Budget Truck Rental Review
March 3, 2023
March 3, 2023
The strength of Budget Truck Rental is its cost, especially its low base rates. Budget is for self-movers who want to relocate without breaking the bank. Budget makes this possible for a lot of people, with almost 2,600 sites in the United States and 30,000 trucks.
It’s also the most cost-effective choice for local moves. On our list of the cheapest truck rental services, you can learn more about how Budget’s pricing compares to its rivals.
Pros:
Tons of discounts
Low one-way costs
Lots of locations
Cons:
No guaranteed reservations
Only 3 truck sizes
Budget Truck Rental’s average moving cost is $1,520, and it’s particularly inexpensive for local transfers, which cost just $80 on average.
Although Budget’s base costs are lower than those of its competitors—especially for local moves—it isn’t always the cheapest rental truck company. Last-minute fees are common in budget, so you might end up paying more than your original quote indicated.
In our guide to moving truck rental prices, we break down what you need to know about pricing.
Need Budget Truck Rental for your next move?
Deposit – $150 for local moves
Gas – Fuel cost adds up fast
Liability coverage – Optional
Mileage – Expect to pay a per-mile fee for local moves.
Taxes and fees – Average taxes and fees are about $100.
Timeline – It’s cheaper to book between Sunday and Thursday (weekends are the most expensive).
Truck rental – There’s a daily charge for the truck.
The $150 deposit is completely reimbursable if you return the truck dirty, with less gas than when you began, or after the allotted period has passed. But make sure to plan ahead: It can take weeks for your deposit to appear in your bank account.
Budget has a habit of hitting consumers with last-minute fees, despite its low base rates. This could add several hundred dollars to your total bill.
Per-mile Fee
You’ll pay a fee per mile for local moves, which can be as low as $0.60 or as high as $1.00. What’s our advice? Check with your place and see if a little haggling is possible—in the past, some consumers have been able to negotiate lower prices.
Gas Fee
Since the actual cost of gas can vary depending on how far you go, it is not included in your truck rental rate. Most people don’t consider this when they’re out shopping; we recommend keeping it in mind while you browse. (Psst: Gas costs will run into the hundreds depending on how far you’re traveling.)
No-Show Fee
You have up to 48 hours prior to your scheduled pickup period to cancel your reservation. It will cost you up to $75 after that.
Late-return fee
Budget will cost you your truck’s regular rate for each day you stay past your drop-off date. You’ll pay $85.00 for each additional day of long-distance moving, plus $0.85 per mile.
Value, Choice, and Complete are the three rental security packages offered by Budget. The availability of each package, as well as the particular benefits and costs offered, can vary depending on the location in which you do business.
Budget’s customer service, on the other hand, is excellent, so the person you’re speaking with should be able to explain your choices to you.
| Plan features | Value protection package | Choice protection package | Complete protection package |
| Complete protection package | No | No | Yes |
| Supplemental liability | No | Yes | Yes |
| Roadside assistance | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Physical damage waiver | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Physical damage waiver
Waives all renter liability for any loss or damage, with the exception of tire damage caused by driver error.
Roadside assistance
Key replacement, tire changes, windshield replacements, jumpstarts, and lockout services are all available, as well as non-collision towing and emergency fuel delivery.
Supplemental liability
Serves to protect the renter against lawsuits for personal injuries and property harm made by a third party involved in an accident.
Personal accident and cargo
Covers any tenants or travelers that are injured, as well as any household cargo that is destroyed.
Features and Services
Budget leases three sizes of moving trucks (vans) for 3 main types of moves: local, one-way, and company.
The main distinction between truck sizes is the amount of cargo they can carry, but there are a few other factors to consider before renting one. The 12-foot and 16-foot trucks, for example, can comfortably seat two people, while the 26-foot truck can accommodate three.
In addition, the 26-foot truck runs on diesel, while the 12-foot and 16-foot trucks run on regular gasoline. With the diesel engine, you’ll save money on gas on long trips and have more torque if you’re tackling those San Francisco-style hills, but we don’t suggest getting a bigger car than you need just for this purpose.
Budget’s add-on features, which range from moving pads to hand trucks, will make your step a lot easier (and they’re reasonably priced).
Bear in mind that Budget’s accessory rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so you can’t expect your place to have exactly what you need right now.
Furniture and moving pads:
Includes a dozen 3-foot by 5-foot quilted pads
Hand truck:
Carries appliances or up to seven boxes
PlatePass:
Allows you to use all-electronic toll lanes
Great Discount!
Budget’s base rates are affordable (especially when compared to other rental truck companies), but it’s the numerous discounts that make it stand out.
Eligible customers Discount rate
US military personnel 20% off all orders
AARP members Up to 20% off all orders
Police, fire, and EMT 20% off local moves and 15% off one-way moves
Motor Club members 20% off local moves and 15% off one-way moves
Students 20% off local moves and 15% off one-way moves
Bar Association members 20% off local moves and 15% off one-way moves
Nationwide Location
Budget Truck Rental has locations all over the United States, with the exception of Hawaii and Alaska, making it automatic royalty in the traveling world. Not every moving company has fleets in all of the major US cities, let alone the entire continent.
Budget Truck Rental makes up for it by having such a wide scope, even though it only provides three rental truck sizes.
One disadvantage: depending on the franchise you work for, the level of customer service can vary. A fast Google search and reading up on the location’s feedback will normally give you a clear idea of what to expect.
Simple Quote Generator
When you’re searching around, Budget’s quote generator is simple and time-saving. To obtain a quote, enter the basic details of your relocation and watch the numbers crunch for yourself. There are just four measures to it:
Pick your Budget moving truck
Find a location
Choose add-ons
Provide personal information if you want to book
Does Budget Truck Rental guarantee reservations?
No, reservations are not guaranteed by Budget Truck Rental. Your truck size, pickup date, and position are all preferences, according to the company, which reserves the right to make adjustments. If you pay with a credit card, however, Budget Truck Rental will respect your original cost.
Does Budget Truck Rental have unlimited mileage?
Budget does not have unrestricted mileage. You’ll pay a per-mile charge for a nearby rental. Mileage is included with a long-distance, one-way rental, but there is a mileage limit depending on your particular move—and you’ll be charged for every extra distance you travel.
Does Budget Truck Rental offer loading/unloading help?
Budget workers will not assist you in loading and unloading your truck or packing and unpacking your boxes. Instead, it will send you to HireAHelper, a company that provides hourly moving labor.
Does Budget Truck Rental rent move trailers?
Moving trailers are not available for rent at Budget. Only car trailers and tow dollies are available for your vehicle. Check out our list of the best places to hire moving trailers if you need a trailer to pull behind your vehicle.
Recommendation
Budget’s moving vans are some of the most affordable rentals we’ve seen. Also for DIY moves, its prices—as well as its discounts—are hard to beat.
What’s another thing that’s difficult to beat? Budget has a nationwide presence. (By nationwide availability, we mean the whole United States of America.)
Budget’s main flaws are that it frequently adds fees and does not guarantee reservations, both of which can be inconvenient (at best) and expensive (at worst). If those things bother you, one of our other top truck rental companies may be a better fit. However, if you have a small, flexible load and some flexibility in your dates, we recommend going for it—especially if you qualify for a discount.