Introduction
When it comes to moving, renting a U-Haul truck is a popular choice for many people. However, one of the biggest concerns people have is how much it will cost them per day. In this guide, we will break down the U-Haul cost per day and provide helpful tips to save you money on your next move.
Factors That Affect U-Haul Cost Per Day
Before we dive into the numbers, it’s important to understand the factors that can affect the overall cost of renting a U-Haul truck per day. These factors include:
- Truck size
- Distance traveled
- Time of year
- Duration of rental
- Additional equipment rental (e.g. dollies, blankets)
Keep these factors in mind as we explore the cost breakdown of renting a U-Haul truck.
U-Haul Truck Sizes and Prices
U-Haul offers a variety of truck sizes to accommodate different moving needs. Here are the current prices for each truck size as of 2021:
- 10 ft. truck: $19.95 per day
- 15 ft. truck: $29.95 per day
- 17 ft. truck: $29.95 per day
- 20 ft. truck: $39.95 per day
- 26 ft. truck: $39.95 per day
Keep in mind that these prices are for local moves and do not include additional charges for mileage or fuel. We will explore these charges in more detail in the next section.
Additional Charges: Mileage and Fuel
When you rent a U-Haul truck, you will be charged for both mileage and fuel. The mileage charge is based on the distance traveled and can range from $0.59 to $0.99 per mile, depending on the truck size and time of year. The fuel charge is based on how much fuel is used during your rental period.
To give you an idea of how much these charges can add up, let’s look at an example. Say you rent a 15 ft. truck for one day and travel a total of 50 miles. The mileage charge would be $0.79 per mile, adding up to $39.50. The fuel charge would depend on how much gas you used, but let’s say it comes out to $20. In total, you would be paying $89.95 ($29.95 for the truck rental, $39.50 for mileage, and $20 for fuel).
It’s important to note that these charges can vary depending on the time of year and demand. During peak moving season (typically between May and September), you may see higher charges for mileage and fuel.
Duration of Rental
The longer you rent a U-Haul truck, the more it will cost you per day. U-Haul offers daily, weekly, and monthly rental options. Here are the current prices for each rental period:
- Daily: See truck size prices above
- Weekly: 20% discount on daily rate
- Monthly: 40% discount on daily rate
If you plan on renting a U-Haul truck for an extended period of time, it may be worth considering the weekly or monthly rental options to save some money.
Add-On Equipment Rental
U-Haul also offers a variety of add-on equipment rentals to make your move easier. These rentals include dollies, furniture pads, and hand trucks. Here are the current prices for each rental:
- Dolly: $7 per day
- Furniture pads: $5 per day
- Hand truck: $7 per day
Keep in mind that these prices are in addition to the truck rental and mileage/fuel charges. If you need multiple add-on rentals, it may be worth considering a moving company that includes these items in their overall price.
Tips to Save Money on U-Haul Rentals
Now that we’ve covered the cost breakdown of U-Haul rentals, here are some tips to help you save money:
- Book early: U-Haul often offers discounts for early bookings.
- Use discounts: Check for discounts through AAA, military, or student programs.
- Choose a weekday: Weekends tend to be more expensive than weekdays.
- Keep it local: The farther you travel, the more expensive your rental will be.
- Return on time: Late returns can result in additional charges.
Conclusion
Renting a U-Haul truck can be a cost-effective option for your next move. However, it’s important to understand the factors that can affect the overall cost and to take advantage of available discounts and promotions. By following these tips and doing your research, you can save money and make your move a success.