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Last Updated: Mar 26, 2024
Hiring a full-service moving company has its advantages - but if you’re on a tight budget, you can pinch some serious pennies by renting a moving truck.
BEST OVERALL
4.9
BEST REVIEWS
4.8
BEST SERVICES
4.7
When you’re planning your local or long distance move, it’s important to map out your budget ahead of time. Of course, the biggest moving expense is usually your moving service. Do you want the pros to handle everything, or do you want to move on the cheap with a rental truck?
Moving trucks are cheaper than hiring full-service movers, and they offer excellent flexibility. In this article, we’ll walk you through our top picks for the best moving truck companies, and we’ll also help you get familiar with all there is to know about renting and DIYing your move.
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| 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.5 |
| Best Overall | Best Reviews | Best Services | Largest Truck Options | Great Reputation |
| 15% Senior and Military Discount | 20% Seasonal Discount | 18% Flexibility Discount | 15% Student Discount | Not Disclosed |
| $19.95 Per Day (Truck Per Day) | $30 Per Day (Average) (Truck Per Day) | $30 - $199.99 Per Day (Truck Per Day) | $89 - $230 Per Day (Truck Per Day) | $35 - $90 Per Day (Truck Per Day) |
| Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote | Get a Quote |
A moving truck rental can cost between $125 and $5200 (and sometimes more), but your exact price depends on several different factors. Let’s explore what goes into the price of your rental, and see how you can save a little when you’re searching for a truck.
The more stuff you have, the bigger the truck. If you’re just moving a studio apartment, you may be able to get away with a moving van. But if you’re moving a 3-bedroom home, you’ll need at least a 17-foot truck.
Of course, a bigger truck means a bigger price tag. We always recommend knowing the size of your move before you book a truck, since getting a truck that’s too big means you’re just throwing money away. Don’t get a truck that’s too small either, though – nobody likes making multiple trips!
Aside from the size of the truck, the distance plays a major role in how much you end up spending on your rental. You’ll have to pay for gas, and some truck companies also charge per mile.
Keep in mind, if your truck company doesn’t have a branch near your destination, you’ll also have to drive to one of their depots or offices to return the truck after your move. It’s extra miles, extra time, and extra gas.
You’ve seen gas prices, and filling up your car is pricey enough. Now imagine filling a big 33-gallon gas tank, multiple times throughout your trip. Don’t forget to top it off before you return the truck, either.
While most people focus on gas, depending on the nature of your move, you may end up paying quite a bit just to get from point A to point B – especially if you’re traveling a long distance. You’ll have to pay for hotels and lodging, as well as food to keep yourself fueled up for the drive.
Moves also take a lot of time, and that’s time you’re not collecting a paycheck at work. Don’t forget to math out the missed wages when you’re trying to figure out your budget for moving day.
While renting a truck and DYing your move is usually cheaper than hiring professional movers, there are other costs to keep in mind aside from the rental fee. Will you need boxes and packing material? What about dollies and moving blankets? Many truck rental companies offer these extras for an additional fee, so you’ll have to plan accordingly.
Don’t forget to look into moving insurance. Since you’re packing and loading everything yourself, it’s important to make sure your belongings are covered in case of damage.
Whether you’re moving to another state or within the state, you can get the exact truck you need at a budget-friendly price.
The operation of each company is a bit different from another, so we’ve checked the most common rental providers to assist you to choose the right moving truck rental company.
BEST OVERALL
4.9
First on our list is U-Haul. Famous nationwide and instantly recognizable, U-Haul provides top-notch moving truck rentals for DIY-minded customers.
They also have a wide variety of trucks in all shapes and sizes – each with amazing features to make your move enjoyable and stress-free.
Apart from their 8-foot pickups and 9-foot cargo vans, here’s a list of U-Haul truck sizes and their features:
| Features/ Truck Sizes | Internal dimensions (feet-inch) | Interior space (cu. ft.) | Weight limit (lbs.) | Capacity | Base Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 foot | 9′11″ x 6′4″ x 6′2″ | 402 | 2,810 | Studio to one-bedroom apartment | $19.95 |
| 15 foot | 15′ x 7′8″ x 7′2″ | 763 | 6,385 | One-bedroom to two-bedroom home | $29.95 |
| 17 foot | 16′9″ x 7′8″ x 7′2″ | 865 | 5,930 | Upto two-bedroom apartment | $29.95 |
| 20 foot | 19′6″ x 7′8″ x 7′2″ | 1,015 | 5,630 | Two-bedroom to three-bedroom home | $39.95 |
| 24 foot | 24′1″ x 7′7″ x 8′1″ | 1,418 | 6,500 | Three-bedroom to four-bedroom home | $39.95 |
| 26 foot | 26′5″ x 7′8″ x 8′3″ | 1,611 | 9,010 | Four-bedroom home and above | $39.95 |
BEST REVIEWS
4.8
Budget Truck Rental gets extra points for affordability and excellent customer service. When it comes to discounts and deals, there are plenty of ways to save if you book a move with Budget. They may not have as many trucks as U-Haul, but they’re still a common sight nationwide.
Budget gives their customers an easy-to-use pricing template so they can decide on the best rental option for their needs and their budget.
It’s always good to know how much a move will cost before you dive right in, and Budget makes it easy.
Here’s a list of Budget Truck Rental options for moving day:
| Features/ Truck Sizes | Internal dimensions (feet-inch) | Interior space (cu. ft.) | Weight limit (lbs.) | Capacity | Base Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 foot | 10′ x 6′3″ x 6′ | 380 | 3,610 | Studio to one- to two-bedroom apartment | $29.99 |
| 16 foot | 16′ x 6′3″ x 6′7″ | 830 | 5,524 | One-bedroom to three-to four rooms | $29.95 |
| 26 foot | 26′ x 8′1″ x 8′1″ | 1,698 | 9,180 | Upto Five- to eight rooms or two- to three-bedroom apartment | $39.95 |
BEST SERVICES
4.7
Penske Truck Rental is one of the largest truck rental companies in the United States. With a massive fleet to meet your needs, you’ll also enjoy modernized and newer-model trucks when you have to make a rental.
They have 4 different truck sizes that you can pick and choose from, as well as multiple insurance options for better peace of mind.
Penske has locations across the US and Canada, which means they’re readily available for customers in different locations.
As for their pricing, they usually offer multiple discounts to their customers at their various branches.
Take a look at the different moving trucks offered by Penske:
| Features/ Truck Sizes | Internal dimensions (feet-inch) | Interior space (cu. ft.) | Weight limit (lbs.) | Capacity | Price per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 foot | 12′ x 6′6″ x 6′.1′′ | 450 | 3,100 | One- to two-rooms | $20–$35 |
| 16 foot | 16′ x 7′7″ x 6′6″ | 800 | 4,300 | Two- to three-rooms | $40–$80 |
| 22 foot | 22′11′′ x 8′1″ x 8′1″ | 1,200 | 10,000 | Three- to Five-rooms | $80–$100 |
| 26 foot | 25′11′′ x 8′1″ x 8′1″ | 1,700 | 10,000 | Five- to Seven-rooms | $80–$100 |
LARGEST TRUCK OPTIONS
4.6
Enterprise Truck Rental is a division of Enterprise Rental Cars. Their truck rental department has over 270 locations across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, and they offer a wide range of options to suit your move.
Unfortunately, Enterprise Truck Rental can only cover round-trip rentals except for some special cases. It’s a pretty big downside if you’re trying to take care of your move in one long trip. You may need to negotiate with them to get the service you really need.
Tabulated Below are Enterprise Truck Rental Truck Sizes and Their Features:
| Features/ Truck Sizes | Internal dimensions (feet-inch) | Interior space (cu. ft.) | Weight limit (lbs.) | Capacity | Base Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15-foot Parcel Van | 15′ x 8′ x 7′ | 810 | 5,000 | One- to Three -rooms | $75/day |
| 16-foot Cabover Truck | 16′ x 8′ x 7′6″ | 920 | 7,500 | Three- to Four-rooms | $85/day |
| 24-foot | 24′ x 8′6″ x | 1,700 | 10,000 | Over Five | $95/day |
| Box Truck | 8′6″ | – | – | rooms | – |
| 26-foot Box Truck | 26′ x 8′6″ x 8′6″ | 1,800 | 10,000 | Over Five rooms | 105/day |
GREAT REPUTATION
4.5
With over 500 locations across the United States and over 37,000 vehicles in their fleet, Ryder Truck Rentals has a longstanding reputation as one of the best American truck rental companies. They’ve been serving the needs of their customers since 1933, and they’re still going strong.
Ryder has a wide range of moving trucks for moves of all sizes. It’s also easy to book one of their rentals since they have 24/7 online booking, billing, and payment processing. If you need a bit of flexibility, Ryder also offers vans and trailers.
Check out Ryder’s truck rental options here:
| Features/ Truck Sizes | Internal dimensions (feet-inch) | Interior space (cu. ft.) | Weight limit (lbs.) | Capacity | Price per day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16- foot Box Truck | 16 ft | 960 | 6,000 | One- to Three -rooms | $39 |
| 16-24 foot Stake | 16 ft. – 24 ft. | 920 | 7,600 – 14,500 | One- to Four | $89.95 |
There are tons of truck companies out there, and it’s easy to get confused or overwhelmed. However, you shouldn’t just jump for the first option you see on Google. It’s better for your move (and your wallet) if you do some shopping around first, especially since requesting quotes from moving truck rental companies is free and easy.
Here are some key points to keep in mind when you’re looking for a moving truck rental:
Obviously, availability is key. You’ll need a moving truck company that actually has a branch nearby, and ideally a branch close to where you’re moving as well. The more locations a company has, the better.
More locations also generally means more trucks, and less waiting around for the right rental for the job. Check and see if a moving truck company has a nationwide reach with plenty of trucks to spare.
Movers and moving truck companies need to have their licenses in order. When you search up a company, check out their website to see if they’re certified to be in this line of work in the first place.
Unfortunately, there are plenty of scammers masquerading as legitimate movers. Doing a bit of due diligence and searching up their license numbers can save you from a major headache.
Every move is different. Some are big, some are small. It’s important to book the right truck for the job, especially since larger trucks come with a larger pricetag.
If you want the best deal possible, know the size of your move before you shop around for a moving truck rental. There’s no point shelling out for a 20-foot truck if a 10-foot or 12-foot truck can do the job just as easily.
Some companies offer a wide variety of truck options. Keep an eye out to see what they have available, and do a bit of math ahead of time to make sure everything can fit.
Renting a moving truck is a great way to save some money on your move, but only if you find a company that won’t break the bank. Pricing is a major factor to consider when you’re shopping for a moving truck rental.
You may be tempted to go for the cheapest available offer, but that’s a trap that’s caused many a rocky move. Sometimes, you really get what you pay for. Compare the prices, but also compare the services you’re getting for your money.
Choosing the right truck size can mean more convenience, and more savings. If you rent a truck that’s too small, you may have to make several trips. The gas alone can offset the money you’ve saved, and all those extra trips will take more time and cause more stress.
Over- or underestimating the size of your move can be a costly and time-consuming mistake, but there are a lot of different truck sizes to choose from. To help you find the right balance between savings and convenience, we’ll walk you through the available truck sizes so you know which is best for the job.
Moving vans are the smallest available option for your truck rental. They’re oftentimes used for small studio apartments and college moves. You’ll be able to fit a few moving boxes, a twin bed (if you’re efficient), and a few stackable, tetrisable items of furniture. The typical features of 8 ft. moving vans include:
| Internal dimensions | (L x W x H): 7’10” x 5’2″ x 1’9″ |
| Volume | 76 cubic feet |
| Max load | 1,980 pounds |
| Empty weight | 4,689 pounds |
| Gross vehicle weight | 6,700 pounds maximum |
| Miles per gallon | 19 mpg |
| Towing capacity | Up to 6,000 pounds |
| Seats | Seats for 3 adults |
| Transmission | Automatic transmission with Air conditioning |
Slightly bigger than your standard moving van, 8-foot cargo vans are a great fit for college students and small studio apartment moves. They can accommodate a queen bed without sacrificing fuel economy, which is great if you’re paying for gas. A typical cargo van is equipped with the following features:
| Internal dimensions | (L x W x H): 9’6″ x 5’7″ x 4’7″ |
| Volume | 245 cubic feet |
| Max load | 4,000 pounds |
| Empty weight | 4,950 pounds |
| Gross vehicle weight | 9,000 pounds maximum |
| Miles per gallon | 20 mpg |
| Engine | Fuel-efficient V-6 Engine |
| Control | Gentle-Ride suspension and cruise control |
| Seats | Seats for 2 adults |
| Transmission | Automatic transmission with air conditioning |
Need a bit more room? 10-foot moving trucks are suitable for larger apartments. As an added bonus, many 10-foot trucks are equipped with a low loading dock to make it a bit easier to put all your stuff in the back. Here are some other typical features:
| Internal dimensions | (L x W x H): 9’11” x 6’4″ x 6’2″ |
| Volume | 402 cubic feet |
| Max load | 2,810 pounds |
| Empty weight | 5,790 pounds |
| Gross vehicle weight | 8,600 pounds maximum |
| Towing capacity | Up to 6,000 pounds |
| Miles per gallon | 12 mpg |
| Suspension | Gentle-Ride suspension and fuel economy gauge |
| Airbag | Driver’s side airbag |
| Seats | Seats for 2 adults |
| Transmission | Automatic transmission and air conditioning |
Currently, U-Haul is the only major truck company that offers a 10-foot option. However, Penske and Budget offer 12-foot trucks to fill the same niche. If your apartment is heavily furnished, you may want to consider a 12-footer just for the extra bit of space. 12-foot moving trucks also provide the following features:
| Load Capacity | up to 3,100 lbs |
| Volume | 450 cubic feet |
| Seats | 2-person seating |
| Tank capacity | 33-gallon gas tank and Estimated 12 mpg |
| Towing capacity | Not towing compatible |
| Engine | V-8 gasoline engine |
| Transmission | Automatic transmission and air conditioning |
| Door | Shipment tie rails/rear roll-up door |
| Roof and lighting | Translucent roof and internal lighting |
15-foot trucks are widely used for one or two-bedroom apartments. They have a lot more space, and usually have an extra seat. A typical 15-foot truck offers the following features:
| Load Capacity | up to 4,300 lbs |
| Volume | 700 cubic feet |
| Liftgate | Tuck-under liftgate |
| Seating | 2-person seating |
| Internal dimensions | 16’X96″WX84″H |
| Airbags | Yes |
| Engine | 7.3L Gasoline Engine |
| Tank capacity | 40 Gallon tank capacity |
| Transmission | Automatic transmission and air conditioning |
16-foot moving trucks are ideal for moving large furniture and home appliances. These trucks are great for large apartments, small homes, and condos.
16-footers are some of the most commonly used rental trucks. They can hold more than twice the capacity of the smallest available moving vans, and they offer a lot of versatility with their size and internal capacity. Here’s what you can expect from a typical 16-foot moving truck:
| Dimensions | 16’x 96″ x 90″ box dimensions |
| Volume | 800 cubic feet |
| Load Capacity | up to 7,500 lbs |
| Seating | 3 person seating |
| Liftgate | Tuck-under liftgate |
| Door | Rear roll-up door, wood tie-slats, and E-track to help secure your cargo |
| Engine | Diesel engine – EPA-compliant, economic, fewer stops for refueling |
| Eligibility | State or provincial law may require a certain class or category of license. Check with your state or province for details. |
| Transmission | Automatic transmission with air conditioning |
Now we’re getting serious. 20-foot moving trucks are among the largest rentals in the moving industry. They have serious capacity, and a 2 or 3-bedroom house will fit without a problem.
This option is also suitable for both long-distance one-way and local moves. These trucks have comfortable seating and spacious cabs, with seating for up to 3 people. Here’s what else you’re getting with a 20-footer:
| Load Capacity | up to 10,000 lbs |
| Volume | 1,000 cubic feet |
| Liftgate | Tuck-under liftgate |
| Seating | 3 person seating |
| Dimensions | 20’x 8.5′ x 8.5′ box dimensions |
| Engine | 5.4 Liter Diesel engine – EPA-compliant, economical, fewer refueling stops |
| Tank capacity | 34-gallon tank capacity |
| Eligibility | State or provincial law may require a certain class or category of license. Check with your state or province for details. |
| Transmission | Automatic transmission and air conditioning |
If you’re moving with Penske, you might want to look into their 22-foot option. These are great for 3-5 bedroom homes, and offer a bit more space than the 20-foot truck offered by the other guys. Penske also makes sure their trucks are thoroughly cleaned and inspected before pickup.
Here’s what to expect from a 22-foot truck:
| Load Capacity | up to 10,000 lbs |
| Volume | 1,200 cubic feet |
| Liftgate | Tuck-under liftgate |
| Seating | 3 person seating |
| Dimensions | 22’x 8.5′ x 8.5′ box dimensions |
| Engine | 5.4 Liter Diesel engine – EPA-compliant, economical, fewer refueling stops |
| Tank capacity | 34-gallon tank capacity |
| Eligibility | State or provincial law may require a certain class or category of license. Check with your state or province for details. |
| Transmission | Automatic transmission and air conditioning |
A 24-foot truck can relocate 5-7 rooms and can haul a 3-5 bedroom home with plenty of wiggle room. Here’s what you can expect from the second-biggest rental truck in the industry:
| Load Capacity | up to 10,000 lbs |
| Volume | 1,500 cubic feet |
| Liftgate | Tuck-under liftgate |
| Seating | 3 person seating |
| Dimensions | 24’x 102″ x 102″ box dimensions |
| Engine | Diesel engine – EPA-compliant, economical, fewer refueling stops |
| Dock heights | Dock high with reinforced body |
| Eligibility | State or provincial law may require a certain class or category of license. Check with your state or province for details. |
| Door | Rear roll-up door, wood tie-slats and E-track to help secure your cargo |
| Transmission | Automatic transmission and air conditioning |
If you’re moving big, you’ll need the biggest in the game. 26-foot trucks are the largest option in the industry so far. These giants can even tow extra stuff if you’re still not satisfied with the internal space.
Here are some features you can expect from a 26-foot moving truck:
| Load Capacity | up to 10,000 lbs |
| Volume | 1,800 cubic feet |
| Liftgate | Tuck-under liftgate |
| Seating | 3 person seating |
| Dimensions | 26’x 102″ x 102″ box dimensions |
| Engine | Diesel engine – EPA-compliant, economical, fewer refueling stops |
| Dock heights | Dock high with reinforced body |
| Eligibility | State or provincial law may require a certain class or category of license. Check with your state or province for details. |
| Door | Rear roll-up door, wood tie-slats and E-track to help secure your cargo |
| Seats | Air-ride seats |
| Transmission | Automatic transmission and air conditioning |
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.
Yes, but only if there’s a company office near your destination. Fortunately, the moving truck rental companies on our list have a wide presence across the US, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble mapping out where you can go to return the truck.
When you rent a moving truck, you’re responsible for driving and loading/unloading your belongings. Hiring long distance movers includes professional assistance with packing, loading, transportation, and unloading.
As soon as you determine your moving date, you should contact moving truck company to make a reservation. We recommend at least a month in advance, but the more time between your reservation and the actual moving date, the better. Booking early means a higher chance of getting the right size truck for the job, and it can save you a few bucks too.
It’s rare, but it happens – just like with a car. Keep your rental company’s emergency contact number with you whenever you’re driving the truck, and give them a call if there’s any trouble. Each rental truck provider has their own protocol to help you handle this sort of situation, so be sure to ask your agent about their towing and replacement policy.
This also depends on the rental company, but many moving truck providers request a minimum of two days (48 hours) notice for any cancellations. Some companies will require a cancellation fee, so make sure you read the fine print when you’re making your booking.
The minimum age depends on the company. Some will allow you to rent a truck at 18, and some locations have a firm 25+ policy.
Take a look at this table for more details:
| Moving Company | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| U-Haul | 18 Years Old, Valid Driver’s License |
| Budget | 24 Years Old or Older (Most States) |
| Penske | 18 Years Old, Valid Driver’s License |
| Enterprise | Some Locations Have a Firm 25+ Policy |
| Ryder | 18 Years Old, 2 Forms of ID |
A rental truck can cost you from $125 to $5200, and sometimes more. It’s a huge window, but for a reason: Your final price will depend on the size of your truck, and how far you’re moving. You’ll also have to pay for any extras like packing supplies and insurance.
A DIY move can be difficult, but rewarding – especially when you’re trying to save every penny. Fortunately, the right truck can help you save big and move easy.
Now that you’ve seen our list of the best truck rental companies (and how to pick the right choice for the job), it’s time to get booking and get started with your move! Get in touch with the companies on our list to shop around for quotes, and don’t forget to check back in with Moving Feedback for more tips and tricks to make moving day even easier.
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.