5 Best Moving Truck Rental Companies of 2026
Here’s the bottom line: Budget Truck Rental is our top pick for low prices, followed by Penske for unlimited one-way miles, Enterprise for truck variety, The Home Depot for quick local jobs, and U-Haul for nationwide coverage. U-Haul in-town trucks start at $19.95 per day plus mileage, while Penske includes unlimited miles on every one-way rental. Below, we compare each company’s trucks, costs, and trade-offs, so you can decide whether a DIY move beats hiring one of the best moving companies.
Our picks for the best moving truck rental companies:
- Best for low prices: Budget Truck Rental
- 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 nationwide coverage: U-Haul
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Why moveBuddha?
- On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
- When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
- If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.
What are the best moving truck rental companies?
We evaluated thousands of customer reviews, got quotes, and compared services to pick the best truck rentals for moving. Here’s how each company stacks up on availability, trucks, and cost.
1. Budget Truck Rental
rating
4.3 / 5
Why we chose Budget Truck Rental
We found Budget to be one of the cheapest truck rental companies, with competitive base prices and discounts of up to 20% for students, military members traveling with orders, AARP members, and motor club members.
You can rent Budget trucks for round-trip and one-way moves within the contiguous U.S., but Budget doesn’t serve Alaska or Hawaii. Its fleet includes a cargo van and 12-, 16-, and 26-foot trucks, and the 16- and 26-foot trucks come with a loading ramp.
Mileage, tolls, parking permits, rental truck insurance, and extra services add to the base price. Our interviews with Budget customers also revealed that Budget has overbooked trucks before, so confirm your reservation in the days before your move or move during the off-season.
Pros & cons
- Well-designed website
- Up to 20% off for students, military & AARP
- Loading ramps on 16- & 26-ft trucks
- No Hawaii or Alaska service
- Expensive add-ons
- F BBB rating
Learn more: Read our full Budget Truck Rental review
2. Penske Truck Rental
rating
4 / 5
Why we chose Penske
Penske stands out for a well-kept fleet with non-slip floors on its 16-, 22-, and 26-foot trucks. When Katie, a reader who shared her Penske review with us, picked up her truck, she was impressed with how clean it was.
We also like Penske’s transparent pricing. Every one-way rental comes with unlimited miles, a major cost saver for cross-country moves, and Penske takes no deposit when you reserve.
Penske also partners with storage companies like CubeSmart and SpareFoot, which makes it easy to store your belongings if you have a gap before move-in day.
Pros & cons
- Unlimited miles on one-way rentals
- EPA SmartWay partner
- Non-slip floors on larger trucks
- Truck Wizard sizing tool
- $300+ deposit on local rentals
- Can’t tow your own equipment
- Truck sizes may be substituted
Learn more: Read our full Penske Truck Rental review
3. Enterprise Truck Rental
Why we chose Enterprise
Enterprise Truck Rental offers one of the widest ranges of trucks and vans. You can choose from six pickups (from a standard pickup to a 1-ton), five cargo vans, six box trucks including parcel vans with liftgates, and three stakebed trucks.
That variety makes Enterprise ideal if you need a specific amount of space. Enterprise doesn’t offer many discounts, though, and its nearly 600 truck rental locations across the U.S. and Canada are far fewer than Penske’s 2,600+.
With fewer locations, a one-way move can be hard to coordinate if your new home isn’t near a drop-off site.
Pros & cons
- 20 truck & van options
- Strong customer reviews
- A+ BBB rating
- Few discounts
- Not ideal for one-way moves
- Fewer locations than competitors
Learn more: Read our full Enterprise Truck Rental review
4. The Home Depot Truck Rental
Why we chose The Home Depot Truck Rental
The Home Depot’s truck rental is an easy way to save money hauling Facebook Marketplace finds, handling quick home improvement projects, or making short local moves. Its Load ‘N Go rental starts at $19 for the first 75 minutes.
Because rentals are built for short trips, The Home Depot isn’t the best fit for long-distance or complicated moves. Availability also varies by store, so call ahead even if you reserve online.
The Home Depot rents trucks at more than 1,200 locations, and its 12-foot box truck is small enough for dense areas where parking is tight. Some stores also rent Penske box trucks.
Pros & cons
- Load ‘N Go rentals from $19
- Huge library of DIY resources
- 1,200+ rental locations
- Online moving calculator is inaccurate
- Late return penalties
- Availability varies by store
Learn more: Read our full Home Depot Truck Rental review
5. U-Haul
rating
4.15 / 5
Why we chose U-Haul
U-Haul is one of the largest truck rental companies, with more than 24,000 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Its reviews are mixed, but that coverage and same-day rentals make it an excellent backup if your reservation falls through.
U-Haul offers a pickup, a cargo van, and 10-, 15-, 20-, 26-, and 29-foot trucks, plus portable storage containers if you need storage before move-in day. Its nationwide network makes it a strong option for one-way moves.
Customer reviews often mention miscommunication and extra fees, like a $1 environmental fee. Ask about every charge up front to avoid surprises.
Pros & cons
- Same-day rentals
- EZ-Load ramps & Gentle-Ride suspension
- Third-party moving help
- 24,000+ locations
- Can be unreliable with reservations
- Add-on fees like the environmental fee
- Customer service complaints
Learn more: Read our full U-Haul Truck Rental review
How do you choose the best moving truck rental company?
Truck rental companies vary in price, reputation, and add-ons, so shop around. Weigh these factors as you compare options:
- Truck sizes: A wide range of sizes helps, but don’t overthink it if a company already has the truck you need.
- Customer reviews: Ask friends and family for referrals, and read firsthand stories from our Better Moves Project.
- Cancellation policy: A flexible policy reduces stress if your plans change close to moving day.
- Roadside assistance: Make sure you can call for help if you get a flat tire, break down, or have an accident.
- Insurance coverage: Ask about liability protection and damage waivers, which lower your out-of-pocket costs if the truck gets damaged.
- Moving supplies: Some companies sell packing supplies, which can save you a few errands before moving day.
- Storage options: If you have a gap between leases, ask whether the company offers or partners with self-storage.
- Tow dollies and trailers: Many companies rent tow dollies, furniture pads, and moving trailers, which beat buying gear you’ll rarely use.
- Drop-off locations: More locations make one-way moves easier when you can’t return the truck where you picked it up.
- Discounts: AARP members, seniors, students, and military members often get moving discounts, and your credit card may offer deals too.
Not sure DIY is worth it? The moveBuddha Mover Marketplace collects up to five no-obligation quotes from full-service movers with one request, so you can compare them against your truck rental total. You can also browse our best interstate moving companies.
How much do moving truck rentals cost?
Moving truck rentals cost $49 – $147 for local moves under 50 miles and $1,698 – $5,923 for cross-country moves of 2,500+ miles, based on the estimates below. A one-way cargo van usually costs less than a box truck driven the same distance.
| Company | Under 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 |
Truck rental prices shift with season, distance, and truck size. moveBuddha’s moving cost calculator weighs distance, home size, move date, and service level together, so you can compare a DIY truck total against full-service quotes for your move.
How can you save on a moving truck rental?
Truck rental costs aren’t fixed, so a little planning can cut your bill. Try these ways to save:
- Free packing supplies: Ask local warehouses and retail stores for leftover boxes and packing materials they’d otherwise throw away.
- DIY labor: Pack and move yourself, or enlist friends to keep labor costs down.
- Existing insurance: Your homeowners or renters insurance may cover belongings in transit, so check before buying extra coverage.
- Multiple quotes: Don’t take the first quote you get. Compare several and use them to negotiate.
- Price matching: Once you have quotes, ask whether a company will match or beat a competitor’s price.
- Memberships: AARP members and military members may qualify for truck rental discounts, and your credit card may offer deals too.
How do the best moving truck rental companies compare?
Use this cheat sheet to compare our picks as of September 2026:
| Company | States | BBB | Trucks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | 48 | F | Van & 3 box trucks |
| Penske | 50 & DC | A+ | Van & 4 box trucks |
| Enterprise | 50 | A+ | Pickups, vans, box & stakebed trucks |
| Home Depot | 50 | A+ | Van, flatbeds & 12-ft box truck |
| U-Haul | 50, DC & Canada | A+ | Pickup, van & 5 box trucks |
What should you know before renting a moving truck?
These rental truck tips can save you time and money:
- Get online quotes first: Start by comparing quotes online, where rates are often lower than by phone.
- Avoid peak moving times: Skip weekends, holidays, and the start or end of the month if you can. The best time to move is midweek and midmonth, when demand is lower.
- Book early and confirm: Book at least two weeks ahead, then call the day before to make sure your truck is still available.
- Get insurance: Your auto insurance may not cover a rental truck, so ask about the rental company’s coverage options.
- Understand fees: Cleaning, mileage, equipment, and refueling fees add up, so ask about each one before you sign.
- Check location reviews: Budget and U-Haul both use partner networks, so policies and service can vary by location.
- Ask for the newest truck: Newer trucks are less likely to break down and usually get better gas mileage.
- Plan for the worst: Reservations can fall through and trucks can break down, so keep a backup plan and emergency funds ready.
FAQs about moving truck rentals
What is a rental truck?
A rental truck is a cargo van or box truck you rent and drive yourself to move your belongings. Rental trucks are often the cheapest way to move, but freight trailers and moving containers are popular alternatives that don’t require driving. Compare total costs, including fuel and travel, before you decide.
What is the difference between in-town and one-way truck rentals?
The difference between in-town and one-way truck rentals is where you return the truck. In-town rentals go back to the same location and usually charge by the mile, while one-way rentals let you drop off at a different location. Penske includes unlimited miles on every one-way rental.
Do I need a special license to drive a moving truck?
No, you usually don’t need a special license to drive a moving truck, since U-Haul and Penske only require a regular driver’s license for any of their trucks. Budget and Enterprise note that some states may require a different license for their largest trucks. Check your state’s rules before renting a 26-foot truck.
Is a rental truck the cheapest way to move?
A rental truck is often cost-effective, but it isn’t always the cheapest way to move once you add fuel, mileage, and your time. Rental rates also change by season. Use our moving cost calculator to compare options for your move.
How much gas does a moving truck use?
How much gas a moving truck uses depends on its size, with U-Haul’s 10-foot truck getting about 12 mpg and its 26- and 29-foot trucks getting 8 – 10 mpg. Larger trucks cost more to fuel than cargo vans and pickups. Check the table below for tank sizes and range.
| U-Haul truck | MPG | Tank (gal.) | Range (miles) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-foot | 12 | 31 | 372 |
| 15- & 20-foot | 10 | 40 | 400 |
| 26- & 29-foot | 8 – 10 | 60 | 480 – 600 |
How big of a moving truck do I need?
The moving truck size you need depends on how many rooms of furniture you’re moving and how full each room is. moveBuddha’s moving truck size calculator matches your inventory to a truck size. Penske’s Truck Wizard offers a similar estimate.
Our research & review process
- We’re not a broker. We never sell or share your information.
- We mystery shop movers to get firsthand data.
- We interview moving customers through the Better Moves Project.
- We review movers’ licensing, insurance, and service history through moveBuddha Certified.
- We compare quotes and track market trends to provide accurate pricing guidance.
How we chose the best moving companies
The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:
Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.
Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.
Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.
State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.
Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).
Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.
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