Moving costs can escalate quickly before you and your belongings even hit the road. If you want to save money on your move, renting a moving truck costs much less than hiring a full-service moving company. Planning a hands-on do-it-yourself move to your new home can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
4.5
One month of free storage included with your move
Provides moves in all 50 states
Offers air & ocean freighting
4.0
Flat rate pricing for all moves
Offers price matching
Expedited moves between big cities
4.2
Top-notch packing services
Nationwide partner network
Comprehensive moving calculator
To help you make the best choice for your moving situation, I’ve created a list of the best moving truck rental companies after hours of research based on Today’s Homeowner’s unique criteria ancd review standards. Read on to learn about:
- The best moving truck companies in the United States and discounts they offer
- Service options and truck sizes from each company
- How to pick legitimate moving truck companies and avoid scams
What Are the Best Moving Truck Rental Companies?
Our top 5 recommended moving truck rental companies for 2023:
Compare The Best Moving Truck Rental Companies
Company | Our Take | One-Way Moves? | BBB Rating | Cost |
U-Haul | Most Widely Available | Yes | A+ | $559 to $2,170 |
Budget Truck Rental | Most Discounts | Yes | A- | $500 to $5,000 |
Home Depot Truck Rental | Best for Small Moves | Yes | A+ | $129 to $3,239 |
Enterprise Truck Rental | Best for International Moves | No | D- | $49.99 to $135 per hour |
U-Pack | Most Widely-Available Container Service | Yes | A+ | $1,200 to $2,200 |
U-Haul U-Box
3.5
Our Rating
Since 1945, U-Haul has offered nationwide, one-way, DIY moving equipment rentals, which include reliable vans, trucks, trailers, and storage containers. With the largest national network in the industry — over 20,000 rental locations — U-Haul’s availability is unmatched in the moving truck industry. U-Haul’s expansive range of truck sizes allows customers to select the perfect size for their move without paying extra for unused space. Additionally, with so many pick-up and drop-off locations, U-Haul is an ideal choice for moves of any distance, whether to a bustling city, a highly populated suburb, or remote rural area.
U-Haul offers international moving services with U-Box storage containers and local and long-distance one-way truck rental services in the United States. U-Haul also offers the following service options to its customers:
- Auto transport services
- Installation of vehicle accessories like hitches and bike racks
- Moving and lifting tool rental
- Packing supplies
- Packing supply calculator on its website
- Propane filling and grill accessories (in some locations)
- Reusable plastic box rental containers
- Ropes and tie-downs rental
- Tow dolly rental for towing vehicles behind U-Haul trucks
U-Haul offers services for local and long-distance moves and more options in moving truck size than any other rental truck company I’ve come across. It also provides cargo trailers and storage containers in the following sizes:
- 10-foot trucks
- 15-foot trucks
- 17-foot trucks
- 20-foot trucks
- 26-foot trucks
- 4′ x 8′ cargo trailers
- 5′ x 8′ cargo trailer
- 6′ x 12′ cargo trailer
- Cargo vans
- Pickup trucks
- U-Box storage containers: 95’’ x 56’ x 83 ½’’
To view U-Haul’s wide range of discounts, check out its website. While many companies offer deals on rentals, U-Haul sets itself apart by extending discounts to packing supplies, storage solutions, hotel stays, and other services.
Budget Truck Rental
3.2
Our Rating
While DIY moving is more affordable than booking a full-service moving company, moving truck rentals can still be expensive, especially if you’re planning a long-distance move out of state. If you’re on a strict budget, Budget Truck Rental is the best choice for managing moving costs and saving money. Budget is the second-largest truck rental company in the continental United States, with over 2,800 locations and 32,000 trucks nationwide. It offers various promotional deals throughout the year and full-time discounts for members of the American Association of Retired Persons, military members, police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and students.
In addition to basic options for rental truck sizes, Budget offers the following helpful services:
- Car towing accessory for rental trucks and insurance coverage for your car during towing
- Comprehensive moving guide on its website to help you plan your move
- Dolly rental
- Hand truck rental
- Furniture pad rental
- Works with Hire a Helper to connect you with service professionals for packing, loading, and unpacking
Although Budget only offers the most basic options in truck sizes compared to other providers, fewer options can simplify the decision process when it comes to booking your rental:
- 12-foot truck
- 16-foot truck
- 26-foot truck
- Cargo van rental
- Pickup truck rental
Unsurprisingly, a company with the word “budget” in its name offers more discounts than any other company I’ve seen. If you go to the deals tab on Budget’s website, you’ll find its current (as of September 2023) promotional deal — save 20% on truck rental rates through 12/31/2023. On Budget’s website you’ll also find discounts it offers for students, military members, AARP members, and others.
Watch this helpful video to learn how to prepare your belongings and pack your moving truck:
The Home Depot
4.5
Our Rating
The Home Depot, a well-known retail and home improvement name, provides truck rental services for local moves. Its Load ‘N Go rental trucks come in four sizes, and prices start at just $19 for the first 75 minutes. If you’d like to rent a truck for your cross-country move, you can still book larger trucks with Home Depot through Penske Trucks, available for one-way, long-distance relocations.
It’s important to note that Home Depot’s Load ‘N Go trucks require pickup and drop-off at the same Home Depot location on the same day, making them unsuitable for long-distance moves. However, they’re the best and most affordable option in our guide for moving studio apartments, single rooms, or one piece of furniture locally.
Home Depot rents out various moving and safety tools, plus you can buy packing supplies in-store, making it a convenient one-stop shop for your DIY move:
- Dolly rental
- Four-wheeler rental
- Jack and lift rental
- Ramp rental
- Standard and heavy-duty packing supplies for sale
- Trailer rental
Home Depot currently offers the following truck sizes and vehicle options for rent, which is more than most companies, making it an excellent choice for moves of any size:
- 3′ x 5′ trailer
- 5′ x 8′ channel frame trailer
- 5′ x 8′ solid wall trailer
- Load ‘N Go F250 flatbed truck
- Load ‘N Go T250 flatbed truck
- Load ‘N Go cargo van
- Load ‘N Go box truck
- Penske 12-foot box truck
- Penske 16-foot box truck
- Penske 22-foot box truck
- Penske 26-foot box truck
Home Depot’s truck rentals offer an American Automobile Association (AAA) member discount. You can also get a Home Depot credit card in store that offers six months 0% APR on purchases made at Home Depot for $299 or more (offer valid as of September 2023).
Enterprise Truck Rental
2.9
Our Rating
Enterprise Truck Rental is a subsidiary of Enterprise Holdings, Inc., which also owns Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Enterprise Truck Rental stands out for offering location services throughout the United States, including Puerto Rico, as well as in Canada, making it our top choice for international moves.
I love that with Enterprise, you can rent a truck for as little as one day or as long as a month, giving you ample time and flexibility to load, transport, and unload your belongings at your new home. Additionally, Enterprise offers a broader selection of vehicles than other rental truck services, including compact cargo vans for urban areas and heavy-duty cargo vans with 224 cubic feet of loading space and a weight capacity of up to 4,080 pounds. With Enterprise’s variety of truck sizes, customers are sure to find the perfect fit for their moving needs and avoid paying for unnecessary space.
Enterprise trucks are available for a single day and for long-distance one-way trips to your new home:
- International moving to/from Canada
- Local moving services
- Nationwide moving services including Puerto Rico
Enterprise offers the following extensive range of rental vehicle options:
- 15-foot parcel vans
- 15- to 16-foot parcel vans with lift gate
- 16-foot cabover trucks
- 20-foot box trucks
- 24-foot box trucks
- 26-foot box trucks
- Multiple sizes of cargo vans
- Multiple sizes of stakebed trucks
- Various sizes of pickup trucks
Enterprise doesn’t offer a lot of discounts compared to the other companies in our guide, but I did find the following deals in my research:
- Free cancellations on rentals that aren’t prepaid
- USAA Member benefits: Liability protection included, no additional driver fee, and more
U-Pack
3.5
Our Rating
With 240 service centers throughout all fifty states, U-Pack is the best choice for moving container services. U-Pack customers load their belongings onto storage containers called ReloCubes, and then U-Pack transports the ReloCubes to the client’s new home.
I love that U-Pack offers its clients affordable pricing without having to personally transport their belongings. U-Pack is an excellent choice for those who want DIY move options without the labor and responsibility of driving a moving truck.
U-Pack offers the following moving services in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada:
- Door-to-door or service center delivery
- Helpful online tools like a fuel calculator, space estimator, and moving checklist
- Long-distance container moving
- Short and long-term storage
With U-Pack, you can choose from 8-foot ReloCubes for smaller moves or 27-foot trailers for larger homes, a unique size option in the moving container industry. Moreover, unlike most companies that charge per container, U-Pack offers pay-what-you-use pricing, so you only pay for the space you use in its containers. This makes U-Pack an excellent choice for budget-conscious homeowners.
While U-Pack offers more discounts than most companies in this guide, its discounts are of lower value, meaning they will only save you a little cash. On U-Pack’s website, you can find the latest promotional discounts as of September 2023:
- $25 off when you book online
- $25 off with promo code BLOG25
- $50 discount for active military members
- Senior discounts and college students discounts at some locations
How Much Do Moving Truck Rental Companies Typically Charge?
Daily moving truck rental costs can vary from $20 to hundreds of dollars depending on the distance you will travel. The total cost of your rental will depend on factors such as the number of days needed, the distance of your move, and the size of the truck. Some rental companies may also have different rates depending on the pickup location and day.
When demand is higher, some companies charge more for rentals, so you can expect to pay more at the beginning and end of the month and on weekends, which are popular moving times. We also recommend getting insurance when renting a moving truck, which can significantly increase your rental cost. Be sure to compare prices from different companies and secure a rate within your budget.
Below you’ll find quotes for moving truck rentals from some of our favorite providers based on truck size, number of days and distance.
Studio or One-Bedroom Apartment — based on a one-day truck rental (same day pick up and return) in New Orleans, LA:
Company | Truck Size | Estimate from Company* |
U-Haul | 10-foot box truck | $19.95 plus $0.99/mile |
Enterprise | 12′ – 14′ Parcel Van | $70 plus $0.15/mile |
Budget | 12-foot box truck | $19.99/day plus $0.79/mile |
*Rates obtained 9/8/2023
4-Bedroom Home — based on a one-way move from New Orleans to Boston of about 1,500 miles and a one-week rental:
Company | Truck Size | Estimate from Company |
---|---|---|
U-Haul | 26-foot box truck | $1,473 |
Home Depot (through Penske) | 26-foot box truck | $1,547 |
U-Pack | 27-foot trailer | $4,100 – $5,100 |
Remember to budget for fuel costs when renting a moving truck. To calculate the fuel cost for your trip, divide the distance you’ll travel by the truck’s miles per gallon to find the number of gallons needed. Then, multiply the gallons needed by the current price per gallon of fuel to get the total fuel cost for your trip.
How Can You Negotiate With the Top Moving Truck Rental Companies and Get Discounts?
Getting a good deal on your moving truck can relieve financial stress and stretch your budget, but securing the best possible price for your move involves several steps and getting on the phone:
- Research and compare: Start by researching reputable companies online, evaluating their services, reading reviews, and obtaining quotes.
- Ask about discounts: Call your preferred companies and ask about any available deals, such as military, student, or senior discounts. If you’ve used the company before or plan to use it again, inquire about any loyalty programs offering discounts or perks.
- Mention competitors: Politely state that you’re also considering other truck rental companies and ask about price-matching policies for comparable services.
- Ask very nicely: If the company’s initial quote doesn’t meet your budget, express your interest in its services but that the price is a bit high, and ask again for any possible promotions you might be a candidate for.
- Review and double-check: Be sure to scrutinize the contract or reservation for your moving truck rental services. Read the fine print and be sure you understand its full terms of service and mileage policies for your rental.
How Can You Avoid Moving Scams From Bad Moving Truck Rental Companies?
Here are some helpful tips to avoid moving scams and partnering with bad moving truck companies:
- Beware of low-ball quotes: If the quoted cost of your rental seems too good to be true, it might be an attempt to lure you in and then add hidden fees to your final bill.
- Mileage and fees: Ask about all potential extra charges and clarify what is and isn’t included in your rental quote.
- Movers or brokers: Understand the difference between moving brokers and carriers. Moving brokers act as intermediaries who don’t own trucks but help customers find suitable moving services. Carriers are the actual moving companies that own and operate trucks, handling the transportation and logistics of your move directly.
- Research: Verify each company’s credentials and read lots of customer reviews. Check that each company is registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
- Scams: If you think a company is fraudulent or violating your contract, contact The FMCSA to file your complaint.
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Top Rental Truck Company?
Choosing the best moving truck rental for your move depends on several factors, such as:
- Your budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on your moving truck rental. Different companies offer varying pricing structures, so find one that fits within your budget constraints.
- Your distance: Some rental companies restrict your travel distance, so make sure your company’s policies align with your relocation distance.
- Your items: Choose a rental truck size that can comfortably accommodate all your belongings to minimize the risk of multiple trips or having to leave items behind.
- Your preferences: Consider your preferences for equipment rental (dollies, furniture pads), roadside assistance, and insurance coverage. Some companies provide comprehensive packages, while others offer these services as add-ons.
- Your timeline: Some rental companies offer flexible rental periods, which can be crucial if anything comes up and you need more time for loading and unloading.
When renting a moving truck, consider the size of the truck and the width of the streets leading to your new home. City streets can be narrow and one way, so a small box truck may be more appropriate than a 26-foot truck that could block other cars. Additionally, plan ahead and secure a safe, convenient parking spot close to your new home for easy unloading.
So, What Is the Best Moving Truck Rental Company?
Renting a moving truck is a thrifty, hands-on way to relocate, and there are a lot of companies to choose from. Securing the ideal truck rental for your move is crucial to avoid scams, diminish stress, reduce time spent, and manage expenses.
To save the most of your hard-earned cash, I recommend Budget Truck Rental for its low costs combined with its various deals and discounts. However, If you’d prefer an affordable DIY option but can’t drive the moving truck, U-Pack’s ReloCubes and trailers are a convenient way to get your stuff to your new home.
Be sure to get quotes from the best moving truck rental companies to find the most cost-effective, efficient, and accommodating moving truck rental for your upcoming move.
4.5
One month of free storage included with your move
Provides moves in all 50 states
Offers air & ocean freighting
4.0
Flat rate pricing for all moves
Offers price matching
Expedited moves between big cities
4.2
Top-notch packing services
Nationwide partner network
Comprehensive moving calculator
FAQs About Moving Truck Rental Companies
Which Moving Truck Rental Is Best for Long Distance?
Budget Truck Rental offers affordable and reliable long-distance moving truck rental options in small, medium, and large sizes, ensuring you have the perfect truck for your move.
Who Competes With U-Haul?
U-Haul’s top five competitors are:
- Budget truck rental
- The Home Depot truck rental
- Hertz truck rental
- Penske
- Ryder
How To Save Money on Moving Truck Rentals?
- Deals: Look for special offers, discounts, or coupons.
- Fuel efficiency: Select a fuel-efficient truck and plan the shortest routes to reduce fuel expenses.
- Shop around: Compare prices from several moving truck companies to find the best deal.
- Size matters: Choose the right-sized truck for the volume of your items to avoid paying for unnecessary space.
What Are the Benefits of Renting a Truck?
- Affordability: You only pay for the truck rental, not full-service moving fees from a company.
- Control: You can select the best course and itinerary, potentially saving fuel, time, and money.
- Flexibility: You can choose the moving date and time that suits your schedule.
- Privacy and Security: You control your items’ safety during the move.
Methodology: How We Ranked the Top Moving Companies
At Today’s Homeowner, we strive to bring you the most transparent, accurate information for your home improvement projects. Our moving company ratings emphasize what matters most to you — reputable, affordable companies able to tackle a wide range of packing and moving tasks.
Our ratings are based on publicly available information about each company, secret shopping online and over the phone, customer-review analysis, and interviews with former and current professional movers.
A company can earn a maximum of 100 points across four categories converted to a five-star scale. We researched and analyzed dozens of full- and self-service moving companies and developed the following formula:
- Transparency (30 Points): We awarded top points to companies that supplied quotes quickly and provided easy-to-read moving contracts. We used the availability of sample pricing and quick quote features, GPS tracking, and clear customer service hours to determine this metric. Points were also awarded for up-front communication regarding policies, licensing, insurance, and the clear listing of added fees.
- Basic Service Options (20 Points): While this may seem like a given for most movers, a strong basic service profile is not guaranteed when you book your move. Movers that offer local, long-distance, and international moving, while providing packing and loading with their basic service packages rate highly here.
- Customization Options (30 Points): Aside from basic services, a comprehensive list of added services indicates a mover’s quality. Assembly and disassembly, valuation coverage, piano moving, car shipping, and similar add-ons indicate a mover that puts customer service first.
- Reputation (20 Points): We assessed each mover’s Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. We weighed BBB ratings and the company’s complaint response rate to calculate this metric.
We monitor company data on an ongoing basis to keep rankings and information up to date.