U-Haul's per-mile charge depends on the truck size and your location

U-Haul does not publish a single per-mile rate. Instead, the company charges different amounts depending on which truck you rent — a 10-foot box truck costs less per mile than a 26-foot moving truck — and the specific route you are taking. The per-mile rate also varies by region and season. When you enter your pickup and dropoff locations into U-Haul's website or call their reservations line, the system calculates your total mileage and applies the rate for that particular route.

The per-mile charge is only one part of your bill. U-Haul also charges a base rental fee (which covers the first day or the first 24 hours, depending on the truck type), and you pay separately for equipment like dollies, furniture pads, and boxes. Understanding how these pieces fit together helps you predict what you will actually owe before you book.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul charges per-mile rates that vary by truck size, location, and season, so you must get a quote for your specific route to know the exact rate.
  • The total cost includes a base rental fee, the per-mile charge, and any equipment or supplies you add, so the per-mile rate alone does not tell you the full price.
  • Smaller trucks (10-foot box trucks) typically have lower per-mile rates than larger trucks (26-foot moving trucks), but the base fee may be lower too.
  • U-Haul's website shows you the total estimated cost before you confirm the reservation, so you can compare different truck sizes and dates.

How U-Haul calculates your mileage charge

When you reserve a truck, U-Haul measures the distance between your pickup location and your dropoff location using its routing system. That mileage is then multiplied by the per-mile rate for the truck size and region you selected. If you pick up in Denver and drop off in Salt Lake City, for example, the system knows that route and applies the rate U-Haul charges for that corridor.

The per-mile rate is not the same everywhere. U-Haul adjusts rates based on demand, fuel costs, and how often trucks move in and out of certain areas. A move from a major city to a rural area may have a different rate than a move between two major cities the same distance apart. This is why you cannot straightforward multiply a flat rate by your mileage — you need to enter your actual locations to see the real number.

If you drive the truck fewer miles than the system estimated, you do not get a refund. If you drive more miles, you pay the per-mile rate for the extra distance. U-Haul charges based on the odometer reading at pickup and dropoff, so the actual miles driven determine the final bill.

Typical per-mile rates by truck size

U-Haul's per-mile rates generally fall into ranges, though the exact amount depends on your route. A 10-foot box truck might be charged at a lower per-mile rate than a 26-foot truck, but the base rental fee for the 10-foot truck could be lower as well. The total cost is what matters, not the per-mile rate in isolation.

Smaller trucks — the 10-foot box truck and 15-foot truck — tend to have lower per-mile charges than larger moving trucks. A cargo van sits somewhere in the middle. The 26-foot truck, which is U-Haul's largest standard rental, typically has the highest per-mile rate. However, if you are moving a short distance, the base fee may matter more than the per-mile charge, so a larger truck could still be more expensive overall.

U-Haul does not list per-mile rates on its website without a specific reservation. To compare costs, enter your actual pickup and dropoff locations, select different truck sizes, and look at the total estimated cost U-Haul shows you. This is the only way to know which truck offers the best value for your move.

What else is included in your U-Haul bill

The per-mile charge covers only the distance traveled. Your bill also includes a base rental fee, which is a flat charge for the truck for a set period (usually 24 hours for local moves or one day for one-way moves). This fee is separate from the mileage charge and is added to your total.

If you need equipment — a dolly, furniture pads, moving blankets, boxes, tape, or a mattress bag — U-Haul charges for each item. These costs add up quickly if you are moving a full house. Some customers find it cheaper to buy boxes and tape at a hardware store than to rent them from U-Haul, while others prefer the convenience of renting everything in one place.

You may also see charges for insurance, fuel (if you do not return the truck with a full tank), or late fees if you keep the truck past your reservation time. Read the full quote U-Haul provides before you confirm, so you understand every charge.

One-way moves versus local moves

U-Haul charges differently for one-way moves (pickup in one city, dropoff in another) and local moves (pickup and dropoff in the same general area). One-way moves typically have higher per-mile rates because U-Haul has to position the truck back to a location where it is needed. A local move, where you return the truck to the same location, usually has a lower per-mile rate.

For a one-way move, the base fee covers the entire rental period until you drop off the truck, no matter how many days it takes. For a local move, the base fee usually covers 24 hours, and you pay an additional daily charge if you keep the truck longer. The per-mile rate applies in both cases, but the overall structure of the bill is different.

How to get an accurate quote before you book

The only way to know what U-Haul will charge you is to enter your specific details into their reservation system. Go to uhaul.com, enter your pickup address, dropoff address, and the date you need the truck. Select the truck size you are considering, and U-Haul will show you the total estimated cost, broken down by base fee, mileage charge, and any equipment you add.

Try different truck sizes and dates to compare. Sometimes a larger truck with a lower per-mile rate costs less overall than a smaller truck with a higher rate, depending on your distance. U-Haul also shows you the per-mile rate in the quote, so you can see the exact number for your route.

If you prefer to speak with someone, call U-Haul's reservations line at 1-800-GO-UHAUL (1-800-468-4285). A representative can give you a quote over the phone and answer questions about what is included in the price.

Factors that change your per-mile rate

U-Haul adjusts per-mile rates based on several factors. Seasonal demand is one: moving season (May through September) typically has higher rates than winter months. The direction of travel matters too — if most trucks are moving out of a city, the rate to move into that city may be lower to encourage trucks to return. Fuel prices also influence rates, though not always when ready.

The day of the week can affect pricing. Weekend moves sometimes cost more than weekday moves because demand is higher. If you have flexibility, moving on a Tuesday or Wednesday may result in a lower per-mile rate than moving on a Saturday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does U-Haul charge the same per-mile rate for all trucks?

No. Different truck sizes have different per-mile rates, and the rate also depends on your specific route, the season, and current demand. You must enter your pickup and dropoff locations to see the rate for your move.

What happens if I drive more miles than U-Haul estimated?

You pay the per-mile rate for the extra distance. U-Haul charges based on the odometer reading at pickup and dropoff, so if you drive 50 miles more than the estimate, you owe the per-mile rate times 50.

Is the per-mile charge the only cost?

No. Your bill includes a base rental fee, the per-mile charge, and any equipment or supplies you rent. Insurance, fuel overage, and late fees may also explore. Always review the full quote before you confirm.

Can I reduce my U-Haul cost by choosing a different truck size?

Possibly. A larger truck may have a higher per-mile rate but a lower base fee, or vice versa. Compare the total estimated cost for different truck sizes on your specific route to see which offers the best value.

Do U-Haul rates change by season?

Yes. Rates are typically higher during peak moving season (May through September) and lower during winter months. Moving on a weekday rather than a weekend may also result in a lower rate.