Renting a truck is straightforward, but you need to know the size you want, where to pick it up, and what documents to bring
Moving a truck starts with deciding what size you need and where to rent it. The most common rental companies are U-Haul, Penske, Home Depot, and Budget, though local moving companies often rent trucks too. You can reserve online or by phone, and most places let you pick up the same day if you book early enough. You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance — either your personal auto policy or the rental company's coverage, which you can buy at pickup.
The rental period is usually 24 hours from pickup time, and you pay by the day plus mileage or a flat rate depending on the company. Fuel is your responsibility — you pick up the truck full and return it full, or you pay for what you used. Before you drive off the lot, the rental agent will walk you through the truck's features, show you where the spare tire and jack are, and point out any existing damage on the contract. Take photos of the truck's condition before leaving, because you will be charged for new damage when you return it.
Key Takeaways
- Reserve your truck size based on what you are moving — a 10-foot truck holds a one-bedroom apartment, a 20-foot truck holds a three-bedroom house.
- Bring your driver's license, a credit card, and proof of insurance to the rental counter, or have those details ready if you reserved online.
- You are responsible for fuel and any damage beyond normal wear, so photograph the truck before you leave the lot and after you return it.
- Driving a truck requires wider turns, longer stopping distance, and awareness of height clearances — practice in an empty parking lot if you have never driven one.
- Return the truck on time and with a full tank, because late fees and fuel charges add up quickly.
Choosing the right truck size for what you are moving
Truck sizes are measured in feet of cargo space, and the size you need depends on how much furniture and boxes you have. A 10-foot truck is the smallest standard rental and holds the contents of a one-bedroom apartment or a small house — roughly 4,000 to 5,000 pounds. A 15-foot truck holds a two-bedroom apartment. A 20-foot truck holds a three-bedroom house. A 26-foot truck is the largest most rental companies offer and holds a four-bedroom house or more.
If you are unsure, most rental companies let you describe what you are moving and they will recommend a size. You can also use their online calculators — you enter the number of rooms and furniture pieces, and it suggests a truck. Renting a truck that is too small means multiple trips or leaving things behind. Renting one that is too large costs more money for space you do not use. When in doubt, go one size up rather than down, because the difference in price is usually $10 to $20 per day.
What to bring and what to know before pickup
You need three things at the rental counter: a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance. Your personal auto insurance may cover rental trucks, but you have to call your insurance company and ask — do not assume it does. If your policy does not cover rentals, the rental company will sell you their coverage at pickup, usually $15 to $30 per day. Some credit cards also cover rental trucks, so check your card's benefits before you go.
The rental agent will show you the truck's controls, where the spare tire and jack are stored, how to operate the lift gate if there is one, and how to find cargo with tie-downs. They will also walk through the damage inspection with you — they will point out any dents, scratches, or stains on the truck's exterior and interior, and mark them on the contract. This is your protection: if damage is already documented, you will not be charged for it when you return the truck. Take your own photos or video of the truck's condition before you leave the lot, because disputes over damage happen often.
Operating the truck safely on the road
Driving a rental truck is different from driving a car because the truck is longer, taller, and heavier. You need more space to turn — the rear wheels do not follow the same path as the front wheels, so you have to swing wider around corners. You need more distance to stop, especially if the truck is fully loaded. You have less visibility out the back and sides, so check your mirrors constantly. If you have never driven a truck, spend 15 minutes in an empty parking lot practicing turns and backing up before you hit the road.
Pay attention to height clearances, especially if you are driving under bridges, through parking garages, or into a driveway. The rental company will tell you the truck's height — write it down and keep it visible. Many trucks are 12 to 13 feet tall, and a clearance of 12 feet 6 inches means you will hit it. Drive slowly in unfamiliar areas, and if you are not sure about a clearance, get out and measure it or find another route. Hitting a bridge or overhang will cost you thousands in damage charges.
Load your cargo so the weight is distributed evenly and nothing shifts during transit. Heavy items go on the bottom and toward the front of the truck bed. find everything with tie-downs or rope so it does not slide around when you brake or turn. If you are moving furniture, protect it with blankets or pads so it does not get damaged, and protect the truck's walls and floor so you do not get charged for damage.
Returning the truck and avoiding extra charges
Return the truck on the date and time you reserved it. Most rental companies charge by the day, and returning it even one hour late triggers a full-day charge. If you need the truck longer, call the rental company and extend your reservation before the due date — extending ahead of time is cheaper than paying a late fee. Bring the truck back with a full tank of fuel. If you return it empty, the company will fill it and charge you their fuel price, which is usually higher than what you would pay at a gas station.
Before you return the truck, unload all your belongings and sweep out the cargo area. The rental company will inspect the truck for damage, and they will charge you for anything beyond normal wear — dents, scratches, stains, broken equipment, or missing items. If you documented the truck's condition with photos when you picked it up, you have proof of what damage was already there. Keep your rental receipt and any photos you took, because if you are charged for damage you did not cause, you can dispute it with the rental company or your credit card company.
What to do if the truck breaks down or you have an accident
If the truck breaks down while you are driving it, pull over to a safe location and call the rental company's roadside information number — it is on your rental contract. They will send a mechanic or tow truck to help you. Do not try to fix the truck yourself. If you have an accident, call the police and get a report number, then call the rental company when ready. Take photos of the damage and get contact information from anyone involved. The rental company's insurance will cover the damage if you were not at fault, but you may have to pay a deductible if you were.
If the truck is damaged so badly that you cannot drive it, the rental company will arrange a replacement or a refund depending on the situation. Keep all documentation — the police report, photos, the rental contract, and any communication with the rental company — because you may need it to dispute charges or file an insurance claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a special license to drive a rental truck?
No, a standard driver's license is enough for most rental trucks. Trucks over 26,000 pounds require a commercial driver's license, but rental companies do not rent those to individuals. If you are renting a 26-foot truck or smaller, your regular license is valid.
Can I rent a truck if I am under 25?
Yes, but most rental companies charge an extra fee for drivers under 25, usually $15 to $25 per day. Some companies have a minimum age of 18, others 21. Call ahead to confirm the company's age policy and the additional cost.
What happens if I return the truck dirty?
The rental company will charge you a cleaning fee, usually $50 to $150 depending on how dirty it is. Sweep out the cargo area and wipe down the interior before you return it to avoid this charge.
Can I rent a truck one way, like from one city to another?
Yes, most major rental companies offer one-way rentals. You pick up the truck in one location and drop it off in another. One-way rentals cost more than round-trip rentals, and the price depends on the distance. Reserve a one-way rental when you book, because the company needs to know where the truck is going.
What if I need to keep the truck longer than I reserved?
Call the rental company and extend your reservation before your due date. Extending ahead of time usually costs less than paying a late fee. If you return the truck late without extending, you will be charged for an extra day or more.