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What is the cheapest moving truck rental?

Posted By:
Autumnn Google+
9:16 AM

Which moving truck rental company is the cheapest?

If you're planning a local move, you'll normally find that the cheapest moving truck rental options are do-it-yourself companies like U-Haul, Budget and Penske. It's difficult to say which is the cheapest, and that's because prices vary across the country. A lot depends on your location and what size truck you select. But, that's for local, in-state moves. If you're moving out of state, there's a cheap alternative to moving truck rental! U-Pack delivers a moving trailer or container to your home, you load it up, and we drive it to your new home. It's super convenient. And what's even better -- especially if you're looking for a cheap moving option -- is that you only pay for the space you use. That puts you in control of the price of your move. Though truck rental may be the cheaper option for local moves, when you're moving long distance, the U-Pack price and convenience is hard to beat. 

moving truck rental companies


Things to consider about moving truck rental

Most rental trucks get an average of 6-10 miles per gallon. That’s not very “fuel efficient,” is it? If you’re moving 2,000 miles using the current national fuel average of $3.63, you can expect to pay somewhere between $725 and $1,210 just for fuel (depending on the size of the truck). And, keep in mind that if you’re towing a vehicle or driving through the mountains, the fuel economy is even worse.

Try out our Rental Truck Fuel Calculator to see the cost to fuel a moving truck for your move. Just enter in your locations and you’ll see the estimated price. Add that cost of fuel to your rental truck quote (not to mention sales tax and damage protection), and your initial quote has the potential to increase significantly.

It’s also good to remember that when you travel in a rental truck, there are additional expenses not directly associated with the cost of renting the truck; they’re often referred to as “soft costs.” You’ll recognize these things as hotel stays, meals and snacks, highway tolls, etc.

Calculating the cost of a rental truck vs. U-Pack

Let’s think about how all these costs can add up the longer you’re on the road. If you’re towing a vehicle across the country, most rental truck companies recommend that you keep the truck at 55 MPH or under. So, for the same 2,000 mile move, if you drive 12 hours per day at 55 MPH, you can plan on driving about 660 miles per day. At that rate, it should take you three full days to get to your destination.

Now let’s say you let U-Pack do the driving while you drive your own vehicle across the country. If you drive at a rate of 70-75 MPH (the speed limit on most interstates), you should be able to drive 840-900 miles per day, which would put you at your destination in a little over 2 days.

So, even if you think you’ve found the cheapest moving truck rental, the extra costs can add up quickly. And who really wants to spend three days in a rental truck if you can pay a similar price with U-Pack and drive your personal vehicle instead?

Is U-Pack really cheaper than moving truck rental?

For many people, the answer is “Yes!” Did you know that 68% of U-Pack customers considered moving truck rental at first, but ultimately chose U-Pack for its competitive pricing (and the benefit of not having to drive a rental)?

You can check to see if U-Pack is the cheapest moving truck rental for your move by getting a moving quote online, or by calling a U-Pack moving representative at 800-413-4799. Just keep in mind that with U-Pack, you don’t have to pay extra for fuel, taxes, standard liability coverage, OR the driver. Just pay based on the space you need in the moving trailer or the number of ReloCubes you use.

With U-Pack, you’re able to drive yourself in your own vehicle. That means fewer stops for fuel, better handling on curves in the road, and no worrying about your belongings sitting in a hotel parking lot overnight. And what if you’re traveling with kids? Rental trucks just weren’t designed with them in mind.

Go U-Pack!

When you’re moving on a budget, finding the cheapest moving truck rental is a big deal. U-Pack may be the cheapest option for you. If you have any questions or need help finding ways to lower the cost of your move, let us know in the comments section below. We’re happy to help!

More resources for cheap moving truck rental

What is the cheapest way to ship furniture?
How to keep your moving costs low
Moving Cost Calculator
U-Pack vs. U-Haul
U-Pack vs. Budget


Category: Truck Rental