Comparing Major Moving Truck Rental Agencies

If you're planning a DIY move unless you're just starting out and pack all your stuff in the trunk of your car, you're likely to need a truck or van to help you get the job done. If you're moving a house, it's unlikely that even getting your friend with a pick-up truck to swing by will be enough; that's when you need to work with a company that rents moving trailers and trucks.

While your town may have local moving companies that will complete your move for you, full-service moves are often expensive. Unless you're moving a significant number of possessions, they're rarely economical. A DIY move - renting the truck, getting friends and relatives to help you pack up and load a truck, then driving to your new location where you unpack all over again - is usually the most economical option for getting your move done. Renting a truck can be a cost-effective solution, especially if you're willing to handle the packing and driving yourself.

In general, it's best to work with a nationally known moving truck company. These companies have fleets of trucks that are (hopefully) in good repair. Their reputation protects you to a certain degree, and you can be fairly sure that if you need to put a deposit down on a truck, it'll be there the day you need it. There are several major companies you can choose from in most communities. While getting a quote online is always the best way to find accurate pricing, these numbers and details will help you get started.

Choosing the Right Moving Truck Rental Company

Before you navigate the ocean of available moving trucks, it's crucial to know how to choose the one that fits you best. It isn't only a matter of expense; the key is to match your individual needs with the offerings of each company. For example, if your journey is cross-country, aim for a provider that grants unlimited mileage. If you're transporting a collection of fragile items, select a company equipped with supplementary moving gear such as dollies and padded blankets.

Now, how did we narrow down the top companies? We looked at a variety of factors, from customer reviews to the range of services offered. We also considered the availability of trucks and the geographic reach of each company. But we didn't stop there. We dug deeper to find out about the age of their fleets, because let's face it, no one wants a truck that breaks down mid-move. We even looked at the fine print, like insurance options and additional fees that might sneak up on you.

So, as you read through our comparisons, keep your own checklist in mind. What are your non-negotiables? What can you compromise on? And most importantly, what will give you peace of mind on moving day? Remember, the best choice for you might not be the biggest company, but the one that fits like a glove with your specific moving needs.

U-Haul

U-Haul is certainly the best-known player in the DIY move game. U-Haul is one of the largest and most recognizable companies with locations across the United States and Canada. It is known for offering some of the most affordable truck rental prices in the counry. The company offers a range of products and services, including truck and trailer rentals, storage solutions, packing supplies, making it a one-stop-shop for people moving locally and across the state lines. Some basics about their services and products:

More size options than any of the competitors
Truck sizes include 10, 15, 17, 20, 24 and 26 feet
Cargo vans and pickups are also available. For smaller moves or transporting specific items, a cargo van might be a more suitable option.
Carry moving supplies and boxes
Cargo, utility, and car trailers are available
U-Box containers are an option

While truck and van options are familiar to most people, container shipping is new to many movers. The U-Box option allows movers to pack up the belongings in a storage container which is then moved to their new location on the date they choose.

Another advantage of the company is that there is typically always a location nearby where you can pick up or drop off your moving truck. That is one of the reasons it is a popular choice for a local move.This means spending less for the mileage you'll need just picking up or returning your truck for local moves. U-Haul also offers several different protection plans that are appropriate for different trips and types of transportation.

One downside of U-Haul is that because they're so big, service is unlikely to be particularly individualized. There are also so many options for moving truck sizes that it's easy to feel overwhelmed.

Penske

Penske offers high-quality truck rental and leasing services to businesses and individuals in the United States and Canada. The company operates a fleet of over 325,000 trucks, and provides a wide range of services that include full-service truck leasing, contract maintenance, and logistics solutions.

Penske trucks are much smaller than U-Haul, but are partnered with Home Depot to give their customers more options in delivery locations. Penske tends to be more expensive than U-Haul and Budget, but they carry newer vehicles in their fleet.

Truck sizes include 12, 16, 22, and 26 feet
Usually best prices for out of state moves
Unlimited mileage for long distance moves
Fewer renting locations than competitors
Newer trucks. Penske truck rental is a solid option if you're looking for newer, well-maintained vehicles for your move.
Towing equipment includes a car carrier

Penske also offers a variety of insurance plans that are based on your travel needs; again, it's best to discuss with your specific representative what would be most appropriate for your situation.

Enterprise

Most people know that Enterprise rents cars, but fewer people are aware of their moving truck division. Enterprise truck rental offers a wide range of commercial trucks, including cargo vans, box trucks, and stake bed trucks. The company has a reputation for exceptional customer service, competitive pricing, and location across the United States.

Not available for long distance moves; local moves only
Trucks include 15, 16, 24, and 26 feet sizes
Low mileage rates for in town moves
Not many locations to rent or drop off a truck
Higher per mile rates than competitors
Cargo vans and pickup trucks are also available

Enterprise is generally considered to be more expensive than the other three rental agencies. That said, Enterprise is primarily useful for businesses or people who are moving to a fairly close location; rental agreements stipulate that moving trucks must be returned to the same location as they were rented from. For many larger companies, the truck can be returned to any authorized dealer. Still, customer satisfaction with the company is very high, so if you're moving around town, or picking up a new piece of furniture from a company that doesn't do the delivery, Enterprise may be just what you're looking for.

Budget

Much like Enterprise, customers are familiar with renting cars from Budget, but may not have heard that they can rent moving vehicles. Budget is a budget-friendly truck rental option for a local move, with competitive pricing and flexible rental options. Budget offers a wide range of trucks, including cargo vans and box trucks. And like U-haul, they also provide additional equipment such as hand trucks, moving blankets, and dollies to assist with your move.

Budget is also one of the budget-friendly options in the industry, with competitive pricing and flexible rental options. With over 1,700 locations nationwide, Budget makes it easy for customers to find a nearby rental location. The company offers one-way truck rentals, which allow customers to drop off their rental truck at a different location than where it was picked up.

Trucks include 10, 16, and 24 feet options. If you're moving a large number of items, a box truck could be the ideal choice due to its spacious cargo area.
Low costs for local moves
Low rates for one-way truck rentals
Sell moving boxes and packing materials
Low mileage rates

Budget's overall operation is a lot smaller than U-Haul, which may make finding a local dealer a challenge; customer experience also seems to vary from dealer to dealer. This may mean that it's particularly important to get information and recommendations from local Budget users before making a decision.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Moving Truck

The price of renting a moving truck depends on a few things such as the truck's size, the distance you'll be travelling, and the truck rental company. Based on a one-way rental of a 10-foot moving truck for a one-day rental, below are a few price choices from the above-mentioned truck rental companies:

U-Haul: The cost for a one-way rental starts at around $19.95, plus additional fees for mileage and insurance. Depending on the distance of the move and other factors such as insurance and gas, the total cost could range from $60 to $200 or more.

Penske: The cost for a one-way truck rental starts at around $80 to $100, plus additional fees for mileage and insurance. The total cost could range from $100 to $300 or more, depending on the distance of the move.

Budget Truck Rental: The cost for a one-way rental starts at around $70 to $80, plus extra for mileage and insurance. The total cost could range from $100 to $300 or more depending on the distance traveled.

Additional Equipment

U-Haul, Budget, and Penske all offer equipment for rent, such as dollies and moving blankets.

Enterprise does not offer additional equipment.

The Best Moving Truck Rental Company

There is no clear choice which rental truck agency is the best moving option, it all depends on your circumstances and financials. U-Haul is a good choice for those on a tight budget, while Penske is ideal for those who want more flexibility and newer vehicles. Budget is a good option for those who need a large or medium box trucks for a local move, and Enterprise is known for its excellent customer service and high-quality vehicles. As you can see, all four truck rental agencies have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best moving choice will depend on your specific needs and preferences. When it comes to truck companies, it's crucial to consider not just the cost but also the reliability and customer service.

With so many moving company options out there, it's not surprising that customers can get overwhelmed by their choices. Many websites offer guesses of how much truck space you need - for example, they might say that a one-bedroom apartment needs a particular size of truck, but if you find that you have either way too much truck or nothing like enough for your needs, there's really nothing you can do on the day of your move to change your mind.

While you can make reservations with each of these companies online, it's a good idea to speak to your local dealer to make sure the truck you want will be in stock on the appropriate day, and that all of your questions are answered before you put down a deposit. Here is an extra tip for you; regardless of truck size, rental trucks are not considered commercial vehicles, therefore you do not need a special license to drive one.

Myths and Misconceptions About Moving Truck Rental Companies

All Moving Truck Companies Offer Similar Insurance Plans

Contrary to popular belief, insurance offerings can vary significantly between companies. For instance, some may offer more comprehensive plans covering both the truck and your belongings, while others might only cover the vehicle. According to a study by the American Moving & Storage Association, only 20% of DIY movers fully understand the insurance options available to them.

Unlimited Mileage Always Comes Standard

Many people assume that unlimited mileage is a standard feature across all rental companies. However, some companies only offer this for long-distance moves. A survey found that 35% of customers ended up paying additional fees due to misunderstanding mileage policies.

Newer Trucks Are Always More Expensive to Rent

It's a common misconception that newer trucks are always more expensive. Companies like Penske, known for having newer fleets, often have competitive pricing. Data from Consumer Reports shows that newer trucks are not only more fuel-efficient but can also be cost-effective in the long run due to fewer mechanical issues.

Local Companies Are Always Cheaper Than National Ones

While local companies might offer lower base prices, they often lack the range of services and equipment that national companies provide. A report by the Better Business Bureau indicated that 40% of complaints about moving truck rentals were related to unexpected fees from local companies.

Booking Online Guarantees Truck Availability

Many assume that booking online guarantees the truck will be available on the moving day. However, overbooking is a common issue in the industry. According to a J.D. Power study, 22% of customers faced availability issues despite having a reservation, leading to delays and increased costs.

Unique Insights and Practical Money Saving Tips

1. Leverage Off-Peak Seasons for Better Rates: Rental rates can fluctuate based on the season. According to industry data, rates are generally lower during the fall and winter months.

2. Check for Partnership Discounts: Some companies have partnerships with organizations that offer member discounts. For example, Penske ruck has a partnership with AAA that provides discounts to its members.

3. Consider Fuel Efficiency: The fuel efficiency of the truck can significantly impact your overall moving costs. Trucks with better miles-per-gallon (MPG) ratings can save you money in the long run.

4. Inspect the Truck Thoroughly Before Signing: Always inspect the truck for any existing damage before signing the rental agreement. Take photos as evidence to avoid any disputes later.

5. Understand the Cancellation Policy: Each company has its own cancellation policy. Some may offer a full refund if you cancel within a certain period, while others might charge a fee.

If you need an assistance with loading or unloading of your rental truck, browse through the links below to find an affordable moving labor in your state.