How far in advance should you rent a moving truck?

It’s always recommended to book as far in advance as possible. A month is a common time frame. If you’re going to need a moving truck during the busy summer moving season, try to book two months in advance. Some companies, like Penske, pride themselves in offering guaranteed rentals for reservations made at least 48 hours in advance, though, so that’s another thing to consider.

What is the difference between in-town and long-distance truck rentals?

The basic difference is that in-town rentals are meant for local moves and require the truck to be returned to the same location where you picked it up. Because the truck is for local use, companies assume you only need it for a short period and will usually charge you by the hour and the number of miles you traveled. On the other hand, long-distance truck rentals assume you’re going to be traveling for a while, so companies charge a per-day or per-week rate and may offer unlimited mileage. As a bonus, you can usually return the truck to a different location, no matter the state.

How does a one-way moving truck rental work?

One-way moving truck rentals allow you to make long-distance and interstate moves without having to return the truck to the original location where you got it. Say you’re moving from Seattle to Los Angeles, you’ve packed up all your belongings, and now you’re on the road. When you get to your new home, you’ll be able to unload all your things and simply drop the truck off at an L.A. branch of the rental company. Most of the time you don’t need to put down a deposit if you’re paying with a credit card, and in most cases, the price you pay includes unlimited mileage.

At what age can you rent or drive a moving truck?

It depends. Most moving truck rental companies let anyone over the age of 18 with a valid driver’s license rent a truck. However, others require you to be 21 or older, and in some cases, companies won’t let people under the age of 25 rent certain vehicles. Always double-check the requirements with your preferred vendor.

How much does it cost to rent a moving truck?

It varies. For local moves, rates typically start at $20 per day for pickup trucks and cargo vans and about $30 or more for larger trucks. Mileage is charged separately, so depending on how much you drove that day, the cost can escalate pretty quickly. For one-way or long-distance rentals, the base price is usually determined by the route and the size of the truck. Thankfully, most moving truck rental companies offer instant quotes on their websites.

What can’t go in a moving truck?

Moving trucks are susceptible to fires when there are flammable items inside. It’s recommended that you avoid storing anything like paints, oils, lighter fluid, acids, explosives, pesticides, and any other similarly flammable items while you’re driving. It’s also recommended that you avoid bringing any perishables, like food or plants. They’re liable to spoil during the trip, causing a foul smell, and you also risk inviting pests in with these items.

Best Moving Truck Rentals of 2023

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

Rental Truck Waiting To Be Unloaded Outside New Home On Moving Day — Photo:
monkeybusinessimages / Getty Images

Renting a moving truck is a cost-effective option for people who want to have control over their move, from planning, organizing, and packing to transporting their goods in a timely manner. It doesn’t matter if you’re moving just a few blocks or across the country, the best moving truck rentals will help you get there safely and at an affordable rate. Long-distance moving truck rentals usually include unlimited mileage, meaning you won’t pay a dime over your estimate, and in most cases you can pick up the truck in one city and return it in another.

There are often a few limitations, though. The best rental truck companies have minimum age requirements, so you must be 18 or older to rent one, and you obviously need a valid driver’s license as well. For personal trips, box truck rentals don’t require a commercial license, but if you’re booking a vehicle from a company’s business or commercial line, you’ll probably need one. In certain situations, “unlimited mileage” might actually just cover mileage for a thousand miles or so, so make sure to ask the moving truck company about its policies before you book and hit the road. Taking all that into consideration, here are the country’s best moving truck companies.

Best Moving Truck Rentals of 2023

Best Overall: U-Haul

Best Value: Budget

Best for Local Moves: Enterprise

Best for Long-Distance Moves: Penske

Best for Additional Moving Supplies: The Home Depot

Best Overall: U-Haul

U-Haul

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 50 states
Moving Options: Local, long-distance, and international to Canada
Available Truck Sizes: 7

Pros & Cons

Pros

Quote includes roadside assistance coverage
Rents and sells moving supplies
Responsive customer service
Add-on services include moving labor

Cons

More expensive per mile than competitors
Truck availability on moving day isn’t guaranteed
Quote and reservation process can be lengthy

Why It Made the List

U-Haul has been helping Americans get their belongings from point A to point B since 1945. With more than 21,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada, the bright orange king of DIY moves is ubiquitous, but that’s not the only reason it got our top spot. Not only can you rent a truck from the company, but you can also buy and rent moving supplies, book storage space, and even hire labor to help with loading and unloading. U-Haul offers a large variety of truck sizes, so you can pick the one that’s most suited to your needs, and it’s able to service moves to certain areas of Canada. Roadside assistance is included with every rental, and U-Haul’s equipment insurance is generally cheaper than its rivals’. It also doesn’t charge a deposit for its rental trucks when you pay with a credit card.

U-Haul’s main drawback is that its rates are as high as $1.59 per mile, on top of the daily rental fee, whereas its competitors usually charge $1 or less per mile. Additionally, the quote U-Haul offers for long-distance trips is always for one day less than the number of days competitors offer on the same route. Moreover, your reservation doesn’t guarantee you’ll get the specified truck at the specified location, so you may end up having to use a different truck size, go to a different pickup location on moving day, or both. The company does offer $50 in compensation to customers who had a guaranteed reservation that wasn’t met, however. All that said, U-Haul still offers the most comprehensive moving services in this roundup.

Best Value: Budget

Budget Truck Rental

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 48 states and Washington, D.C.
Moving Options: Local and long-distance
Available Truck Sizes: 4

Pros & Cons

Pros

Sells and rents moving supplies
Add-on services include moving labor
Discounts for students, military personnel, and others

Cons

Doesn’t offer true unlimited mileage
Requires deposit
Limited truck sizes

Why It Made the List

True to its name, Budget offers some of the lowest rental prices for moving trucks in the industry. It doesn’t matter what route you’re driving, the company’s base prices are always considerably cheaper than its competitors’, even when you factor in additional costs like basic insurance and taxes. On top of that, Budget routinely offers discounts to certain groups, including military personnel, students, and AARP members.

While the company has the fewest truck size options on this list, it carries some of the most commonly used vehicles, such as cargo vans and 16- and 26-foot trucks, so it will likely have something to fit your needs. Be advised that one-way truck rentals require a $150 deposit and that that figure may go up or down depending on your pickup location and the details of your trip. Another thing to be mindful of is that while the company may advertise “unlimited mileage” for some of its rentals, in most cases that’s used loosely, and you’ll actually be given a specific number of miles between your pickup and drop-off locations. Ask how many miles are included in your quote to determine if the mileage will be sufficient or if you should buy more in advance (cheaper than paying post-trip).

In addition to booking a moving truck, you can rent moving tools like furniture pads and hand trucks or buy moving supplies like boxes and tape from Budget. During the reservation process, you’ll also be offered the opportunity to add moving labor through the company’s partnership with HireAHelper. Budget’s website has a tendency to glitch while you’re trying to book a service, so if this happens, you may have to make a reservation by phone.

Best for Local Moves: Enterprise

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 48 states
Moving Options: Local
Available Truck Sizes: 18

Pros & Cons

Pros

Quotes usually include 100 free miles per day
Low price per mile
24/7 basic roadside assistance included in rental

Cons

No service in Vermont or Wyoming
Can’t add moving supplies to your reservation online
No one-way rentals

Why It Made the List

From cargo vans and pickup trucks to box trucks, Enterprise offers the most diverse range of options and sizes when it comes to moving vehicles. Anyone over the age of 21 with a valid driver’s license can book one of its vehicles for a residential move, furniture transportation, or any other need.

One aspect of Enterprise’s service that stands out is that it usually includes free miles in its quotes, so the distance you’re going to drive is already factored into your bill. Even if you go over the allotted free miles, Enterprise’s price per mile is low compared to its competitors’. This is nice if you’re driving a long distance and don’t want to find a scary surcharge waiting at the end, but the fact that Enterprise requires you to return the truck to the same place you picked it up means it’s not the most sensible option for long moves anyway. With just over 500 locations across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada, Enterprise serves almost every U.S. state, but it doesn’t have nearly as many locations as its competitors, which may be one reason it doesn’t offer one-way rentals. The company does occasionally make exceptions to this rule, however, so it won’t hurt to ask your local branch if an accommodation can be made for your trip.

Making a reservation online with Enterprise is easy. All you need to do is choose a truck and specify your age, pickup location, the amount of time you need the vehicle, and if you’re using it for personal or business reasons. Unlike with some other companies, you can’t request additional moving equipment or supplies online; you’ll just have to see if they’re available at the location where you pick up your truck.

Best for Long-Distance Moves: Penske

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 50 states
Moving Options: Local and long-distance
Available Truck Sizes: 5

Pros & Cons

Pros

Discounts for AAA members, students, and military personnel
Can return vehicles to The Home Depot locations
Rents hand trucks and furniture pads
Free 24/7 basic roadside assistance

Cons

Vehicles for local use require deposit
Insurance can be pricey

Why It Made the List

Booking a moving truck with Penske is simple. The company’s website is straightforward, and its pricing is transparent. You can even forecast your final bill with a mileage calculator, which isn’t a feature you’ll find on other companies’ websites. Penske offers five different truck sizes, including popular models like cargo vans and 16- and 26-foot trucks. Also, all one-way rentals come with unlimited mileage, which makes it an ideal choice for long-distance moves.

Penske simplifies long moves in other ways, too. The company includes basic roadside assistance in your reservation, so if the truck breaks down on the highway, leaks in the rain, or has any other type of problem, you can call Penske’s 24/7 phone line and someone will be on their way to help you. Additionally, every booking made more than 24 hours in advance is guaranteed, so you’ll always have either the truck you reserved, an equivalent vehicle, or a bigger truck available at your preferred pickup time and in your preferred pickup location. And thanks to a partnership with The Home Depot, you can return your truck to either a Penske or Home Depot location.

If your car is moving with you, it’s also easy to rent a towing attachment with Penske. Fill out the online search form with your moving date, vehicle preference, and pickup and drop-off locations; select “Yes” when asked if you’re towing a car; and then simply fill in your car’s details to find the most appropriate towing equipment. Remember to look for discounts before finalizing your booking; AAA members, military personnel, and students receive special rates. If you don’t belong to any of those groups, you can still sometimes take advantage of Penske’s promos or seasonal deals.

Best for Additional Moving Supplies: The Home Depot

Get a Quote

Key Specs

Nationwide Availability: 50 states
Moving Options: Local and long-distance
Available Truck Sizes: 8

Pros & Cons

Pros

Sells and rents tools and moving supplies
Can book moving labor as well
Unlimited mileage for local usage
Roadside assistance included for long-distance trips

Cons

Can’t book more than a month in advance for local trips
Must be 21 or older to rent local vehicles
Doesn’t sell insurance

Why It Made the List

Since its founding in 1978, The Home Depot has set out to become the country’s number one provider for do-it-yourself projects, and that includes moving truck rentals. The company lets you book vehicles for local and long-distance trips, offering at least four different vehicle options for each. The Home Depot rents out its own trucks for local moves but partners with Penske for long-distance rentals, so if you attempt to book a truck for a long-distance trip on The Home Depot’s website, you’ll be redirected to Penske’s site. The Home Depot offers competitive rental and price-per-mile rates for both local and long-distance moves. Because this is The Home Depot, when you book a truck you can also buy or rent any tools you might need, like carpet cleaners, dollies, and hand trucks.

Long-distance vehicles can be rented by anyone 18 or older and don’t require a deposit when you book with a credit card. The rental also includes free 24/7 basic roadside assistance, and you can return the truck to either a Home Depot or Penske location. If you want to book a truck for a local move, some of the requirements change, however. Drivers must be at least 21 years old, and you’ll need to create a Home Depot account if you don’t already have one (this isn’t the case for long-distance rentals). Also, the company doesn’t sell truck insurance, so before booking, check to see if you’re covered in case of an accident or vandalism through one of your credit cards or personal insurance policies.

Final Verdict

There are a number of great options for moving truck rentals out there, but U-Haul offers the best combination of affordability, versatility, and convenience. You can choose from a variety of truck sizes and pick up your vehicle at locations in every corner of the U.S. You can use U-Haul to move from southern Texas all the way to Canada or vice versa, and its basic insurance is one of the most affordable in the industry. While U-Haul’s price per mile might be higher than competitors’, when you factor in all of the costs, including insurance and taxes, the difference isn’t as great.

Compare the Best Moving Truck Rentals

Company	Nationwide Availability	Rental Price for Long-Distance Trip*	Moving Options	Available Truck Sizes	One-Way Rentals?
Best Overall U-Haul	50 states	$2,284 for 15' truck**	Local, long-distance, and international to Canada	7	Yes
Best Value Budget	48 states and Washington, D.C.	$1,945 for medium (16') truck	Local and long-distance	4	Yes
Best for Local Moves Enterprise	48 states	$617 for 15' parcel van***	Local	18	No
Best for Long-Distance Moves Penske	50 states	$2,038 for 16' truck	Local and long-distance	5	Yes
Best for Additional Moving Supplies The Home Depot	50 states	$2,038 for 16' truck	Local and long-distance	8	Yes

*Prices are based on a nine-day trip from Philadelphia to Phoenix and do not include mileage rates.

**U-Haul’s quote includes eight days of travel, not nine.

***Since Enterprise doesn’t allow one-way rentals, the quote listed represents a nine-day rental in Phoenix.

How to Choose a Moving Truck Rental Service

Choosing between moving truck rental companies might not always come down to price. Other important factors to consider when making your decision include:

Local, long-distance, or international: Where are you moving to? Some companies offer better rates for local moves, while others have great long-distance or international prices. Choose your service accordingly.
Truck sizes: Does the company have a truck that can fit all your stuff? Are you going to be stuck with a vehicle that’s too small or paying for a truck that’s too big? Look at the company’s fleet and make sure it offers the vehicle you need.
Availability: Is the proper truck available on the dates you need it in a pickup location close to you? Sometimes you’ll be permitted to make a reservation despite the fact that an appropriate truck won’t be available for the dates you’ve requested. It’s best not to gamble and to go with a company that guarantees the correct truck will be available when you need it.
Rental guarantee: Does your reservation mean anything? Some companies have no shame in switching your preferred truck or pickup location with either very little or zero time to adjust your plans. Pick a company that can guarantee you’ll have the exact truck you requested in your reservation.
Insurance: No one is immune to freak accidents, so insurance is a must. Most companies offer basic equipment insurance, so you don’t have to pay full price if you accidentally wreck the truck. They also offer premium tiers to cover other events like third-party damage and cargo accidents. Evaluate the policies and go with the company that provides the best coverage at the best price.
Price: Rates are still an important factor in your decision. Make sure you don’t just look at the base rental rate, however. Consider all the extra charges included in the reservation when making your decision. These include insurance, rental equipment, taxes, and other fees.

What Size Moving Truck Should I Rent?

Determining which moving vehicle is best for your needs depends on a number of factors, including the number of boxes and pieces of furniture you have to transport, your budget, and whether you need to tow a vehicle. Here’s what you should consider:

Home size: Generally speaking, anything larger than a room or a studio won’t fit in a cargo van. Two-bedroom homes or apartments should easily fit in a 16-foot truck, and a four-bedroom home can be moved in a 26-foot truck. Most moving truck rental companies have moving calculators or descriptions to help you assess which one of their options is best for you.
Load size: Another important factor to consider is the number of boxes and pieces of furniture that require transport. Sometimes one-bedroom apartments have more belongings than bare-bones two-bedroom apartments, and if that’s the case, the truck size will need to be adjusted accordingly. Estimating how much weight you’re transporting is a good way to figure this out.
Budget: Evaluate the daily rates and mileage costs to see if a company’s quote falls within your budget. Maybe it’s cheaper to do your move all in one go with a larger, more expensive truck than it would be to take five mini trips with a smaller vehicle. Or maybe it’s the opposite. Choose whatever is more convenient and practical for your situation when considering price per mile, gas efficiency, and base rental prices.
Towing needs: Do you need to tow your car, too? Not every moving truck is equipped for this, which will limit the number of truck sizes you can choose from. Remember, even if the truck you choose has towing capability, towing equipment is usually rented separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should you rent a moving truck?

It’s always recommended to book as far in advance as possible. A month is a common time frame. If you’re going to need a moving truck during the busy summer moving season, try to book two months in advance. Some companies, like Penske, pride themselves in offering guaranteed rentals for reservations made at least 48 hours in advance, though, so that’s another thing to consider.
What is the difference between in-town and long-distance truck rentals?

The basic difference is that in-town rentals are meant for local moves and require the truck to be returned to the same location where you picked it up. Because the truck is for local use, companies assume you only need it for a short period and will usually charge you by the hour and the number of miles you traveled. On the other hand, long-distance truck rentals assume you’re going to be traveling for a while, so companies charge a per-day or per-week rate and may offer unlimited mileage. As a bonus, you can usually return the truck to a different location, no matter the state.
How does a one-way moving truck rental work?

One-way moving truck rentals allow you to make long-distance and interstate moves without having to return the truck to the original location where you got it. Say you’re moving from Seattle to Los Angeles, you’ve packed up all your belongings, and now you’re on the road. When you get to your new home, you’ll be able to unload all your things and simply drop the truck off at an L.A. branch of the rental company. Most of the time you don’t need to put down a deposit if you’re paying with a credit card, and in most cases, the price you pay includes unlimited mileage.
At what age can you rent or drive a moving truck?

It depends. Most moving truck rental companies let anyone over the age of 18 with a valid driver’s license rent a truck. However, others require you to be 21 or older, and in some cases, companies won’t let people under the age of 25 rent certain vehicles. Always double-check the requirements with your preferred vendor.
How much does it cost to rent a moving truck?

It varies. For local moves, rates typically start at $20 per day for pickup trucks and cargo vans and about $30 or more for larger trucks. Mileage is charged separately, so depending on how much you drove that day, the cost can escalate pretty quickly. For one-way or long-distance rentals, the base price is usually determined by the route and the size of the truck. Thankfully, most moving truck rental companies offer instant quotes on their websites.
What can’t go in a moving truck?

Moving trucks are susceptible to fires when there are flammable items inside. It’s recommended that you avoid storing anything like paints, oils, lighter fluid, acids, explosives, pesticides, and any other similarly flammable items while you’re driving. It’s also recommended that you avoid bringing any perishables, like food or plants. They’re liable to spoil during the trip, causing a foul smell, and you also risk inviting pests in with these items.

Methodology

To compile a list of the best moving truck rentals, we reviewed nationwide services and evaluated them based on a number of factors. These included base rental price, insurance coverage, customer satisfaction, customer support, add-on services, and available truck sizes. Companies that offer free basic roadside assistance and have transparent price practices received extra points in the scoring phase.

Was this page helpful?