5 Best Moving Truck Rental Companies
Quick answer: We evaluated thousands of customer reviews, obtained quotes, and assessed services and features to compile a list of the best truck rentals for moving. Penske Truck Rental tops our list of the best moving truck rental companies.
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Rental trucks can be an excellent way to cut costs and maintain some control during the moving process, but you need to research to ensure you’re choosing the right option for your budget, time constraints, and other needs.
We’ve given you a fast pass to the best moving truck rentals by interviewing real-life customers through our Better Moves Project, vetting costs, and reviewing services to help you move with confidence.
The 5 best moving truck rentals
The following companies earned their spot on our short-list after we read customer reviews, evaluated industry reputation, confirmed state availability, and compared the value of their services:
- Best for unlimited miles: Penske Truck Rental
- Best for truck variety: Enterprise Truck Rental
- Best for home improvement: The Home Depot Truck Rental
- Best for low prices: Budget Truck Rental
- Best for nationwide coverage: U-Haul
Best for unlimited miles: Penske Truck Rental
rating
4 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose Penske
While Penske offers fewer rental trucks than many competitors, its high-quality fleet with environmentally conscious updates and non-slip flooring stands out.
When Katie, a reader who shared her Penske review with us, arrived to pick up her truck, she was impressed with its cleanliness.
We also like Penske’s transparent pricing structure. You’ll usually need to put at least $100 down to reserve your truck. All one-way rentals come with unlimited miles, a major cost saver for long-distance and cross-country moves.
The company also partners with storage companies such as CubeSmart and SpareFoot, which can make it easy to stow your belongings if you have some lag time before you move into your new home.
Pros and cons
- Participates in the EPA’s SmartWay Program to reduce environmental impact
- Many vehicles have non-slip flooring
- Truck Wizard tool calculates the needed truck size
- $100 deposit required
- Can’t use your own towing equipment
- Truck sizes may be substituted based on availability
Learn more: Read our full Penske Truck Rental review
Best for truck variety: Enterprise Truck Rental
rating
4 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose Enterprise
It’s impossible to miss Enterprise Truck Rental’s impressive range of trucks and vans. Customers can choose from options such as standard pickup, ½-ton pickup, and 1-ton pickups, as well as several cargo vans, a parcel van with a liftgate, box trucks, and more.
Enterprise’s wide array of trucks makes it ideal for anyone with precise space demands. While the company doesn’t offer many discounts outright, its mileage fees are the lowest of all the companies we featured on this list.
Because it has fewer locations than many competitors, we found that it can be challenging to coordinate a one-way move if your new home isn’t near a drop-off location.
Pros and cons
- Offers more than a dozen different trucks and vans
- Strong customer reviews
- Low mileage fees
- Doesn’t offer many discounts
- Not the best for one-way moves
- Fewer physical locations than competitors
Learn more: Read our full Enterprise Truck Rental review
Best for home improvement: The Home Depot Truck Rental
Why we chose The Home Depot Truck Rental
The Home Depot’s truck rental service is an excellent way to save money moving Facebook Marketplace finds, doing quick home improvement projects, or facilitating moves that will take 75 minutes or less.
Due to these time constraints, it’s not the best option for long-distance or logistically complicated moves.
You can plan with the huge library of resources and tips, but you can’t bank on availability because the service doesn’t accept advance bookings. Home Depot’s mileage fees are among the highest on this list.
Many Americans know their nearest Home Depot location, so it can be a convenient option for small moves. The 12-foot box truck is smaller than other box trucks, making it ideal for densely populated areas where parking may be an issue.
Pros and cons
- Load ‘N Go offers affordable rentals for 75 minutes
- Huge library of resources for DIY moves
- More than 2,300 locations across the U.S.
- Online moving calculator is inaccurate
- Penalties for late trucks (even by just a few minutes)
- Doesn’t accept advance reservations
Learn more: Read our full Home Depot Truck Rental review
Best for low prices: Budget Truck Rental
rating
4.3 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose Budget Truck Rental
We found Budget to be one of the cheapest truck rental companies, with competitive base prices and specialized discounts.
You can rent Budget trucks for round-trip and one-way moves, which provides flexibility. However, the company doesn’t operate outside the contiguous U.S., so you may face some limitations depending on where you live.
The base cost includes taxes and a loading ramp with certain truck sizes, but mileage, tolls, parking permits, rental truck insurance, and additional services will result in extra costs.
Budget’s website is also one of the more user-friendly ones to navigate. That said, our interviews with Budget’s customers revealed thatBudget has overbooked its moving rental trucks before.
We’d recommend confirming in the days leading up to your move or moving during the off-season to minimize these kinds of issues on moving day.
Pros and cons
- Well-designed website
- Discounts for students, military, and AAA members
- Low mileage fees
- Doesn’t service Hawaii or Alaska
- Expensive add-ons
Learn more: Read our full Budget Truck Rental review
Best for nationwide coverage: U-Haul
rating
4.15 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Why we chose U-Haul
U-Haul is a mixed bag, but its sweeping availability in virtually every corner of the nation earned it a spot on our rental truck roundup. With same-day rentals, it’s an excellent backup if your reservation gets lost in the shuffle.
The company offers moving rental trucks and portable storage containers, which can be a great option if you need storage before you move into your new home.
Customer reviews often complain about miscommunications and hidden fees, but you can avoid these by proactively asking questions and clarifying any additional costs.
U-Haul also offers an impressive fleet of moving vehicles to meet various needs. Due to its nationwide availability, it’s a particularly great option for long-distance and one-way moves where you’ll need a different drop-off location.
Pros and cons
- Same-day rental available
- Trucks include EZ-Load Ramp, and specially engineered Gentle-Ride suspension
- Offers third-party moving help
- More than 23,000 locations across North America
- Can be unreliable with reservations
- Has hidden fees like the environmental fee
- Gets complaints about customer service
Learn more: Read our full U-Haul Truck Rental review
How to choose the best truck rental company
Rental truck companies vary in prices, reputation, offerings, and add-ons, so you’ll need to shop around to find the best option for your needs.
Consider the following factors to maximize your truck rental options:
- Truck sizes: A wide range of truck sizes demonstrates a truck rental company’s commitment to meeting various customer needs, but you shouldn’t focus on this too much if the company is readily able to meet your needs.
- Customer reviews: Ask your friends and family for referrals if they’ve had any recent positive experiences. Don’t hesitate to review experiences from our Better Moves Project to dig deeper into what real-life customers have to say.
- Cancellation policy: Things can happen at the last minute. Flexible cancellation policies can reduce your stress if you have to make changes close to your moving date.
- Roadside assistance: The best moving companies will have a roadside assistance program you can call if you get into an accident, have a flat tire, or run into other issues on the road.
- Insurance coverage: Inquire about liability protection and damage waivers when requesting quotes. For a small fee, you can elect coverage to reduce your out-of-pocket costs if something happens to the rental truck.
- Moving supplies: Some companies offer packing supplies for an additional cost, which can minimize your errands leading up to your moving date.
- Storage options: Gaps between leases and employment happen, leading to short- or long-term storage needs. Ask the rental truck company if they offer any self-storage rentals, because dealing with one company is always more convenient.
- Tow dollies and trailers: Some truck rental companies offer add-ons, such as tow dollies, furniture pads, and trailers. Renting these items can be more sustainable for your wallet and the environment if you’re unlikely to use them often.
- Drop-off locations: Various rental locations can simplify the logistics of one-way moves where it’s inconvenient to return your vehicle to its pick-up location.
- Discounts: AARP and AAA members often have access to moving discounts, as do seniors, students, and military members. Your credit card company may even have special offers.
You can compare the services of truck rental companies near you to our best interstate moving companies to ensure you get the best value for the services you need.
How much do moving trucks cost?
| <50 miles | 250-1,000 miles | 2,500 miles+ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | $57-$126 | $355-$2,218 | $1,716-$5,727 |
| Budget | $49-$136 | $347-$2,202 | $1,698-$5,657 |
| Penske | $62-$147 | $361-$2,234 | $1,812-$5,923 |
Moving costs vary. A full-service move will almost always cost more than a DIY move, but DIY moves have so many variables that the cost can be difficult to estimate for all needs. For example, a one-way van rental will cost less than a box truck driven the same distance cross-country.
Use our moving cost calculator to better understand rental prices and truck options in your area.
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Ways to save on moving trucks
Moving costs aren’t fixed, so you can often reduce them if you’re savvy. Consider the following ways to save on moving trucks:
- Packing supplies: Visit local warehouses and retail stores. You can often take their leftover shipping supplies to reduce your out-of-pocket costs for materials you’ll likely throw away.
- DIY labor: Pack and move yourself or enlist the help of some friends to keep labor costs down.
- Utilize your existing insurance: Homeowners and renters’ insurance policies may cover your items in transit, which can reduce the burden of taking out additional insurance through the truck rental company.
- Shop around: Don’t accept the first quote you get. Instead, request multiple quotes and compare them against each other.
- Price-match guarantees: Don’t be afraid to negotiate with truck rental companies once you shop around. Many companies offer price-match guarantees to remain competitive.
- Take advantage of your memberships: AAA and AARP members may get special offers for trucks and car rentals. Check with your credit card company, too!
Compare the best moving truck rental companies
Use the cheat sheet below to compare our picks for the best moving truck rental companies.
| Company | State availability | Our rating | BBB rating | Truck sizes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penske | 50 (plus Washington, D.C.) | B+ | B | Cargo van, box trucks (4 sizes) | |
| Enterprise | 50 | B+ | A- | Pickup trucks (4 sizes),cargo vans (5 sizes), box trucks (6 sizes), stakebed trucks (3 sizes) | |
| The Home Depot | 50 | B+ | A+ | Cargo van, flat-bed trucks (2 sizes), 12-ft box truck | |
| Budget | 48 | B+ | A+ | Cargo van, box trucks (3 sizes) | |
| U-Haul | 50 (plus Washington, D.C. and Canada) | B | A+ | Pickup truck, cargo van, box truck (5 sizes) |
Things to consider when renting a moving truck
Takes notes, these rental truck tips could save you time and money.
- Get online quotes first: Start your search by getting quotes online. Rental rates are typically quoted lower online than over the phone.
- Take advantage of price matching: Most of the time, companies will beat or match their competitor’s quotes to earn your business
- Avoid peak moving times: Avoid renting on weekends, holidays, and at the beginning/end of the month if possible. The best time to move is mid-week and mid-month when demand is lower.
- Call the day before: You should book two weeks in advance, but make sure to call the day before to ensure your truck is still available.
- Get insurance: It’s unlikely that your regular auto insurance will cover rental truck accidents. All companies offer affordable and decent insurance options.
- Get multiple quotes: Rates can fluctuate based on demand, so get quotes from a few companies.
- Understand fees: Truck clean-out fees, mileage fees, equipment use fees, and return fuel fees can add up. Research potential fees to avoid any surprises.
- Location reviews: Budget® & UHaul® both have partner networks. Rental policies and overall customer service can vary by location, so make sure to check reviews on specific locations.
- Newest truck: Make sure to ask for the newest truck on the lot. Newer trucks are less likely to have maintenance issues and get the best gas mileage.
- Plan for the worst: Your reservation may cancel at the last minute, or the truck could break down mid-move. Have a plan and emergency funds set aside ahead of time just in case something unexpected happens.
Moving truck FAQs
Want to know more about choosing the best rental trucks? Here are the most common questions we get.
What is a rental truck?
While rental trucks are usually the cheapest way to move, freight trailers and portable storage containers have gained popularity as affordable alternatives that don’t require driving.
Rental trucks are usually cheaper than freight trailers, but once you add in fuel and travel expenses, the two options often come out fairly close in terms of the total cost.
Moving containers tend to be a little pricier than rental trucks, but if you need temporary storage containers, they can be a really great option. It can be hard to determine if renting a truck is the best way to move especially if you’re moving long distance.
You’ll need to look at the total cost of renting a truck, including the cost of your sanity, and compare it to the alternatives. Luckily, we put together this truck rental moving guide to help you make the right decision.
What is the difference between in-town and long-distance truck rentals?
The difference between in-town and long-distance truck rentals is the distance you travel. In-town rentals are for local moves, usually no more than 50 miles. As such, they have mileage limitations, and you’ll have to return the truck to the same location at the end of the moving process.
Long-distance trucks are for long-distance moves — generally, any move of 400 miles or more. Long-distance truck rentals allow you to return your truck to a different location, so you don’t have to make a round trip.
Do I need a special license to drive a moving truck?
No, you don’t need a special license to drive a moving truck because they’re not considered commercial vehicles. Your driver’s license is enough. You can drive your own moving truck regardless of the size of the truck.
Is a rental truck the cheapest way to move?
Rental trucks are cost-effective, but they’re not always the cheapest way to move. You can use our moving cost calculator to get a better idea of the rental prices you can expect for the moving services you require.
Rental rates fluctuate seasonally, so remember to request a quote when you get serious about the planning process.
How much does gas cost for a moving truck rental?
Gas costs for a moving truck rental depend on current gas prices, fuel efficiency, and the size of the rental truck you select. While the truck is in your possession, you can shop for a gas station that fits your budget.
You can estimate potential fuel costs by looking at the average miles per gallon (mpg) each size option gets. If you ask, rental truck services will often give you this information, but the chart below establishes a good baseline.
In general, larger trucks will cost more to fuel than cargo vans and pick-up trucks.
| Size | MPG | Tank size (gallons) | Driving distance per tank (miles) |
| 10-foot truck | 12 | 31 | 372 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15-,17-, and 22-foot truck | 10 | 40 | 400 |
| 26-foot truck | 10 | 60 | 600 |
Keep in mind these are just estimates and costs can vary.
How big of a moving truck do I need?
You can estimate your truck size with a convenient rule of thumb. You’ll need about 150 cubic feet for each furnished room. As such, studio apartments can fit in smaller trucks, whereas multi-bedroom homes require a larger truck.
Consider the following:
- Cargo van to 10-foot moving truck: 1 bedroom or studio apartment
- 15-foot moving truck: 2 bedrooms or less
- 20-foot moving truck: 2–3 bedrooms
- 26-foot moving truck: 4+ bedrooms
Methodology
We've been evaluating moving companies for over 10 years and have developed a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies.
We Look At:
Customer satisfaction (40%):
The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%):
Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
Industry reputation (15%):
The company is well regarded within the moving industry as well as participates in industry conferences and organizations.
Online reputation (10%):
The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
Service options (10%):
We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, expedited delivery and more.
National availability (5%):
The company offers origin and destination services across the country.
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