U-Haul Truck Sizes Prices List: Your Comprehensive Guide to a Seamless Move

U-Haul Truck Sizes Prices List: Your Comprehensive Guide to a Seamless Move cars.truckstrend.com

Moving can be one of life’s most stressful events, but with the right planning and resources, it doesn’t have to be. At the heart of most DIY moves is the rental truck, and for many, U-Haul is the go-to provider. Understanding the "U-Haul Truck Sizes Prices List" is not just about knowing how much you’ll pay; it’s about strategic planning, optimizing your move, and ensuring you get the best value for your money.

This comprehensive guide will demystify U-Haul’s diverse fleet, break down their pricing models, and equip you with the knowledge to select the perfect truck for your specific needs, whether you’re relocating across town or across the country. From compact cargo vans to expansive 26-foot behemoths, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision and embark on a smooth, cost-effective move.

U-Haul Truck Sizes Prices List: Your Comprehensive Guide to a Seamless Move

Understanding U-Haul’s Rental Model: Local vs. One-Way

Before diving into specific truck sizes and prices, it’s crucial to grasp U-Haul’s fundamental rental distinctions: local and one-way. This difference significantly impacts pricing and availability.

• Local Rentals: These are for moves where you pick up and drop off the truck at the same U-Haul location, typically within a specific mileage radius (e.g., within the same city or metropolitan area). Local rentals are priced with a flat daily rate plus a per-mile charge. This model is ideal for short-distance moves, errands, or transporting large items you don’t own.
• One-Way Rentals: Designed for long-distance moves, one-way rentals allow you to pick up a truck at one U-Haul location and drop it off at a different location, often hundreds or thousands of miles away. The pricing for one-way rentals is typically a fixed rate for the entire rental period and specific route, often including a set number of days and unlimited mileage for that particular journey. Factors like origin, destination, time of year, and demand heavily influence these rates.

U-Haul Truck Sizes: A Detailed Overview

U-Haul offers a diverse range of trucks and vehicles, each designed to accommodate different moving needs. Choosing the right size is paramount to avoid multiple trips (and thus higher mileage costs for local rentals) or paying for unused space.

1. Pickup Truck:

   • Ideal For: Small loads, DIY projects, hauling gardening supplies, quick trips to the dump, or moving a few large pieces of furniture.
   • Capacity: Open bed, approximately 76 cubic feet.
   • Features: 2-seater, automatic transmission, good fuel economy for light loads.
   • Notes: Primarily for local use; not typically available for one-way rentals.

2. Cargo Van:

   • Ideal For: Studio apartments, small 1-bedroom apartments, dorm room moves, local deliveries, or transporting appliances and large furniture items.
   • Capacity: Approximately 245 cubic feet.
   • Features: Enclosed cargo area, easy to drive and park (similar to a large SUV), 2-seater, automatic transmission.
   • Notes: A popular choice for city dwellers due to its maneuverability.

3. 10′ Truck:

   • Ideal For: Studio or 1-bedroom apartments. Can typically hold a queen-size bed, a sofa, a dresser, and several boxes.
   • Capacity: Approximately 402 cubic feet.
   • Features: Easiest U-Haul truck to drive, often fits in a standard parking space, 2-seater, automatic transmission, good visibility. Does not come with a loading ramp.
   • Notes: A great entry-level truck for those new to driving larger vehicles.

4. 15′ Truck:

   • Ideal For: 1 to 2-bedroom homes or larger apartments. Can accommodate 2-3 rooms of furniture.
   • Capacity: Approximately 764 cubic feet.
   • Features: Comes with an integrated loading ramp, low deck for easier loading, AC, seating for 3, automatic transmission.
   • Notes: This is one of U-Haul’s most popular rental options due to its versatility and included ramp.

5. 17′ Truck:

   • Ideal For: 2 to 3-bedroom homes or larger apartments. A step up from the 15′ for slightly more extensive moves.
   • Capacity: Approximately 865 cubic feet.
   • Features: Integrated loading ramp, low deck, AC, seating for 3, automatic transmission.
   • Notes: Offers more cubic feet than the 15′ without a significant increase in overall length, making it a good choice for those needing a bit more space.

6. 20′ Truck:

   • Ideal For: 3 to 4-bedroom homes. Ideal for families moving a moderate to large amount of belongings.
   • Capacity: Approximately 1,016 cubic feet.
   • Features: Integrated loading ramp, spacious cab with seating for 3, AC, automatic transmission.
   • Notes: A workhorse for family moves, providing ample space for furniture and boxes.

7. 26′ Truck:

   • Ideal For: 4+ bedroom homes, large office moves, or multi-generational households. U-Haul’s largest truck.
   • Capacity: Approximately 1,345 cubic feet.
   • Features: Integrated loading ramp, spacious cab with seating for 3, AC, automatic transmission, can tow a vehicle or trailer.
   • Notes: Best suited for very large moves. Ensure you are comfortable driving a vehicle of this size, especially in urban environments.

U-Haul Truck Prices: What to Expect and Budget For

Pricing is dynamic and varies significantly based on numerous factors. The figures provided in the table below are estimates and serve as a general guide. Always get a direct quote from U-Haul for your specific dates and locations.

Local Rental Pricing Structure:

For local rentals, the pricing typically follows a "daily rate + mileage" model.

• Daily Rate: A flat fee charged for each day you have the truck. This can range from $19.95 for smaller vehicles to $39.95 for larger trucks.
• Per-Mile Charge: An additional fee for every mile driven. This typically ranges from $0.79 to $1.29 per mile, varying by location.

One-Way Rental Pricing Structure:

One-way rentals are priced as a flat rate for the entire journey, which includes a set number of days and typically unlimited mileage for that specific route.

• Base Rate: This rate is highly variable, influenced by:
  • Origin and Destination: Popular routes or areas with high demand (e.g., moving to Florida in winter) can be more expensive.
  • Time of Year: Summer months (May-August), especially weekends and the end of the month, are peak moving seasons, leading to higher prices.
  • Availability: Limited truck availability in a specific area can drive up costs.
  • Demand Imbalance: U-Haul needs to balance its fleet. If too many trucks are moving from City A to City B, the price to move from A to B might be lower (or vice-versa) to encourage movement in a certain direction.

Additional Costs to Consider:

Beyond the base rental fee, several other charges can add to your total U-Haul cost:

• Fuel: You are typically required to return the truck with the same fuel level as when you picked it up. Factor in fuel costs, as larger trucks are not fuel-efficient.
• Environmental Fee: A small, non-negotiable fee added to most rentals.
• Sales Tax: Applied to the total rental cost based on local regulations.
• Damage Coverage/Insurance: While optional, highly recommended. U-Haul offers various plans like Safemove® and Safemove Plus® that cover damage to the truck, your cargo, and medical/life insurance. Your personal auto insurance may not cover rental trucks.
• Equipment Rentals: Dollies (utility, appliance), moving blankets, furniture pads, tie-downs, and hand trucks are essential for a smooth move but are rented separately.
• Late Return Fees: Returning the truck past your agreed-upon time can incur additional daily charges.
• Cleaning Fees: If the truck is returned excessively dirty, you may be charged a cleaning fee.
• Cancellation Fees: Cancelling too close to your pickup time might incur a small fee.

U-Haul Truck Sizes and Estimated Prices List

The following table provides estimated daily rates for local rentals (excluding mileage) and a broad range for one-way base rates. These are approximate values and can change frequently.

Truck Size	Ideal For	Approx. Cubic Feet	Local Rental (Est. Daily Rate)	One-Way Rental (Est. Base Rate Range)	Key Features / Notes	Est. Fuel Economy (MPG)
Pickup Truck	Small loads, DIY projects	N/A (Open Bed)	$19.95	Not Available (Local Only)	2-seater, open bed, good for quick trips, small items.	15-20
Cargo Van	Studio/Small 1-BR Apt, Deliveries	245 cu. ft.	$19.95	$100 – $350+	Enclosed, easy to drive, 2-seater, good for city moves, small furniture.	15-18
10′ Truck	Studio/1-BR Apt	402 cu. ft.	$29.95	$200 – $700+	Easiest truck to drive, fits in most parking spaces, no ramp.	10-12
15′ Truck	1-2 BR Home/Apt	764 cu. ft.	$29.95	$300 – $900+	Integrated ramp, low deck, AC, seats 3, popular for mid-size moves.	8-10
17′ Truck	2-3 BR Home/Apt	865 cu. ft.	$29.95	$400 – $1100+	Same features as 15′, slightly more capacity, good for slightly larger homes.	8-10
20′ Truck	3-4 BR Home/Apt	1016 cu. ft.	$39.95	$500 – $1300+	Integrated ramp, spacious, seats 3, often preferred for larger family moves.	6-10
26′ Truck	4+ BR Home/Apt, Large Office	1345 cu. ft.	$39.95	$600 – $1600+	Largest truck, integrated ramp, can tow, seats 3, best for very large moves.	6-8

Note on Pricing Variability: The "Est. Daily Rate" for local rentals is the base rate; mileage charges (typically $0.79-$1.29/mile) are added on top. "Est. Base Rate Range" for one-way rentals is highly dependent on demand, location, and time of year. Always get a direct quote from U-Haul for accurate pricing for your specific move. Fuel economy estimates are highly variable based on load, driving conditions, and driving style.

Choosing the Right U-Haul Truck: Practical Advice

Selecting the correct truck size is the most critical decision to ensure an efficient and cost-effective move.

1. Assess Your Belongings: Walk through your home and make a mental (or actual) inventory of all furniture, appliances, and boxes. Don’t forget garage items, outdoor furniture, and attic/basement contents.
2. Use U-Haul’s Estimator: U-Haul’s website has a "Truck Size Helper" tool where you input the number of rooms you’re moving, and it suggests an appropriate truck size. This is an excellent starting point.
3. When in Doubt, Go Slightly Larger: It’s almost always better to have a little too much space than not enough. An extra trip due to insufficient space will cost you more in time, fuel, and mileage fees (for local rentals) than the slight price difference for the next size up.
4. Consider Towing Needs: If you plan to tow a car or a trailer with your U-Haul truck, ensure the truck size you select (typically 15′ or larger) is capable of towing and that you rent the appropriate towing equipment (auto transport or tow dolly).
5. Think About Driving Comfort: While larger trucks offer more space, they can be more challenging to maneuver, especially for inexperienced drivers or in urban areas with tight turns and limited parking. Balance your space needs with your comfort level.

Booking Your U-Haul Truck & Maximizing Value

1. Book in Advance: Especially during peak moving seasons (summer, end of the month, holidays), trucks can be in high demand. Booking several weeks or even months ahead will ensure availability and potentially better rates.
2. Compare Pickup/Drop-off Locations: Sometimes, picking up or dropping off at a U-Haul neighborhood dealer a few miles away from your preferred location can result in significant savings, especially for one-way rentals.
3. Pack Smart: Efficient packing can maximize space. Disassemble furniture, pack boxes uniformly, and utilize all available space within the truck.
4. Understand Insurance Options: While not mandatory, damage coverage can save you from significant financial liability if an accident occurs. Review your personal auto insurance policy to see what, if anything, it covers for rental trucks before making a decision.
5. Return Fuel Level: Always return the truck with the same fuel level as when you picked it up to avoid being charged U-Haul’s potentially higher per-gallon rate.
6. Inspect the Truck: Before driving off, thoroughly inspect the truck for any existing damage (scratches, dents, tire condition) and ensure it’s noted on your rental agreement. Take photos or videos as proof.
7. Read the Rental Agreement: Understand the terms and conditions, including mileage limits (for local), return times, and any potential fees.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do U-Haul local and one-way rentals differ in pricing?
A1: Local rentals are priced daily + per-mile. One-way rentals are a fixed rate for the duration/route, often with unlimited mileage for that specific trip.

Q2: Are U-Haul prices negotiable?
A2: Generally, no. Prices are set based on supply, demand, location, and time of year. However, you can compare quotes for different pickup/drop-off locations or dates to find a better deal.

Q3: What’s included in the base price?
A3: The base price covers the rental of the truck itself for the agreed-upon duration and mileage (if applicable). It does not include fuel, insurance, environmental fees, or additional equipment.

Q4: Do I need to refill the gas?
A4: Yes, you are required to return the truck with the same fuel level as when you picked it up. Failure to do so will result in a refueling charge at U-Haul’s rate, which is often higher than market price.

Q5: What insurance options does U-Haul offer?
A5: U-Haul offers "Safemove" and "Safemove Plus" plans. Safemove covers accidental damage to the rental equipment and your cargo. Safemove Plus adds medical/life coverage and supplemental liability.

Q6: Can I tow my car with a U-Haul truck?
A6: Yes, U-Haul’s 15′, 17′, 20′, and 26′ trucks are capable of towing. You’ll need to rent an auto transport trailer (for all four wheels off the ground) or a tow dolly (for two wheels off the ground) separately.

Q7: What if I need the truck longer than planned?
A7: Contact U-Haul immediately. They may be able to extend your rental, but additional charges will apply based on the daily rate. Late returns without prior arrangement can incur significant penalties.

Q8: What should I do before returning the truck?
A8: Refill the gas to the appropriate level, remove all your belongings, clean out any trash or debris, and ensure the truck is parked in the designated U-Haul return area.

Conclusion

Navigating the U-Haul Truck Sizes Prices List is a crucial step in orchestrating a successful and stress-free move. By understanding the nuances of local versus one-way rentals, diligently assessing your space requirements, and accounting for all potential costs beyond the base rate, you empower yourself to make informed decisions. Remember that planning ahead, comparing options, and packing efficiently are your greatest allies in maximizing value and ensuring a smooth transition to your new home. With this guide in hand, you’re well-equipped to tackle your next move with confidence.