Best Moving Truck Rental Companies: Compare Top Picks
Best Moving Truck Rental Companies
Whether you want to rent a moving truck, moving truck rental companies are your best bet. But finding the best one is tough, though. You have to do research and compare each company's features.
This is a long and time-consuming process; if you want to follow the easy path, read this whole article. Here, we discuss the best 5 moving truck rental companies by mentioning their prices, ratings, services, and more–
Over a hundred quotations were obtained, genuine customers were interviewed, and the services provided by the industry's leading moving truck rental firms were investigated. We'll help you choose the best moving truck business for your budget based on our combined 20 years of industry knowledge.
Top 5 Best Moving Truck Rentals
4.5 Stars
1. Truck Rentals: Penske Review
Penske Truck Rental is one of the nation’s leading moving truck suppliers, with sites across the United States and Canada. Out of all the truck rental firms on our list, it routinely receives the largest number of positive customer ratings on platforms such as Yelp and Google Reviews.
Penske took the top rank on our list due to its extensive variety of services and inexpensive costs for long-distance movers (moves of more than 100 miles) and big truck rentals.
Budget has facilities around the country and provides every service that a moving truck business should. Unfortunately, Budget is outperformed by Penske in terms of truck rental sizes, customer satisfaction, and long-distance pricing.
However, for local movers (moves less than 100 miles), the firm provides the most bang for the buck, which should come as no surprise for a company-branded “Budget.”
U-Haul is the most well-known moving truck firm in the market, and it is often associated with do-it-yourself moving. However, the organization does not provide the finest customer service or the most affordable moving truck rental rates.
U-Haul, on the other hand, outperforms competitors in two ways: availability and the sheer amount of services.
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Penske has five truck sizes, which isn’t a lot but isn’t bad either. In addition to a good vehicle variety, Penske claims to have among of the industry’s newest trucks, therefore a Penske truck is less likely to break down en route than trucks from rivals.
Moving truck sizes and features
Truck sizes
Cargo van
12 foot
16 foot
22 foot
26 foot
Internal dimensions
11 ft. 11 in. x 4 ft. 6 in. x 6 ft. 9 in.
12 ft. x 6 ft. 6 in. x 6 ft. 1 in.
16 ft. x 7 ft. 7 in. x 6 ft. 6 in.
21 ft. 11 in. x 8 ft. 1 in. x 8 ft. 1 in.
25 ft. 11 in. x 8 ft. 1 in. x 8 ft. 1 in.
Capacity
Up to 1 room
1–2 rooms
2–3 rooms
3–5 rooms
5–7 rooms
Weight limit (lbs.)
3,500
3,100
4,300
10,000
10,000
Interior space (cu. ft.)
404
450
800
1,200
1,700
Fuel tank capacity (gallons)
Up to 31
Up to 33
Up to 33
Up to 50
Up to 50
Miles per gallon
12
12
12
13
13
Data as of April 20, 2021.
Why Penske is our number one
Penske has the best prices for long-distance moves and large loads
Penske is the best option if you’re traveling great distances or want a large vehicle. We obtained over a hundred bids from the firms on this list, and Penske had the best average pricing for transfers over a hundred miles, but only narrowly. Penske’s average pricing for all moves over 100 miles was around $1,944, while U-was Haul’s approximately $1,945.
Penske’s value was particularly evident in its price for transfers over 1,000 miles and requiring bigger vehicles.
Penske’s average for relocation between 1,000 and 2,000 miles was $2,471, while U-was Haul’s $2,684, a difference of more than $200. Similarly, Penske’s average for moving out of residences with 3 to 5 bedrooms was $2,141, while U-was Haul’s $2,225.
Despite the fact that Penske’s average for local removals was more than that of its competitors throughout our study, we have observed the firm give the best pricing possible for a local relocation. Even if you’re only relocating locally, receiving an estimate from Penske is worthwhile.
Penske has plenty of discounts
Penske provides a wide range of discounts in addition to inexpensive costs, including:
AAA discounts—12% or more off truck rental
Military discounts—10% off truck rental
College student discounts—10% off truck rental
Seasonal/promotional discounts—varied savings2
Looking for a great deal?
If you’re concerned about your finances and want to see what savings other truck rental businesses are giving, you may go through our list of moving truck specials and discounts from around the industry.
Penske offers every service you could want for a truck rental move
Remember the characteristics to look for in a moving company? Penske, on the other hand, has many of them. Penske can provide you with anything you need for your truck rental move, whether it’s a tow dolly, a loading labor team, high-quality moving coverage, or the right vehicle for the task.
And, because Penske has more positive customer evaluations than almost any other moving truck rental company, dealing with them ensures that you’ll receive first-rate customer care without breaking the bank.
Budget
Moving trucks
Budget, like Penske, provides a limited but adequate truck variety with five moving truck sizes. Budget’s vehicle sizes range from a cargo van to a 26-foot box truck, which is the same size as competitors’ largest trucks.
The budget also provides a selection of full-size pickup vehicles that may be utilized for modest, local moves and home renovation tasks, in addition to what is indicated in the table below.
Moving truck sizes and specifications
Truck sizes
Cargo van
12 foot
16 foot
26 foot
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.
Capacity
1 room or a studio apartment
1–2 rooms
3–4 rooms
5–8 rooms
Weight limit (lbs.)
3,400
3,610
4,460
10,000
Interior space (cu. ft.)
357
380
658
1,698
Fuel tank capacity (gallons)
25
35
33
50
Miles per gallon
8–14
8–14
6–10
8–10
Data as of April 20, 2021.
Why we recommend Budget
It has unbeatable rates for local moves
Budget’s low upfront prices paired with low mileage rates make it the most inexpensive alternative if you’re relocating less than 100 miles and want a mid-sized to big moving truck.
The average cost of renting a moving truck for a local relocation is $27.60 according to Budget. U-average Haul’s is $38.70, whereas Penske’s is $328.09 (yikes!). These pricing, however, are only for truck reservations and do not include mileage charges.
However, Budget’s mileage rate for the bids we received was $0.47/mile, which was significantly cheaper than U-($0.99/mile) Haul’s and Penske’s ($1.29/mile). If you booked a moving truck for a local move and traveled 60 miles round-trip, you’d spend around $60 with Budget, $100 with U-Haul, and more than $400 with Penske.
Only Enterprise and Home Depot offer lower mileage rates than Budget, with costs as low as $0.20/mile and unlimited miles. However, Enterprise’s average up-front fee for renting a moving truck is $129.77, which is more than a hundred dollars more than Budget’s, and Home Depot’s unlimited mileage policy only applies to a limited number of very tiny vehicles.
Budget has a partnership with Avis.
Budget collaborates with Avis Car Rental to provide cargo vans and moving trucks that are larger than the cars in Avis’ main fleet to Avis clients.
It has a wide assortment of discounts
Budget provides several discounts to further cut the cost of their already low-cost truck rentals:
Military discounts—20% off
AARP member discounts—20% off Sunday through Thursday and 10% off Friday through Saturday
Police, fire, and EMT personnel discounts—20% off for local moves and 15% off for one-way moves
Motor Club member discounts—20% off for local moves and 15% off for one-way moves
Bar Association member discounts—20% off for local moves and 15% off for one-way moves
Student discounts—20% off for local moves and 15% off for one-way moves3
Budget also provides seasonal and special discounts on a regular basis, so check the company’s website or ask your customer service agent about current discounts when you book.
U-Haul
Moving trucks
U-Haul has seven distinct moving truck sizes, offering them the widest range of vehicles suitable for both long-distance and local relocation. The firm also claims to be the only one that works directly with truck manufacturers to design vehicles exclusively for domestic relocation rather than commercial freight.
Why we recommend U-Haul
It has more locations than any other truck rental company
U-Haul offers greater availability than any other moving truck provider, with a network of over 21,000 sites. There’s undoubtedly at least one place near you, no matter where you are. This is significant for two reasons: cost and convenience.
How accessibility U-Haul’s may help you save money
Moving costs are mostly driven by supply and demand. Some services (such as moving coverage) have set fees, although moving equipment rental charges can vary greatly. This is especially true when there are a lot of people migrating because there is less equipment accessible.
As a result, a firm with a large number of sites and vehicles can typically give the best costs. While U-Haul didn’t have the best pricing for local rentals or one-way moves, it did come in second in both categories.
We only wish U-Haul offered more deals.
Is it worthwhile to save money by using U-Haul?
Renting a U-Haul moving truck is less expensive than hiring a full-service mover, but not by as much as you may expect. Moving using a U-Haul also requires a lot of physical lifting, long hours of travel, and a few extra fees such as petrol and lodging. Check out our guide where we compare renting a U-Haul versus hiring a full-service mover for the entire analysis.
Why is U-availability Haul’s synonymous with convenience?
Because U-Haul is so widespread, you’ll nearly always be able to find a local site to pick up or drop off your moving vehicle. This might mean spending less for the mileage you’ll need merely picking up or returning your truck for local transfers. It means you won’t have to drive too far out of your way before or after a long-distance move.
It also means that if your local U-Haul site does not have the truck size you want, you will most likely be able to rent it from another nearby location.
Are you ready to start loading?
U-Haul provides the most services.
While both Penske and Budget have broad service offerings that encompass everything from moving coverage to moving labor, U-Haul truly excels in terms of the number of services it provides.
In addition to the basic services provided by a moving truck rental firm, U-Haul additionally provides:
Moving and storage containers
Self-storage
Cargo trailers
Furthermore, U-Haul outperforms both Budget and Penske (if not necessarily better). The firm provides a larger selection of tow trailers and moving trucks than most of its competitors.
And, while U-client Haul’s evaluations are mixed, it’s difficult to top a service menu this comprehensive.
Penske Truck Rentals: #1 for Long-Distance Moves
Penske stands out as the top choice for long-distance moves and large loads, offering the newest fleet in the industry with five truck sizes ranging from cargo vans to 26-foot trucks suitable for 5-7 room homes.
With the best average pricing for moves over 100 miles and particularly competitive rates for 1,000+ mile relocations, Penske combines affordability with reliability and comprehensive service offerings.
Their extensive discount programs and full-service approach make them an excellent choice for budget-conscious movers who don't want to compromise on quality and reliability.
Seasonal/Promotional Discounts: Varied savings throughout the year
Why Penske is Our #1 Choice
Penske combines competitive pricing with superior service quality and the industry's newest fleet, making them the top choice for most long-distance and large-scale moves.
Best Prices for Long-Distance Moves and Large Loads
Based on over 100 quotes from leading truck rental companies, Penske consistently offers the best average pricing for moves over 100 miles. While the margin is narrow for all long-distance moves (Penske: $1,944 vs U-Haul: $1,945), Penske's value becomes particularly evident for specific scenarios:
Ultra Long-Distance (1,000-2,000 miles): Penske averages $2,471 vs U-Haul's $2,684—over $200 in savings
Large Homes (3-5 bedrooms): Penske averages $2,141 vs U-Haul's $2,225
Industry's Newest Fleet
Penske claims to maintain one of the industry's newest truck fleets, significantly reducing the risk of breakdowns during your move. This reliability factor, combined with their competitive pricing, provides excellent value for money. Even though they offer only five truck sizes, this range covers all moving needs from single rooms to large 7-room homes.
Comprehensive Service and Discount Programs
Penske offers everything needed for a successful truck rental move, including tow dollies, loading labor teams, high-quality moving coverage, and the right vehicle for any job size. Their discount programs provide additional value:
With more positive customer reviews than almost any other truck rental company, Penske ensures first-rate customer service without breaking the bank. While their local move pricing may be higher than competitors on average, they have been known to offer exceptional deals for local relocations, making it worthwhile to get a quote regardless of distance.
Pro tip: Even if you're moving locally, it's worth getting a Penske quote as they occasionally offer the best possible rates for short-distance moves.
Budget Truck Rentals: Unbeatable Local Move Pricing
Budget stands out as the most cost-effective option for local moves under 100 miles, combining the lowest upfront rates with extremely competitive mileage charges. Their average truck rental cost is just $27.60 compared to competitors charging $38.70-$328.09.
With five truck sizes ranging from cargo vans to 26-foot trucks, plus additional pickup truck options for small moves, Budget offers adequate variety for most moving needs while maintaining their focus on affordability.
Their partnership with Avis and extensive discount programs (up to 20% off) make Budget an excellent choice for budget-conscious movers, particularly those relocating locally or regionally.
Pros
✓Unbeatable rates for local moves (under 100 miles)
✓Lowest upfront rental costs ($27.60 average)
✓Extremely low mileage rates ($0.47/mile)
✓Extensive discount programs (up to 20% off)
✓Partnership with Avis for wider availability
✓Additional pickup truck options
✓Excellent for mid-sized to large local moves
Cons
✗Limited truck size variety (only 4-5 options)
✗May not be most competitive for long-distance moves
✗Lower fuel efficiency (6-14 MPG)
✗Fleet may be older than premium competitors
Budget Truck Sizes and Specifications
Specification
Cargo Van
12 Foot
16 Foot
26 Foot
Internal Dimensions
11' x 4'5" x 6'
10' x 6'3" x 6'
16' x 6'3" x 6'7"
26' x 8'1" x 8'1"
Capacity
1 room/studio
1-2 rooms
3-4 rooms
5-8 rooms
Weight Limit (lbs)
3,400
3,610
4,460
10,000
Interior Space (cu. ft.)
357
380
658
1,698
Fuel Tank (gallons)
25
35
33
50
Miles Per Gallon
8-14
8-14
6-10
8-10
*Data as of April 20, 2021.
Local Move Pricing Comparison
Average Upfront Rental Cost
Budget
$27.60
U-Haul
$38.70
Penske
$328.09
Mileage Rate Comparison
Budget
$0.47/mile
U-Haul
$0.99/mile
Penske
$1.29/mile
60-Mile Round-Trip Example:
Budget: ~$60
U-Haul: ~$100
Penske: ~$400+
Discount Programs
Military Personnel
20% OFF
All rental types
AARP Members
20% OFF
Sun-Thu / 10% Fri-Sat
First Responders
20% OFF
Police, Fire, EMT (local) / 15% (one-way)
Motor Club Members
20% OFF
Local moves / 15% one-way
Bar Association
20% OFF
Local moves / 15% one-way
Students
20% OFF
Local moves / 15% one-way
Why We Recommend Budget
Budget excels as the most economical choice for local and regional moves, combining rock-bottom upfront costs with the industry's lowest mileage rates to deliver unmatched value for shorter distances.
Unbeatable Rates for Local Moves
For moves under 100 miles, especially those requiring mid-sized to large trucks, Budget consistently offers the most affordable option in the market. The numbers speak for themselves:
Upfront rental cost: $27.60 average (vs $38.70 U-Haul, $328.09 Penske)
Total cost example: 60-mile round-trip costs ~$60 with Budget vs ~$100 U-Haul or $400+ Penske
While Enterprise and Home Depot may offer lower mileage rates in some cases, Enterprise's upfront fees average $129.77 (over $100 more than Budget), and Home Depot's unlimited mileage only applies to very small vehicles with limited capacity.
Strategic Partnership with Avis
Budget's collaboration with Avis Car Rental extends their reach and availability by providing cargo vans and larger moving trucks to Avis customers. This partnership increases access points and service areas, making Budget trucks more convenient to rent in various locations.
Comprehensive Discount Programs
Budget offers some of the most generous discount programs in the truck rental industry, with savings up to 20% off for various groups. Notable discounts include:
The company also provides seasonal and special promotional discounts regularly, so it's worth checking their website or asking customer service representatives about current offers when booking your rental.
These discounts can be combined with Budget's already low base rates, making them an unbeatable choice for local moves, especially for qualifying customers like military personnel, students, or AARP members.
Adequate Fleet Variety with Added Options
While Budget offers a more limited selection with four main truck sizes compared to some competitors, their range adequately covers most moving needs from studio apartments to large 8-room homes. Additionally, they provide full-size pickup trucks for small local moves and home renovation projects, offering flexibility for customers with minimal moving requirements or specific hauling needs.
U-Haul: Maximum Availability & Comprehensive Services
U-Haul dominates the truck rental industry with unmatched availability through over 21,000 locations nationwide and the widest selection of seven distinct moving truck sizes designed specifically for domestic relocations rather than commercial freight.
Beyond truck rentals, U-Haul offers the most comprehensive suite of moving services in the industry, including moving containers, self-storage, cargo trailers, and an extensive selection of tow trailers and accessories.
While not always the cheapest option, U-Haul's massive network and service variety make it the most convenient and reliable choice for movers who value accessibility and one-stop shopping for all their moving needs.
21,000+
Locations Nationwide
More than any other truck rental company
Pros
✓Most locations (21,000+) for maximum availability
✓Widest truck variety (7 different sizes)
✓Most comprehensive service offerings
✓Second-best pricing for local and one-way moves
✓Trucks designed specifically for moving (not freight)
✓Unmatched convenience for pickup/drop-off
✓Best supply availability during peak times
Cons
✗Not the cheapest option for any category
✗Limited discount programs compared to competitors
✗Mixed customer reviews
✗Requires physical lifting and long driving hours
✗Additional costs (gas, lodging) for long moves
7
Different Truck Sizes
Widest selection in the industry for any moving need
Comprehensive Service Offerings
🚚
Moving Trucks
7 different sizes designed specifically for household moves, not commercial freight
📦
Moving Containers
U-Box containers for flexible moving and storage solutions
🏢
Self-Storage
Storage facilities available at thousands of locations nationwide
🚛
Cargo Trailers
Extensive selection of cargo trailers for additional hauling capacity
🔗
Tow Trailers
Larger selection of tow trailers than most competitors
🛡️
Moving Coverage
Comprehensive insurance and protection options
Why We Recommend U-Haul
🌍 Unmatched Location Network
With over 21,000 locations nationwide, U-Haul offers greater availability than any other moving truck provider. This massive network provides two critical advantages:
Cost savings: More locations mean better supply management and competitive pricing during peak moving seasons
Convenience: Minimal travel for pickup/drop-off and alternative locations if your preferred size isn't available
💰 Competitive Pricing Through Scale
While U-Haul doesn't always offer the absolute lowest prices, their massive fleet and location network allow them to maintain competitive rates and better availability during high-demand periods. Moving costs are largely driven by supply and demand, and U-Haul's scale helps stabilize pricing when equipment becomes scarce.
📊 Performance Rankings
U-Haul consistently ranks second for both local rentals and one-way moves, making them a reliable choice when the cheapest option isn't available or doesn't meet your specific needs.
🔧 Purpose-Built Moving Trucks
U-Haul claims to be the only company working directly with truck manufacturers to design vehicles exclusively for domestic relocations rather than commercial freight. This focus on household moving needs results in trucks better suited for furniture, appliances, and personal belongings with features like lower loading heights and residential-friendly designs.
📋 Most Comprehensive Service Menu
U-Haul truly excels in service variety, offering everything competitors provide plus unique additions. While Penske and Budget offer broad service menus including moving coverage and labor, U-Haul extends beyond basic truck rental with:
This comprehensive approach makes U-Haul a one-stop shop for all moving needs, reducing the hassle of coordinating with multiple vendors. Even though customer reviews are mixed, the sheer breadth of services available is hard to match in the industry.
Important Considerations
💡 U-Haul vs. Full-Service Movers
While renting a U-Haul is less expensive than hiring full-service movers, the savings may not be as substantial as expected when considering:
Physical demands of loading, driving, and unloading
Time investment for long-distance drives
Additional expenses like fuel, lodging, and meals
Potential for damage without professional handling
🎯 Best For
U-Haul is ideal for movers who prioritize convenience, availability, and comprehensive service options over rock-bottom pricing. Their massive network makes them particularly valuable during peak moving seasons or in areas with limited competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
U-Haul is often considered the best overall moving truck rental company due to its extensive network and vehicle availability. Budget Truck Rental and Enterprise Truck Rental are also highly rated for competitive pricing and customer service. Penske offers newer trucks and better maintenance records.
You need a valid driver's license, credit or debit card for payment and deposit, and must meet the minimum age requirement (typically 18-25 years old). Some companies require additional identification, proof of insurance, or may run a background check. International renters may need additional documentation.
Moving truck rental costs vary by size, distance, and duration. Local moves typically cost $30-$300 per day plus $1.29-$1.99 per mile. Long-distance moves range from $1,200-$4,000+ depending on truck size and distance. Additional fees may apply for insurance, equipment, fuel, and late returns.
A 10-12 ft truck works for studio to 1-bedroom moves, 15-17 ft for 2-bedroom homes, 20 ft for 3-bedroom homes, and 26 ft for 4+ bedroom homes. Consider the volume of belongings, not just room count. It's better to rent slightly larger than needed to avoid multiple trips.
Book 2-8 weeks in advance for best availability and pricing. During peak moving season (May-September) and end/beginning of months, book even earlier. Last-minute rentals are possible but may have limited truck sizes, higher prices, and inconvenient pickup locations.
Your auto insurance may cover rental trucks, but coverage varies. Most rental companies offer optional insurance including damage waivers, cargo protection, and liability coverage. Check with your insurance provider first, then consider rental company options for gaps in coverage.
Yes, most moving trucks under 26,000 lbs can be driven with a regular driver's license. This includes most rental trucks from 10-26 feet. However, some states have specific restrictions, and you should be comfortable driving larger vehicles. CDL requirements only apply to trucks over 26,000 lbs.
Late returns typically incur additional daily rental charges plus late fees ranging from $40-$200. Returning to a different location than agreed may result in one-way fees of $50-$400+. Contact the rental company immediately if delays are expected to potentially negotiate or minimize fees.
Most rental trucks come with a loading ramp or lift gate. Additional equipment like dollies, furniture pads, straps, and boxes are usually available for rent separately. Some companies offer moving supply packages. Basic safety equipment like reflectors may be included, but moving supplies are typically extra.
Inspect the truck for existing damage and document with photos, check fuel level, tire condition, lights, and mirrors. Verify mileage, ensure you have all paperwork, test brakes and steering in the parking lot, and adjust mirrors and seat. Report any issues immediately before leaving the lot.
How We Reviewed The Best Moving Truck Rental Companies?
We rank the best moving truck rental companies in the USA after analyzing them comprehensively. The process starts with researching several companies' pricing, vehicle availability, and customer service for more than five years. We then review each company's website, customer reviews, and fleet quality standards.
We often pay customers for real feedback to understand the company's reliability, vehicle condition, and overall rental experience. We repeat this process annually to keep our consumers up to date with current information. So, the prices and services of the companies mentioned are updated yearly based on actual market rates and seasonal variations.
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3.5
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4.5 Stars 
