Long-distance moves can be expensive. If you’re looking for the most affordable way to move from one place to another, renting a moving truck will usually be your cheapest option. Truck rental services are significantly more affordable than working with a team of full-service movers, saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a one-way move. But with so many companies offering rental truck services, how can you be sure you’re working with the best service for your needs?
We’ve created a comprehensive guide to the best moving truck rental companies in the country. Read on to learn everything you need to know about:
- The largest moving truck companies in the country and who should use them
- What you can expect to pay for moving truck services based on your unique move
- Some costs you should remember to consider before you book a DIY move
We’ll also answer a few of the most common questions that homeowners have when they move themselves with a rental truck service.
The 5 Best Moving Truck Rental Companies
Our top recommended moving truck rental companies for 2023:
- Most Widely Available: U-Haul
- Most Discounts: Budget Truck Rental
- Best for Small Moves: Home Depot Truck Rental
- Best for International Moves: Enterprise Truck Rental
- Most Widely-Available Container Service: U-Pack
Compare The Best Moving Truck Rental Companies
| Company | Website | Our Take | One-Way Moves? | BBB Rating | Cost |
| U-Haul | Click here | Most Widely Available | Yes | A+ | $559 to $2,170 |
| Budget Truck Rental | Click here | Most Discounts | Yes | A- | $500 to $5,000 |
| Home Depot Truck Rental | Click here | Best for Small Moves | Yes | A+ | $129 to $3,239 |
| Enterprise Truck Rental | Click here | Best for International Moves | No | D- | $49.99 to $135 per hour |
| U-Pack | Click here | Most Widely-Available Container Service | Yes | A+ | $1,200 to $2,200 |
U-Haul: Most Widely Available
Why We Recommend U-Haul
Perhaps the most well-known name in truck and trailer rentals, U-Haul is available throughout the country — the company currently operates a rental location in more than 21,000 individual towns and cities. This makes U-Haul a strong choice if you’re looking for one-way moves from a very rural area that isn’t currently under the service area of many other professional movers.
In addition to providing a wealth of rental locations, U-Haul also offers one of the widest varieties of truck rental sizes on the market. While U-Haul moving provides the standard range of 10- to 26-foot truck rentals, the company also allows you to rent pickup trucks for smaller jobs or moving individual items. Though you cannot currently access unlimited miles on your U-Haul truck rental like some competitors, this wide selection of availability and representatives standing by to help you choose the right truck make it a solid option for nearly any type of homeowner.
Pros & Cons of U-Haul
Pros
- More than 21,000 different locations around the country
- Most truck rental options in terms of size
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- Overall negative customer reviews
- Does not include unlimited mileage on its truck and car rental services
Trucks and Trailers Offered
U-Haul currently offers the following truck sizes and vehicle options throughout the country.
| Truck sizes | Pickup truck | Cargo van | 10-ft. | 15-ft. | 17-ft. | 20-ft. |
| Internal dimensions | 7 ft. 10 in. x 5 ft. 2 in. x 1 ft. 9 in. | 9 ft. 6 in. x 5 ft. 7 in. x 4 ft. 8 in. | 9 ft. 11. In. x 6 ft. 4 in. x 6 ft. 2 in. | 15 ft. x 7 ft. 8 in. x 7 ft. 2 in. | 16 ft. 9 in. x 7 ft. 8 in. x 7 ft. 2 in. | 19 ft. 6 in. x 7 ft. 8 in. x 7 ft. 2 in. |
| Weight limit | 1,897 lbs | 3,880 lbs | 2,850 lbs | 6,385 lbs | 6,160 lbs | 5,700 lbs |
| Interior space | N/A | 245 cubic ft. | 402 cubic ft. | 764 cubic ft. | 865 cubic ft. | 1,016 cubic ft. |
| Recommended use | Moving small individual items | Studio apartment | One-bedroom apartment | One-bedroom home | Two-bedroom home | Two-bedroom home |
26-foot trucks are also available at multiple locations nationwide.
How Much Does U-Haul Cost?
In order to help you get an idea of what you might pay for U-Haul moving, we requested a few sample estimates for various moves online. View pricing information on various moves below.
| Origin | Destination | Distance | Truck size | Use and milage | Quoted price |
| New York City, NY | Boston, MA | 215 miles | 10-ft. | Three days of use; 480 miles | $607.00 |
| New York City, NY | Boston, MA | 215 miles | 20-ft. | Three days of use; 480 miles | $1,139.00 |
| Richmond, VA | Detroit, MI | 622 miles | 10-ft. | Four days of use; 738 miles | $483.00 |
| Richmond, VA | Detroit, MI | 622 miles | 20-ft. | Four days of use; 738 miles | $559.00 |
| Portland, OR | Denver, CO | 945 miles | 10-ft. | Five days of use; 1,487 miles | $1,033.00 |
| Portland, OR | Denver, CO | 945 miles | 20-ft. | Five days of use; 1,487 miles | $2,174.00 |
State Availability: 50 States
Budget Truck Rental: Most Discounts
Why We Recommend Budget Truck Rental
As you compare moving truck options to help you make your way to your new home, you might be surprised to learn that these types of services can be more expensive than you originally thought. If you’re finding that even a DIY move might be a strain on your household budget, you might want to consider moving to your new home with Budget Truck Rental. Budget Truck Rental is notable for its affordable local moving services as well as its variety of available discounts. You can currently claim a discount if you qualify as any of the following:
- Military members
- AARP members
- Members of the police, fire, or EMT forces
- Motor club members (including AAA members)
- Students
When working in combination with Budget’s low rates, these discounts can take your move from stressful to affordable and efficient.
Pros & Cons of Budget Truck Rental
Pros
- Competitive pricing and discounts available on local moves
- One-way truck rentals available
- Allows add-ons like more time on the road for an additional fee
- Larger trucks available with unlimited mileage
Cons
- More expensive rates for larger box trucks
Trucks and Trailers Offered
Budget Truck Rental offers trucks in multiple different sizes as well as a variety of pick-up and drop-off locations to support one-way moving services. Budget currently offers the following truck and vehicle options across the country.
| Truck sizes | Cargo van | 12-ft. | 16-ft. | 26-ft. |
| Internal dimensions | 11 ft. x 4 ft. 5 in. x 6 ft. | 10 ft. x 6 ft. 3 in. x 6 ft. | 16 ft. x 6 ft. 3 in. x 6 ft. 7 in. | 26 ft. x 8 ft. 1 in. x 8 ft. 1 in. |
| Weight limit | 3,400 lbs | 3,610 lbs | 4,460 lbs | 10,000 lbs |
| Interior space | 357 cubic ft. | 380 cubic ft. | 658 cubic ft. | 1,698 cubic ft. |
| Recommended use | Studio apartment or one-bedroom space | One-bedroom or two-bedroom home or apartment | Three-bedroom or four-bedroom home | Five- to eight-bedroom home |
How Much Does Budget Truck Rental Cost?
As is the case with U-Haul, the price that you’ll pay for service with Budget might vary depending on the size of the truck you choose, your pick-up location, when your move is scheduled for, and many additional factors. We requested a few quotes for a variety of moving services to help you estimate what you’re likely to pay for your rental truck services. Browse the table below to see what we’ve found.
| Origin | Destination | Distance | Truck size | Use and milage | Quoted price |
| New York City, NY | Boston, MA | 215 miles | 12-ft. | Two days of use; unlimited mileage | $719.10 |
| New York City, NY | Boston, MA | 215 miles | 26-ft. | Two days of use; unlimited mileage | $4,999.00 |
| Richmond, VA | Detroit, MI | 622 miles | 12-ft. | Four days of use; unlimited mileage | $503.10 |
| Richmond, VA | Detroit, MI | 622 miles | 26-ft. | Four days of use; unlimited mileage | $2,999.00 |
| Portland, OR | Denver, CO | 945 miles | 12-ft. | Six days of use; unlimited mileage | $1,143.90 |
| Portland, OR | Denver, CO | 945 miles | 26-ft. | Six days of use; unlimited mileage | $3,924.00 |
State Availability: 50 States
Home Depot Truck Rental: Best for Small Moves
Why We Recommend Home Depot Truck Rental
A cross-country name in home improvement, Home Depot has recently begun offering truck rental services as well. Home Depot’s primary moving offering is its Load ‘N Go rental trucks, which are designed for use on a single moving date for local moves. This means that you’ll need to pick up and drop off your truck at the same location to get the best rates, which is not ideal for cross-country moves. However, if you’re looking for a quick way to get a last-minute moving truck without exorbitant fees, a Load ‘N Go rental truck can be a cheap option for you.
In addition to offering quick and convenient truck rental options, Home Depot also allows you to rent some of the most common additional loading tools and supplies movers need to safely prepare their shipment. For example, you can rent a tow dolly, hand truck, or set of lifting straps the same day you book your online reservation for a truck. These additional safety tools are available for just a few dollars more than the price of your truck rental but can make your move in process much easier.
Pros & Cons of Home Depot Truck Rental
Pros
- Sells both standard and heavy-duty packing supplies
- Low-priced option for local moves
- Allows you to rent safety supplies
Cons
- Long-distance moves booked through Penske Truck Rental, oftentimes at more expensive rates
Trucks and Trailers Offered
Home Depot offers two types of moving vehicles through its online reservation system.
- Pickup truck and cargo van rentals: Home Depot offers flatbed and van transportation provided in-house. You can rent these vehicles by the day or week.
- Box truck rentals: If you prefer a traditional moving vehicle, Home Depot allows you to arrange services through partner company Penske Truck Rental on its website.
We recommend Home Depot Truck Rental for small local moves, as long-distance moving truck rentals tend to be more expensive when booked through Home Depot’s website. In addition to scheduling your truck rental, you can also purchase moving supplies like furniture pads, boxes, and loading straps online.
Home Depot currently offers the following vehicle selections as part of its in-house Load ‘N Go program.
| Truck sizes | F250 flatbed truck | T250 flatbed truck | Cargo van | HD box truck |
| Weight limit | 3,000 lbs | 3,000 lbs | 3,000 lbs | 3,850 lbs |
| Interior space | N/A | N/A | 277 cubic ft. | 515 cubic ft. |
| Recommended use | Individual item or small move | Individual item or small move | Individual item or small move | One- to Two-bedroom space |
How Much Does Home Depot Truck Rental Cost?
To help you get a better idea of what you might expect to pay for your truck rental, we’ve collected a few quotes for some sample moving processes. Explore the table below to learn more about small and large moving truck rental expenses from this company.
| Origin | Destination | Distance | Truck size | Use and milage | Quoted price |
| New York City, NY | Boston, MA | 215 miles | T250 flatbed truck | Available for daily or weekly rentals; unlimited mileage | $129.00 per day; $903.00 per week |
| New York City, NY | Boston, MA | 215 miles | 22-ft. | Two days of use; unlimited mileage | $1,399.00 |
| Richmond, VA | Detroit, MI | 622 miles | T250 flatbed truck | Available for daily or weekly rentals; unlimited mileage | $129.00 per day; $903.00 per week |
| Richmond, VA | Detroit, MI | 622 miles | 22-ft. | Five days of use; unlimited mileage | $1,799.00 |
| Portland, OR | Denver, CO | 945 miles | T250 flatbed truck | Available for daily or weekly rentals; unlimited mileage | $129.00 per day; $903.00 per week |
| Portland, OR | Denver, CO | 945 miles | 22-ft. | Five days of use; unlimited mileage | $3,939.00 |
State Availability: 50 States
Enterprise Truck Rental: Best for International Moves
Why We Recommend Enterprise Truck Rental
If you’re moving outside of the United States, you might have a more difficult time finding the right moving company. Enterprise Rental Trucks offers locations in both Canada and Puerto Rico, making international moves possible. You can rent your truck from Enterprise for as little as a single day to as long as a month. This flexible scheduling policy allows you to customize your move, taking as much or as little time as you need for loading and transportation.
Enterprise Rental Trucks also offers a wide variety of vehicle options beyond what you’ll find with most other rental truck services. For example, in addition to standard cargo vans, Enterprise also offers compact cargo vans (that fit in more easily in urban areas) as well as heavy-duty cargo vans capable of carrying nearly 4,000 pounds. So long as you’re making a local move, Enterprise will likely have a van, truck, or other moving vehicle that fits your needs.
Pros & Cons of Enterprise Truck Rental
Pros
- Available throughout the US as well as in Canada and Puerto Rico
- Large selection of moving truck sizes
- Can book for a single day
Cons
- D- BBB rating
- No one-way moving services
- May charge per mile in addition to rental costs
Trucks and Trailers Offered
Enterprise currently offers the following rental vehicles for local moving services. Note that your vehicle must be picked up and dropped off at the same Enterprise location.
| Truck sizes | Pickup truck | Cargo van | 15-ft. | 16-ft. | 24-ft. | 26-ft. |
| Internal dimensions | Up to 8 ft. long truck bed | 10 ft. 6 in. x 5 ft. 5 in. x 4 ft. 7 in. | 15 ft. x 8 ft. x 7 ft. | 16 ft. x 8 ft. x 7 ft. 6 in. | 24 ft. x 8 ft. 6 in. x 8 ft. 6 in. | 26 ft. x 8 ft. 6 in. x 8 ft. 6 in. |
| Weight limit | 2,000 lbs. | 3,700 lbs. | 5,000 lbs. | 7,500 lbs. | 10,000 lbs. | 10,000 lbs. |
| Interior space | N/A | 260 cubic ft. | 810 cubic ft. | 960 cubic ft. | 1,500 cubic ft. | 1,800 cubic ft. |
| Recommended use | Individual item or small move | Individual item or small move | One- to three-bedroom home | Four- to Five-bedroom home | More than five bedrooms | More than five bedrooms |
How Much Does Enterprise Truck Rental Cost?
Explore the table below to estimate what you might pay for your Enterprise Truck Rental based on previous customer quotes. You can book each option for as little as one day to as long as one year. In addition to your quoted price, you may also pay a per-mile fee based on the vehicle you select.
| Origin | Truck size | Cost per mile | Price per day |
| New York City, NY | Cargo van | $0.20 | $49.99 |
| New York City, NY | 16-ft. box truck | $0.29 | $129.00 |
| Richmond, VA | Cargo van | 450 free miles included; $0.25 per additional mile | $89.99 |
| Richmond, VA | 16-ft. box truck | $0.59 | $135.00 |
| Portland, OR | Cargo van | 450 free miles included; $0.18 per additional mile | $65.00 |
| Portland, OR | 16-ft. box truck | Not available | N/A |
State Availability: 50 States
U-Pack: Best Moving Container Service
Why We Recommend U-Pack
U-Pack is not a moving truck rental company. Instead, it operates as a moving container service, providing you with a unique balance of affordability and convenience. After booking your U-Pack reservation online, a representative will deliver a storage container or moving trailer to your property. From here, you’ll have three days to load your container, after which U-Pack will return to pick it up and drop it off at your new home. This means that you don’t need to worry about toll charges, gas expenses, and other on-the-road necessities you will need to cover when you move on your own — the price you see is all inclusive.
Pros & Cons of U-Pack
Pros
- Price you see is all inclusive – no hidden fees for mileage or shipment weight
- U-Pack provides transportation on your behalf
- Only pay for the trailer space you use
Cons
- Only three days to load and unload shipment
- No local moving service
Services Offered
U-Pack currently offers moving container and trailer services in all 50 states, as well as storage services. All of U-Pack’s ReloCube moving containers measure 6′ x 7′ x 8′, which is about the size of a parking space. You can also rent between five to 26 feet of moving trailer space, and you’ll only pay for the space you use. Like ReloCube moving, U-Pack’s service price includes the cost of shipment transportation.
Keep in mind that U-Pack only offers service on moves of at least 150 miles. If you’re moving locally, you may want to consider a competing container service like PODS.
How Much Does U-Pack Cost?
We requested a few quotes from U-Pack to help you get an idea of what you might pay for moving services. Explore the table below to learn more.
| Origin | Destination | Distance | Container option | Time in transit | Quoted price |
| New York City, NY | Boston, MA | 215 miles | 10’ trailer | Four to six business days | $2,250 |
| New York City, NY | Boston, MA | 215 miles | Full trailer | Four to six business days | $2,811 |
| Richmond, VA | Detroit, MI | 622 miles | 10’ trailer | Five to seven business days | $1,702 |
| Richmond, VA | Detroit, MI | 622 miles | Full trailer | Five to seven business days | $2,569 |
| Portland, OR | Denver, CO | 945 miles | 10’ trailer | Five to seven business days | $3,659 |
| Portland, OR | Denver, CO | 945 miles | Full trailer | Five to seven business days | $4,781 |
State Availability: 50 States
Get a quote from U-Pack here.
What To Look For In a Moving Truck Rental Company?
Choosing the best rental truck service can be a challenge if there are multiple competitors in your area. Be sure to look for the following characteristics before you book your moving date.
- Multiple truck sizes: If a company offers multiple truck sizes, you can be sure that you’re only paying for the space that you need.
- Proactive customer service: Don’t guess which size truck would be best for your move — consult with a representative before you book. Look for a moving company with representatives who can make suggestions on how to move your unique home.
- Flexible cancellation policies: Be sure that your moving contract outlines cancellation policies in the event of an emergency. This consideration is especially important if you’re required to put a large deposit down to guarantee your truck reservation.
What Costs Are Involved With Moving Truck Rental Companies?
While DIY moving services provide you with a more affordable alternative to full-service moving processes, there may be more expenses you’ll need to think about beyond the cost of your rental. Be sure you budget the following extra expenses before you decide how much money you can afford to spend on your move in total.
- Gas: Depending on the size moving truck you rent, you can expect to get between eight to 12 miles per gallon on moving day. This can cause gas expenses to add up quickly, especially for long-distance moves.
- Toll charges: You’ll also need to budget for toll charges, as you’re likely to use at least one toll road when moving long-distance. Toll calculators can help you estimate how much you’ll need to budget for toll expenses based on your route.
- Insurance: If you’re operating a large moving truck, you can typically buy special insurance through your moving truck rental company. The average cost is around $100 per vehicle. If you’re driving a pickup truck or cargo van, you may be covered under your personal insurance policy.
- Miles traveled: Unless a moving company states that your rental includes unlimited mileage, you will likely be charged per mile you add to the vehicle’s odometer. Some rentals include a set number of free miles when you rent the vehicle, meaning that you’ll only pay for the number of miles you go over.
Final Thoughts
Remember that every moving truck rental company has its own busy months and slower months. It’s entirely possible to find the exact same rental vehicle at three different price points with three different rental companies. We recommend getting a quote from at least one moving truck rental company as well as U-Pack using the link above to be sure that you’re getting the best price on your moving services.
FAQs About Moving Truck Rental Companies
How much does it cost to rent a moving truck?
The price that you’ll pay to rent a moving truck will vary depending on the size trailer you rent. As a general rule, most homeowners can expect to pay between $500 and $2,000 for their moving truck services depending on their truck size and the distance they’re traveling.
When should I rent my moving truck?
It’s best to place your reservation for your moving truck as soon as you’ve settled on a moving date. Try not to book any later than one month before the day you want to be on the road.
How do you save on a moving truck?
The best way to save on your moving truck is to rent a smaller vehicle. You can do this by downsizing your home as much as possible before your moving date. You should also be sure to book your moving company in advance to secure the best rates.
What can I use instead of a U-Haul?
There are many U-Haul competitors providing truck rental services, including Enterprise Truck Rental, Budget, and Home Depot Truck Rental. You can also explore different transportation options for a DIY move (like a moving container service).
Who owns Penske Truck Rental?
Penske Truck Rental is owned by Roger Penske, the founder and chairman of the company.
Today's Homeowner Rating Methodology
At Today's Homeowner, our primary goals are to be a reliable source of information and to be totally transparent to our readers. With that in mind, we’ve developed the following formula to render objective ratings – on a scale of 10 points – for the moving companies we review.
- Transparency (3.0): Communication and being fully straightforward regarding company policies and licensing are incredibly important. A given mover’s willingness to display these, to supply quick quotes, and to provide clearly-worded moving contracts all factor into the three points within this single rating criteria.
- Cost (2.5): A mover’s cost relative to industry averages, as well as accessibility to cost data play a role in the customer experience as much as anything else. We know that being sure of what you’re paying – and being confident that you’re not overpaying – will ultimately make for a positive move. We’ve weighted cost factors accordingly in our ratings.
- Customer Service (2.0): Establishing an easy line of contact with your movers during the booking process or during the move itself is a huge asset for any moving client. The stress of moving, in general, can be greatly eased by knowing you can talk to a licensed professional whenever you need to, which is why we’ve listed this as a key rating category. This is where customer reviews come into play; since the majority of complaints stem from poor customer service, feedback from BBB, Yelp, Google, and other review platforms factor into this criteria.
- Services Offered (1.5): This rates lower on our priority list than many would think, simply due to the fact that many movers provide a similar line of services. However, breadth of service offerings does still vary to a degree.
- Customization Options (1.0): Having the autonomy to fully customize your move should rate highly on any moving checklist. Here, we’ve taken moving package customization ability, as well as pricing for more involved add-ons. Steep pricing for such services can provide something of a soft barrier for clients looking to add to their move, and we’ve taken this into consideration.
