Local truck rentals typically cost between $30 and $100 per day plus mileage fees.
One way long distance rentals usually range from $300 to $2,500 depending on distance and truck size.
Always book at least two weeks in advance to secure the best rates and avoid peak weekend pricing.
Finding a cheap truck rental for moving is rarely about finding the absolute lowest daily rate. It is about avoiding the hidden costs that creep into the final bill like insurance premiums, mileage fees, and fuel surcharges. You might see a base price of $29 per day on a billboard, but that number is just the starting line.
The truth is that moving trucks are priced like airline tickets. Prices fluctuate based on your route, the time of year, and how many other people are trying to move to your destination on the same weekend. If you are moving from a high demand city to a rural area, you will pay a premium because the rental company has to get that truck back to a hub.
Understanding these pricing dynamics is the first step toward saving real money. Most people make the mistake of looking only at the daily rental fee. Instead, you should look at the total cost of ownership for your move, including fuel and the protection plan. You can try our moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate of your total expenses before you book.
How much do rental trucks actually cost?
The base rental rate is only one piece of the puzzle. Local moves operate on a daily rate plus mileage, while long distance moves usually offer a set fee for a specific number of days and miles.
Local rentals are predictable. You pay for the time you have the keys and the miles you drive. If you return the truck late or drive extra miles, the price jumps quickly. Long distance moves are different. The rental company gives you a bundle that covers the distance and a fixed number of days for your trip.
It is helpful to look at how these costs break down across different scenarios. Keep in mind that these numbers can change based on local demand and vehicle availability.
Rental Type
Average Cost Range
Key Pricing Factors
Local Move (Small Truck)
$30 - $70 per day
Daily fee plus per mile charge
Local Move (Large Truck)
$60 - $120 per day
Daily fee plus per mile charge
One Way (Under 500 Miles)
$300 - $800 total
Flat rate includes fixed mileage
One Way (1,000+ Miles)
$1,000 - $2,500 total
Distance, truck size, and season
When you compare these quotes, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Some companies include unlimited miles in their long distance quotes, while others charge for every mile over a set amount. Check the fine print on mileage limits before you finalize your reservation.
Why do moving truck prices change?
Moving industry pricing is almost entirely driven by supply and demand. If you try to book a truck for the last weekend of the month, or the first of the month, you will see much higher rates than a mid week move in the middle of the month. Rental companies know that leases expire and people move on the first, so they adjust their pricing accordingly.
The location also dictates the price. Moving trucks are expensive to relocate. If you are moving to a location where the company has a surplus of trucks, they might offer a discount to move their inventory. If you are moving to a place where they are short on trucks, you will pay a higher price to help them cover the cost of moving the truck back.
Another factor is your age. Some rental companies apply an additional daily surcharge if the primary driver is under 24 years old. This is standard in the rental car industry, and truck rental companies often mirror these policies. It is a detail that often gets missed until you show up at the counter with your credit card.
You should always verify your details before arriving at the rental lot. If you are ever unsure if a moving service is legitimate, you can verify a mover's license to be certain you are working with a reliable provider. Staying informed is the best way to keep your move affordable and stress free.
What should you know about truck insurance?
Insurance is the most common area where costs surprise people. Most personal auto insurance policies do not cover rental moving trucks. If you get into an accident, you are personally liable for the damages to the truck, the equipment, and potentially other property.
Rental companies offer several tiers of protection. At a minimum, they offer a damage waiver that covers the physical truck. Higher tiers include coverage for your personal belongings inside the truck or protection for third party damage. You need to decide if your peace of mind is worth the extra daily expense.
The truth is that the cheapest insurance option is often a gamble you should not take if you are not an experienced truck driver. Driving a 26 foot truck is much different than driving a sedan. You will have a large blind spot, a wider turning radius, and a much longer stopping distance.
Every interstate mover must offer two liability options: Released Value Protection (a free but minimal 60 cents per pound per damaged item) and Full Value Protection (the mover is liable for the item's actual replacement value, usually at extra cost).
While this rule applies specifically to interstate moving companies, many truck rental companies offer similar protection products. Read the terms closely. If you choose the lowest coverage, you are essentially self insuring your goods. If you lose your belongings in a fire or accident, you will only be compensated for a tiny fraction of their value.
How to keep your move cheap
If you want the lowest possible price, flexibility is your best friend. Being able to move on a Tuesday or Wednesday can save you hundreds of dollars compared to a weekend move. If you can pick up the truck in a different part of town or drop it off at a less busy location, you might find cheaper rates.
Do not overlook the total cost of gas and tolls. Large moving trucks get very poor fuel economy. A 20 foot truck might get only 8 to 10 miles per gallon. If you are driving a long distance, the fuel cost can be higher than the actual rental price. Calculate the miles you will drive and use a fuel calculator to estimate this expense before you set your budget.
Lastly, pack your own truck. Most rental companies charge extra for moving supplies like furniture pads, dollies, and hand trucks. Buying these items at a home improvement store or finding them used online is almost always cheaper than renting them from the truck company. If you want to browse more cost guides, we have plenty of resources to help you plan your move from start to finish.
Are one way rentals cheaper than round trip rentals?
One way rentals are generally more expensive because they include a drop off fee that covers the company's cost to return the truck to its original location. Local round trip rentals are cheaper if you stay within a small radius, but they do not work for long distance moves.
Do I need a commercial driver license to rent a moving truck?
No, you do not need a commercial driver license for most consumer moving trucks. Even the largest residential rental trucks are designed to be operated by drivers with a standard passenger vehicle license.
How far in advance should I book my moving truck?
You should book your moving truck at least two to four weeks in advance to ensure you get the size and rate you need. Last minute bookings often result in higher prices and limited availability, especially during peak moving seasons like summer months.
The best way to save money on a move is to plan early and track every expense, from insurance to gas. Do not be afraid to shop around and get quotes from at least three different providers before you commit. Once you have a clear picture of your budget and your route, you can book your truck with confidence and focus on your new home.
