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Last Updated: Sep 18, 2023
Moving Feedback did the research. Here’s our top 5 moving truck rental companies of 2023 - tested, trusted, and with tons of extra features.
BEST OVERALL
4.9
BEST PRICING
4.8
BEST FOR LONG DISTANCE MOVES
4.7
It can be tough to figure out what truck rental is right for you. Every move is different, and it’s totally understandable if you don’t have the time (or energy) to search through the thousands of truck rental companies out there.
Fortunately, the team at Moving Feedback did the research so you don’t have to. Read on to find our top picks for moving truck rentals, and learn how to choose the best company for your needs.
In this article
If you’re moving a 1-bedroom apartment locally, you can get away with paying just $19.95 for a 10-foot truck rental – but you’d better get it back on time if you want maximum savings. On the other hand, if you’re moving a lot more stuff, you’ll need a much bigger truck. A 26-footer can cost as much as $100 per day.
It’s a pretty major window, but it’s important to remember that there are two main factors behind the price of your truck rental: how far you’re traveling, and how much stuff you’re hauling. If you’re just moving a studio down the block, you can do it on the cheap. But if you’re moving a 5-bedroom homw across the country, you’d better prepare your wallet.
DIY moves are tricky. You’ll have to keep track of gas expenses, lodging (if you’re going long distance), and missed wages from work – not to mention the stress and energy it takes to do your own packing, loading, hauling, and unpacking.
| Truck Sizes/Company | 10-foot | 12 ft. | 15 ft. | 16-foot | 17-foot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | $19.95 | $19.95 | $29.95 | $29.95 | $29.95 |
| Budget | $19.95 | $29.99 | $29.99 | $29.99 | $29.99 |
| Penske | $20–$35 | $20–$35 | $40–$80 | $40–$80 | $40–$80 |
| Enterprise | $19.95 | $35 | $75 | $85 | $85 |
| Ryder | $19.95 | $29.95 | $29.95 | $39 | $89.95 |
| Truck Sizes/Company | 20 ft. | 22 ft. | 24 ft. | 26 ft. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | $39.95 | $39.95 | $39.95 | $39.95 |
| Budget | $39.99 | $39.99 | $39.99 | $39.99 |
| Penske | $80–$100 | $80–$100 | $80–$100 | $80–$100 |
| Enterprise | $85 | $85 | $95 | $105 |
| Ryder | $89.95 | $89.95 | $89.95 | $89.95 |
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| 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.5 |
| Best Overall | Best pricing | Best for long-distance moves | Most Affordable | Best For Local |
| 15% Seniors & Military Discounts | 20% Seasonal Discount | 18% Flexibility Discount | 15% Student Discount | Not Disclosed |
| $20 - $40 (Truck Per Day) | $20 - $40 (Truck Per Day) | $20 - $100 (Truck Per Day) | $20 - $105 (Truck Per Day) | $20 - $90 (Truck Per Day) |
| Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote |
While there are thousands of truck rental companies in the US, there are just a few who made our cut. Take a look at our top picks for the best moving truck rental companies of 2023.
BEST OVERALL
4.9
You know U-Haul – they’re one of the most popular truck rental companies in the business. They have over 20,000 locations through the US (and even some branches in Canada).
U-Haul provides a wide variety of moving trucks, cargo vans, and pickups of all sizes. They’re known for fuel-efficient transportation with easy loading and unloading technology. Their trucks have ramps and short loading heights so you can breeze through your DIY move without breaking a sweat.
As an added bonus, U-Haul also offers a ton of packing materials and boxes. If you need to move anything fragile or heavy, they also have furniture pads and dollies to make your life a little easier (and less stressful). Plus, if you really want to cut down on stress, they can find put you in touch with some qualified loading teams to handle the heavy lifting.
U-Haul offers seven different sizes of moving vans and trucks for you to choose from. While we’ve personally seen more variety at other moving truck companies, the options offered by U-Haul will be perfect for 90% of the moves out there.
You can find U-Haul branches in every state. Cities and larger suburban areas usually have more than one location. No matter where you are, you can rent from U-Haul. Plus, if the nearest branch doesn’t have the truck you need, you can widen your search a little to see if you can find the perfect fit.
U-Haul makes reservations easy. They have an intuitive online booking system, and since they have so many different locations, you can actually drop off your rental truck at any U-Haul branch. Just keep in mind that one-way moving is priced differently.
Take a look at U-Haul’s rental options below:
| Truck Sizes | 10-foot | 15-foot | 17-foot | 20-foot | 26-foot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inner dimensions | 9-ft. 11” by 6-ft. 4” by 6-ft. 2” | 15-ft. by 7-ft. 8” by 7-ft. 2” | 16-ft. 9” by 7-ft. 8” by 7-ft. 2” | 19-ft. 6” x 7-ft. 8” x 7-ft. 2” | 26-ft. 5” x 8-ft. 2” x 8-ft. 3” |
| Internal space (cu. ft.) | 402 | 764 | 865 | 1,016 | 1,682 |
| Maximum Weight (lbs.) | 2,850 | 6,385 | 6,160 | 5,700 | 9,100 |
| Suitable for | Studio to a one-bedroom apartment | One-bedroom home ta o two-bedroom apartment | Up to two bedrooms home | Two-bedroom home to three-bedroom apartment | Three to four-bedroom home |
| Miles per gallon (MPG) | 12 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| The capacity of the Fuel tank (gallons) | 33 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 60 |
Below is the full list of U-Haul’s vehicles:
| Pickup trucks | Cargo vans | Box trucks |
|---|---|---|
| 8-ft pickup truck | 9-ft cargo van | 10, 15, 17, 20, 26-ft truck |
BEST PRICING
4.8
Budget Truck Rentals is well-known for their competitive pricing options. They go the distance to price-match with competitors, and they offer coupons and promotions to sweeten the deal.
Budget has over 1,700 locations throughout the United States and Canada. While they aren’t as widespread as U-Haul, that’s still plenty of branches for you to choose from. Plus, with all the savings, it may be worth the extra searching.
From our research, the best time to book with budget is during the week, from Monday to Thursday. It’s also a good idea to book at least a few weeks in advance. If you want to maximize savings, Budget is a great choice – and with a bit of planning you can save even more.
Budget is already a great option for affordable moves, but they can boost your savings even more with some sweet discounts.
Take a look at who’s eligible:
Budget is one of the most affordable companies we’ve reviewed, but that doesn’t mean they skimp on quality. While they have a somewhat reduced range of truck sizes, their customer service is attentive and their trucks are clean, serviced, and dependable.
Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, Budget has you covered – and we really can say enough about the savings and discounts available.
Take a look at Budget’s rental options below:
| Truck Sizes | 12-foot | 16-foot | 26-foot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inner dimensions | 11-ft. 8” by 6-ft. 3” by 6-ft. 1” | 16-ft. by 6-ft. by 3” by 6-ft. 7” | 26-ft. by 8-ft. 1” by 8-ft. 1” |
| Internal space (cu. ft.) | 433 | 830 | 1698 |
| Maximum Weight (lbs.) | 3,610 | 4,460 | 10,000 |
| Suitable for | One to a two-bedroom apartment | Three to four rooms or one-bedroom home | Five to eight rooms or two to a three-bedroom home |
| Miles per gallon (MPG) | 8–14 | 6–10 | 8–10 |
| The capacity of the Fuel tank (gallons) | 33 | 33 | 50 |
BEST FOR LONG DISTANCE MOVES
4.7
Penske is one of the top national truck rental services for one-way, long-distance moves. They have a huge fleet of over 50,000 trucks and pickups, and they have plenty of locations throughout the US and Canada.
Since Penske helps with a lot of long-distance moving, you’re not really expected to take your truck all the way back to its starting point. You just have to contact the Penske branch that’s closest to your destination to arrange a dropoff. It keeps things nice and convenient.
While they specialize in long-distance rentals, Penske can also help you with your local moving. That sizeable fleet can really come in handy for short-haul moves, and they also offer moving labor if you need some extra help with your loading and unloading.
Penske’s 1-way moves are already some of the cheapest for long-distance hauling, but they offer several different discounts to help you save on your truck rental.
While Penske doesn’t offer as many discounts as Budget, they really stand out for their affordability for long-distance moving. Since long-distance moves are generally more expensive, it’s good to know you can take some steps to reduce your price and save your wallet a little.
When you book a certain truck size at a certain pickup location, you expect that exact truck size at that exact location – and of course, you’d expect it to be there on time. Unfortunately, some truck rental companies play a little fast and loose with exact sizes and scheduling.
Fortunately, Penske offers guaranteed reservations. You get what you order, no surprises and no panic necessary.
Penske also offers a pretty reasonable spread of truck sizes, from vans to large box trucks. Take a look at Penske’s rental options below:
| Truck Sizes | 12-foot | 16-foot | 22-foot | 26-foot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inner dimensions | 12-ft. by 6-ft. 6” by 6-ft. 1” | 16-ft. by 7-ft. 7” by 6-ft. 6” | 21-ft. 11” by 8-ft. 1” by 8-ft. 1” | 25-ft. 11” by 8-ft. 1” by 8-ft. 1” |
| Internal space (cu. ft.) | 450 | 800 | 1200 | 1700 |
| Maximum Weight (lbs.) | 3,100 | 4,300 | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| Suitable for | One to two rooms | Two to three rooms | Three to five rooms | Five to seven rooms |
| Miles per gallon (MPG) | 12 | 12 | 13 | 13 |
| The capacity of the Fuel tank (gallons) | 33 | 33 | 50 | 50 |
MOST AFFORDABLE
4.6
When people think of renting a car, Enterprise is one of the first names that come up. It’s no surprise that they offer truck rental services as well. While not as widespread as their car rental offices, Enterprise Truck Rental has over 270 locations across 44 states.
Enterprise has a huge variety of trucks, pickups, cargo vans, and box trucks for your move. Plus, if you rent a smaller vehicle, they don’t charge mileage rates unless your distance is over 300 miles.
Keep in mind, Enterprise charges a little higher than the competition, and they focus more on local moves. If you’re trying to save every penny (or you’re traveling long distance) you may want to look elsewhere.
It’s important to keep your expenses low, especially if you’re doing a DIY move to save as much as possible. Fortunately, Enterprise gives you your first 300 miles free – provided you’re using a smaller vehicle.
Since most companies don’t offer free miles unless you’re moving long distance, Enterprise does offer a pretty solid cost-saving feature for local moves. But if you’re moving over 300 miles, don’t worry: They still offer competitive pricing on certain rentals.
Enterprise offers fourteen (14) different vehicle sizes, which is one of the biggest menus in the industry. Their inventory starts with pickup trucks and cargo vans, and extends all the way to 26-ft moving trucks.
14 different sizes is pretty mind-boggling, especially considering U-Haul already offers 7.
Take a look at all of Enterprise’s rental options below:
| Truck Sizes | 15-foot parcel van | 16-foot cab-over truck | 24-foot box truck | 26-foot box truck |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inner dimensions | 15-ft. by 8-ft. by 7-ft. | 16-ft. by 8-ft. by 7-ft. 6” | 24-ft. by 8-ft. 6” by 8-ft. 6” | 26-ft. by 8-ft. 6” by 8-ft. 6” |
| Internal space (cu. ft.) | 810 | 960 | 1,500 | 1,800 |
| Maximum Weight (lbs.) | 5,000 | 7,500 | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| Suitable for | One to three or more + rooms | Three to four rooms | Five or more rooms | Five or more rooms |
Keeping price at the barest minimum is an important aspect of any do-it-yourself move. That is why the 300 free miles included with your rental at Enterprise is worth benefiting from even though it is not as great as unlimited miles.
The majority of truck rental companies don’t give free miles unless you are moving 1-way long-distance, so this cost-saving feature for those moving locally or those who need to get a rental truck for another project within the town is appreciated.
If you are moving locally but beyond 300 miles, don’t be afraid. The mileage fee charged by Enterprise is one of the most affordable you can ever get.
BEST FOR CUSTOMIZING
4.5
One of the most recognizable moving brands in the US and Canada, Ryder offers a wide variety of options for local and long distance moving. Ryder has over 500 locations throughout North America. If you’re trying to do a last-minute move (and they have a truck available), Ryder has you covered.
Fortunately, they have a wide variety of different truck sizes to make your life a little easier, too. Ryder is a great choice if you want extra space and protection for your belongings. They offer weather resistant trucks and climate controlled storage spaces on certain offerings.
Ryder offers flexible booking and reservations. If you waited until the last minute don’t worry: You can also rent a moving truck at the exact time it’s needed.
To make getting a truck even easier, it’s worth noting that Ryder has a pretty wide reach. With over 500 locations in North America, you don’t have to search very long to find a Ryder truck rental.
Ryder boasts a pretty respectable variety of trucks and other moving vehicles for your needs.
Take a look at Ryder’s rental options below:
| Truck Sizes | 10-15-foot parcel van | 16-foot cab-over truck | 17-24-foot box truck | 26-foot box truck |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Internal space (cu. ft.) | 810 | 960 | 1,500 | 1,800 |
| Maximum Weight (lbs.) | 5,000 | 7,500 | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| Suitable for | One to two or more + rooms | Three to four rooms | Five or more rooms | Five or more rooms |
It’s important to know how much you’ll be spending. Your quote may give you a rough estimate of how much you’ll pay to rent a truck, but be on the lookout for any factors and fees that can contribute to a higher moving cost:
Truck damage: It’s rare, but it happens. In any case, don’t treat the truck like you stole it – you may end up having to pay the price of repairs. Truck rental companies oftentimes request a security deposit, so mind your manners if you want to get your money back.
Gas: Most companies require you to top off the tank before you return your truck. You may be charged a fee if you don’t gas up the truck.
Late return fees: Expect to be charged from $20 to $80 if exceed the agreed-upon time for your rental. Some truck companies may charge you for an extra day if you don’t have it back by closing time.
Moving supplies and accessories: You can rent a dolly, furniture pads, and other moving supplies, but they don’t come for free. Expect to pay extra if you need some moving supplies.
Young driver fees: If you’re between 18 and 25 years old, you may have to pay a young driver fee. It’s usually around $30, but it can vary between companies.
Additional driver fees: You’ll be charged between $14 and $30 per day if you plan to share the driver’s seat with someone else.
Excess mileage fee: Some rental companies will charge you an additional fee if you go past the expected mileage.
Cancellation fee: You will have to pay $50 (on average) if you don’t cancel your order at least two days before your pick-up date.
There are a lot of moving truck rental companies out there, but how do you know you’re dealing with a company you can trust? Instead of just going for the cheapest option, take some time to do some proper research. Here’s how you can find the best truck rental for your needs:
Get a truck that’s too small, and your stuff won’t fit. Get a truck that’s too big, and you’ll have wasted money on unused space. Take some time to measure out your belongings and think about your move: A trip across town may not be too horrible if you have to do multiple trips, but you’ll want a bigger truck if you’re traveling long distances.
Don’t forget to communicate with your truck rental company about the sizes they have available at their nearest branch.
Google and Yelp are great resources for reviews and customer feedback, but don’t forget to check in with your family and friends. They can tell you exactly how their recent moves went, and they can provide firsthand information about what companies you should consider.
Moving companies need to have the proper licenses from the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Moving truck rental companies operate a little differently, so they aren’t as strictly monitored. Still, a truck rental company with DOT certification is great for peace of mind.
Don’t forget to do an in-depth online search about the moving truck company you have in mind. See if they have any complaints against them with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and see whether any qualified review sites (like Moving Feedback) has researched them lately.
Of course, you should keep your budget in mind when you’re searching for a truck. Prices can vary from company to company, and from move to move. We recommend getting at least three different quotes so you can compare prices and see what your move will cost on average.
Calling a company directly is a good way to see how they’ll treat you after you’ve booked a move. Request a free rental quote if they’re offered, and keep track of how the customer service reps treat you on the phone. They shouldn’t dodge your questions or pressure you into any upsells.
There are a few different types of quotes in the moving industry: Binding quotes, nonbinding quotes, and nonbinding, not-to-exceed quotes.
A nonbinding quote can be adjusted before, during, and after your move – but thankfully, only by about 10% of your initial quote price. On the other hand, a binding quote is set in stone. There are no changes, and you’ll pay what’s on the quote.
Nonbinding, not-to-exceed quotes are a bit rarer. They work like a nonbinding quote, but can only be adjusted downwards from your quote price. Because they’re relatively uncommon, we always recommend you look for at least a binding quote.
Accidents happen. Make sure you take a look at all the insurance options offered by a moving truck company. You may want to check in with your car insurance provider to see if they offer any coverage, as well as your homeowner’s insurance provider.
Moving is tough, and if you’re moving fragile items, you may want to look into moving insurance. This full coverage insurance can provide dollar-for-dollar compensation for anything that gets lost, damaged, or destroyed in transit.
At Moving Feedback, we did the research for you. Our team searched through hundreds of moving truck companies all over the US, looking for the best prices, the best reviews, and the best services to meet your needs. We even made a few calls and posed as customers to get quotes (and an inside look at how these companies treat their clients).
We needed to find the best of the best, and we wanted to make sure we weren’t breaking the bank. The truck rental companies on our list are all vetted and verified, and they offer competitive rates for cost-effective moving.
We did the heavy lifting so you won’t have to. If you’re ready to move, get in touch with the truck rental companies on our list, compare quotes, and book your big move today.
A truck’s rental price depends on a number of factors, but the biggest deciders are the distance you have to travel and the amount of stuff you have to haul. If you’re moving into a one-bedroom apartment or a studio, you may be able to get away with a moving van. But if you’re moving to a five-bedroom home, you’ll need a bigger truck.
Aside from distance and moving size, the season makes a big difference. Summer is always pricier for moving, and moving truck rental companies may charge a premium.
Most major truck rental companies have offices throughout the country, so you can easily return your truck to a branch that’s closer to your destination. This is usually common for long-distance moves.
We recommend at least a few months in advance, if possible. This gives you plenty of time to plan out your move and deal with your packing, and the extra time means much less stress. Some truck sizes may not be available for a last-minute move, and some companies may not even allow reservations without a few days’ notice.
It’s rare, but it’s good to be prepared. Fortunately, truck rental companies provide an emergency line you can call in case of a breakdown or accident. As for what happens to your truck, your company may provide a replacement if they’re available – otherwise, you may have to wait for repairs. Make sure you hash out the details with your sales rep ahead of time so you know the exact steps.
If you need to cancel your order, you’d better do it in advance. If you don’t cancel without at least two or three days’ notice, you may end up paying some inconvenient fees. Make sure you read your contract clearly to see your truck company’s exact cancellation policy.
A DIY move can be challenging, but with the help of the truck rental companies on our list, you can move easy with the best trucks in the business. If you’re ready to get started, reach out to one of our top picks and book your rental today!
Don’t forget to check back in with the pros at Moving Feedback – we’re always learning new tips and tricks to make moving day easier, and we’re always ready to share more insider info.
Meet Harrison, a writer with a real passion for real estate and moving. For the past three years, he's been putting his writing skills to use for companies in these industries, but his experience with moving extends far beyond his keyboard. In fact, he's moved over a dozen times himself, sometimes with the help of professionals, and other times by taking on the move all on his own. Through these experiences, he's learned some valuable lessons about what can make a move a breeze, and what can turn it into a stressful nightmare. And when he's not busy writing, you can find him researching ways to make his next move as smooth and easy as possible.