Learn About U-Haul Store Hours and Rental Options

Understanding U-Haul Store Locations and Hours

U-Haul operates thousands of locations across the United States and Canada, making it one of the largest rental truck networks available. As of 2024, U-Haul maintains over 21,000 locations where customers can pick up and drop off rental equipment. These locations range from dedicated U-Haul centers to authorized dealers at hardware stores, moving companies, and other retail partners. The wide distribution means that most people can find a U-Haul location within a reasonable distance from their home or destination.

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Store hours vary significantly depending on the location type and local market. Dedicated U-Haul centers typically operate during extended hours, often opening at 7:00 or 8:00 AM and staying open until 6:00 or 7:00 PM on weekdays. Saturdays usually see hours from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, while Sunday hours are typically 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, though some locations may have different schedules. Independent dealers who rent U-Haul equipment often operate during their regular business hours, which may be more limited. For example, a hardware store that offers U-Haul rentals might only rent equipment during standard retail hours, such as 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM on weekdays.

Finding your nearest U-Haul location and checking specific hours requires using the U-Haul website or mobile app. The online location finder allows you to search by address, city, or ZIP code. Once you identify a location, the search results display the full address, phone number, hours of operation, and available equipment. This information can change seasonally or due to staffing, so checking before visiting is worthwhile. During peak moving season (May through September), some locations extend their hours to accommodate higher demand.

Practical takeaway: Before planning your rental pickup or drop-off, use the U-Haul website's location finder to confirm hours for your specific store. Call ahead during busy seasons to confirm that the equipment you need is in stock and available at your preferred time.

Types of Rental Equipment Available at U-Haul

U-Haul offers a diverse range of rental equipment to meet different moving and transportation needs. The primary categories include trucks, trailers, boxes, and moving supplies. Truck rentals represent the backbone of U-Haul's business, with options ranging from compact pickup trucks to large 26-foot moving trucks. The smallest option, the 10-foot truck, is suitable for studio apartments or small loads and typically carries about 4,000 pounds. The 15-foot truck works well for one to two-bedroom homes, while the 20-foot and 26-foot options accommodate larger household moves. For commercial purposes or heavy-duty applications, the largest trucks can carry between 15,000 and 20,000 pounds.

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Trailers provide flexible options for customers who prefer to use their own vehicle for towing. U-Haul's trailer selection includes utility trailers (5x8 and 6x12 foot sizes), enclosed cargo trailers (5x8, 6x12, and 7x14), and specialty options like car trailers and motorcycle trailers. Utility trailers work well for hauling landscaping materials, furniture, or other items that don't require weather protection. Enclosed trailers protect contents from rain, wind, and road debris, making them suitable for delicate items, tools, or vehicle transport. A 6x12 enclosed trailer, for example, can hold the contents of a small apartment or serve as temporary storage during a move.

Beyond vehicles, U-Haul stocks moving boxes in various sizes designed to stack efficiently and protect contents. Standard boxes come in small (16x12x12 inches), medium (18x18x16 inches), and large (20x20x20 inches) dimensions. Specialty boxes include wardrobe boxes for hanging clothes, picture boxes for artwork and mirrors, and dish pack boxes with dividers for fragile items. The company also rents equipment such as dollies, hand trucks, furniture pads, and tool kits. Packing supplies like tape, bubble wrap, markers, and newsprint are available for purchase at most locations. Some customers opt to rent plastic moving bins from U-Haul's ReBox program as an alternative to cardboard boxes, which can be returned after the move.

Practical takeaway: Match your rental equipment to the size and nature of your move. For household moves, a general rule is that a 15-foot truck works for one to two-bedroom apartments, while a 20-foot truck accommodates two to three-bedroom homes. For items that don't fit in a truck, such as vehicles or motorcycles, explore U-Haul's specialized trailer options.

Pricing Structure and Rate Factors

U-Haul pricing operates on a distance-based model combined with equipment rental fees. When you quote a rental, the cost includes the equipment rental charge (which varies by truck or trailer size and rental duration) plus a mileage charge. The equipment rental fee might range from $10 to $60 per day depending on the vehicle size, while mileage charges typically run between $0.50 and $1.50 per mile depending on truck size and fuel efficiency. For example, a 10-foot truck rental across 500 miles with a three-day rental might cost $100 in equipment fees plus $250 in mileage charges, totaling approximately $350 before taxes and additional fees.

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Several factors influence the final rental price. Seasonal demand significantly affects rates, with summer months (May through September) commanding higher prices due to increased moving activity. A one-way rental from a high-demand city to a less popular destination may cost more or less than the reverse route, depending on where U-Haul needs inventory. Peak times like weekends and month-end dates also carry premium pricing. For example, renting on a Friday for a Saturday-to-Monday move typically costs more than renting the same truck for a Tuesday-to-Thursday move during the same week.

The equipment size is another primary cost determinant. The smallest 10-foot truck costs significantly less than a 26-foot truck, reflecting differences in fuel consumption and vehicle maintenance. Trailers generally cost less than trucks of comparable carrying capacity but may require a vehicle capable of towing. Rental duration affects per-day pricing, as U-Haul often offers slightly lower daily rates for longer commitments. A 7-day rental usually has a lower per-day cost than a 1-day rental for the same equipment. Additional costs can include optional insurance, equipment fees for dollies or blankets, and taxes that vary by location. U-Haul does not typically charge drop-off fees at any location, which provides flexibility in choosing your return point.

Practical takeaway: Use U-Haul's online quote tool to compare prices for different truck sizes, travel dates, and one-way versus round-trip rentals. If you have flexible timing, renting on weekdays or during off-season months can result in meaningful savings. Consider whether renting a slightly smaller truck and making two trips might be more economical than paying for a larger vehicle.

Reservation Process and Booking Options

U-Haul offers multiple methods for making reservations to accommodate different customer preferences. The online reservation system at uhaul.com allows you to enter your pickup location, drop-off location (for one-way rentals or round-trip), desired equipment type, and travel dates. The system displays available options with pricing, then guides you through selecting specific dates and times. You'll need to provide your name, phone number, email address, and payment information to complete the booking. The advantage of online booking is that you can shop and compare options at your own pace and receive a confirmation email with your reservation details and locator number.

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Phone reservations remain an option through U-Haul's customer service line, which operates seven days a week. Speaking with an agent can be helpful if you have questions about which equipment size suits your needs or if you want to understand all available options before committing. Agents can also inform you about current promotions or discount opportunities that may not be immediately visible on the website. Many U-Haul locations also accept walk-in reservations, allowing you to book equipment in person. This method works well if you want to see the vehicles before renting or if you need equipment on short notice.

The mobile app provides another convenient booking method for customers who prefer managing reservations on their smartphones. The U-Haul app displays the same search and pricing functions as the website and allows you to save favorite