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

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

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.

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.