Find the Cheapest Moving Truck Rental: Tips for Budget-Friendly Moves (2024) (2024)

Understanding the factors that impact how much local rental companies charge can help you predict expenses when you move. The following are the five biggest factors moving companies consider when pricing rental options.

Type of Truck Rental

One of the first things you will have to decide when scheduling your rental truck is what truck size you need. Most moving truck rental companies offer multiple size options, with the following choices being the most common, listed in order of cargo availability.

• Pickup truck: The pickup trucks offered by moving companies are similar to consumer options, with space for about 2.5 to 3 cubic yards of belongings in most models. Companies like Enterprise Truck Rental offer pickup truck rentals for about $130 per day.
• Cargo van: Cargo vans represent a combination of a moving van and a pickup truck because the storage container is protected from the elements. A cargo van offers a small, affordable moving option with sufficient protection for electronics. For this reason, they may be a better choice for college students or single renters. Like pickup trucks, some cargo vans also include limited towing capabilities. Based on quotes from Enterprise, most cargo van rental options cost around $160 per day.
• 10-foot truck: A 10-foot truck is a small box truck rental that can be one of the most affordable options for homeowners moving long-distance. This size moving truck is ideal for smaller spaces like a one- or two-bedroom home. In most areas, companies like U-Haul and Penske Truck Rental offer 10-foot cargo truck rentals between $40 and $80 per day.
• Midsize truck: Midsize trucks range between 15 and 17 feet and can fit furniture and belongings for most two- to three-bedroom homes. You can drive these trucks with a standard Class C driver’s license, but be mindful of blind spots. Midsize truck rentals may cost up to $150 per day, with rental prices varying by demand on your specific moving date.
• Large truck: Large trucks may be a better option for larger spaces and apartments, including homes with four or more bedrooms. These rental trucks range between 17-foot and 26-foot options. Costs can reach $150 a day or higher, depending on your location and chosen rental size.

Ultimately, determining the right truck for your move will depend on how many items you have to transport, the distance you plan to drive and your budget.

If you are downsizing your belongings ahead of your move, you may be able to save money by opting for a smaller truck size. In most cases, smaller rental vehicles offer a more affordable option, but prices will also vary depending on demand. Keep in mind that midsize and large-size trucks usually include a per-mile fee on top of daily charges.

Mileage

The distance you’re traveling and the number of miles you put on the moving truck also contribute to what you pay for a truck or car rental. Some moving companies like Budget Truck Rental include unlimited miles on vehicle rentals, but most companies charge a per-mile fee based on the distance you travel. To find the best rate, you can compare fees between multiple companies before deciding which to book with.

Moving Date

Like most other industries, the moving industry has busy and slow seasons. Peak moving seasons usually occur during summer months and weekends and result in higher demand for rental trucks, leading to increased prices. Conversely, off-peak periods and weekdays tend to have lower demand, often resulting in more affordable rental rates.

Choosing a moving date during non-peak times can help you secure a better deal on your rental rates. For example, you may pay less by moving on a Tuesday rather than Saturday.

Pickup and Drop Off Location

In the past, most rental car and truck companies charged a fee if you selected different vehicle pickup and drop-off locations. This hinders movers who cannot return trucks after completing cross-country moves as you will not have access to the same pickup location after leaving.

Today, one-way rentals are commonly available from nationwide moving truck companies that operate nationwide, such as U-Haul and Penske. However, some companies focusing on local moves (like Home Depot) may only offer one-way truck rentals. Be sure to ask about any fees associated with dropping your truck off at a separate location if your new home is far from your current space.

Add-On Services

If you’d like an easier move but can’t justify the cost of a full moving team, moving truck rental companies can help. Most companies offer a limited range of affordable add-on services to enhance your move. For example, U-Haul offers a portal that allows you to book in-town movers for loading and unloading services at a reduced hourly rate.

Other add-ons include vehicle protection plans, roadside assistance, storage unit arrangement and furniture pad deliveries. As with other services, add-ons come at an extra charge, which increases your final moving bill.

Finding the cheapest truck rental will require some research before your move. To find the most affordable moving truck rental rates, we suggest starting to plan at least two months before your ideal moving date. The earlier you’re able to book, the more affordable your moving truck rates will be.

If you have flexibility with your moving date, you can take advantage of scheduling to find a cheaper moving truck rental. Opting for a weekday move over weekends can lead to significant savings, as weekends often see higher demand and subsequently inflated rental rates. Moreover, avoiding the peak moving season, which typically spans the summer months, can help avoid the price surge driven by increased demand.

If you are moving in late fall, winter or early spring, you’ll have access to the cheapest moving truck rates. However, if you must move during a peak period, consider looking for discounts from your moving company before booking. Teachers, public servants and military service members may be able to claim a deal with some nationwide moving truck rental companies.

Long-distance moves can be expensive, stressful endeavors. There are free online resources to help you plan your move, assess potential companies and find affordable rates.

• Fuel calculators: Fuel costs will likely make up a significant portion of your moving costs. The U.S. Department of Energy offers a free fuel cost calculator to estimate how much you will spend on the road on your moving day.
• Online booking software: Most moving truck rental companies allow you to compare prices and book your move online. After narrowing your search to a few local providers, check each company out online. Consider entering a few sample moving dates to explore available truck options and pricing. Keep a record of estimates to compare against options from other rental companies.
• Third-party review sites: Customer reviews can provide insights into how a business treats its customers. Before booking with a moving company, you can use third-party review platforms like Google Reviews, Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to research the provider. Previous customers can provide insights into important factors like customer service and pricing.

While renting a moving truck can be expensive, you may have some room for negotiation. Start by getting a quote from at least three competing moving companies operating in your area. Make sure to keep each quote in writing and ensure every estimate is for the same type of truck and set of dates. This will give you more leverage when negotiating lower rates with other moving companies.

After collecting quotes, you can approach companies to request a lower rate or ask for price-matching services. You can also ask about special discounts that could apply to you. Some moving companies may waive fees for items like tow dolly rentals for members of the military, seniors, students or other special classes of workers.

If you have some flexibility in your moving schedule, ask about off-peak days and times. Rental companies might offer lower rates for mid-week rentals or non-peak seasons. You can also inquire about bundling discounts if you’re paying for add-ons.

While some hidden charges are unavoidable when moving, knowing the most common fees can help you spot and anticipate them — and contest fees that seem inflated. Some of the most common hidden charges you’ll see include the following:

• Tolls and parking fees: If your route includes toll roads or parking fees, those expenses are your responsibility. If extra fees are a concern, you can plan your route to minimize tolls and parking costs.
• Mileage charges: Many rental companies offer a limited number of miles before charging extra for each mile driven. To budget for mileage charges, calculate the distance of your move and compare it to a rental company’s mileage allowance. To avoid mileage fees, consider working with a company that offers unlimited mileage.
• Insurance coverage: While insurance coverage can help protect your belongings and the rental truck, it also adds to the overall cost. Review your existing car insurance policy (if you have one) to see if it covers rental trucks. If not, compare insurance options and costs to find the best deal. Most moving truck companies offer some form of insurance, like a damage waiver to protect against theft and damage to the vehicle. Some credit cards may also include varying levels of rental coverage.

To minimize hidden costs, carefully read your rental agreement and ask any questions before signing a contract.

When you consider the total costs of renting and driving a moving truck, you might find that even the “cheapest” option does not match your budget. Some movers, including those who don’t have a valid driver’s license, may not have the option to rent a truck at all. However, a few low-cost moving options are available as alternatives to truck rentals.

• Moving container services: Moving box containers are ideal for small, affordable moves. Moving container services like PODS provide you with a storage unit-like container that you can load on your own time. The company then uses a flatbed truck to transport the container to your new home for unloading. Moving container companies are not suitable for large moves, but offer a convenient choice that helps you avoid driving for smaller moves.
• Trailer rentals: You can also consider renting a trailer instead of a big moving truck. Companies like U-Haul and Budget offer trailers you can attach to your vehicle. This option is ideal for those who don’t want to drive a large truck and only have a few things to move.
• Asking for help: If you are looking for do-it-yourself (DIY) moving options, you may prefer to just ask friends and family to help. Although this method may still require renting a truck or vehicle, you can save on the cost of hiring professional movers. While ideal for local moves, asking for help may be more difficult to coordinate if you are planning a one-way move across the country.

You can also consider working with a professional moving company if you’re looking for an easier, more inclusive move. Explore a few of our top moving companies below.

Moving can be stressful, but there are ways to save on moving trucks if you are on a budget. Generally, moving trucks can cost anywhere from $40 to $160 per day depending on the size and company. Prices can increase if you select add-ons or have to navigate other charges like mileage fees and tolls.

It can help to start your search early and request an online estimate from as many moving truck services as possible before booking. You can also reach out to representatives who may be able to provide discounts, help reduce fees or offer a more competitive rate through price-matching. You can also save by doing a DIY move and asking for help from friends and family, rather than hiring professional movers.

Discover our top home services recommendations and find out which providers meet your needs.

• Best Rated Pet Insurance Providers
• Nationally Ranked Home Warranty Companies
• Leading National Gutter Guard Options
• Compare Premier Window Brands
• Premier Solar Companies
• Budget-friendly Home Warranty Providers
• Top-rated state-to-state movers

Sarah Horvath is one of the home service industry’s most accomplished writers. Her specialties include writing about home warranties, insurance, home improvement and household finances. You can find her writing published through distributors like HouseMethod, Architectural Digest, Good Housekeeping and more. When not writing, she enjoys spending time in her home in Orlando with her fiance and parrot.

Tori Addison is an editor with over five years of experience in the digital marketing industry. Her includes communications and marketing work in the nonprofit, governmental and academic sectors. A journalist by trade, she started her career covering politics and news in New York’s Hudson Valley. Her work included coverage of local and state budgets, federal financial regulations and health care legislation.