck's height. Set a reminder.
Backing up. There are no cameras on most rental trucks. Use your mirrors, go slowly, and get someone to spot you if possible.
Braking distance. A loaded truck takes significantly longer to stop than a car. Allow more following distance than you're used to.
Fuel economy. Large trucks get 8 to 12 mpg. Plan fuel stops and budget accordingly.
If you've never driven anything larger than an SUV, allow yourself more time than you think you need. The first hour of highway driving tends to be the adjustment period.
Moving Day Logistics
Load the truck in the right order. Heavy items go in first, against the cab wall. Large furniture along the sides. Boxes stacked in the middle and against furniture. Lightest items on top. Fragile items last or in your car.
Tie down your load. Most rental trucks have anchor points along the walls for straps. Use them. A load that shifts in transit damages furniture and makes the truck harder to control.
Return on time. Late returns mean additional day charges. If the move is taking longer than expected, call the rental company. They can sometimes extend the reservation without a full additional day charge.
For a full cost comparison of renting a truck versus movers versus containers, see DIY Moving vs. Hiring Movers. If you want a flexible alternative without driving, see Moving Containers: PODS, U-Pack, and Other Options. For overall cost budgeting, see Cheapest Way to Move.