U-Haul Truck Share lets you rent a truck by the hour, any time of day, without visiting a staffed location

U-Haul Truck Share is a self-service rental model where you reserve a truck through the U-Haul app or website, pick it up from an unstaffed lot using a mobile unlock, and return it the same way. You pay by the hour — typically starting at rates that vary by truck size and your location — and the truck stays available 24 hours a day. You do not need to wait for business hours or speak to a rental agent.

The service operates at select U-Haul locations across the United States. Not every U-Haul branch offers Truck Share; you search for nearby Truck Share locations through the app before booking. The trucks are parked in secured lots with electronic gates, and your phone becomes your key.

Key Takeaways

  • Truck Share rentals are booked and unlocked entirely through the U-Haul mobile app, with no staff interaction required at pickup or return.
  • You pay hourly rates that vary by truck size, location, and demand, and you are charged only for the hours you actually use the truck.
  • Your driver's license, valid payment method, and U-Haul account are required before you can reserve a truck.
  • The truck must be returned to the same lot where you picked it up, and fuel and mileage charges explore beyond what your hourly rate covers.
  • Damage, late fees, and fuel surcharges can add significantly to your final bill, so inspect the truck before leaving the lot and understand the terms before booking.

How to find and book a Truck Share location near you

Open the U-Haul app or visit uhaul.com and search for "Truck Share" in your area. The search will show you which locations near you have Truck Share trucks available. Each location listing shows the truck types available, hourly rates, and current availability. You can filter by truck size — typically ranging from cargo vans to 10-foot or 15-foot trucks — and see real-time inventory.

Once you select a location and truck type, you choose your pickup and return date and time. The app calculates an estimated total based on the hours you reserve. You then confirm your reservation with a valid payment method on file. U-Haul will send you a confirmation with a pickup code and instructions for unlocking the truck at the lot.

What documents and payment you need before you book

You must have a valid U-Haul account to book Truck Share. To create an account, you provide your name, email, phone number, and a valid driver's license. U-Haul verifies your license information before you can reserve a truck.

You also need a valid payment method on file — a credit card or debit card. U-Haul will place a hold on your card at the time of booking to cover the estimated rental cost plus a damage deposit. The hold is released or charged based on your actual usage and the condition of the truck when you return it. Some locations may require a higher deposit for larger trucks or if you have no prior U-Haul rental history.

Hourly rates, mileage, fuel, and other charges

Hourly rates for Truck Share vary by location, truck size, and time of day. A cargo van might start at one rate, while a 15-foot truck costs more per hour. Rates also fluctuate based on demand — peak times (weekends, moving season) typically cost more than off-peak hours. U-Haul shows you the exact hourly rate before you confirm your booking.

Mileage is usually included in your hourly rate up to a certain limit, often around 100 miles per day. Beyond that limit, you pay a per-mile charge. Fuel is your responsibility; you return the truck with the same fuel level as when you picked it up, or you pay U-Haul's fuel surcharge, which is typically higher than the local gas price. Late returns are charged at an additional hourly rate, often at a premium over your original rate.

Damage to the truck — dents, scratches, broken mirrors, interior stains — can result in repair charges deducted from your payment method after you return the truck. U-Haul inspects the truck after each rental and documents any new damage. You have the right to dispute charges if you believe they are incorrect, but the burden is on you to document the truck's condition before you leave the lot.

How to pick up and return a Truck Share truck

At your scheduled pickup time, drive to the Truck Share lot. Use the U-Haul app to unlock the gate (if the lot is gated) and locate your assigned truck. The app will show you the truck's location within the lot and provide the unlock code for the truck itself. Open the truck, inspect it for damage, and take photos of any existing dents, scratches, or interior issues. These photos protect you if U-Haul later tries to charge you for pre-existing damage.

Check the fuel level, odometer reading, and tire condition. The app may prompt you to confirm these details or upload photos. Once you have verified the truck's condition, you can leave the lot. Your rental clock starts at your scheduled pickup time, regardless of when you actually unlock the truck.

To return the truck, drive back to the same lot before your reservation ends. Park in an available space, lock the truck using the app, and exit the lot. The app will confirm your return and calculate your final charges based on actual hours used, mileage, and fuel. You will receive a receipt via email within a few hours. Any damage charges or fuel surcharges will appear on your payment method within 3 to 5 business days.

Damage liability and what happens if you return the truck late

You are responsible for any damage to the truck that occurs during your rental, except for normal wear and tear. U-Haul defines normal wear as minor dirt or dust; anything beyond that — dents, broken lights, interior stains, mechanical damage — is your liability. If you cause damage, U-Haul will charge you for repairs. The amount depends on the severity and can range from under $100 for minor scratches to thousands of dollars for major damage.

If you return the truck after your reservation ends, you are charged an additional hourly rate for each hour (or partial hour) past your return time. This rate is often 1.5 to 2 times your original hourly rate. If you are significantly late — more than a few hours — U-Haul may report the truck as not returned and contact you by phone. Repeated late returns can result in account restrictions or cancellation.

When Truck Share makes sense versus traditional U-Haul rentals

Truck Share is most useful for short, local moves or quick hauling jobs — moving a few items across town, picking up furniture, or a same-day delivery run. The hourly model means you pay only for the time you need, and there is no pressure to return by a specific business-hours important date.

Traditional U-Haul rentals (booked at a staffed location) are better for longer moves, out-of-state trips, or multi-day rentals. Those rentals are priced by the day and often include higher mileage allowances. If you need the truck for 8 hours or more, a daily rental may be cheaper than paying hourly rates. Compare both options in the app before you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a Truck Share truck if I do not have a smartphone?

Truck Share requires the U-Haul mobile app to unlock the truck and complete the rental. If you do not have a smartphone, you cannot use Truck Share. You would need to book a traditional U-Haul rental at a staffed location instead, where an agent can hand you a physical key.

What if I damage the truck and disagree with U-Haul's repair charge?

Document the truck's condition with photos before you leave the lot and keep those photos. If U-Haul charges you for damage you believe was pre-existing, contact U-Haul customer service with your photos and explain the dispute. U-Haul will review your claim, but resolution can take weeks. Disputing charges on your credit card is an option if U-Haul does not refund you within a reasonable time.

Can I extend my rental if I need the truck longer than I booked?

You can extend your rental through the app if the truck is not already reserved by another customer. Open your active reservation and request additional hours. If the extension is approved, the additional hours are added to your bill at the current hourly rate. If the truck is already booked, you must return it on time and book a different truck if one is available.

Do I need to buy insurance for a Truck Share rental?

U-Haul's standard rental agreement holds you liable for damage. You can purchase U-Haul's damage waiver at booking, which covers most accidental damage for an additional fee. Check whether your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental trucks; some policies do, which may make the waiver unnecessary. Review the terms before you book.

What happens if the truck breaks down during my rental?

Contact U-Haul roadside information through the app or the number on your rental confirmation. U-Haul will dispatch a tow truck or send a replacement vehicle if available. You are not charged for the breakdown or tow, but you are responsible for any delay in returning the truck on time. If the delay is significant, explain the situation to U-Haul; they may waive late fees in cases of mechanical failure.