Need a moving truck rental for your next move? This guide covers U-Haul, Budget and Penske to help you find the right truck for you.
Top Moving Truck Rentals
When it comes to moving trucks one size does not fit all. Different moves require different types of trucks and thankfully there are several options to choose from, including van rentals:
Best for Big Moves: U-Haul 26-Foot Truck
Cheapest: Budget 16-Foot Truck
Longest Distance: Penske 26-Foot Truck
Best Customer Service: Enterprise 24-Foot Truck
Commercial Moves: Ryder 22-Foot Box Truck
Small Moves: Fluid Truck Cargo Van
These are great for different types of moves.
U-Haul 26-Foot Truck – Best for Big Moves
Price: Varies by location and days
Specifications:
4-5 bedroom homes
Better cab visibility
Pros:
Roomy interior
Easy highway driving
Loading ramp included
Cons:
Hard to drive in tight city areas
The U-Haul 26-Foot truck is great for big moves, 4-5 bedroom homes. It’s perfect for families or those with a lot of stuff. Better cab visibility helps with highway driving but tough in city areas. Built in loading ramp makes heavy lifting easier.
Renting the U-Haul 26-Foot truck was a game changer for our move. City driving was tough but the roomy interior and easy highway driving made it easier. The loading ramp made it a lot less work.
Rating:
Price: 7/10
Design: 8/10
Usability: 9/10
Budget 16-Foot Truck – Cheapest
Price: $29.99/day + mileage
Specifications:
Budget friendly for DIY movers
Pros:
Affordable
Small moves
Cons:
Limited availability in some areas
Older fleet
Budget Truck Rental’s 16-foot truck is the cheapest, starting at $29.99/day. Good for minimizing costs, it’s for small moves or tight budgets. Limited availability in some areas and older fleet.
We tested Budget Truck Rental’s 16-foot truck and it was affordable. It worked for our small apartment move and the prices were budget friendly. But the age and availability of the truck was a challenge.
Rating:
Price: 9/10
Design: 6/10
Usability: 7/10
Penske 26-Foot Truck – Longest Distance
Price: Varies by days and distance
Specifications:
Free unlimited miles for long distance rentals
Pros:
Newer fleet
High customer satisfaction
Unlimited miles
Cons:
Higher upfront cost
Penske’s 26-Foot truck is great for long distance moves, free unlimited miles for cross country flexibility. Penske’s newer fleet means reliability and comfort, high customer satisfaction makes it a trusted brand.
For our long distance move the Penske 26-Foot truck was a lifesaver. Unlimited miles was a big help and the newer model was smooth sailing. Higher upfront cost was worth it for the convenience and performance.
Rating:
Price: 7/10
Design: 9/10
Usability: 9/10
Enterprise 24-Foot Truck – Best Customer Service
Price: Higher than average
Specifications:
Best customer service
Flexible terms
Pros:
Great customer service
Flexible
Cons:
Higher cost
Enterprise Truck Rental’s 24-foot truck is for those who want best customer service. Prices are higher but many find it’s worth it. Flexible terms adds to a customized move.
Renting from Enterprise proved their great customer service. The staff was helpful, made the process easy. More expensive but worth it for the peace of mind and service.
Rating:
Price: 6/10
Design: 8/10
Usability: 8/10
Ryder 22-Foot Box Truck – Commercial Moves
Price: Competitive for commercial use
Specifications:
Heavy duty for heavy loads
Local moves only
Pros:
Durable
Commercial use
Cons:
Not for long distance moves
Ryder’s 22-foot box truck is for commercial moves, heavy duty for heavy loads. Good for businesses that needs reliable local transportation, must return to the same location.
Ryder’s 22-foot truck was durable and worked well for our business move, handled heavy equipment with ease. The only downside was the restriction to local moves which limited some users.
Rating:
Price: 8/10
Design: 8/10
Usability: 7/10
Fluid Truck Cargo Van – Small Moves
Price: Varies by days and location
Specifications:
24/7 mobile access
Pros:
App based rental
24/7 access
24/7 customer service
Cons:
Only for small moves
Fluid Truck’s cargo vans are for small moves, modern app based rental experience allows quick vehicle access. 24/7 mobile access means anytime reservations and 24/7 customer service means constant support for your car.
The app made the rental process smooth, 24/7 access was a big plus. The cargo van was perfect for our small move, customer service was responsive. Good for small moves but bigger loads may need a bigger vehicle.
Rating:
Price: 8/10
Design: 9/10
Usability: 9/10
Types of Truck Rentals
When it comes to truck rentals, there are various options to suit different needs and purposes. Here are some of the most common types of truck rentals:
Moving Trucks: Designed for personal and commercial moves, these trucks come in various sizes, from small to large, to accommodate different volumes of goods. Moving trucks are ideal for transporting household items, furniture, and large appliances.
Cargo Vans: Ideal for smaller moves, deliveries, or hauling equipment, cargo vans offer a compact and versatile solution. They are perfect for navigating tight city streets and can be a cost-effective option for small-scale moves.
Box Trucks: With a large, enclosed cargo area, box trucks are perfect for moving furniture, appliances, and other bulky items. They provide ample space and protection for your belongings, making them a popular choice for both residential and commercial moves.
Pickup Trucks: Great for smaller moves, hauling equipment, or towing trailers, pickup trucks offer a convenient and affordable option. They are versatile and can handle a variety of tasks, from moving small loads to transporting outdoor gear.
Flatbed Trucks: Suitable for hauling oversized or heavy items, flatbed trucks provide a sturdy and reliable solution. They are often used for transporting construction materials, machinery, and other large items that do not fit in enclosed spaces.
Refrigerated Trucks: Designed for temperature-sensitive goods, refrigerated trucks are ideal for food, pharmaceutical, or medical transportation. They ensure that perishable items remain fresh and safe during transit.
Service Body Trucks: Equipped with storage compartments and shelving, service body trucks are perfect for contractors, landscapers, and other service professionals. These trucks provide organized storage for tools and equipment, making them essential for on-the-go work.
Key Features to Look for in a Truck Rental
When renting a truck, there are several key features to consider to ensure a smooth and successful experience. Here are some of the most important factors to look for:
Vehicle Type: Choose a truck that suits your needs, considering factors like size, capacity, and type of cargo. Whether you need a moving truck, cargo van, or box truck, selecting the right vehicle type is crucial.
Location: Opt for a local rental location to minimize travel time and costs. A nearby rental location can make pick up and return more convenient, saving you time and money.
Pickup Date and Time: Select a pickup date and time that suits your schedule, and consider flexible return options. Booking in advance can help secure the best rates and availability, especially during peak moving seasons.
Discounts: Look for discounts, promotions, or special offers to save on your rental costs. Many rental companies offer discounts for AAA members, military personnel, or long-term rentals.
Access: Ensure easy access to the truck, with features like 24/7 mobile access or keyless entry. This can provide added convenience, especially if you need to pick up or return the truck outside of regular business hours.
Business-Friendly: If renting for business purposes, consider a rental company that offers business-friendly features, such as multiple vehicle rentals or dedicated customer support. This can streamline the rental process and provide additional support for your business needs.
Vehicle Condition: Inspect the truck before renting to ensure it’s in good condition, with regular maintenance and cleaning. A well-maintained vehicle can prevent breakdowns and ensure a smoother move.
Safety Features: Look for trucks with standard safety features, such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. Safety should always be a priority, especially when driving larger vehicles.
Fuel Efficiency: Consider the fuel efficiency of the truck, especially for long-distance moves or heavy loads. A more fuel-efficient vehicle can save you money on fuel costs and reduce your environmental impact.
Customer Support: Choose a rental company with 24/7 customer support, in case you need assistance during your rental period. Reliable customer support can provide peace of mind and help resolve any issues that may arise.
By considering these key features, you can ensure a successful and stress-free truck rental experience.
How to Choose the Right Moving Truck Rental
Choosing the right moving truck rental involves several things. For business customers, the ability to reserve multiple vehicles simultaneously can be a significant advantage. Truck size: U-Haul 26-Foot for big moves or Fluid Truck cargo van for small ones.
Book your truck in advance especially during peak moving seasons to get the best rates and availability. Make sure you are comfortable driving the truck, large vehicles can be difficult to maneuver especially in urban areas. Companies like Penske have new and well-maintained fleet for a smoother driving experience.
Lastly, factor in additional costs like mileage, fuel charges and insurance options. Penske offers free unlimited mileage for long distance moves, others may charge extra for exceeding mileage limit. Inspect the truck for pre-existing damage to avoid extra charges.
Conclusion
In summary, choosing the right moving truck rental depends on your needs. From big moves to budget friendly options, long distance to excellent customer service, there’s a truck rental for everyone. Use this guide to help you decide and make your next move as smooth as possible.
FAQ
What’s the best moving truck rental for big moves?
U-Haul 26-Foot moving truck is for big moves, can fit 4-5 bedroom homes. Good for those who needs extra space.
Which one is the most budget friendly?
Budget Truck Rental is the most budget friendly, their 16-Foot truck starts at $29.99/day plus mileage fees. Good for your truck rental needs.
What’s the best for long distance moves?
For long distance moves, Penske’s 26-Foot moving truck is the way to go, they offer free unlimited mileage. This can save you a lot of costs and make your move more enjoyable.
Which one has the best customer service?
Enterprise Truck Rental has the best customer service, excellent service and flexible rental terms.
What’s best for commercial moves?
For commercial moves, Ryder’s 22-Foot box truck is the way to go, it’s durable and has lots of space.
