Just Updated 2023 Best Interstate Moving Companies

Learn more about our Advertising Disclosure

moveBuddha
You load, you drive

Rental trucks

Rental trucks are the go-to option for anyone moving on a budget. It may not be the most convenient or glamorous way to move but truck rentals have been affordably moving Americans for decades.

On this page:
The Basics

What is a rental truck?

While rental trucks are usually the cheapest way to move, freight trailers and portable storage containers have gained in popularity as affordable alternatives that don’t require any 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 total cost.

Moving containers tend to be a little pricier than rentals 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.

If you don’t feel like reading, use our moving calculator to get instant guidance on the best way to move.

Rental Truck Pros
  • Typically most affordable (not always)
  • Complete control over the move
  • Easy to also tow a car
Rental Truck Cons
  • Driving is a major hassle
  • Fuel and tolls not included
  • Insurance is limited
  • Labor not included
Weighing the costs

How much does a rental truck cost?

Despite the advertisements for, “Just $19.99 a day!” plastered all over rental trucks, it’s unlikely you’ll actually end up paying that much.

Even for small local moves, fuel, mileage fees, insurance and any other add-ons typically add up to at least $50-$60 in total. Keep in mind that’s just for the truck, no labor included.

For long distance or one way moves rental truck pricing is calculated differently. Rental truck companies will quote a flat rate which includes a set mileage allowance and fixed number of rental days.

For example, if you’re moving from New York City to San Francisco the rental truck company may quote you around $3,000.

That price will typically include up to 9 days of use for you to complete the 3,000 mile drive. It will also include a mileage allotment of roughly 3,300 miles.

The extra 300 miles is just in case you do some sightseeing or take a detour- how kind.

If you need extra days or extra mileage that will come at an additional cost. You’ll also need to factor fuel costs into the equation.

Considering most trucks get 8-10 miles per gallon when fully loaded, gassing up along the way can add a lot to your overall cost.

Another thing to consider when comparing a rental truck to other options is the cost of hotels and food. 9 days of hotels can get rather pricey. You’ll want to map out your trip carefully to find deals on hotels.

Sample Pricing Table
1 bedroom 2 – 3 bedrooms 4 – 5 bedrooms
250 miles $900 – $1,400 $1,100 – $1,700 $1,800 – $2,700
1,000 miles $1,300 – $1,800 $1,800 – $2,700 $3,200 – $4,100
2,500 miles $1,800 – $2,700 $1,900 – $2,900 $4,500 – $5,800

Top 10 rental truck tips

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 quote to earn your business

Avoid peak moving times

Avoid renting on weekends, holidays and at the beginning/end of the month if possible. Prices tend to be lower mid-week and mid-month when demand is lower.

Call the day before

You should book 2 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 all 3 companies.

Understand fees

Truck clean out fee, mileage fees, equipment use fees, return fuel fee, etc. Check out our fees section for more info.

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 get canceled at the last minute or the truck could break down mid-move. Have a plan and emergency funds set asisde ahead of time just in case something unexpected happens.

What you get

What’s included with a rental truck?

Renting a truck is pretty straightforward. For local moves you pay for the mileage and number of days you use the truck.

For long distance moves rental truck companies will quote you a total cost which includes a fixed number of rental days and allowable mileage to complete your move.

Labor isn’t included with the rental truck but it’s not hard to hire some loading help if needed.

If you’re moving a car you can rent a car dolly to tow behind the truck as well.

Included
  • Taxes
  • Loading ramp
Not included
  • Fuel and tolls
  • Help loading or unloading (hire moving labor)
  • Parking permits, if necessary
  • Pads, straps, or blankets (available to rent)
  • Dolly or hand-truck (available to rent)
  • Insurance (coverage varies by company)
  • Packing supplies such as boxes, bubble wrap, etc.
Best truck rental companies of 2018

How do I find a great truck rental deal?

We did the research and created a list of the best truck rental companies in 2018.

Find a truck rental company

How does a rental truck work?

You rent a truck for the number of days that you expect the trip to take with a day or two padded on each end. You’re responsible for loading and unloading the truck but you can always hire extra help. Most importantly, you’re the one doing all of the driving!

45 days out

Hire some help

If you don’t want to be the one loading the rental truck now is the time to hire professional moving labor.

Don’t wait much longer or you may end up paying more!

7 days out

One week before the big move

Make sure you have gathered, bought, or rented all of the moving supplies that you’ll need such as blankets, pads, straps, and moving boxes.

You don’t want to be left empty handed on moving day!

The big day

Moving day

Make sure you have enough room to park the truck so that you can minimize the distance from your residence to the loading ramp.

On your way

In transit

It’s up to you to drive the truck to your destination. If you have trouble with the truck, you’ll have to wait until a mechanic can reach you.

You made it

Welcome home!

You made it your destination and have to get everything unloaded. Don’t forget that you can hire moving labor for this part as well.

Make sure to clean the truck completely before returning it to avoid cleaning fees!

Hand holding calculator
The smart way to budget

Truck rental cost calculator

Get instant ballpark estimates for rental trucks, freight moving companies, professional movers, and containers.

 Try it now

Which truck rental company is the best?

Penske®, UHaul® and Budget® are the three largest, national truck rental companies. As with most things moving, “the best” depends on what you need. Each company has its strengths and weaknesses.

U-Haul Budget Rental Trucks Penske
Price
Customer Service
Reliability
National Coverage
Discounts Free storage, box buy-back Military, AARP, Student & More Internet, AAA, Military, Student
Get a quote
Hand holding calculator
A better way to budget

Get instant ballpark estimates

Instantly compare prices for professional movers, moving containers, freight companies, and rental trucks.

Get Started

Compare rental truck companies

Here’s some additional info to compare the major rental truck companies.

U-Haul Budget Rental Trucks Penske
Truck Sizes 10′, 14′, 17′, 20′, 24′, 26′ 12′, 16′, 24′ 12′, 16′, 22′, 26′
Car Tow Car Dolly, Car Carrier Car Dolly, Car Carrier Car Dolly, Car Carrier
Trailers Open and enclosed tow trailers None None
U-Haul Budget Rental Trucks Penske
Mileage $.40/mile beyond alotted mileage $.70/mile beyond alotted mileage, $.85/mile if not requested before move Unlimited
Extra Rental Day Fee $40/day if requested before pickup $70/day $50/day if requested before pickup
Late Return Fee $50/day $80/day $100/day if requested after pickup
Truck Cleaning Fee $25 Ask dealer Assessed at return
Additional Driver None $10/day or $29 for 8+ days $10/driver (Family is free)
Gas Return Fee $30 + $5/gallon Ask dealer $8/gallon
U-Haul Budget Rental Trucks Penske
Payment Types Credit card, cash Credit card, cash, check Credit card, cash, check
Deposit No deposit w/ credit card, $100 deposit if cash Refundable deposit required at pickup, amount varies No deposit w/ credit card, $100 deposit if cash/check
U-Haul Budget Rental Trucks Penske
Pick Up Location Subject to change Subject to change Guaranteed
Locations 15,000+ (Corporate + Franchises) 2,800+ (Corporate + Dealers) 2,000+ (Corporate + Partners)
Average Truck Age Truck age can vary greatly 30 Months 24 Months
Rental Requirements Valid Drivers License, 18+ Varies by location, $25 fee for drivers under 23 Valid Drivers License, 18+
Same Day Rental Yes Yes Yes

Read & Learn

scammed or are having an existential “budget crisis,” yourDIY move options may boil down to renting a truck or using containers. Both have their pros and cons, but a few key differences often make moving containers the best option. If so, don’t settle for anything less than thebest moving container companies. That said, deciding which option makes the most sense can be as easy as doing a quick cost-benefit analysis. We’re here to help, but first take a moment to check out these free moving resources - Moving cost calculator - Just enter your move dates, origin and destination cities, and the estimated size of your move, and let the magic algorithms do the rest Best interstate moving companies - The easiest way to protect your family, your wallet, and your sanity is by working with a top-rated long-distance mover with verified customer reviews But first, check out these helpful articles. Best Interstate Movers – The moving industry is full of shady players. With so much at stake, it’s worth hiring a top-rated long-distance mover with verified customer reviews. How much will your move cost? – Our moving cost calculator is a great resource. Just enter your move dates, origin and destination cities, and the estimated size of your move, and the magic algorithms will do the rest. Consider moving containers – It’s simple. You load and unload, they drive, and you save big bucks. These are the best moving container companies. The main differences between moving trucks and moving containers When safety and convenience are taken into account, it’s no wonder that moving container companies have made big market share gains in recent years. In a nutshell, with moving containers you won’t have to - Drive a bulky moving truck through cities and mountains in bad weather Pay for fuel Worry about “hidden” fees like mandatory insurance or late vehicle return charges With container companies, local deliveries and long-distance transportation are handled by company trucks and professional drivers. Pros of using moving containers To recap, with moving containers all the driving is done by experienced commercial drivers. This “you load, we drive” business model relieves stress and minimizes liability on DIY moves. In addition - There are no (or fewer) hidden fees One month of storage is often included in the base price Mileage charges are built into your quote You’ll be able to choose from various sizes You’ll have the option of moving and storing your items You won’t need ramps (walk boards) for loading and unloading because units sit directly on the ground Cons of using moving containers Containers are typically more expensive than renting a truck Their relatively small size means that you’ll need more than one on large moves Some moving container companies don’t deliver to remote rural areas (like northern Maine) The smallest containers may not accommodate large items like full-size sofas, hutches and entertainment centers When your containers are in transit you won’t have access the household goods inside, even in an emergency Top moving container companies at a glance The moving container business is extremely competitive, and the major players tend to have similar prices, services, and container sizes. PODS - the biggest name in moving containers With more than 200 national service centers and revenue in excess of $250 million, PODS is the undisputed king of moving containers. Their units come in the following sizes - 7-foot 7’ x 7’ x 8’ ( L x W x H) Can generally hold the contents of 1 room (furniture and cartons) Weight limit - 5,200 pounds Volume - approximately 360 cubic feet 12-foot 12’ x 8’ x 8’ Hold between 2 and 3 rooms Weight limit - 4,700 pounds (yes, it’s less than the 7-foot unit) Volume - about 690 cubic feet 16-foot 16’ x 8’ x 8’ Hold 3 or 4 rooms Weight limit - 4,200 pounds (yes, it’s less than the smaller units) Volume - about 860 cubic feet The average cost for a local move with PODS is approximately $450, while long-distance moves typically cost four or five times more. 1-800-Pack-Rat - another well-respected moving container option 1-800-Pack-Rat has a wide national coverage area, and their rugged all-metal containers come in the these three sizes - 8-foot 8.5’ x 7.2’ x 7.8’ Hold 1 or 2 rooms of boxes and furniture Weight limit - 4,000 pounds Volume - about 400 cubic feet 12-foot 8.5’ x 7.2’ x 7.8’ Hold 2 or 3 rooms Weight limit - 6,000 pounds Volume - about 620 cubic feet 16-foot 16’ x 7.8’ x 7.5’ Hold the contents of a 2-bedroom apartment or a small home (excluding attic, basement, and garage) Weight limit - 6,000 pounds Volume - more than 825 cubic feet Though their prices are on the high side, 1-800-PACK-RAT offers lots of discounts and promos to stay competitive. Pricing is subject to multiple variables, butlocal moves generally cost between about $500 and $2,000, whilemoving a multi-bedroom apartment or relatively small home 1,000 miles typically costs in the neighborhood of $4,000. Just keep in mind that cross-country move customers are required to pay a $500 deposit approximately 5 days before their empty containers are delivered. Moving truck pros Above all,moving trucks have one big advantage over moving containers - flexibility. If you decide at the last minute to swing by a relative’s house to pick up an armoire, you can. In addition, moving trucks - Are usually less expensive than containers Are available in more sizes Can be driven to rural areas where container companies won’t deliver In addition, you can rent extra moving equipment like dollies, pads, and logistics straps, and you’ll have instant access to your items while on the road. Moving truck cons Driving, backing, and maneuvering trucks can be dangerous and stressful in bad weather, mountains and cities. Likewise, if you break down or get a flat tire in a remote area on a long-distance move, it could be hours before a service truck arrives…if you have cellphone reception. Additional cons include - Lots of hidden fees for mandatory insurance and late returns Poor fuel mileage (as in 10 miles per gallon or less!) can equate to hundreds of dollars on interstate moves Renting dollies, straps and pads can be expensive Carrying heavy furniture and appliances up and down ramps is dangerous Availability may be limited during the peak summer season and at the end of each month Top moving truck rental companies U-Haul - the “go-to” truck rental company for many families Known for competitive pricing and a wide service area, U-Haul has been the biggest player in the truck rental arena since it was founded in Phoenix, Arizona in 1945. In addition to offering various size vehicles ranging from pickup trucks and cargo vans to 26-foot box trucks, U-Haul also offers - Trailers and tow-dollies Moving equipment like dollies, pads, and straps Packing supplies like paper, boxes, and tape U-Box mobile storage containers (95” L x 56” W x 83.5” H) Other moving-related services like labor, which is available through partner companies This all adds up to a truly “one-stop” experience that few companies can match. Most U-Haul trucks come with helpful features like EZ-Load ramps, A/C, seating for two or three adults and roadside assistance. Drawbacks include - Long check-in times Undertrained and overworked employees can result in poor customer service Failure to honor their $50 reservation guarantee Home Depot - convenient options and affordable prices Few things are easier than popping down to your local Home Depot and renting a moving truck. The home improvement company offers relatively small pickups, flatbeds, cargo vans and box trucks, and if you need something larger Penske trucks between 12 and 26 feet are available at many locations. You can use their moving calculator to figure out the correct truck size for your move and to determine what equipment and packing material you’ll need. In addition, with their Load ‘N Go Vehicle Rental Program, customers can rent flatbed trucks and cargo vans for less than $20 for the first 75 minutes, and there aren’t any additional mileage fees. Need to move a sofa and a coffee table across town on the cheap? If so, this is a great option. Home Depot also offers daily and weekly rental packages with unlimited mileage. Cons include - “First come first serve” policy means no advanced booking for local Home Depot vehicles Customers may be required to return Home Depot trucks to the same location where they were rented Towing a car or trailer isn’t an option with Home Depot trucks, though it may be with Penske trucks Most rental require a $150 credit card deposit Frequently asked questions (faqs) Are moving containers more expensive than moving trucks? Yes, in most cases moving containers are more expensive than renting a truck, but remember, you won’t have to do the driving yourself. What is the cheapest way to move long distance? From a strictly dollars and cents perspective, renting a moving truck is usually the least expensive way to move across the country. However if you’re moving from a state like California to one like Texas, truck rental rates can be more expensive than rental trucks and in some cases even professional movers. Is PODS or U-BOX cheaper? U-Box is usually cheaper, though discounts and promos often make their prices very competitive"> If you’ve sworn off full-service movers after being<a href=scammed or are having an existential “budget crisis,” yourDIY move options may boil down to renting a truck or using containers. Both have their pros and cons, but a few key differences often make moving containers the best option. If so, don’t settle for anything less than thebest moving container companies. That said, deciding which option makes the most sense can be as easy as doing a quick cost-benefit analysis. We’re here to help, but first take a moment to check out these free moving resources - Moving cost calculator - Just enter your move dates, origin and destination cities, and the estimated size of your move, and let the magic algorithms do the rest Best interstate moving companies - The easiest way to protect your family, your wallet, and your sanity is by working with a top-rated long-distance mover with verified customer reviews But first, check out these helpful articles. Best Interstate Movers – The moving industry is full of shady players. With so much at stake, it’s worth hiring a top-rated long-distance mover with verified customer reviews. How much will your move cost? – Our moving cost calculator is a great resource. Just enter your move dates, origin and destination cities, and the estimated size of your move, and the magic algorithms will do the rest. Consider moving containers – It’s simple. You load and unload, they drive, and you save big bucks. These are the best moving container companies. The main differences between moving trucks and moving containers When safety and convenience are taken into account, it’s no wonder that moving container companies have made big market share gains in recent years. In a nutshell, with moving containers you won’t have to - Drive a bulky moving truck through cities and mountains in bad weather Pay for fuel Worry about “hidden” fees like mandatory insurance or late vehicle return charges With container companies, local deliveries and long-distance transportation are handled by company trucks and professional drivers. Pros of using moving containers To recap, with moving containers all the driving is done by experienced commercial drivers. This “you load, we drive” business model relieves stress and minimizes liability on DIY moves. In addition - There are no (or fewer) hidden fees One month of storage is often included in the base price Mileage charges are built into your quote You’ll be able to choose from various sizes You’ll have the option of moving and storing your items You won’t need ramps (walk boards) for loading and unloading because units sit directly on the ground Cons of using moving containers Containers are typically more expensive than renting a truck Their relatively small size means that you’ll need more than one on large moves Some moving container companies don’t deliver to remote rural areas (like northern Maine) The smallest containers may not accommodate large items like full-size sofas, hutches and entertainment centers When your containers are in transit you won’t have access the household goods inside, even in an emergency Top moving container companies at a glance The moving container business is extremely competitive, and the major players tend to have similar prices, services, and container sizes. PODS - the biggest name in moving containers With more than 200 national service centers and revenue in excess of $250 million, PODS is the undisputed king of moving containers. Their units come in the following sizes - 7-foot 7’ x 7’ x 8’ ( L x W x H) Can generally hold the contents of 1 room (furniture and cartons) Weight limit - 5,200 pounds Volume - approximately 360 cubic feet 12-foot 12’ x 8’ x 8’ Hold between 2 and 3 rooms Weight limit - 4,700 pounds (yes, it’s less than the 7-foot unit) Volume - about 690 cubic feet 16-foot 16’ x 8’ x 8’ Hold 3 or 4 rooms Weight limit - 4,200 pounds (yes, it’s less than the smaller units) Volume - about 860 cubic feet The average cost for a local move with PODS is approximately $450, while long-distance moves typically cost four or five times more. 1-800-Pack-Rat - another well-respected moving container option 1-800-Pack-Rat has a wide national coverage area, and their rugged all-metal containers come in the these three sizes - 8-foot 8.5’ x 7.2’ x 7.8’ Hold 1 or 2 rooms of boxes and furniture Weight limit - 4,000 pounds Volume - about 400 cubic feet 12-foot 8.5’ x 7.2’ x 7.8’ Hold 2 or 3 rooms Weight limit - 6,000 pounds Volume - about 620 cubic feet 16-foot 16’ x 7.8’ x 7.5’ Hold the contents of a 2-bedroom apartment or a small home (excluding attic, basement, and garage) Weight limit - 6,000 pounds Volume - more than 825 cubic feet Though their prices are on the high side, 1-800-PACK-RAT offers lots of discounts and promos to stay competitive. Pricing is subject to multiple variables, butlocal moves generally cost between about $500 and $2,000, whilemoving a multi-bedroom apartment or relatively small home 1,000 miles typically costs in the neighborhood of $4,000. Just keep in mind that cross-country move customers are required to pay a $500 deposit approximately 5 days before their empty containers are delivered. Moving truck pros Above all,moving trucks have one big advantage over moving containers - flexibility. If you decide at the last minute to swing by a relative’s house to pick up an armoire, you can. In addition, moving trucks - Are usually less expensive than containers Are available in more sizes Can be driven to rural areas where container companies won’t deliver In addition, you can rent extra moving equipment like dollies, pads, and logistics straps, and you’ll have instant access to your items while on the road. Moving truck cons Driving, backing, and maneuvering trucks can be dangerous and stressful in bad weather, mountains and cities. Likewise, if you break down or get a flat tire in a remote area on a long-distance move, it could be hours before a service truck arrives…if you have cellphone reception. Additional cons include - Lots of hidden fees for mandatory insurance and late returns Poor fuel mileage (as in 10 miles per gallon or less!) can equate to hundreds of dollars on interstate moves Renting dollies, straps and pads can be expensive Carrying heavy furniture and appliances up and down ramps is dangerous Availability may be limited during the peak summer season and at the end of each month Top moving truck rental companies U-Haul - the “go-to” truck rental company for many families Known for competitive pricing and a wide service area, U-Haul has been the biggest player in the truck rental arena since it was founded in Phoenix, Arizona in 1945. In addition to offering various size vehicles ranging from pickup trucks and cargo vans to 26-foot box trucks, U-Haul also offers - Trailers and tow-dollies Moving equipment like dollies, pads, and straps Packing supplies like paper, boxes, and tape U-Box mobile storage containers (95” L x 56” W x 83.5” H) Other moving-related services like labor, which is available through partner companies This all adds up to a truly “one-stop” experience that few companies can match. Most U-Haul trucks come with helpful features like EZ-Load ramps, A/C, seating for two or three adults and roadside assistance. Drawbacks include - Long check-in times Undertrained and overworked employees can result in poor customer service Failure to honor their $50 reservation guarantee Home Depot - convenient options and affordable prices Few things are easier than popping down to your local Home Depot and renting a moving truck. The home improvement company offers relatively small pickups, flatbeds, cargo vans and box trucks, and if you need something larger Penske trucks between 12 and 26 feet are available at many locations. You can use their moving calculator to figure out the correct truck size for your move and to determine what equipment and packing material you’ll need. In addition, with their Load ‘N Go Vehicle Rental Program, customers can rent flatbed trucks and cargo vans for less than $20 for the first 75 minutes, and there aren’t any additional mileage fees. Need to move a sofa and a coffee table across town on the cheap? If so, this is a great option. Home Depot also offers daily and weekly rental packages with unlimited mileage. Cons include - “First come first serve” policy means no advanced booking for local Home Depot vehicles Customers may be required to return Home Depot trucks to the same location where they were rented Towing a car or trailer isn’t an option with Home Depot trucks, though it may be with Penske trucks Most rental require a $150 credit card deposit Frequently asked questions (faqs) Are moving containers more expensive than moving trucks? Yes, in most cases moving containers are more expensive than renting a truck, but remember, you won’t have to do the driving yourself. What is the cheapest way to move long distance? From a strictly dollars and cents perspective, renting a moving truck is usually the least expensive way to move across the country. However if you’re moving from a state like California to one like Texas, truck rental rates can be more expensive than rental trucks and in some cases even professional movers. Is PODS or U-BOX cheaper? U-Box is usually cheaper, though discounts and promos often make their prices very competitive">

Moving Trucks vs Moving Containers: Which to Choose?

Moving trucks and moving containers have similar benefits but serve different purposes. Learn which one is the right choice for your move.