The Best Moving Truck Rentals

U-Haul ensures a cost-effective and convenient moving experience. With 21,000 locations across the U.S. and wide availability of truck sizes, it earns our top pick for best truck rental companies. U-Haul’s truck sizes include pickup trucks, cargo vans, and 10-foot, 15-foot, 17-foot, 20-foot, and 26-foot trucks. A pickup is best for small or partial loads but not for full apartment moves; a cargo van can haul everything in a small studio apartment; a 10-foot truck can move a studio or a small one-bedroom apartment; a 15-foot truck will handle a one-bedroom home or a two-bedroom apartment; a 17-foot truck can move a home up to two bedrooms; a 20-foot truck will take care of a two-bedroom home or a three-bedroom apartment; and a 26-foot truck can handle a three- or four-bedroom home. You will undoubtedly be able to quickly find an available truck that accommodates your needs, whether you’re moving homes across state lines or packing up a dorm room for the year. 

In addition to its numerous locations, U-Haul is known for its 24/7 self-service bookings and returns, which allows customers the flexibility of renting and returning a truck on their own schedules. If you need extra storage space, you can additionally find discounts for self-storage when booking a truck rental, too—a great backup plan in case you have a small hiccup in your moving plans. 

The truck itself is also designed with ease in mind. Every U-Haul truck features a low deck height and the brand’s signature E-Z Load Ramps, which are shorter, wider, and more rigid for easy loading and unloading of items. To make the loading and unloading process faster, you can also add dollies and furniture pads to your truck rental for further protection of your items.

A downside to U-Haul is that it rarely offers unlimited mileage, so it may not be a suitable choice if you’re driving long distances or moving out of state. Hidden fees or add-ons are also common with U-Haul, so make sure to read the fine print on contracts and ask upfront about any additional costs. Keep in mind that as a franchise, each U-Haul location will vary in customer service and quality. We recommend that prior to booking your truck, you look into which locations have generally positive reviews and choose from there.

Budget Truck Rental is the best choice if you’re hoping to keep costs low. It’s well known for its affordability (right there in the name), making it an ideal choice for homeowners looking for the most inexpensive DIY moves. Comparatively, Budget has lower prices to its competitor U-Haul. But it’s important to note that Budget bookings are not guaranteed, so you’ll need to add in some room for flexibility in your planning.

One of the biggest factors setting Budget apart from its competitors is its much less expensive mileage rate, at only $0.59 per mile. If you need a little extra help loading and unloading, Budget offers help-for-hire services at an additional cost; the company partners with HireAHelper to offer services including packing, loading, unloading, and unpacking. HireAHelper will also disassemble and reassemble furniture and dispose of junk you don’t want to take. 

While Budget is already one of the most affordable moving truck rentals on this list, you can save even more by taking advantage of the company’s discounts. Active and veteran military members, AARP members, students, police, fire, and EMT workers can save up to 20 percent on rentals. And if your schedule allows for it, take advantage of Budget’s flexible moving dates for more savings.

The Home Depot’s truck rentals offer unlimited miles and simple, flat-rate pricing. There are over 2,300 locations across the U.S., making it easy for anyone to locate a truck nearby. 

One of the key advantages of renting a truck from Home Depot is that the company doesn’t charge hidden fees, and with 2,300 locations nationwide, it’s easy to find a truck nearby. Just be aware that you cannot reserve a truck online, so check availability before heading to the nearest store. When you go to pick it up, bring your photo ID and a credit card for the deposit of $150, which will be returned upon the return of the truck in good condition.

On the downside, Home Depot’s truck rental options are limited to smaller trucks, which include two sizes of flat-bed pickups, a cargo van, and a small box truck. While it’s a great option for short distances, especially moves completed in one day, Home Depot’s trucks may not be the best choice for long-distance moves; the rates for multi-day use can be quite high, and trucks must be returned to the same location they were rented from. Larger trucks are rented from Home Depot locations through Penske.

Enterprise carries a huge fleet of cars, all of which are readily available at numerous airports and train stations around the world. But did you know that the company also has a vast offering of moving trucks in 48 states? With a wide selection of 18 different truck sizes, ranging from pickup trucks to large box trucks, you’re sure to find the right fit for your move through Enterprise. Plus, the online booking and easy cancellations make it easy for you to plan your move, even if there are last-minute changes. 

After an initial deposit, you’ll incur a per-mile fee that can range from $0.20 to $3.60 per mile, depending on your reservation specifics. Unfortunately, Enterprise trucks are not available for one-way moves, meaning you’ll have to return the truck to the same location from which you picked it up. Check your per-mile fee, since longer distances can become particularly expensive with this pricing structure.

Enterprise is well regarded by customers and offers 24/7 roadside assistance, as well as free pickup. Keep in mind that towing is not available at all Enterprise locations, and the deposit and upfront costs can be high.

Penske offers a unique approach to truck rental with its unlimited mileage option for long-distance moves, a great choice for those moving far away. The company offers guaranteed reservations, plus no fees for cancellations. 

With five standard truck sizes available, including a high-roof cargo van and trucks ranging from 12 feet to 26 feet long, Penske can accommodate almost any move. Penske’s newer fleet of vehicles adds standout features, including fully flat floors (no wheel wells), nonslip wooden floors, and interior lighting. These features could mean an easier experience than with other truck rentals.

Penske also provides discounts for students, active and veteran military members, and AAA members, as well as first-time customers. College students are eligible for a 10 discount on all truck rentals, with surcharges for renters between the ages of 18 and 23. Active and veteran military personnel can receive a 10 percent discount as well; Penske offers specialized assistance to military members completing a military do-it-yourself move, or “DITY move” (these moves require additional paperwork for entering and leaving military bases). Finally, AAA members receive an excellent 12 percent discount on truck rentals and the same discount on all supplies purchased through Penske. Something to consider: While Penske’s one-way unlimited mileage makes it an incredible option for one-way rentals, local moves will likely be pricier with Penske than with other companies. 

With long-distance moves, you never know what might happen. Luckily, Penske has 24/7 Roadside Assistance that can ensure you get to your destination safely. An experienced customer service representative will address your issue, whether it be a flat tire or fluid leakage, and take a detailed report to keep you up to date on the status of your vehicle.