If you’re gearing up for a move and are in the market for a truck rental, U-Haul might be the first name that comes to mind. However, plenty of other excellent alternatives exist!
Choosing the perfect truck rental that suits your requirements is key. Exploring providers beyond U-Haul can lead you to the ideal solution for your moving needs. Continue reading for our straightforward guide to the top 7 alternatives to U-Haul in 2024. This information will aid you in making a smart decision for your next move!
Key Takeaways
- People move house for many different reasons, and some move cross-country while others stay close by, but however far you are traveling, making the move as stress-free as possible is a priority.
- Moving house can be expensive, so many people choose to move without help from professional movers.
- Hiring a truck and moving your own belongings can help you make some big savings and reduce your moving costs significantly.
- U-Haul is a popular truck hire company, but it is helpful to compare prices to see how much money you can save using a U-Haul alternative.
- There are several U-Haul competitors available to choose between. Each of these rental truck companies has its own pros and cons for you to consider.
- There are many different factors that can influence the cost of hiring a moving truck, so considering each of these is essential when deciding which truck rental company to use.
- Understanding precisely what features you need from the moving rental truck will make it easier for you to choose the best U-Haul alternative for your move.
Why Choose a U-Haul Alternative?
Moving house is always stressful, and when you are trying to move the contents of your house yourself, it can be even more challenging. Finding the best truck rental company can make your move less stressful, save you money, and avoid a moving nightmare.
Looking for a reliable U-Haul alternative that offers great value for money is an excellent way to make your life easier. Take a look at our comprehensive guide to the seven best U-Haul alternatives:
Top 7 U-Haul Alternatives in 2024
Enterprise Truck Rentals:
| Average Rating | 3.1 |
| Contact Number | 1-888-736-8287 |
| Services Offered | Local rentals. |
| Availability | 48 states, Canada and Puerto Rico |
| Pros & Cons | Pros: Wide choice of moving truck options available. Mileage rates are low.
Cons: Moving trucks only available for local moves. Up-front costs can be high. |
| Average Cost | Around $129 per day for moving truck rental with average mileage rate of $0.33/mile. |
Penske:
| Average Rating | 4.5 |
| Contact Number | 1-844-847-9577 |
| Services Offered | Moving truck rental, labor, and moving supplies. |
| Availability | All 50 states, plus Canada. |
| Pros & Cons | Pros: 24/7 roadside assistance available. Wide choice of vehicles available. Cons: More expensive than U-Haul. |
| Average Cost | $59.99 – $79.99 per day rental |
Budget:
| Average Rating | 4.2 |
| Contact Number | 800-462-8343 |
| Services Offered | Long and local distance moves. |
| Availability | Available in 49 states. |
| Pros & Cons | Pros: Long and local distance moves available. Discounts and deals usually available. Cons: Not as many locations as U-Haul. Fewer truck size options to choose from. |
| Average Cost | Average rental price for local move is $27.60. |
Home Depot
| Average Rating | 3.1 |
| Contact Number | See local branch information. |
| Services Offered | Hourly rentals, no one-way rentals. |
| Availability | Nationwide availability. |
| Pros & Cons | Pros: Affordable price for in-house truck rentals. Unlimited mileage.
Cons: Roadside assistance not available on Load ‘N Go trucks. You need to use your personal insurance cover for Load ‘N Go trucks. |
| Average Cost | First 75 minutes rental of cargo van is $19 and box trucks start at $29. |
Hertz:
| Average Rating | 4.4 |
| Contact Number | 800-654-3131 |
| Services Offered | Local and long-distance removals. |
| Availability | Available in all 50 states. |
| Pros & Cons | Pros: Different pick up and drop off locations available. Wide availability. Cons: Hertz truck rentals usually come from Penske so you may want to go direct. |
| Average Cost | See local information. |
Avis:
| Average Rating | 2.0 |
| Contact Number | 800-633-3469 |
| Services Offered | Local and one-way drop-offs. |
| Availability | Throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico. |
| Pros & Cons | Pros: Both local and one-way drop-offs available. Locations throughout the United States.
Cons: Largest truck size is pick-up; you are taken to Avis-operated Budget Truck for larger moving trucks. |
| Average Cost | Deals available for pick-up trucks starting at $74.99. |
Alamo:
| Average Rating | 3.5 |
| Contact Number | 844-3554-6962 |
| Services Offered | Local moves and different destination drop-offs. |
| Availability | Available in every state, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Canada. |
| Pros & Cons | Pros: Easy to set up rental using app. 24-hour roadside assistance available.
Cons: Fewer locations than U-Haul. |
| Average Cost | From $186 rental per day. |
Moving Truck Rental Company Locations
| COMPANY | LOCATIONS |
| Enterprise Truck Rentals | In 48 states, Canada and Puerto Rico |
| Penske | All 50 states, plus Canada |
| Budget | In 49 states. |
| Home Depot | Nationwide. |
| Hertz | Worldwide. |
| Avis | Worldwide. |
| Alamo | All states, plus Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico |
Truck Sizes and Fleet Information
Enterprise Truck Rentals:
| Compact Cargo Van | Cargo Van | Heavy Duty Cargo Van | Heavy Duty XL Cargo Van | High Roof Cargo Van | |
| Ideal For | Moving smaller boxes | Medium cargo transport | Medium to heavy cargo | Bulky cargo including small furniture | Tall, bulky cargo |
| Dimensions | 83″ x 52″ x 48″ | 126″ x 56″ x 55″ | 126″ x 56″ x 55″ | 143″ x 56″ x 55″ | 143″ x 76″ x 55″ |
| Measurement in Cubic Foot | 123 | 260 | 224 | 254 | 345 |
| Weight Limit | 1480 lbs | 3700 lbs | 4080 lbs | 3950 lbs | 3700 lbs |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline | Gasoline | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 15’ Parcel Van | 16’ Cabover Truck | 20’ Box Truck | 24’ Box Moving Truck | 26’ Box Moving Truck | |
| Ideal For | Moving 1 – 3 rooms | Moving 3 – 4 rooms | Moving 3 – 4 rooms | Moving 5+ rooms | Moving 5+ rooms |
| Dimensions | 15′ x 96″ x 84″ | 16’x 96″ x 90″ | 20’x 8.5′ x 8.5′ | 26’x 102″ x 102″ | 26’x 102″ x 102″ |
| Measurement in Cubic Foot | – | – | – | – | |
| Weight Limit | 5000 lbs | 7500 lbs | 10000 lbs | 10000 lbs | 10000 lbs |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline | Gasoline | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Penske:
| High-Roof Cargo Van | 12’ Truck | 16’ Truck | 22’ Truck | 26’ Truck | |
| Ideal For | Moving up to 1 room | Moving 1 – 2 rooms | Moving 2 – 3 rooms | Moving 3 – 5 rooms | Moving 5 – 7 rooms |
| Dimensions | 11’11” x 4’6″ x 6’9″ | 12′ x 6’6″ x 6’1″ | 16′ x 7’7″ x 6’6″ | 21’11” x 8’1″ x 8’1″ | 25’11” x 8’1″ x 8’1″ |
| Measurement in Cubic Foot | 404 | 450 | 800 | 1200 | 1700 |
| Weight Limit | 3500 lbs | 3100 lbs | 4300 lbs | 10000 lbs | 10000 lbs |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline | Gasoline | Diesel | Diesel |
Budget:
| Cargo Van | 12’ Small Truck | 16’ Medium Truck | 26’ Large Truck | |
| Ideal For | Moving up to 1 room | Moving 1 – 2 rooms | Moving 3 – 4 rooms | Moving 5 – 8 rooms |
| Dimensions | 11’ x 4’5” x 5’ | 10’0” x 6’3” x 6’0” | 16’0″ x 6’3” x 6’7” | 26’ x 8’1” x 8’1” |
| Measurement in Cubic Foot | 323 | 380 | 658 | 1698 |
| Weight Limit | 3550 lbs | 3610 lbs | 4460 lbs | 9180 lbs |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline | Gasoline | Diesel |
Home Depot:
| F250 Flatbed Truck | T250 Flatbed Truck | Cargo Van | Box Truck | |
| Ideal For | Moving small boxes | Moving small boxes | Moving small loads | Moving 1 – 2 rooms |
| Dimensions | – | – | – | – |
| Measurement in Cubic Foot | – | – | 277 | 515 |
| Weight Limit | 3000 lbs | 3000 lbs | 3000 lbs | 3850 lbs |
| Fuel Type | – | – | – | – |
Hertz:
| Cargo Van | High-Roof Cargo Van | Box Truck | |
| Ideal For | Medium cargo | Moving 2 – 3 rooms | |
| Dimensions | 126″ x 56″ x 55″ | 143″ x 76″ x 55″ | 7’8” x 10’4” x 10’4” |
| Measurement in Cubit Foot | 260 | 345 | 716 |
| Weight Limit | 3700 lb | 3700 lb | 2755 lb |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline | – |
Avis:
| Mid-Size Pick-Up | Full-Size Pick-Up | |
| Ideal For | Moving small boxes | Moving boxes |
| Dimensions | – | – |
| Measurement in Cubic Foot | – | – |
| Weight Limit | 1685 lbs | 2300 lbs |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Alamo:
| Cargo Van | Heavy Duty Cargo Van | Heavy Duty Cargo Van | |
| Ideal For | Moving small loads | Moving medium loads and furniture | Moving medium loads and furniture |
| Dimensions | 126″ x 56″ x 55″ | 126″ x 56″ x 55″ | 143″ x 76″ x 55″ |
| Measurement in Cubic Foot | 260 | 224 | 345 |
| Weight Limit | 3700 lbs | 4080 lbs | 3700 lbs |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Insurance Options for U-Haul Alternatives
| Company | Insurance Options |
| Enterprise Truck Rentals | Own insurance required. Optional Personal Accident Insurance and Supplemental Liability Protection. |
| Penske | Basic: Penske equipment damage. Standard: As above + third-party damage and injury claims. Value: As above + cargo accident damage. Plus: As above + personal accident injury. |
| Budget | Own insurance required. Optional Personal and Cargo and Supplemental Liability Protection. |
| Home Depot | Own insurance cover required. |
| Hertz | Increased protection available via optional Liability Insurance Supplement. |
| Avis | Increased protection available via Personal Accident Insurance, Additional Liability Insurance, and Personal Effects Insurance. |
| Alamo | Increased protection available via optional Supplementary Liability Protection. |
Age Requirements for Rentals
| Company | Age Requirement for Rentals |
| Enterprise Truck Rentals | Age requirements based on location. |
| Penske | Over 18 years. |
| Budget | 24 years and over. Surcharge on drivers aged 18 – 23 years. |
| Home Depot | Over 21 years. |
| Hertz | Over 20 years. |
| Avis | Over 21 years. |
| Alamo | Over 21 years old, a ‘youthful surcharge’ may apply for those aged 21 – 24 years. |
How to Choose the Best Moving Company
Whether you are planning to move cross-country or you just need to move a few blocks, using the best vehicle rental company can make a vast difference to your moving experience. Here are some things to consider when attempting to choose the best moving company:
Choice of Truck Sizes
How many trucks does the company have available, and do they have a comprehensive range of different sizes to choose from? Ensuring the company has the perfect size moving van available for your needs is essential.
Price
The way in which moving truck rental companies charge for hiring a van can vary. For example, some charge mileage fees while others don’t. Choosing a moving company that offers great value for money and transparent pricing is vital to get the best deal.
Factors That Can Impact the Cost of Moving
Choosing a U-Haul moving truck rental for your house move may seem like the obvious option. However, it is crucial to remember that there are many factors that can impact the cost of moving.
While choosing U-Haul may immediately seem like a cost-effective moving solution, this may not be the case when you consider the other factors that can cause the cost of moving soaring. Weighing up all the different considerations that could influence the cost of your house move will help you to choose a budget-friendly moving solution that matches your needs. Here are some of the factors you should keep in mind:
Distance You’re Moving
If you are moving close by, the cost of hiring a moving truck should stay pretty low. As most trucks rental companies hire their vehicles by the hour and also have a mileage charge, staying local will keep your costs lower. If you are moving cross-country, you will need to use a one-way service, unless you plan to drive all the way back to return the truck after you have moved. This can add to your costs, along with the mileage charges you will incur.
How Much Stuff You Need to Move
The cost of moving will increase if you need to rent a larger truck to transport your belongings. So the more stuff you need to move and the bulkier it is, the more expensive it will be for you to hire a truck that can accommodate all your belongings.
Your Age
When choosing a moving truck rental company, it is essential to look at their age requirements. Each truck rental company seems to apply different rules for their minimum age requirements, and some may not let you hire a van at all if you fall below a certain age. In terms of cost, you may be required to pay a premium if you are under 25 years of age, so this is worth checking before you sign the rental agreement.
What's The Difference Between Hiring Moving Help From A Truck Rental Company and Hiring Professional Movers?
The main difference between hiring a rental truck and hiring professional movers is the amount of work that you will need to complete yourself. A professional moving company can take care of every stage of packing up your home and transporting it to your new location. Once there, the movers will take everything inside, and depending on the service you choose, they may help unpack. This may sound great, but it does come at a high price.
To save money, most people choose to hire a vehicle from a truck rental company and move their stuff themselves. This may be a lot more work, but it will save you a lot of money.
If you are planning to move yourself, don’t forget to arrange transport for your own vehicle to get to your new location. Choosing a reliable car shipping company, such as Mercury Auto, will ensure that your vehicle arrives safely at your new home. As well as being a convenient way to move your vehicle long-distance, shipping your car is cost-effective, so why not get a free quote today?
Which of These Truck Rental Companies Offer One-Way (Long-Distance) Rentals?
| COMPANY NAME | OFFERS ONE-WAY LONG DISTANCE RENTALS? |
| Enterprise | ❌ |
| Penske | ✅ |
| Budget | ✅ |
| Home Depot | ❌ |
| Hertz | ✅ |
| Avis | ✅ |
| Alamo | ✅ |
Can You Drive a Rental Truck to Canada or Mexico?
Are you planning a move to Canada or Mexico? If so, you may be wondering whether you can take your rental truck over the border into either of these countries.
Firstly, it is crucial to check with your rental company, as they can advise you whether additional permissions are needed for you to cross the border. Crossing over into Canada is often allowed by truck rental companies, but this is not always the case when driving a rental truck into Mexico. Your moving truck rental company may not allow you to travel to Mexico with their truck, or they may specify that you need additional insurance coverage to do so.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many excellent U-Haul alternatives available for you to choose from. Each of these seven moving truck rental companies has its own pros and cons and unique features. Comparing the pros and cons carefully and getting quotes will help you choose the very best truck rental company for your individual needs to achieve an affordable and stress-free house move.
Frequently Asked Questions About U-Haul Alternatives
Can you take a U-Haul across the border?
Yes, you can take a U-Haul across the border, but you must comply with the specific regulations and documentation requirements for international travel.How do you transport a computer in a U-Haul?
To transport a computer in a U-Haul, secure it in its original packaging or wrap it with bubble wrap and place it in a sturdy box, ensuring it’s well-cushioned.What can I use to move heavy objects?
You can use tools like hand trucks, dollies, lifting straps, or professional moving services to move heavy objects.How can I move without a moving truck?
You can move without a moving truck by utilizing portable moving containers, hiring a man-with-a-van service, or making multiple trips using personal vehicles.Let Us Handle Your Auto Transport Needs
Mercury Auto Transport is an auto transport broker that presents offers from FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier and Safety Administration) licensed and insured carriers. We have access to a wide range of car transporters through National Dispatch Boards, and together with you, we can often strategize and negotiate far better rates.
Get a free quote today or speak with one of our professional auto transport representatives and experience seamless and reliable auto transport services.
