U-Haul Truck Rental Review: Costs, Services & Reputation
Here’s the bottom line: U-Haul is the most widely available truck rental company in North America, with over 25,000 locations and in-town rates starting at $19.95 per day plus mileage. Mileage, fuel, coverage, and fees often push the final bill well above that base rate, and service quality varies by location. Our U-Haul truck rental review covers real costs, truck sizes, customer reviews, and how U-Haul compares to the best rental trucks.
Pros & cons of U-Haul truck rentals
- Low starting rates from $19.95 a day
- 25,000+ pickup & drop-off locations
- Seven truck & van sizes
- Same-day & 24/7 app pickups
- Trailers & towing gear available
- Hourly loading help through Moving Help
- Mileage & fees raise the final cost
- Service varies by location
- No unlimited mileage
- Reservation guarantee is only $50
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What do customers say about U-Haul?
U-Haul customer reviews are sharply split between the counter experience and the final bill. As of November 2026, U-Haul holds a 1.4 out of 5 TrustScore on Trustpilot across 1,807 reviews, and 89% of those reviews give one star.
Reviews on U-Haul’s own verified customer review page skew much more positive. Most of those comments focus on friendly staff, quick pickups, and clean trucks.
What do U-Haul reviews praise & criticize?
The same themes show up across both review sites:
- Helpful local staff: Many renters praise employees at individual locations for fast, friendly service. Some say staff gave them a larger truck for the same price when their reserved size wasn’t ready.
- Easy pickup and return: Customers often describe smooth pickups and drop-offs, especially at well-run dealer locations.
- Surprise charges: The most common complaints involve extra mileage, fuel, and equipment charges added after the truck is returned.
- Truck condition: Some renters report dirty cabs, low fuel at pickup, warning lights, or loose steering on older trucks.
- App frustrations: Several reviewers found the app-based check-in harder to use than checking in at the counter.
“I have had one of the best customer experiences ever!!!”
—Katie C., Trustpilot
“…they claimed I went 4 and half miles over and charge my credit card $80 freaking dollars”
—Wayne R., Trustpilot
“I had to pay for two days, because I was renting for a one way trip.”
—Tyrone, Trustpilot
How much does a U-Haul truck rental cost?
U-Haul in-town rentals start at $19.95 per day for a pickup truck, cargo van, or 10-foot truck. You also pay a per-mile charge that varies by location and date, plus fuel, taxes, and any coverage you add.
One-way rentals work differently. U-Haul quotes a flat rate that includes a set number of miles and days to complete your move.
Here are U-Haul’s published in-town base rates before mileage and fees:
| Vehicle | Base rate per day |
|---|---|
| 8-foot pickup truck | $19.95 |
| 9-foot cargo van | $19.95 |
| 10-foot truck | $19.95 |
| 15-foot truck | $29.95 |
| 20-foot truck | $39.95 |
| 26-foot truck | $49.95 |
Source: U-Haul published in-town rates, November 2026. Rates vary by location and date.
In U-Haul’s own Dallas price check, a one-day, 30-mile truck rental came to $69.75 with tax before optional coverage. That total included $1.19 per mile and a $1 environmental fee.
What fees does U-Haul add?
U-Haul’s advertised daily rate leaves out several charges. Watch for these on your contract:
- Mileage: In-town rentals charge for every mile you drive. One-way rentals include an allowance, and each extra mile costs $1.
- Extra days: Keeping a one-way truck past your allotted days costs $40 per day. Trailers and towing devices cost $20 per extra day.
- Fuel: Return the truck with the same fuel level you received. A truck returned with less than a quarter tank also triggers a $30 service fee.
- Environmental fee: U-Haul adds a small environmental fee to each rental.
- Equipment: Utility and furniture dollies cost $7 per day in town, and furniture pads cost $5 per half dozen.
- After-hours returns: A return verified by a U-Haul representative after hours carries a $20 convenience fee.
You need a credit or debit card to reserve online. You can pay cash for an in-town truck at pickup, but U-Haul then requires a deposit of $100 or the estimated rental charges, whichever is greater.
Pro tip: On long moves, mileage and fuel can push a U-Haul rental close to the cost of hiring help. moveBuddha’s moving cost calculator returns side-by-side estimates in minutes, so you can check your U-Haul total against full-service quotes before you book.
U-Haul truck sizes
U-Haul rents seven vehicles, from an 8-foot pickup truck to the 29-foot truck it added in 2026. Here’s how much each one holds:
| Vehicle | Capacity | Max load | Fits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pickup truck | 76 cu. ft. | 2,280 pounds | Small loads |
| Cargo van | 246 cu. ft. | 4,030 pounds | Studio |
| 10-foot truck | 402 cu. ft. | 2,850 pounds | Studio – 1 BR |
| 15-foot truck | 764 cu. ft. | 6,385 pounds | 1 – 2 BR |
| 20-foot truck | 1,016 cu. ft. | 5,700 pounds | 2 – 3 BR |
| 26-foot truck | 1,682 cu. ft. | 12,859 pounds | 3 – 4 BR |
| 29-foot truck | 2,057 cu. ft. | 11,939 pounds | 4 – 6 BR |
Source: U-Haul truck specifications, November 2026.
Fuel adds up fast on bigger trucks. U-Haul rates its 15-, 20-, and 26-foot trucks at about 8 – 10 miles per gallon in ideal conditions, compared with up to 12 for the 10-foot truck.
Renting too small means a second trip, while renting too big wastes money on fuel. moveBuddha’s moving truck size calculator matches your inventory to a truck size so you can reserve the right one the first time.
U-Haul services
U-Haul offers more than truck rentals. Here’s what you can add to a DIY move:
- One-way rentals: Pick up a truck at one U-Haul location and drop it off at another near your new home. The flat rate includes a mileage allowance and a set number of days.
- Truck Share 24/7: Reserve, pick up, and return a truck through the U-Haul app at any hour. You upload photos of yourself, your license, the fuel gauge, the odometer, and the truck’s condition.
- Trailer rentals: Add a cargo trailer, tow dolly, or auto transport trailer to bring a car or extra cargo along.
- Moving Help: Hire independent loading and unloading crews through U-Haul’s Moving Help marketplace. Jobs have a two-hour minimum.
- Moving supplies: Buy boxes, tape, dollies, and furniture pads at most U-Haul locations.
If you’d rather not drive at all, you can store with U-Haul or book a portable container through the U-Box program.
- 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
U-Haul insurance options
U-Haul’s coverage plans protect you from the cost of damaging the truck. Without coverage, you’re responsible for up to the full replacement value of the truck plus lost rental revenue. Choose from these plans at checkout:
- Safemove: Covers damage to the truck, your belongings in a collision or fire (up to $15,000 in town or $25,000 one way), and limited medical and life protection. It doesn’t include liability coverage.
- Safemove Plus: Adds $1 million in supplemental liability coverage and drops the damage deductible to $0. It’s available on moving trucks only, not pickups or cargo vans.
- SafeTrip: Adds roadside extras like lockout help, lost keys, and fuel delivery on top of the basic roadside assistance included with every rental.
Safemove carries a $150 deductible on pickup trucks and cargo vans. Your personal auto policy may not cover a large truck, so check our guide to rental truck insurance before you decline coverage.
U-Haul vs. other truck rentals
U-Haul competes most directly with Budget and Penske. All three rent trucks for local and one-way moves, but they differ in reach, truck sizes, and mileage policies:
| Company | Locations | Truck sizes | Standout |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | 25,000+ | Pickup – 29 ft. | Most locations & sizes |
| Budget | 1,600+ | 12 – 26 ft. | Military, AARP & student discounts |
| Penske | 2,500+ | Van – 26 ft. | Unlimited one-way miles |
Truck rental prices change by market and season, so get quotes from at least two companies for the same dates. moveBuddha’s pricing tools run on 1,000+ live price points collected every month, which gives you a benchmark to check each quote against.
Why compare with 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.
U-Haul vs. Budget
Budget rents 12-, 16-, 24-, and 26-foot trucks from more than 1,600 locations in the continental U.S. It has far fewer locations than U-Haul, but its discount programs can lower the price.
- Choose U-Haul for small loads. U-Haul rents pickups, cargo vans, and a 10-foot truck for moves smaller than a one-bedroom.
- Choose U-Haul for rural pickups. With 25,000+ locations, U-Haul is more likely to have a site near you.
- Choose Budget for discounts. Budget offers savings for military members, AARP members, police, fire and EMT workers, motor club members, and students.
U-Haul wins on convenience, while Budget is worth a quote if you qualify for one of its discounts.
rating
4.3 / 5
U-Haul vs. Penske
Penske rents cargo vans and 12-, 16-, 22-, and 26-foot trucks from 2,500+ locations across North America. Its one-way rentals include free unlimited miles anywhere in the U.S.
- Choose U-Haul for short local moves. U-Haul’s low daily rates make it hard to beat for a quick in-town job.
- Choose Penske for long-distance moves. Unlimited one-way miles take mileage overages off the table.
- Choose Penske for a firmer reservation. Penske guarantees your reserved truck, or an equal or larger one, will be there.
Penske is the stronger pick for cross-country moves, while U-Haul suits local moves and smaller loads.
rating
4 / 5
U-Haul vs. PODS
PODS skips the driving entirely. It drops an 8-, 12-, or 16-foot container at your home, you load it, and PODS moves it to your new address. PODS serves 46 states.
- Choose U-Haul for the lowest cost. A rental truck is usually the cheapest way to move if you’re comfortable driving it.
- Choose PODS to avoid driving a truck. PODS handles transport, so you never drive a large truck across the country.
- Choose PODS for flexible loading time. You can keep a PODS container at your home while you pack instead of racing a daily rental clock.
U-Haul suits drivers on a tight budget, while PODS works better if you want time to load and no truck to drive.
rating
4.8 / 5
How does renting a U-Haul work?
You can rent a U-Haul online, through the U-Haul app, by phone, or in person. The process takes three main steps.
Reserve your truck
Enter your pickup location, drop-off location, dates, and truck size to see a quote. You must be 18 or older with a valid driver’s license to rent a truck.
U-Haul’s reservation guarantee doesn’t lock in your exact truck. If U-Haul can’t provide your reserved equipment, time, or location and you don’t agree on an alternative, it pays you $50 and keeps trying to fill your order.
Pick up the truck
Pick up at the counter or through Truck Share 24/7 in the app. Photograph the fuel gauge, odometer, and any existing damage before you drive away.
Return the truck
Return an in-town rental to the same location, and drop a one-way rental at your assigned location. Refill the tank to the starting level and review your final invoice for charges you don’t recognize.
Is U-Haul worth it?
U-Haul is worth it for budget-conscious renters making a simple local or one-way move. Its low base rates and huge network are hard to beat. It’s less ideal for tight schedules, since service and truck availability vary by location.
If you rent from U-Haul, follow these tips:
- Book an early pickup time. A morning slot gives you time to switch plans if your truck isn’t ready.
- Call your pickup location to confirm. Confirm the truck size, time, and any hitch installation a day or two before your move.
- Load heavy items near the cab. Put appliances and heavy furniture at the front, then pack tightly in sections so nothing shifts.
- Return the truck with the same fuel level. Fill up near the drop-off location to avoid refueling charges.
- Review your final invoice. Dispute mileage, fuel, or equipment charges right away if they don’t match your contract.
Need help with the heavy lifting? You can hire movers to load your truck and still drive it yourself.
U-Haul FAQs
How old do you have to be to rent a U-Haul?
You have to be at least 18 to rent a U-Haul truck and at least 16 to rent a trailer. You also need a valid driver’s license. Online reservations require a credit or debit card.
Does U-Haul have unlimited mileage?
No, U-Haul doesn’t have unlimited mileage. In-town rentals charge for every mile, and one-way rentals include a set allowance. Each mile over that allowance costs $1.
Is driving a U-Haul hard?
Driving a U-Haul isn’t much harder than driving a car, and you only need a regular driver’s license. The biggest adjustments are the truck’s height, width, and longer stopping distance. Take turns wide and watch for low clearances at drive-thrus and parking garages.
What happens if you return a U-Haul late?
If you return a U-Haul late, you pay extra charges. Late one-way truck rentals cost $40 per extra day. Call your drop-off location as soon as you know you’ll be late.
What is U-Haul’s reservation guarantee?
U-Haul’s reservation guarantee pays you $50 if it can’t provide your reserved equipment, time, or location. It doesn’t guarantee the exact truck you booked. U-Haul may offer a different truck size or pickup location instead.
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 moving 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.
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