Moving Truck Rental: Complete 2026 Comparison Guide
Last updated: April 2026. Renting a moving truck is almost always cheaper than hiring full-service movers — but the price difference is smaller than most people think once you factor in fuel, insurance, and extra fees. This guide compares U-Haul, Penske, Budget, and Enterprise so you can make the right call for your move.
2026 Moving Truck Rental: Pricing Overview
Truck rental costs vary enormously based on distance, season, and how far in advance you book. Here are current 2026 benchmarks for major providers — note these are averages; actual prices at your location and dates will differ.
Local Move Pricing (Under 50 Miles, 1 Day)
| Company | 10 ft (Studio) | 15 ft (2 BR) | 20 ft (3 BR) | 26 ft (4–5 BR) | Mileage Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | $19–$29 | $29–$39 | $39–$49 | $39–$59 | $0.79–$1.09/mi |
| Penske | N/A | $49–$69 | $59–$79 | $69–$99 | $0.79–$1.09/mi |
| Budget | $19–$29 | $29–$49 | $39–$59 | $49–$69 | $0.99/mi |
| Enterprise | N/A | $49–$79 | $69–$99 | N/A | $0.79/mi |
*Base rates shown; fuel, insurance, and environmental fees are additional. Local rates vary by market. Prices are 2026 averages — always get a quote for your specific date and location.
Long-Distance Move Pricing (500 Miles, 1-Way)
| Company | 15 ft truck | 20 ft truck | 26 ft truck | Mileage included? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | $399–$799 | $499–$999 | $599–$1,199 | Yes (one-way) |
| Penske | $449–$849 | $549–$1,049 | $649–$1,249 | Yes (one-way) |
| Budget | $349–$749 | $449–$849 | $549–$1,099 | Yes (one-way) |
| Enterprise | $549–$949 | $649–$1,149 | N/A | Yes (one-way) |
U-Haul vs. Penske vs. Budget vs. Enterprise: Full Comparison
U-Haul — Best for Local Moves and Widest Availability
- Truck sizes: 8 ft cargo van, 10 ft, 15 ft, 20 ft, 26 ft
- Availability: 20,000+ locations nationwide — the most of any rental company, including many gas stations and grocery stores
- Insurance: SafeMove ($14/day), SafeMove Plus ($28/day) — includes cargo and medical coverage
- Fuel type: Gasoline (most trucks), some diesel 26 ft models
- Estimated MPG: 10–12 MPG for large trucks; 16–18 MPG for cargo vans
- Best for: Local DIY moves, same-day bookings, tight budgets on short distances
- Weaknesses: Per-mile charges add up fast on long-distance local rates; customer service quality varies significantly by location; older fleet than Penske
Penske — Best for Long-Distance Moves
- Truck sizes: 12 ft, 16 ft, 22 ft, 26 ft
- Availability: 2,500+ locations (primarily dedicated truck rental centers)
- Insurance: Limited Damage Waiver (LDW), cargo coverage, personal accident insurance sold separately
- Fuel type: Diesel (most trucks) — better fuel economy over long distances
- Estimated MPG: 8–10 MPG (diesel, which costs more per gallon but goes further per gallon than gas)
- Best for: Long-distance moves (500+ miles) where diesel fuel economy saves significantly, corporate relocations, budget-conscious movers who book 2+ weeks in advance
- Weaknesses: Less available than U-Haul for last-minute local moves; no cargo van option; fewer locations in rural areas
Budget Truck Rental — Best Discounts When Booked in Advance
- Truck sizes: 10 ft, 16 ft, 24 ft
- Availability: 3,000+ locations, often combined with Budget Car Rental locations
- Insurance: Damage Waiver, cargo protection plans
- Fuel type: Gasoline
- Estimated MPG: 10–12 MPG for larger trucks
- Best for: Movers who plan 3–4 weeks ahead (discounts up to 20% for early booking), AAA members (additional 10% off), AARP members
- Weaknesses: Fewer size options (no 20 ft); can be more expensive than U-Haul for last-minute bookings; inconsistent location quality
Enterprise Truck Rental — Best Customer Service
- Truck sizes: Pickup truck, cargo van, 16 ft, 24 ft
- Availability: 4,000+ locations (shared with Enterprise Car Rental)
- Insurance: LDW, personal accident, cargo coverage — can be bundled with existing Enterprise car rental membership
- Fuel type: Gasoline
- Estimated MPG: 10–12 MPG
- Best for: Movers who value consistent service quality; existing Enterprise customers; short-distance moves where the service reliability matters more than price
- Weaknesses: Generally pricier than U-Haul and Budget; limited size options (no 20 ft or 26 ft equivalent); not always available in small cities
What Size Truck Do You Need?
| Home Size | Recommended Truck | Cargo Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR apartment | 10 ft truck or cargo van | ~400 cu ft / 2,500 lbs |
| 2 BR apartment | 15–16 ft truck | ~800 cu ft / 6,000 lbs |
| 3 BR home | 20 ft truck | ~1,000 cu ft / 7,500 lbs |
| 4–5 BR home | 26 ft truck | ~1,800 cu ft / 10,000 lbs |
When in doubt, go one size up. Loading a half-empty truck is far cheaper than making two trips or cramming items dangerously.
Insurance: What's Actually Covered
Your personal auto insurance almost certainly does not cover rental moving trucks. Moving trucks are classified as commercial vehicles, and standard personal auto policies exclude them. Check with your insurer before assuming you're covered.
Credit card coverage (Visa, Mastercard rental car protection) also typically excludes trucks over a certain size — usually anything larger than a passenger van or pickup truck.
Recommended coverage: At minimum, purchase the Damage Waiver (LDW/CDW) from the rental company. This covers damage to the truck itself. Cargo coverage is separate and protects your belongings — worth adding for long-distance moves with irreplaceable items.
6 Tips to Get the Cheapest Moving Truck Rental
- Book 3–4 weeks in advance — Prices surge for weekend availability, especially May–September. Booking early can save 20–40%.
- Move mid-week and mid-month — Saturday is the most expensive day to rent. Tuesday–Thursday and the middle two weeks of a month are consistently cheaper.
- Avoid peak moving season — Memorial Day through Labor Day (especially June, July, August) carries a 15–30% premium. If possible, move in October–March.
- Check AAA, AARP, and employer discounts — Budget and U-Haul both offer verified discounts through these programs. A AAA membership typically pays for itself in one truck rental.
- Skip the rental location's add-ons — Furniture pads ($10–$30), appliance dollies ($10–$20), and moving blankets are often cheaper to buy on Amazon for long-distance moves than to rent.
- Return the truck full — All companies charge a premium for refueling (typically $5–$8/gallon vs. current market rates). Fill up 1–2 miles from the drop-off location.
Compare Your Options with Our Calculator
Not sure if DIY truck rental or hiring full-service movers makes more financial sense for your move? Our calculator breaks down all the real costs — truck rental, fuel, labor, supplies, and insurance — so you can compare side by side.