U-Haul charges per mile, but the rate depends on the truck size, the distance, and whether you book during peak season

U-Haul does not publish a single per-mile rate on its website. Instead, the company quotes a total rental price that includes a base daily rate plus mileage charges. The mileage portion varies: a 10-foot truck might cost less per mile than a 20-foot truck, and rates shift based on demand, the time of year, and how far you are traveling. When you enter your pickup and drop-off locations into U-Haul's website or call their reservations line at 1-800-468-4285, the quote you receive reflects all these factors combined into one price.

The reason U-Haul does not advertise a flat per-mile rate is that the actual cost per mile changes depending on truck size and current demand. A one-way rental from one state to another will have different per-mile economics than a local move. Understanding how the pricing works helps you spot whether a quote is reasonable and whether a different truck size or rental period might save money.

Key Takeaways

  • U-Haul combines a daily base rate and per-mile charges into a single quote; the per-mile portion is not shown separately on the website.
  • Smaller trucks (10-foot) typically have lower per-mile rates than larger trucks (20-foot or 26-foot), but the daily base rate is also lower.
  • Peak season (May through September) and weekend rentals usually increase both the daily rate and the per-mile cost.
  • One-way rentals often have higher per-mile rates than round-trip rentals because U-Haul must position the truck back to a busy location.
  • The total mileage charge depends on the actual distance driven, not the straight-line distance between your two addresses.

How the per-mile charge is calculated

When you reserve a U-Haul truck, the company calculates the distance between your pickup and drop-off locations using its routing system. That distance is then multiplied by the per-mile rate for the specific truck size you chose. The per-mile rate is not fixed; it changes based on demand and season. During summer months or on weekends, the per-mile rate tends to be higher. During slower periods, it may be lower.

The total rental cost you see is the sum of the daily rate (usually for one day, though longer rentals may have different daily rates) plus the mileage charge. If you rent a truck for multiple days, you pay the daily rate for each day, plus mileage for every mile driven. This is why a long-distance move can have a mileage charge that exceeds the daily rate.

Truck size and how it affects per-mile cost

U-Haul offers several truck sizes: 10-foot, 15-foot, 20-foot, and 26-foot, plus specialty vehicles. Smaller trucks have lower per-mile rates than larger ones. A 10-foot truck might have a per-mile rate of around $0.50 to $1.00 per mile (these are estimates; actual rates vary by location and date), while a 26-foot truck could be $1.50 to $2.50 per mile or higher. The larger truck uses more fuel and is more expensive to operate, so U-Haul charges more per mile to rent it.

However, a smaller truck also has a lower daily base rate. If you are moving a short distance, the daily rate may be the larger portion of your bill, and the truck size matters less. If you are moving 500 miles or more, the per-mile charges will dominate, and choosing the smallest truck that fits your belongings can save significantly.

One-way versus round-trip rental rates

U-Haul charges different per-mile rates for one-way and round-trip rentals. A one-way rental (pickup in one city, drop-off in another) typically has a higher per-mile rate because U-Haul must pay to move the truck back to a high-demand location or reposition it to balance its fleet. A round-trip rental (pickup and drop-off at the same location) has a lower per-mile rate because the truck returns to where it started.

If you are moving from a rural area to a major city, a one-way rental may be your only option, and the per-mile cost will reflect that imbalance. If you are moving between two major cities, U-Haul may offer competitive one-way rates because demand is high in both directions. Always compare one-way and round-trip quotes if both are possible for your move.

Seasonal and weekend pricing

U-Haul uses dynamic pricing, meaning rates change based on demand. From May through September, when most people move, per-mile rates are higher. Weekends are busier than weekdays, so a Friday-to-Monday rental will cost more per mile than a Tuesday-to-Wednesday rental for the same distance. Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July) see the highest rates.

If your move is flexible, shifting it to a weekday or to October through April can lower your per-mile cost. A move in January or February, for example, will have significantly lower per-mile rates than the same move in July. The difference can be 20 to 40 percent or more, depending on your location and truck size.

What the mileage charge does and does not include

The per-mile charge covers the distance you drive the truck. It does not include fuel; you pay for gas separately at the pump. It does not include insurance, damage waivers, or equipment rentals (dollies, furniture pads, blankets). Those are add-ons quoted separately when you make your reservation.

The mileage is based on the odometer reading when you pick up the truck and when you return it. If you take a detour or drive extra miles, you pay for those miles. U-Haul does not charge for miles driven to the rental location before you pick up the truck, only from pickup to drop-off.

How to find the actual per-mile rate for your move

The only way to see the per-mile portion of your quote is to enter your specific pickup location, drop-off location, truck size, and rental dates into U-Haul's website or call 1-800-468-4285. The website will show you a total price. To estimate the per-mile charge, subtract the daily rate from the total and divide by the number of miles. This gives you a rough per-mile figure for that specific quote.

If you want to compare rates across different truck sizes or dates, get quotes for each scenario. Write down the total price, the daily rate (usually shown separately), and the distance. Then you can calculate the per-mile cost for each option and decide which truck size and timing make sense for your budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does U-Haul charge for miles I drive before picking up the truck?

No. The mileage charge starts when you pick up the truck and ends when you return it. Miles driven to reach the rental location are not charged. The odometer reading at pickup and drop-off determines your billable mileage.

Can I reduce my per-mile cost by choosing a smaller truck?

Yes, if the smaller truck fits your belongings. Smaller trucks have lower per-mile rates. However, if you need two trips or have to rent a larger truck anyway, the savings disappear. Calculate the total cost for each truck size before deciding.

Why is my one-way quote so much higher per mile than a round-trip quote?

U-Haul charges more per mile for one-way rentals because the truck must be repositioned back to a busy location. If you are moving from a low-demand area to a high-demand area, the imbalance is even steeper. Round-trip rentals have lower per-mile rates because the truck returns to its starting point.

Do I pay for mileage if I return the truck early?

You pay only for the miles you actually drive. If you return the truck early, you are charged for fewer miles (and possibly a lower daily rate, depending on U-Haul's policy at that time). The per-mile charge is based on actual odometer readings, not estimated distance.

What time of year has the lowest per-mile rates?

October through April typically have lower per-mile rates than May through September. January and February are usually the cheapest months to rent. Weekdays are cheaper than weekends year-round. If your move can wait, shifting it to the off-season can save 20 to 40 percent on mileage costs.