How to Save Money on Truck Rentals

The biggest cost when moving anywhere is the transportation of your belongings, whether it's with a portable moving and storage container, a full-service moving company, or a reliable rental truck. Knowing how to save on this large expense can make moving less stressful and benefit you in the long run.

In-town moves typically cost anywhere from $50 to $120, depending on the total rental period and .

One-way move price ranges are much wider due to picking up at one location and dropping off at another. Rates for one-way moves are based on the origin and destination of your move, the size of the rental truck you choose, and the rental truck inventory.

Mileage	Average One-Way Price
0 to 200 miles	$202
200 to 500 miles	$444
500 to 1000 miles	$995
1000 to 1500 miles	$1,657
1500 to 2000 miles	$2,190
2000 to 2500 miles	$2,694
2500+ miles	$3,517

Average costs are estimated for the month of September 2025.

Renting the smallest truck possible may seem like the cheapest move to save on a truck rental; however, multiple trips in a smaller moving truck will cost more in gas and time. Whether you are loading and unloading yourself or you are using Moving Help Service Providers, picking the right truck for your move is crucial for saving time and money, as it will snugly fit your belongings.

The next biggest cost when it comes to renting a truck is gas; saving on gas is extremely easy. To save money on gas, prioritize not increasing your speed past 55 miles per hour.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy and MPGforSpeed, going at speeds of 75 miles per hour, for 500 miles at 10 miles to the gallon will cost you an extra $47 on average. Using websites like will also show where the cheapest gas is located, saving you even more money. Also, knowing how many miles per gallon your moving truck gets allows for better planning, saving you time and money.

Best Time to Rent a Moving Truck

Booking during peak seasons and peak days may result in a higher bill with any moving truck. But what are those peaks? End-of-the-month and weekends are the busiest days for rental truck companies. Picking up your rental truck Sunday-Thursday and in the middle of the month will give you the best rental rates.

Renting the Right Brand of Truck

Along with getting the right size of truck, going with the most reliable rental truck at the lowest cost will be a massive money saver.

To and From Destination	U-Haul 26-foot truck	Budget Truck 26-foot truck	Penske 26-foot truck
Los Angeles, Ca (90651) to Phoenix, Az (85012)	$930.40	$1,003.26	$1,072.27

*Quotes were made three months out in November 2025, include only truck reservation and do not include any insurance costs or moving labor assistance.

A moving truck rental from a company with more locations overall will reduce the number of miles traveled. This will reduce mileage costs and make it more convenient when you need to drop your rental truck off.

Company	U-Haul	Budget Truck	Penske	Home Depot
Locations	23,000+	2,600+	2,600+	2,200+*
After Hours Drop Off	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Contactless Mobile Pick Up and Drop Off	Yes, with 24/7 Truck Share	No	No	No

*Not all Home Depot locations have rental trucks.

U-Haul also offers a variety of supporting rental equipment, such as appliance dollies, furniture dollies, and furniture pads. These items are designed to keep your belongings safe during your move and make loading and unloading your belongings easier.

Here are support rental items offered by U-Haul and how they compare to other truck rental companies:

Supporting Rental Equipment	U-Haul	Budget Truck	Penske
Appliance Dolly	In-town - $10, One-Way $15	N/A	N/A
Furniture Dolly	In-town - $7, One-Way $12	N/A	N/A
Utility Dolly	In-town - $7, One-Way $12	$27 per unit	$15-20
Furniture Pad	$5 per half-dozen	$23 per dozen	$15-20

Tips and Tricks

Loading a rental truck properly will also contribute to increased miles per gallon. Keeping 60% of the load towards the front of the truck while also balancing the weight on the left and right axles will level out the vehicle, not stressing individual components, harming gas mileage, and the rental truck.

Moving your car can be another added expense, but towing your car is a cost-effective way to get your vehicle to your new home. Renting reliable vehicle towing equipment with a U-Haul Truck will always come with a combo discount, saving you money on your move.

Another great way to save on a rental truck is to always look for  . U-Haul offers a free month of storage with any one-way truck or trailer rental, and pickup trucks and cargo vans are available for additional days at a special rate.

By choosing the best company, the right truck size, driving efficiently, booking during off-peak times, and taking advantage of discounts, you can save hundreds on your next move. Ready to save on your next move?

 

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