That bright orange truck and the $19.95 per day sticker are iconic—and a little misleading! If you’re planning a local move or just need a truck for a day, you’ve likely asked: What is the true cost to rent a U-Haul truck per day?
The short answer for local (in-town) moves is that the base daily rate for a U-Haul truck starts as low as $19.95 for the smallest options (like cargo vans and 10-foot trucks), but the total daily price will be significantly higher once you factor in the mandatory mileage fees, taxes, and other potential charges.
For long-distance, or One-Way moves, U-Haul charges a flat rate that includes a set number of days and miles, not a daily base rate plus mileage. This flat rate can range from a few hundred dollars to over two thousand, depending on the distance, truck size, and date.
Let’s break down the U-Haul rental price so you can budget accurately for your next big haul.
Understanding the Daily Rental Price Structure
U-Haul uses two different pricing models based on whether your move is “In-Town” or “One-Way.” The advertised daily rate mostly applies to the local, in-town rental model.
1. In-Town (Local) Move Pricing
This is the classic daily rate + mileage model. You pick up and return the moving truck to the same location.
| U-Haul Vehicle | Typical Base Daily Rate | Mileage Fee Range (per mile) |
| Pickup Truck / Cargo Van | $19.95 | $0.59 – $0.99 |
| 10-Foot Truck | $19.95 | $0.79 – $1.19 |
| 15-Foot Truck | $29.95 – $39.95 | $0.79 – $1.19 |
| 20 & 26-Foot Trucks | $39.95 – $49.95 | $0.89 – $1.29 |
Important Fact: The per-mile fee is the single biggest factor that increases your total daily cost for a local rental. These mileage charges can vary widely based on your city, demand, the time of year (higher in summer!), and the day of the week (higher on weekends).
2. One-Way (Long-Distance) Move Pricing
U-Haul does not charge a daily base rate plus mileage for a one-way move. Instead, the price is a flat, bundled fee that covers the truck, a specific number of days, and an allowed mileage allowance.
How is the One-Way Rental Price Calculated? The final flat rate is calculated based on:
- Truck Size: A larger moving truck costs more.
- Pick-up/Drop-off Location: High-demand routes are more expensive.
- Time of Year/Date: Moving during peak season (April to August) or on a weekend will increase the flat price significantly.
What happens if I need extra days or miles for a One-Way rental?
- Additional Miles: Exceeding your mileage allowance costs $1.00 per extra mile.
- Additional Days: Extending your rental period costs $40 per extra day.
Beyond the Base Rate: Essential Extra Fees
The base rental cost is just the starting point. When planning your budget, you must account for these additional fees that apply to almost every U-Haul rental:
1. Mileage Fees (For In-Town Moves)
As detailed above, this is a per-mile charge that can drastically increase your final bill. A 50-mile local trip could add $30 to $50 or more just in mileage fees.
2. Fuel Costs
You are responsible for the fuel used and must return the truck with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up. This is a major part of your DIY move cost!
3. Protection/Insurance (Optional, but Recommended)
U-Haul offers several coverage plans. The cost varies, but basic collision damage coverage (like Safemove) typically starts around $15 to $30 for an in-town rental. You should check if your personal auto insurance covers a rental moving truck.
4. Environmental Fee
A small, mandatory fee applied to most rentals, usually between $1.00 and $5.00.
5. Taxes and Surcharges
These costs vary by location and rental type. They can add a noticeable amount to the subtotal.
Quick-Answer FAQs for U-Haul Truck Rental
We’re answering the most common search questions directly to help you get the info you need fast!
Q: What is the cheapest U-Haul truck to rent per day?
The cheapest U-Haul options per day are the 8′ Pickup Truck, 9′ Cargo Van, and the 10-Foot Box Truck, which all feature a base daily rental rate starting at $19.95 for local (in-town) moves, plus applicable mileage and fees.
Q: Does U-Haul charge per mile for local rentals?
Yes, U-Haul charges a per-mile fee for all local or “In-Town” rentals. This fee typically ranges from $0.59 to over $1.00 per mile, depending on your location, the truck size, and the date of your rental.
Q: Is the $19.95 U-Haul rate all-inclusive?
No. The $19.95 is only the base daily rental fee for the smallest trucks and cargo vans on local moves. It does not include the per-mile charge, mandatory taxes, fuel, or optional protection plans.
Q: How much does it cost to extend a One-Way U-Haul rental?
If you need to extend a one-way rental past the agreed-upon return date, U-Haul charges an extra $40 per day for moving trucks.
Q: What is the most expensive part of renting a U-Haul?
For local moves, the most expensive part is often the mileage fees and fuel costs. For one-way moves, the initial flat rental rate will be the largest expense.
Tips to Lower Your Total Moving Truck Cost
Renting a U-Haul can be budget-friendly if you plan smart! Here are a few ways to keep your total truck rental cost down:
- Book Early: Rates are often lower if you reserve your truck at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially during peak moving season (summer).
- Move Mid-Week/Mid-Month: U-Haul rental rates are typically lowest Sunday through Thursday and outside of the first and last days of the month.
- Keep it Local: If you’re able to, an in-town move is usually more affordable for short distances, but be mindful of your mileage.
- Drive Smart: For local rentals, consolidating your trips and planning the shortest route possible will directly save you money on both the per-mile fee and fuel costs.
Getting a U-Haul truck is one of the most popular ways to handle a DIY move. By understanding the difference between the base daily rate and the final total, you can avoid surprises and hit the road with confidence!
