How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Box Truck?
Moving can be complicated, but renting a box truck gives you the freedom to take control of your relocation. Whether you’re heading across town or across the country, a moving truck rental can be a cost-effective way to transport your belongings. But how much does it cost? What truck size do you need? And which company offers the best deal?
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about box truck sizes, costs, pros and cons, and how Poseidon Moving Company can support your move—even if you’re driving the truck yourself.
Box Truck Rental Prices
Cost of renting a box truck varies based on the truck size from 10 to 26 feet, the distance you are moving, how long you keep the truck, and whether the rental is local or one way. Local rentals usually include a base daily rate plus mileage, while long distance rentals are often priced as a package. Fuel, taxes, and optional add on services can still change your total.
Below is a truck rental comparison guide showing typical box truck rental cost ranges across major providers. Use it to estimate how much to rent a box truck, then confirm pricing with your exact pickup city, dates, and truck size since rates can change by season, availability, and location.
Truck Rental Comparison Guide (U-Haul vs Penske vs Budget vs Ryder)
| Move Type | U-Haul (10’–26’) | Penske (12’–26’) | Budget | Enterprise | Ryder |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local (1 day + miles) | $19 – $59 + $0.79/mi | $40 – $90 + $0.79/mi | $30 – $80 + $0.70/mi | $50 – $100 flat | $50 – $100 flat |
| 500-mile move | $500 – $1,200 | $600 – $1,300 | $550 – $1,200 | $700 – $1,400 | $750 – $1,600 |
| 1000+ miles | $1,200 – $2,800 | $1,300 – $3,000 | $1,100 – $2,500 | $1,400 – $3,200 | $1,500 – $3,500 |
| Insurance (optional) | $15 – $40/day | $20 – $60/day | $15 – $50/day | $25 – $55/day | $25 – $65/day |
Note: Costs vary based on season, city, availability, and one-way drop-off locations.
What Size Moving Truck Do I Need? (Box Truck Size Guide)
Choosing the right box truck size is one of the most important parts of planning a DIY move. If the truck is too small, you may need multiple trips or you may not fit everything safely. If the truck is too large, you can end up paying more for the rental and spending more on fuel than you need to.
The chart below is a truck size comparison guide to help you estimate what size moving truck you need based on home size and typical cubic footage. Use it as a starting point, then consider bulky items like sectional sofas, mattresses, appliances, and packed wardrobes since those can increase the space you need even if your home is not large.
| Truck Size | Dimensions (L x W x H) | Cubic Feet | Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10’ Box Truck | 9.5′ x 6.3′ x 6′ | ~402 cu. ft. | 1 BR / Studio | Local apartment moves |
| 15’ Box Truck | 15′ x 7.7′ x 7′ | ~763 cu. ft. | 1–2 Bedrooms | Small homes or condos |
| 20’ Box Truck | 19.5′ x 7.7′ x 7′ | ~1,015 cu. ft. | 2–3 Bedrooms | Full apartments or homes |
| 26’ Box Truck | 26′ x 8′ x 8′ | ~1,700 cu. ft. | 3–5 Bedrooms | Large homes, offices |
💡 Pro Tip: 26 foot trucks are the largest you can drive without a CDL in most states.
Box Truck Rental FAQ
Can I hire someone to drive my U-Haul or rental box truck?
Yes, you can hire someone to drive a rental moving truck, including a box truck. The most important step is making sure the driver is allowed under the rental agreement and meets the rental company’s driver requirements. Many rental companies require the driver to be listed as an authorized driver, not just someone you hand the keys to.
Before move day, confirm who is responsible for tickets, tolls, fuel, late return fees, and any damage. You should also verify that your protection plan or insurance coverage applies to the person driving the truck, not only the primary renter.
Do I need a special license to drive a U-Haul or box truck?
In most cases, you do not need a special license to drive a rental moving truck for a household move. Many common rental box trucks are designed to be driven with a standard driver’s license. License requirements depend on the truck’s weight rating and your state’s rules.
If you are unsure, check the truck’s GVWR listed in the rental paperwork and confirm requirements with your state’s DMV. This is especially important if you plan to tow a vehicle or trailer since towing can change how the combination is classified.
What is typically included in a box truck rental price?
A box truck rental price usually includes the truck for a specific time period and an agreed pricing structure, such as a daily rate plus mileage for local rentals or a packaged quote for one way moves. Taxes and basic fees may apply, and optional items like hand trucks, furniture pads, and protection plans are often extra.
To avoid surprises, confirm what your quote includes for mileage, fuel expectations, after hours drop off, and late return charges. A low base rate can still become expensive if mileage and add ons are not clear.
What fees can increase the total cost of renting a moving truck?
The most common cost increases come from mileage charges, fuel, optional protection plans, equipment rentals, tolls, and taxes. One way rentals may also include location based pricing differences and drop off related fees. If you return the truck late, additional time charges can add up quickly.
A good way to compare providers is to estimate your total mileage, then price the same truck size and the same rental period across quotes. Always read the return policy and refueling rules before you leave the lot.
Is it cheaper to rent a moving truck one way or round trip?
It depends on the distance and how the rental is priced. For a short local move, a round trip rental with a daily rate plus mileage is often the simplest option. For longer distances, a one way rental can be more practical because you do not need to drive the truck back, but the upfront quote may be higher.
To decide, compare the full totals, including mileage, fuel, tolls, and expected rental days. The cheapest option is usually the one that matches your route and timeline without adding extra days or extra miles.
What Is a Box Truck and How Does It Work for Moving?
Box trucks, also called straight trucks or cube vans, are enclosed moving vehicles used to transport household or commercial items. Renting a box truck means you control the timeline and do the driving, then choose whether to load and unload yourself or hire help for the heavy lifting.
Here’s how it works:
1. Reserve a truck: Based on your move date, truck size, and route.
2. Pick up the vehicle: And drive it to your loading location.
3. Load your items: Then drive the truck to your destination.
4. Unload and return: The truck to the designated drop-off point.
Pros of Renting a Moving Truck
✔Control Your Schedule: You’re not tied to mover availability—you decide when to pack, load, and drive.
✔Cost-Effective for Local Moves: Daily rental fees and mileage can be cheaper than hiring movers.
✔Available Nationwide: Easy access to rental locations in nearly every U.S. city.
✔Flexible Truck Sizes: Match the truck to your move size—no paying for unused space.
✔One-Way Rentals: Most providers allow you to return the truck in your destination city.
Cons of Renting a Moving Truck
✗You Drive the Truck: Navigating a 26 foot box truck in traffic is not for everyone.
✗Fuel Costs Add Up: Larger trucks can get just 8–12 MPG, so cross-country moves add fuel expenses.
✗Insurance Is Extra: Most companies charge daily protection fees that can significantly increase your total.
✗No Labor Help: You’re responsible for loading, unloading, and securing everything yourself.
✗Hidden Fees: Mileage fees, environmental fees, and late returns can increase your bill.
Key Box Truck Features to Know Before You Rent
Ramp vs. Liftgate
Ramp: Most common on 10’–20′ trucks. Easier for light DIY jobs, but steep and not ideal for heavy furniture.
Liftgate: Typically on 16’–26′ trucks. Allows heavy items to be raised/lowered with the push of a button—great for solo movers or bulky furniture.
Tie-Down Rails & E-Track Systems
Interior walls of many trucks include rails or E-track systems to secure cargo. Bring your own ratchet straps or bungee cords to use them properly.
Interior Height & Clearance
Some box trucks have limited height, so tall items like wardrobes or refrigerators may not fit upright. Always check clearance before booking.
Loading Ramp Length
Short ramps create a steeper incline—this can make it difficult to load heavy items. Compare specs if you’re deciding between U-Haul and Penske.
Packing and Driving Tips for Your Moving Truck
Even if you’re going the DIY route, packing like a professional makes all the difference.
● Disassemble large furniture to save space and prevent damage
● Distribute weight evenly: heavier items near the front, lighter ones on top
● Use moving straps and blankets to secure everything
● Drive carefully: mind overhead clearance, wide turns, and braking distance
● Refuel before return to avoid extra charges
Optional Equipment to Consider
● Appliance dolly
● Furniture pads/blankets
● Tie-down straps
● Rope/bungee cords
● Bubble wrap/shrink wrap
● Hand truck
● Gloves & work shoes
Common Box Truck Rental Mistakes to Avoid
● Underestimating truck size (always go slightly larger if unsure)
● Not refueling before return
● Not purchasing damage protection and facing full repair liability
● Forgetting to inspect the truck before leaving the rental location
● Booking last-minute and paying surge rates
Need Help Loading or Unloading Your Rental Truck?
Even if you’re renting the truck yourself, you don’t have to do it all alone. That’s where Poseidon Moving comes in. We offer labor only moving services to assist with:
● Loading and unloading your rented box truck
● Packing services and materials
● Furniture disassembly and reassembly
● Heavy lifting and protective wrapping
● Cross-country move assistance
Renting a box truck gives you independence—but it also puts you in charge of the heavy lifting. Poseidon Moving offers a better way: you drive, we handle the rest. With our professional labor services, your truck is packed with care, your furniture is protected, and your move is stress-free.
Request a free quote today and let us help you get moving—with less hassle and more confidence.
