Do Gas Prices Impact Moving Costs?

What to know about fuel before you move

There are many ways to control how much you pay for a move, from choosing a DIY option to limiting how much you take to the new place, but the price of gasoline isn’t something you can change.

Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the impact of fuel costs on a move. Keep reading to learn how moving companies account for fuel prices and how to factor it into your budget.

How different moving services adjust rates for fuel

Transportation is one of many factors that go into moving company rates, so when gas or diesel prices increase, move prices can go up depending on how the company handles fuel costs. Some include fuel in the rate, while others charge a separate fee or expect you to cover it while on the road.

Here’s how it looks with different moving services:

DIY rental truck companies

Driving a rental truck means paying for gas or diesel out of pocket. A rental truck doesn’t get the same gas mileage as a personal vehicle, and that can decrease significantly as the load gets heavier or if you’re towing a vehicle. For example, U-Haul® trucks usually get less than 10 MPG. 

A rental truck fuel calculator can help estimate costs. And keep in mind that most rental companies expect you to return the truck with the same amount of fuel it started with, or you’ll be charged an extra fee, typically at a higher per-gallon rate.

Full-service movers

Companies offering full-service moving typically include fuel charges in the transportation fee, but there may be a separate surcharge. Some providers will increase the cost of your move if diesel prices rise between your reservation time and the moving date. 

It’s important to review your contract to understand how the company handles fuel costs and avoid unpleasant surprises on the final bill.

Self-moving with U-Pack

U-Pack® is a self-moving service where you save money by packing, loading and unloading. We deliver the equipment and transport your things to the new home. Our prices include fuel, and there are no extra mileage-based fees. 

One of the best features of U-Pack is that reserved moving prices will not go up, as long as you don’t change the moving details, even if fuel costs do.  

Learn more about U-Pack pricing.

Gas cost comparison for a long-distance move

Let’s examine how rising gas prices can impact an example move for a 3-bedroom home from Las Vegas, NV, to Atlanta, GA, in June 2026, using each company’s recommended equipment. 

• U-Pack: $4,901 
  The price included 17’ in a moving trailer, delivery, transportation and standard liability coverage. Taxes do not apply. There are no additional fuel costs.
• U-Haul: $7,258 ($6,440 rental fee + $818* for fuel) 
  The base price included a 26’ truck, environmental fee, damage coverage, roadside assistance and taxes.

*Based on AAA’s average gas price of $4.09 per gallon at the time of posting for 2,000 miles using the estimated 10 MPG for the truck listed on U-Haul’s website.

What happens if gas prices increase before the move?

Let’s say that by the time the move happens, gas is $4.50 per gallon. That would make U-Haul’s estimated fuel costs $900, bringing the total to $7,340.

The reserved move with U-Pack would remain $4,901, because we do not increase the rate on booked moves.

Is it possible to reduce fuel costs for a move?

For long-distance moves, your best bet is to choose a mover like U-Pack, where the price is set at the time of reservation. As long as the moving details don’t change, you won’t pay more for the move, even if fuel prices increase.

If you’re making a local or in-state move in a rental truck, follow these tips to watch your spending:

• Avoid driving aggressively, which wastes gas.
• Choose the shortest route.
• Don’t overload the trucks because heavier equipment is less fuel-efficient.
• Fill up at the cheapest gas stations and/or use rebates or fuel savings apps.

Ready to book your long-distance move with no extra fuel surcharges? 

Don’t wait! Get your free, no obligation U-Pack quote online or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant. Our prices are all-inclusive, meaning you won’t be surprised by extra fuel fees after the move. 

Once you reserve your move — with no deposit required — your price won’t change as long as your moving details stay the same, even if fuel prices increase. If you have questions, let us know in the comments. We’re here to help! 

U-Haul is a registered trademark of U-Haul International, Inc. Use of third-party trademarks or registered trademarks does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by such third party.