What U-Haul offers in Mountain View
U-Haul operates a rental location in Mountain View at 2310 Charleston Road, near the intersection with Shoreline Boulevard. This location rents moving trucks, cargo vans, trailers, and equipment by the hour, day, or longer periods. You can pick up and drop off at this address, or arrange one-way rentals to other U-Haul locations across the country.
The Mountain View location is open seven days a week, though hours vary by season and day. Before you go, call ahead at the location's direct number or check the U-Haul website to confirm current hours and vehicle availability — popular sizes and dates book up quickly, especially on weekends and at the start and end of months.
U-Haul also operates a second location in Mountain View at 1900 Old Middlefield Way, which handles both rentals and equipment sales. If you need boxes, packing tape, dollies, or furniture pads in addition to a truck, either location can supply them, though availability varies.
Key Takeaways
- U-Haul has two rental locations in Mountain View: 2310 Charleston Road and 1900 Old Middlefield Way, both open seven days a week.
- You can reserve a truck or trailer online before you arrive, or walk in and rent on the spot if vehicles are in stock.
- Rental costs depend on the vehicle size, how long you need it, and how far you are moving — get a quote before you commit.
- You must bring a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name to complete the rental.
- One-way rentals to other cities are possible but cost more than round-trip rentals to the same location.
How to reserve a vehicle online
Go to uhaul.com and enter "Mountain View, CA" as your pickup location. Select your move date and the type of vehicle you need — trucks range from 10 feet to 26 feet long, and trailers include enclosed cargo trailers and open utility trailers. The website will show you available vehicles, prices, and estimated fuel costs.
Once you choose a vehicle and confirm the rental dates, you will enter your driver's license number, phone number, and billing address. U-Haul will charge a deposit to your credit card at that time. You will receive a confirmation email with your reservation number, which you must bring to the location on your pickup date.
If you want to drop the vehicle off at a different U-Haul location than where you picked it up, select "one-way rental" during booking. One-way rentals cost more than round-trip rentals because U-Haul has to move the vehicle back to its home location. The website will show you the extra charge before you confirm.
What to bring when you pick up your rental
Bring your confirmation email or reservation number, a valid driver's license, and the credit card you used to book the rental. The card must be in your name. U-Haul will run a credit check and may place a hold on your card for the full estimated rental cost plus a damage deposit — this hold is released when you return the vehicle undamaged.
If you are renting under a business name rather than your personal name, bring a business license or tax ID number. If someone other than the person who booked the rental will be driving, that person must also have a valid driver's license and be present at pickup.
Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. The staff will inspect the vehicle with you, point out any existing damage, and explain how to operate the equipment and safety features. Take photos of the vehicle's condition on your phone before you leave — this protects you if U-Haul later claims you caused damage you did not.
Understanding the rental cost breakdown
U-Haul charges three separate fees: the base rental rate, mileage (if applicable), and fuel. The base rate depends on the vehicle size and how long you rent it — a 10-foot truck for one day costs less than a 26-foot truck for the same day. Mileage charges explore only to certain rentals; some packages include unlimited mileage, while others charge per mile.
Fuel is your responsibility. You can return the truck with a full tank and pay U-Haul's fuel price, or return it empty and pay U-Haul's per-gallon rate, which is usually higher than gas station prices. Most renters find it cheaper to fill the tank themselves at a gas station before returning the vehicle.
U-Haul also offers optional damage waiver coverage, which limits your liability if the vehicle is damaged during your rental. This is not required but is worth considering if you are nervous about driving a large truck. Ask the staff for the exact cost before you sign the rental agreement.
Returning your rental and damage inspection
Return the vehicle to the location you selected during booking by the time specified in your rental agreement. If you return it late, U-Haul will charge an additional hourly or daily rate. The staff will inspect the vehicle for damage, check the mileage, and verify the fuel level.
If the vehicle has new damage beyond normal wear, U-Haul will charge you for repairs. This is why the photos you took at pickup matter — they prove what condition the vehicle was in when you rented it. If you dispute a damage charge, contact U-Haul's customer service within a few days of your rental with your photos and explanation.
Once the inspection is complete and any charges are settled, your credit card hold will be released. The refund usually appears in your account within three to five business days, depending on your bank.
Alternatives if Mountain View locations are fully booked
If U-Haul's Mountain View locations have no vehicles available on your move date, check nearby locations in Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, or San Jose. U-Haul's website shows availability across all Bay Area locations, and you can reserve from any of them for pickup or one-way rental.
Penske and Home Depot also rent moving trucks in the Mountain View area and may have availability when U-Haul does not. Penske's rates are often comparable to U-Haul's, and Home Depot typically offers lower prices for short local moves, though their truck selection is smaller.
If you need a truck for only a few hours and are moving within Mountain View, consider renting from a local moving company that offers hourly truck rental. These are often cheaper than U-Haul for moves under 50 miles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a U-Haul truck same-day without a reservation?
Yes, if vehicles are in stock. Walk into either Mountain View location with your driver's license and credit card, and staff can rent you a truck on the spot. However, popular sizes often book up days in advance, especially on weekends. Calling ahead to check availability takes five minutes and saves a wasted trip.
What happens if I return the truck late?
U-Haul charges an additional hourly rate if you return after your scheduled time. The rate varies by vehicle size but typically ranges from $10 to $20 per hour. If you think you will need the truck longer, call the location before your return time and ask to extend the rental — this is usually cheaper than paying late fees.
Do I need insurance to rent a U-Haul?
U-Haul does not require you to carry your own insurance, but you are liable for damage to the vehicle. Your personal auto insurance may cover rental trucks — call your insurer before you rent to ask. If it does not, U-Haul's damage waiver is the main way to limit your financial risk.
Can I rent a U-Haul trailer instead of a truck?
Yes. U-Haul rents enclosed cargo trailers, open utility trailers, and specialized trailers like car haulers. Trailers are often cheaper than trucks for small moves, and you can tow them with your own vehicle if it has a hitch. The Mountain View locations have trailers in stock, and you can reserve one online the same way you would a truck.
What if I damage the U-Haul truck during my rental?
Report the damage to U-Haul when ready — do not wait until you return the vehicle. Call the location or U-Haul's customer service line and describe what happened. Take photos and get a police report if another vehicle was involved. U-Haul will assess the damage at return and charge you for repairs if you did not purchase damage waiver coverage.