What to Do When You Realize U-Haul Prices Are Way Higher Than Expected
Let’s look at factors that affect U-Haul prices so you can make an informed decision when choosing your rental option. We will use our experience to discuss pricing, how U-Haul works, other costs to consider, and links to alternatives if you choose to go that route.
Average U-Haul pricing
The average cost of renting a U-Haul for local moves is around $19.95 -$29.95 per day.
For example, the cost of renting a 10-ft. U-Haul truck for 1 day can range from $19.95 – $39.95 depending on your location, availability, and any additional services you might need.
For local or in-town moves, typical rental costs range from $19.95 -$29.95 per day, while long-distance moves tend to be more expensive, starting at around $59.95 for a one-way journey.
Long distance prices can range from a couple hundred dollars to thousands of dollars depending on the distance and size of truck.
Long distance pricing for U-Haul will be a preset lump-sum amount. The number of days and mileage is baked into the price for long distance moves.
Depending on their size and purpose, specialty trailers like car haulers, enclosed trailers, or appliance trailers may also have additional costs.
Additionally, any extra services you opt for, such as insurance coverage, packing supplies, or hitch balls will be additional costs that should be considered when budgeting your move.
Bonus Tip: Before you book, don’t forget to check online for U-Haul discounts and promo codes that may be available in your area. These can help you save money on your rental costs!
What factors affect U-Haul prices?
U-Haul prices vary significantly depending on how far you are going, the size and type of truck or trailer you need, and how long you will rent. Consider the following factors when budgeting for your move to ensure you get the best price possible.
Distance traveled
The distance you travel is one of the most important components in determining your U-Haul move’s cost. The further you go, the more it will cost in both mileage charges ($0.89 per mile) and rental fees.
Local moves may cost as little as $19.95 per day, while long-distance moves can run into the hundreds of dollars depending on how far you are going and how long your rental period is.
Size of your move
The size of the U-Haul truck or trailer you need will also affect your total cost. For instance, a 10 ft. truck can start at around $19.95 for local moves, but larger trucks like a 26 ft. truck can run up to $139.95 for local rentals and even more for longer distances.
Additionally, if you opt for any of the specialized U-Haul trailers, such as car haulers or appliance trailers, these will all have additional charges associated with them based on their size.
When your move
Your rental period will also affect your price for your U-Haul move. Longer rentals usually come with more discounts, so keeping your truck or trailer for multiple days could save money.
Additionally, some locations offer weekly and monthly rates that can be even more cost effective than daily rentals.
Additional services
Finally, it’s important to factor in any additional services or products you may need when estimating the total cost of your U-Haul move:
These include:
- Packing supplies like boxes and tape,
- Insurance coverage to protect against any damages incurred during a move,
- Gas costs if you are renting a truck instead of a trailer,
- Possibly renting dollies to move furniture and heavy-duty boxes
These items can add up quickly, so it’s important to consider them when planning your move.
Rental Truck Price Comparison by Route
| U-Haul | Budget Truck Rental | |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix to LA / LA to Phoenix | $249 / $1,483 | SOLD OUT / $1,802 |
| New York to Chicago / Chicago to New York | $1,231 / $2,486 | $2,159 / $3,126 |
| San Francisco to Dallas / Dallas to San Francisco | $7,054 / $1,922 | $9,874 / $2,387 |
| Trenton, NJ to Portland, OR / Portland, OR to Trenton, NJ | $3,309 / $5,293 | $3,745 / $7,367 |
| San Diego to St. Louis / St. Louis to San Diego | $6,519 / $3,293 | $8,910 / $2,720 |
| Miami to Las Vegas / Las Vegas to Miami | $2,740 / $5,727 | $2,984 / $5,400 |
The above prices are for a 26-foot truck on April 15, 2022, and are from the respective company’s websites.
You’ll notice that the cost to rent a truck from San Francisco to Dallas is over three times more than from Dallas to San Francisco.
Likewise, renting a truck from San Diego to St. Louis is nearly twice as expensive than the reverse trip would be.
The Verdict – When loading and unloading labor, gasoline, food, and hotels are taken into account, the cost of renting a U-Haul and doing a DIY move from San Francisco to Dallas would likely cost more than $6,000. In other words, you’d probably be better off hiring professional movers.
You can compare for yourself using our move cost calculator.
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How much does U-Haul charge for mileage?
U-Haul charges a mileage fee on all long-distance, cross-country, and one-way rentals. The exact cost of the mileage charge depends on the size of the truck you’re renting and how far you’re going. You can use their online calculator to estimate your total cost before booking a reservation.
Generally, U-Haul’s mileage fees start around $0.89 per mile but may be higher depending on the distance traveled and the size of the truck rented. There may also be additional fuel fees or other services, such as packing or loading supplies. Be sure to check with your local U-Haul center for more details about pricing and availability.
Cost of U-Haul vehicle trailers and utility trailers?
U-Haul offers a variety of vehicle trailers in different sizes to fit your needs. The cost of the trailer will depend on the size but typically starts around $30 and goes from there.
You can also add additional services such as furniture pads, tie-down straps, or hand trucks to help make your move easier and more convenient. These extras can increase your total cost, so factor them into your budget when planning your move!
U-Haul also offers utility trailers if you’re looking for a trailer to transport extra items like furniture or large appliances. These trailers are designed to provide secure transportation of your belongings and can be rented daily, weekly, or monthly.
These trailers come in several sizes, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Once you select the size and type of trailer, it’s time to hook up your trailer using U-Haul’s safe and easy-to-follow instructions. And after that, you’re all set for your move!
Why are U-Haul prices so expensive?
U-Haul prices may be higher than other services, but you are getting a quality product that can make your move easier.
Here’s why U-Haul prices can be more expensive than competitors:
- Expansive network of locations and convenient one-way rental capabilities
- Quality customer service, which comes at a premium price
- Many types of vehicles and pickup trucks, so you get a moving vehicle suited specifically for your needs
- Additional costs associated with renting a U-Haul, such as insurance coverage, packing supplies, and gas costs for trucks
Overall, U-Haul prices can vary depending on how far you need to move and the type of truck or trailer you rent. Research and factor in additional expenses before booking to ensure you get the best price for your move.
How your U-Haul price can change depending on when you book
U-Haul has the largest selection of moving trucks which are reliable and affordable, and you can save even more with U-Haul discounts and promo codes if you book ahead of time.
U-Haul rental prices can vary depending on when you book. If you plan and book your truck at least two weeks in advance, you may be able to take advantage of promotional discounts or other special offers.
On the other hand, if you are booking last minute, U-Haul prices may be higher due to availability and high demand for trucks in certain areas.
Research and compare prices between moving companies before booking to get the best deal possible.
Overall, figuring out how much a U-Haul truck rental will cost can be tricky since there are many factors to consider, such as size, distance traveled, and extra services needed.
U-Haul truck sizes and specifications
U-Haul moving offers a wide range of truck sizes to fit your needs. The most popular size is the 10ft truck which can easily accommodate one-bedroom apartments and small moves.
For larger moves, U-Haul also has 20ft and 26ft trucks and cargo vans for those who are just moving a few items. Additionally, U-Haul’s website allows you to compare different sizes to find the perfect fit for your move!
No matter what size you choose, all U-Haul trucks come with built-in safety features such as anti-lock brakes, automatic transmissions, power steering, air conditioning, and more. And they’re backed by dependable service and support, so you know your move will go smoothly.
U-Haul insurance coverage options
U-Haul offers a variety of coverage options to protect you and your belongings during your move. From basic liability protection to full replacement coverage, plenty of options are available to choose the best one for your needs.
U-Haul also provides additional services such as roadside assistance and customer support in case something goes wrong with your rental. Knowing that help is only a phone call away gives you peace of mind!
Ultimately, U-Haul has a wide range of vehicles and services at competitive prices, making them a great choice for any move.
How exactly does renting a U-Haul cargo trailer work?
You must provide proof of identification and tow vehicle information when renting a U-Haul trailer. U-Haul trailers come in several sizes, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
Once you select the size and type of trailer, it’s time to hook up your trailer using U-Haul’s safe and easy-to-follow instructions. After that, you’re all set for your move!
Drop off the cargo trailer at any participating U-Haul locations at the end of your trip, and they’ll take care of the rest. It’s as simple as that! This makes it ideal for a one-way move with one-way trucks.
Hitching up your U-Haul trailer
Before you get started, you must ensure your tow vehicle and trailer are properly connected with trailer hitches. U-Haul provides easy-to-follow videos and written instructions on hitching up your trailer safely and securely so that you can rest assured knowing everything is in place for a successful move.
In addition to hitching up your trailer rental or u-box, U-Haul offers tutorials on safely loading and unloading your cargo and other helpful moving and towing tips. So be sure to check out their resources before getting started!
Does U-Haul offer storage options?
Yes, U-Haul does offer storage options for those who need an extra hand during their move. U-Haul’s storage units come in various sizes and prices, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs.
U-Haul also offers climate-controlled units for items that require special temperature regulation. And many locations also feature 24-hour access so that you can get to your stored belongings any time of day.
In addition to self-storage, U-Haul also has full-service moving and storage solutions.
U-Haul alternatives
Looking for other options? Consider other truck rental companies as alternatives to U-Haul: Get quotes from U-Haul and direct competitors to pick the best one for you.
You can also consider other types of moving options including:
- Professional moving services: If truck rental like U-Haul is already expensive, consider all of the experience, professionalism, and labor a professional mover offers.
- Moving container companies: Companies like PODS offer an alternative to truck rentals that don’t require driving and are a wonderful option for storage.
Container moving companies are also becoming increasingly popular with cost-conscious consumers because they offer more options, flexibility, and significantly lower costs.
Some of the best are:
Freight-moving companies are great alternatives worth checking out too.
Knowing your options is always a good idea. Use the moving cost calculator to understand how much each moving method will cost.
How does U-Haul compare to other moving truck rentals?
U-Haul is one of the most popular moving truck rental companies in the United States, offering a variety of trucks and trailers to meet all kinds of moving needs.
When compared to other rental companies, U-Haul offers the following:
- Competitive rates,
- Convenient pickup locations,
- Built-in safety features on their trucks,
- Dependable customer service.
- Many customers also appreciate that U-Haul offers discounts for long-distance moves and rentals that last multiple days.
Overall, U-Haul provides an affordable and reliable solution for those seeking a smooth, stress-free move.
Save money and book a U-Haul with ease
U-Haul prices can be higher than other moving services due to their expansive network of locations and convenient one-way rental capabilities. However, with the right research and preparation, you may be able to find discounts that will help make your move more affordable. Be sure to compare quotes to get the most savings on your next move.
Make sure to factor in any additional expenses associated with renting a U-Haul, such as insurance coverage, packing supplies, and gas costs for trucks, before booking to get the best price possible.
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