What You Need To Know Before Renting A U-Haul Truck Or Trailer (2024)

Table of Contents

  • What Types of Trucks and Trailers Does U-Haul Offer?
  • Who Can Rent a U-Haul Truck or Trailer?
  • Cost to Rent a U-Haul or Trailer
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Need to transport items from Point A to Point B? Renting a U-Haul truck or trailer is one of the most budget-friendly ways to move. With a variety of truck and trailer options as well as locations throughout the country, using U-Haul is also convenient. However, it may not always be the right choice due to age restrictions, hidden fees and confusing price quotes.

Before booking with U-Haul, it’s best to get a clear understanding of the baseline price, mileage costs, drop-off details and more so that you can make the best decision.

Founded in 1945, U-Haul is a well-established truck and trailer rental company. Not only is U-Haul one of the most cost-effective DIY moving methods, but the daily rentals are also helpful for non-moving tasks—such as transporting a large piece of furniture.

Using a U-Haul trailer is the most budget-friendly approach because you will not be charged for mileage. For bigger jobs, U-Haul trucks are available in sizes up to 26 feet long, which is big enough to move items from an average four-bedroom home. With U-Haul trucks, you can even add on a U-Haul Auto Transport trailer.

Although U-Haul is known primarily for truck and trailer rentals that can help with DIY moves, that’s not all they offer. Additional products and services include:

  • Help booking moving labor through a third-party partner
  • U-Box moving containers that you can pack and U-Haul will move to a new location
  • Self-storage
  • Trailer hitch installation
  • Moving supplies

However, truck or trailer rentals are U-Haul’s biggest claim to fame. It is important to be clear about the policies, prices and procedures before renting a U-Haul truck or trailer. For example, the company policy regarding late fees isn’t forgiving—if you don’t return a truck by the scheduled time, you may be charged for a full additional day.

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What Types of Trucks and Trailers Does U-Haul Offer?

U-Haul Cargo Trailers

Enclosed cargo trailers are ideal for protecting your belongings from the elements while you move. If you are making a local move and are willing to make several trips back and forth, U-Haul cargo trailers are a great option because you aren’t charged for mileage.

  • 4’ x 8’ cargo trailer
  • 5’ x 8’ cargo trailer
  • 6’ x 12’ cargo trailer

U-Haul Utility Trailers

With open tops, utility trailers are easy to load and great for home improvement projects. They are only available for in-town use through U-Haul.

  • 4’ x 7’ utility trailer
  • 5’ x 8’ utility trailer
  • 5’ x 9’ utility trailer with ramp
  • 6’ x 12’ utility trailer
  • 6’ x 12’ utility trailer with ramp

U-Haul Trucks

U-Haul has a large selection of trucks available for in-town or long-distance moves. Pick-up trucks and cargo trucks are only authorized for in-town use.

  • Pick-up truck
  • Cargo truck
  • 10’ truck
  • 15’ truck
  • 17’ truck
  • 20’ truck
  • 26’ truck

Who Can Rent a U-Haul Truck or Trailer?

There are relatively few restrictions on who can rent a U-Haul truck or trailer: All renters must have government-issued driver’s licenses and must be able to provide two forms of “meaningful assurance,” which is used for identity verification. This can include a relative’s information, passport, lease agreement or employment verification. There are also age minimums to rent with U-Haul: You must be 16 years old to rent a trailer and 18 to rent a truck.

Because U-Haul trucks are not considered commercial vehicles, you do not need a special driver’s license.

Cost to Rent a U-Haul or Trailer

There is not a very straightforward or transparent way to determine the pricing for U-Haul, at least through the website. The best way to get a clear cost to rent a U-Haul truck or trailer is to provide you with information on the company’s website and get a personalized quote. For in-town moves, you can also call your local U-Haul store and inquire about availability and pricing.

One price U-Haul is clear about online? The least expensive U-Haul moving option is $14.95 for a one-day trailer rental for an in-town move. Because you won’t be charged for mileage with trailer rentals, you can be pretty certain about the budget. Remember, though, you will need an appropriate trailer hitch installed on your vehicle to tow a trailer. If you don’t yet have a trailer hitch, U-Haul can install one—although the average cost for this is upwards of $100.

Truck rentals start at $19.95, but you are certain to pay more after you add in the cost-per-mile fee, which is $0.99 for local moves or about $1.75 for long-distance moves. The baseline price to rent a U-Haul truck or trailer for a long-distance move is higher. That is because with a long-distance move, you can return the equipment to another U-Haul location.

If you rent a truck, the cost-per-mile isn’t all that you need to factor in: U-Haul trucks get notoriously poor gas mileage, which means you’ll need to dig deeper into your pocket at the pump than you’re likely used to paying.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What should I pack first in my U-Haul?

Using U-Haul for a DIY move is a great option—but you’ll want to be strategic with loading the truck or trailer. U-Haul suggests loading the heaviest items first and ensuring they are stable on the floor. Light items can be loaded later toward the top of the truck, just be sure to secure everything with rope as items may shift in transit.

What do I need to know about driving a U-Haul?

If you aren’t used to pulling a trailer or driving a truck, you’ll want to prime yourself before getting behind the wheel. U-Haul suggests being extra cautious with curves, adverse weather and hills. Also, be sure to anticipate your stops ahead of time to give the truck or trailer the space to stop. U-Haul trucks are also taller than standard vehicles, so you will need to be cautious to ensure you have enough overhead clearance in tighter spaces.

What can you not use a U-Haul for?

U-Haul cannot be used to transport “hazardous materials, corrosives, explosives or flammables.” This goes beyond some obvious culprits; you may not be able to use U-Haul to move opened cleaning supplies, propane tanks or gas cans.

Does it matter who drives the U-Haul?

Friends or family members with active driver’s licenses may drive the truck or pull the trailer. However, the person on the rental agreement is the one responsible in the case of an accident or damage.

What You Need To Know Before Renting A U-Haul Truck Or Trailer (2024)

FAQs

What You Need To Know Before Renting A U-Haul Truck Or Trailer? ›

The requirements for renting a U-Haul include a valid driver's license and a credit or debit card to make a reservation online (some locations might take a cash payment). It's possible to pay for a truck and let someone else drive it, but the person who signs the contract is responsible for any damage to the vehicle.

How much of a hold does U-Haul put on your credit card? ›

No deposit is required if paying by major credit card or debit card with a major credit card logo. However, if paying by cash, Customer is responsible for the following deposits at the time of rental: In-Town© Rental of a U-Haul Vehicle: $100.00 or estimated rental charges, whichever is greater.

What is the longest you can keep a U-Haul? ›

Our extended days/miles rental option allows you to reserve the 8' Pickup truck or cargo van up to 90 days. If you're a small business owner who needs to make use of this option more frequently, consider signing up for a corporate account to receive the lowest rates.

How much does a U-Haul cost per mile locally? ›

In-Town Rental Cost Breakdown

Smaller trucks have a lower flat rate and mileage fees. Mileage rates vary based on a number of factors and may change, even daily (rates are lowest Sunday through Thursday). But in general, average mileage fees are between $.59 and $.99 per mile driven.

What is the most efficient way to pack a U-Haul? ›

Build strong rows using furniture and larger items as the base. Stack boxes on top of your rows; heavier boxes should be at the bottom. Load heaviest items like your washer and dryer into the truck first. Fill gaps using furniture pads and/or smaller items to minimize shifting.

Does U-Haul put a hold on your debit card? ›

Credit / Debit Card Hold Times

U-Haul places a hold on your account on all local moves. Once you return your equipment and we have an exact amount to charge your account we use the amount held to collect the total amount due.

What happens if you don't pay U-Haul? ›

Depending on the amount owed U-Haul has several options of collecting money owed. U-Haul has a legal department to press people for money owed for services rendered. That is typically a last resort, U-Haul just wants the money owed them. If you can make arrangements to pay, they will work with you.

What's the longest U-Haul trailer? ›

Our 6x12 enclosed trailers have the capacity to load nearly 2,500 lbs with almost 400 total cubic feet of storage! If combined with our 26' moving truck, you now have the biggest do-it-yourself moving capacity available.

What is the smallest U-Haul you can drive? ›

Our 10ft Mini Mover® (the smallest truck you can also tow your car behind) is used by customers who are moving a studio or 1 bedroom apartment.

What is the longest trailer you can haul? ›

In most states that is determined by weight rather than size. The most common limit is 26,000 pounds in the U.S. That is the total gross weight (truck and trailer). The maximum length for trailers is 53 feet with a few exceptions.

What is the cheapest company to rent a truck from? ›

Cheapest moving truck rental companies in 2024
  • Budget Truck Rental is our top pick for its low rates and lack of mileage fees.
  • U-Haul's availability and truck size options make it our No. 2 choice.
  • Penske is our No. 3 choice, offering unlimited mileage for all rentals.
Aug 19, 2024

Does U-Haul reimburse miles? ›

As a customer, you receive an allowed mileage and a set number of days to complete your move. Allowed days and mileage are calculated to allow you to complete the move with no extra charges. Unused days or mileage are not refunded. Additional days and additional miles are charged at the pre-agreed rate on the contract.

How are U-Haul rates calculated? ›

In-Town move rates include a flat fee for the rental period, plus a per mile charge. One-way move rates are determined by a combination of truck size, point of origin, destination and the date of the move. The price includes an allowed mileage and a set number of days to complete your move.

How do I keep my uhaul from breaking into? ›

Lock It Down

Your best bet for keeping your moving truck safe is to make it difficult to access. Purchase or rent chains and padlocks to secure the rear of the truck so thieves can't get in, or at least not without great effort and noise.

How long does it take to pack a uhaul? ›

Generally, if you know everything you have can fit into a 10′ truck you will only need two hours. For each larger size of truck that you expect to fill it is good to add another hour. Make sure to add the extra time for things like stairs and the distance things need to be carried.

How do you secure a U-haul? ›

Secure your belongings with a variety of locks from U-Haul. We offer all the locks you needed including storage locks, padlocks, truck locks, and disc locks. These U-Haul locks are ideal for securing your moving truck rental, trailer rental or self-storage unit.

How much of a hold is put on a credit card for a rental car? ›

Many US rental car offices place a hold on your credit card when you pick up your rental vehicle. Typically, this amount is equal to your estimated rental charges plus the greater of a fixed-dollar amount or a percentage—normally 15 to 25 percent—of the estimated rental charges.

What is the hold amount on a credit card? ›

A credit card hold is a temporary hold placed on a portion of your credit limit. The reserved amount is set aside for pending transactions. Most authorization holds will go away once the transaction is fully processed.

How long does hold on credit card last? ›

How Long Do Credit Card Holds Last? The hold length can range from one day to 31 calendar days, depending on the industry and transaction type. Vendors can release the hold anytime and should not hold cards longer than necessary. Knowing the maximum hold length is crucial to avoid misuse charges and inform customers.

What is a credit card holding fee? ›

A credit card hold isn't a charge — it's often a temporary merchant authorization that's released after you pay your final bill. However, in some cases, credit card companies may place an administrative hold on your account if you routinely pay late or go over the limit.

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