U-haul is best known for its reliable trucks and trailers. U-haul is considered as best option when it comes to moving, but the thing is people are confused about their pricing structures. The most questions are: How much does it cost to rent a U-haul truck? Is it charged by the hour, mile, or day? What about additional fees and money-saving tips? To solve this problem we will discuss the U-haul pricing strategy so that you can make a good choice.
Understanding U-Haul’s Pricing
Rental Duration:
U-haul provides flexibility by offering both hourly and daily rental options. The hourly rental option is good for short, local moves or for quick deliveries, but the hourly rental option is more expensive than the daily rental option. Daily rates are based on a 24-hour period, but late returning a vehicle causes a full-day charge. The daily rental option is best for moving house. You don’t have to worry about the time as in the hourly rental option.
Distance travelled:
The distance you plan to travel plays an important role in U-haul pricing. U-haul charges a mileage fee per mile driven. But this rate varies depending on the size and type of the truck or trailer you rent or by the location. For locals, in-town moves, U-haul offers a flat rate per mile. For one-way rentals, there are a number of free miles, but when these free miles are finished, each additional mile generates extra cost.
Out-of-State Rates:
Distance plays a vital role in the U-haul pricing structure. When you rent a vehicle for out-of-state travel and you leave the rental state, mileage costs increase with the increase of each mile. Typically the cost increases from $0.10 to $0.20 extra per mile.
Does U-Haul Charge Per Hour?
Yes, U-haul provides hourly rental options for trucks and trailers. However, it is important to note that the hourly rental option is costlier than the daily rental options. The hourly rental duration is suitable for short or local moves, and local deliveries, that require only a few hours.
Hourly rates:
Hourly rates for U-haul trucks and trailers vary with the size and type of the vehicle. The minimum hourly rental rate for these vehicles is usually around $20.
When to choose hourly:
The hourly rental option is the best when you’re dealing with a short-distance move, or when there is a task that only requires a few hours of truck usage, and for delivering large items. These shorter rental periods are ideal for situations such as off-season truck rentals.
Does U-Haul Charge By The Mile or By The Day?
U-haul does charge by both the mile and by the day. U-haul daily rental rates are based on the size and type of the truck and trailer and the duration of the rental. U-haul provides a different range of vehicle sizes with different daily rates that cover a 24-hour rental period.
Daily rates:
Daily rates depend upon the size and type. The daily rate for a 6-foot truck is $19.95, for a 10-foot truck is $39.95, and for a 15-foot truck is $59.95, with larger trucks costing more. It is good to choose the right size truck or trailer to optimize your expenses.
Mileage Charges:
Mileage charges apply to one-way rentals. U-haul usually charges around $1 per mile. However, the specific rate varies by the size and the type of the trailer.
How Much Does U-Haul Charge Per Mile Out of State?
If you have to move a U-haul vehicle out of the state, there are slightly higher rates per mile as compared to when you don’t have to move out of the state. There isn’t a separate fee for out-of-state travel but the mileage rates for one-way out-of-state moves usually cost more.
Sample Out-of-State Per-Mile Rates:
There are a few examples to understand the out-of-state pricing structure. A 26-foot truck might cost $1.00 per mile within the state but the cost increases to $1,15 per mile when you cross state borders.
Simply 17-foot truck cost increases by $1.10 per mile when you cross the state borders.
Additional Fees (for long-distance moves):
It is important to be aware of extra fees when planning a long-distance move. These may include a one-way fee if you pick up and drop off at different locations, fuel costs, moving insurance for your belongings in transit, and the option to rent extra accessories such as blankets, dollies, and tape.
Factors Affecting Rental Costs
There are different factors that affect the rental cost of U-haul trailers. We are going to discuss these factors below:
Size of vehicle: The size of the vehicle ( truck and trailer) affects the rental cost. As bigger ones are more expensive to rent than the smaller ones.
Seasonal variations: U-haul rate may vary irregularly during the summer season, as the summer season is the peak moving season.
Insurance & Add-Ons: Optional services and insurance such as blankets, tapes, and dollies can add to your rental expenses. Think about these choices based on your specific needs and budget.
Understanding U-Haul’s Transparent Pricing
U-Haul is dedicated to providing transparent pricing to its customers. U-haul lists all fees on its websites and contracts so that it can help customers estimate the cost accurately.
U-haul also offers online tools, such as online booking and online moving cost estimator, to track the reservation or make changes to reservations online if needed.
Promotions and discounts:
U-haul provides a chance to save through promotions and discounts. These may involve reductions in prices for military members, students, and AAA members. The company also provide savings for longer rental period or when renting multiple trucks.
Conclusion
U-haul’s pricing structure is a mix of hourly, daily, and mileage rates which are affected by the size and type of the vehicle. To make the most cost-effective choice, consider the size of your belongings with the size of your rental vehicle. Understanding U-Haul’s pricing allows for a smooth and budget-friendly move, ensuring a confident and secure transition to your new destination.
