Free Guide to Understanding U-Haul Pickup Rental Pricing

How U-Haul Calculates Your Rental Price

U-Haul rental pricing works like most vehicle rental services, combining several factors into one total cost. Understanding how these pieces fit together can help you predict what you might pay before you book. The price you see depends on the truck size, distance traveled, time of year, and current demand in your area.

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The base rental rate is what U-Haul charges per day or per mile, depending on the truck type. Smaller trucks like a 10-foot box truck typically cost less per day than a 26-foot moving truck. As of 2024, a 10-foot truck might range from $19.95 to $39.95 per day in many regions, while a 26-foot truck could run $39.95 to $59.95 per day. These are starting prices and vary by location and season. The actual price you pay depends partly on distance. U-Haul offers both mileage-based pricing and time-based pricing depending on your rental type and location.

Peak seasons significantly impact pricing. Summer months (May through September) see higher prices because more people move during warm weather. Holiday periods like Memorial Day weekend, Fourth of July, and Labor Day push prices even higher. Winter rentals, particularly January through March, tend to cost less. A one-way rental during peak season might cost 50% to 100% more than the same rental during off-season months.

Demand in your specific area matters too. If many people are renting trucks in your city on a particular date, prices rise. If few trucks are being reserved, prices drop. U-Haul adjusts pricing daily based on inventory and demand, similar to how airline ticket prices work.

Takeaway: Check U-Haul's website for current pricing in your area rather than relying on national averages. Prices change frequently based on real-time demand and inventory levels.

Understanding Different Truck Size Options and Their Costs

U-Haul offers several truck sizes, each designed for different moving needs. Knowing what size you need prevents overpaying for space you won't use or renting something too small and making multiple trips. The company typically offers 10-foot, 15-foot, 20-foot, and 26-foot box trucks, plus specialty vehicles like cargo vans and flatbed trailers.

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The 10-foot box truck is the smallest standard option. It holds about 4,000 pounds of cargo and works well for moving from an apartment, dorm, or small house. This truck fits items from roughly one to two rooms. A 10-foot rental for a local move (under 100 miles) might cost $30 to $50 in off-season or $60 to $100 during peak season. The compact size means lower daily rates and better fuel economy, but you may need multiple trips for a large household.

The 15-foot truck represents a middle ground. It accommodates about 6,000 pounds and suits a small to medium household move. Expect to pay roughly $40 to $70 per day in low season or $80 to $130 during summer. This size typically handles most apartment moves and smaller house relocations with a single trip.

The 20-foot and 26-foot trucks serve larger moves. A 26-foot truck holds approximately 10,000 to 12,000 pounds and can accommodate a full house. Pricing for these larger vehicles ranges from $60 to $100 per day off-season or $120 to $200 during peak months. For long-distance moves, these trucks become more cost-effective per mile than multiple smaller rentals.

U-Haul also rents cargo vans for small moves or single-item transport. These typically cost $15 to $30 per day. Specialty items like furniture dollies, hand trucks, and blankets rent separately at $5 to $20 each.

Takeaway: Calculate your actual items using U-Haul's online size guides before booking. Moving one size larger than necessary costs extra; one size too small creates expensive repeat trips.

Distance-Based and Time-Based Pricing Models Explained

U-Haul structures rental prices using two main models: distance-based and time-based. Your rental may fall into either category depending on the truck type and your rental location. Understanding which model applies to your reservation helps you predict final costs.

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Distance-based pricing charges you per mile driven. U-Haul typically rates this at $0.79 to $1.99 per mile depending on the truck size, location, and season. Larger trucks cost more per mile. A 26-foot truck might charge $1.50 per mile while a 10-foot truck charges $0.99 per mile. For a 500-mile move, a 10-foot truck would cost roughly $495 to $995 in mileage alone before adding the daily rental fee. Distance-based pricing works well for moves where you know the exact route and mileage. It penalizes inefficient driving or getting lost, as every extra mile adds to your bill.

Time-based pricing charges a daily or hourly rate regardless of miles driven. Local moves often use this model. You might pay a flat $49.99 per day plus a mileage fee for distance over a certain threshold (often 50 to 75 miles included per day). This model works better for short local moves where you return the truck the same day or next day. The formula looks like: (daily rate × number of days) + (mileage overage × miles beyond the included amount).

Some U-Haul rentals combine both models. For example, you might pay a daily rate of $59.99 plus $0.99 per mile for any distance. On a three-day move covering 600 miles, this would total $59.99 × 3 days plus $0.99 × 600 miles, equaling $774.97 before taxes and fees.

One-way rentals almost always use distance-based pricing plus a daily rate, since you're moving the truck between two cities. Local returns use time-based pricing more often. Check your U-Haul quote carefully to see which model applies to your specific rental.

Takeaway: Use U-Haul's online calculator and input your exact pickup and return locations to see which pricing model applies and what the full cost will be.

Hidden Fees and Additional Charges You Should Know About

Beyond the base rental rate and mileage, U-Haul charges additional fees that sometimes surprise renters. Reviewing these fees helps you build an accurate budget for your move and avoid unexpected charges at checkout.

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Equipment rental fees apply if you rent moving supplies. Dollies, hand trucks, furniture pads, and blankets each cost money separately from your truck rental. A furniture dolly might cost $5 to $7, while a set of moving blankets could run $15 to $25. These fees add up quickly if you rent multiple items. Many people save money by gathering free boxes from stores or friends rather than renting U-Haul boxes at $2 to $5 per box.

Fuel and mileage surcharges may apply. If you return the truck with less fuel than you rented it with, U-Haul charges a refueling fee, typically $1.50 to $2.00 per gallon for the amount missing. This applies whether you used it or not. Many renters fill the tank before returning to avoid this charge. Some U-Haul locations also charge a fuel surcharge during periods of high gas prices, ranging from $0.25 to $0.50 per mile.

Late return fees are substantial. U-Haul typically charges 1.5 times the daily rental rate for each partial day the truck is late. If your daily rate is $50 and you return the truck four hours late, you could owe $75 in late fees. Exceeding mileage limits on an unlimited mileage plan doesn't apply, but hourly overage on a daily rental can add $15 to $30 per hour.

One-way rental fees apply to moves between different cities. U-Haul charges extra to position trucks across longer distances. A one-way rental from New York to Florida might include a positioning fee of $300 to