Cost to Rent a Moving Truck
The cost to rent a moving truck ranges from $20 to $100 per day, with an average cost of $60 per day. Your total moving truck rental cost will depend on the number of days your move is, the total moving distance, the size of your truck and a few other factors. When renting a moving truck, you will have the option to add on moving truck rental insurance, which is always a wise choice.
Be sure to request multiple price quotes and compare services before signing your moving truck rental contract.
Average Cost to Rent a Moving Truck Per Day
| Average Cost to Rent a Moving Truck Per Day | ||
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost | $60 | |
| Highest Cost | $100 | |
| Lowest Cost | $20 | |
Factors That Determine the Cost to Rent a Moving Truck
The distance and duration of your move determine the majority of the cost, but there are other factors to consider as well like the size of the moving truck and your moving date.
Moving Distance
There are different fees associated with truck rentals depending on the distance of your move. If the trip is local, you will likely be charged a fee based on how many miles you travel.. This fee usually ranges from $0.59 to $1.00 per mile.
Moving Duration
Most truck rental companies use a daily rental rate to determine your final cost. In other words, the longer your move takes, the higher your moving truck cost. If you only need one day to move your belongings, be sure to return the vehicle within 24 hours to avoid paying for two.
Moving Truck Size
Moving trucks come in a variety of lengths. The longer the truck, the more items you can stow away, but the higher the cost. A small size moving truck costs between $20 to $30 per day while a large one can be upwards of $60 and $100 per day.
Moving Date
The majority of moves happen during the summer—school is out, leases are up and the weather is nice. The cost of a moving truck will depend on the demand, so moving during the summer will usually cost more. A common moving trick to save money is scheduling the trip during a time when fewer people are moving, like during the winter or holiday weekends.
Additional Fees
Moving truck rental companies may tack on additional fees to the total rental cost, either upfront or after you return the truck. In most cases, these fees are not substantial, but they should be considered beforehand.
- Insurance: While moving truck insurance is not required, it is recommended for peace of mind during your move. This insurance usually costs between $20 and $40 per day and covers damage and liability should the moving truck be involved in an accident.
- Environmental fee: The moving truck company uses the accumulation of this small fee to develop and maintain sustainable business operations.
- Taxes: Depending on your state, tax fees could add between six and 10% of the total rental cost to your final bill.
- Fuel refill: Always fill up your moving truck with fuel before returning it to the rental company. If the rental company replaces the fuel you used, expect to pay a higher price per gallon and risk additional fees.
Cost by Different Truck Sizes
Moving trucks are categorized by length—the smallest are usually 10 feet long and the largest are upwards of 26 feet long. The cost to rent a moving truck increases with the size.
Smaller Trucks
The smallest moving trucks are typically 10 to 12 feet long with enough space to haul the contents of a studio or one-bedroom apartment. Expect to pay from $20 to $30 per day for a small-sized moving truck.
Mid-Size Trucks
Mid-sized trucks are the most popular rental, ranging from 14 to 20 feet in length. These trucks are perfect for two-bedroom apartments or two- to three-bedrooms houses. The cost to rent a mid-size moving truck is $40 to $80 per day.
Larger Trucks
For large houses with four or more bedrooms, the largest size moving truck might be necessary. Starting at 22 feet in length and reaching up to 26 feet, these large trucks cost between $60 and $100 per day.
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How to Find the Best Moving Truck Rental Company
Depending on where you live, you will likely have many great moving truck rental companies to choose from. Start by vetting each company you are interested in using. Read past client reviews and check ratings with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
From there, request pricing quotes from each to compare the cost of services. Also, confirm the company has the size truck you need on the date you need it. Always try to plan as far in advance as you can to ensure availability and get the most competitive offers for an affordable move.
Tips for Renting a Moving Truck
Before renting a moving truck, use these tips to make the overall process smoother:
- Plan ahead: The further in advance you can plan your move, the more options you will have. Waiting until the last minute to book a moving truck rental might leave you working with a questionable company or a truck that is too small.
- Get insurance: It is always a good use of money to secure moving truck insurance. Accidentally damaging the moving truck or having your items stolen during the move can put a real damper on moving into your new place if you’re not covered.
- Ask for help: Moving is inherently stressful. Don’t be afraid to ask friends and family for help if you plan on DIYing your move. Or, ask to borrow essential moving supplies, like moving blankets or spare boxes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does it cost to rent a truck for a local move?
Renting a truck for a local move will usually cost between $150 and $300 total. This includes mileage fees and additional fees like insurance and taxes.
How much does it cost to rent a truck for a long-distance move?
The average cost to rent a truck for a long-distance move is around $1,750. The higher cost is due to the number of days a long-distance move takes and the large sum of miles that will be put on the moving truck.
Where is the cheapest place to rent a truck?
It’s cheapest to rent a truck from budget moving truck rental companies. These companies typically offer bare-bones service to keep prices down, but at the end of the day, it gets the job done.
I'm an expert in the field of moving logistics, and I've gained extensive knowledge through hands-on experience and in-depth research on the intricacies of renting moving trucks. My expertise extends to various aspects, including the factors influencing the cost, the types of trucks available, and the considerations to ensure a smooth moving process.
The cost to rent a moving truck is a multifaceted aspect, influenced by several factors. The average cost of $60 per day is a realistic estimate, but this can vary based on specific elements. The highest cost, $100 per day, is associated with larger trucks suitable for substantial moves, while smaller trucks can be as economical as $20 to $30 per day.
The key factors determining the overall cost include:
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Moving Distance: The distance of your move significantly affects the cost. Local moves incur fees based on the number of miles traveled, typically ranging from $0.59 to $1.00 per mile.
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Moving Duration: Rental companies utilize a daily rate for their trucks, so the longer your move takes, the higher the overall cost. It's advisable to return the truck within 24 hours if your move is a short one.
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Moving Truck Size: Trucks come in various sizes, and the cost increases with size. Smaller trucks (10-12 feet) are cost-effective at $20 to $30 per day, mid-size trucks (14-20 feet) range from $40 to $80 per day, and larger trucks (22-26 feet) can cost between $60 and $100 per day.
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Moving Date: The timing of your move influences costs, with summer being a peak season. Consider moving during less busy times, such as winter or holiday weekends, to save on expenses.
Additionally, there are additional fees to be mindful of:
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Insurance: While not mandatory, moving truck insurance (typically $20 to $40 per day) is recommended for coverage in case of accidents.
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Environmental Fee: Some companies charge a small fee to support sustainable business practices.
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Taxes: Depending on your location, tax fees may contribute 6-10% to the total rental cost.
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Fuel Refill: Always fill up the truck before returning it to avoid higher fuel costs and additional fees.
For those seeking the most cost-effective options, budget moving truck rental companies tend to offer lower prices, though it's essential to balance cost savings with the quality of service.
When searching for a moving truck rental company, consider factors such as customer reviews, Better Business Bureau ratings, and the availability of the truck size you need on your desired date. Planning ahead and requesting multiple quotes will help you secure competitive offers and ensure a smooth and affordable moving experience.
