How U-Haul^® prices add up

As you compare moving options, you might think at first glance that truck rental is the cheapest. However, the price quoted online isn’t the entire picture. Several expenses aren’t included in that initial rate, and adding those in could put you over budget. Keep reading to learn more about what U-Haul^® rates include and what those extras are, then compare sample moves to help you choose the right service. 

What do U-Haul long distance rates include?

U-Haul one-way quotes show the price for the equipment, mileage and days. Take a closer look at those factors: 

Equipment

Each truck size has a different price, so choosing the right size will have the biggest impact your U-Haul rate. 

Number of days

U-Haul rates include a set number of days you’re able to use the equipment. While they don’t advertise their exact formula for this, the distance between origin and destination is part of the calculation. Some moves between nearby places might be given just one day, while a coast-to-coast move might get up to 10 days. 

It’s important to note that the included days are for drive time along with loading and unloading. Additional days can be purchased prior to the move for $40 per day. 

Mileage

The included number of miles is also based on the distance between the origin and destination. U-Haul builds in a little extra driving distance, so there’s room for a small detour. Remember that the total mileage also includes any trips to and from the rental locations, so choose ones close to home if you’re concerned about going over.

If you need to drive farther, there’s a charge of $0.40 per mile.

Things U-Haul rates don’t include

There are several extra costs to be aware of during a long distance move with U-Haul. Some of these are optional, like moving supplies, but some, like fuel, will factor into every move.

Tow dollies and car trailers

If you have more vehicles than drivers, you might need to tow a car. U-Haul has both trailers and dollies, available for an additional charge. Rates vary based on location and equipment type. 

Cargo or utility trailers

For additional loading space, a trailer can be added to a U-Haul rental, and rates change based on the equipment selected. Read all about U-Haul trailers to learn more. 

Moving supplies

U-Haul offers boxes, moving supplies and three types of dollies (utility, furniture and appliance) for rental or purchase. You can add these when completing an online reservation. 

Loading or unloading help

U-Haul offers moving crews in several markets across the U.S.  The added cost for a crew is based on the number of loaders and the number of hours, and will change by location.

Fuel

Fuel is one of the non-negotiable expenses that will be added to your U-Haul price. And for a long distance move, it can be one of the largest extra costs. Rental trucks don’t get the same gas mileage as a personal car, so fuel use may be higher than what you expect. Learn how gas prices can impact your moving costs. 

Storage

Some U-Haul locations have storage units. Rates are based on the storage space, location and duration of the service.

Damage Protection

While damage protection is elective, it’s recommended. U-Haul offers two levels of coverage for an additional charge. Without it, the person renting the truck would be financially responsible in the event of damage (up to the full value of the truck).

Taxes and fees

The base U-Haul rate doesn’t include taxes (which are based on the local tax percentage) and U-Haul’s $5 environmental fee. 

Suggested Reading: 7 Things You Should Know about U-Haul Before Renting a Truck

U-Haul cost comparison

Take a look at how the factors above play out in more detail. And to get a better look at the overall value of a long distance move, we’ve also included a cost comparison to U-Pack^®. It’s a self-moving option where you pack and load, but don’t have to drive. 

Moving a 2-bedroom home from Atlanta, GA to Phoenix, AZ

For this move, U-Haul quotes a 20’ truck for 6 days and 2,132 miles (the actual distance is 1,846 miles).  Let’s break down some costs:

• The rental truck: $1,157.00
• Fuel (according to the U-Pack rental truck fuel calculator): $739
• Safemove^® Damage Protection: $112
• Utility dolly rental: $10
• Environmental fee: $5
• Atlanta taxes (8.9%) on the truck rental rate: $102.97

Once you add together these costs, the total would be $2,125.97. Even if you don’t add anything optional and only count the truck, fuel, taxes and fees, the total would be $2,003.97, which is almost double the original U-Haul rate.

To compare, take a look at U-Pack. It’s a “you pack, we drive” service, which means you don’t have to drive a moving truck! U-Pack rates include the equipment, transportation, fuel, liability coverage and taxes. 

For this same sample move from Atlanta to Phoenix, U-Pack would be $1,851 for 13 linear feet in a moving trailer (comparable space to the 20’ U-Haul). This means paying less than the overall price of using a U-Haul and not having to drive.

Get a free moving quote from U-Pack online or by calling 888-891-9314888-891-9315 to compare rates for your move. See even more about how U-Pack compares to truck rental with this one-way rental truck information. 

Have questions about U-Haul or U-Pack prices?

Let us know in the comments below. 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.