U-Haul Rental Price Estimator
Use this calculator to estimate the cost of your next U-Haul truck rental. Prices for local rentals typically include a daily base rate plus a per-mile charge. One-way rental prices are highly variable based on origin, destination, and demand, so this calculator provides a general estimate for local moves. Optional equipment and insurance can also add to the total cost.
Understanding U-Haul Rental Costs
Renting a U-Haul truck involves several factors that contribute to the final price. Understanding these can help you budget effectively for your move. This calculator focuses primarily on local rental estimates, which typically follow a daily rate plus mileage structure.
Key Pricing Factors:
- Truck Size: Larger trucks generally have a higher daily base rate. U-Haul offers various sizes, from 10 ft (suitable for studio apartments) to 26 ft (for 4+ bedroom homes).
- Distance (Mileage): For local rentals, you'll pay a per-mile charge in addition to the daily rate. The more miles you drive, the higher this cost will be. One-way rentals often include a set mileage allowance, with extra charges for exceeding it.
- Rental Duration (Days): Local rentals are charged per day. If you need the truck for more than one day, the daily base rate will multiply accordingly. One-way rentals typically come with a fixed number of days for the trip, with additional charges for extra days.
- One-Way vs. Local Rental:
- Local Rentals: Best for moving within the same city or a short distance. They have a lower daily base rate but a per-mile charge.
- One-Way Rentals: Designed for long-distance moves. The pricing is a flat rate determined by the origin, destination, and demand, and it usually includes a set number of days and miles. This calculator provides a general estimate for local moves, as one-way pricing is highly dynamic.
- Optional Equipment: Items like furniture pads, utility dollies, and appliance dollies are available for rent and add to your total cost.
- Insurance/Protection Plans: U-Haul offers various protection plans (e.g., Safemove®, Safemove Plus®) that cover damage to the truck or your belongings. These are optional but highly recommended.
- Fuel: You are responsible for fueling the truck. U-Haul trucks typically require unleaded gasoline. Remember to factor in fuel costs based on your estimated mileage and current gas prices.
How to Use the Calculator:
Simply select your desired truck size, enter your estimated moving distance in miles, and the number of days you plan to rent the truck. Check any optional equipment or insurance you might need. Click "Calculate Estimated Price" to get a breakdown of your potential rental costs.
Example Scenarios:
Example 1: Small Local Move
You're moving a 1-bedroom apartment across town. You select a 10 ft truck, estimate 30 miles, and need it for 1 day. You also add furniture pads.
(Based on calculator logic: $19.95 (daily) + $0.99 * 30 (miles) + $10.00 (pads) = ~$59.65)
Example 2: Larger Local Move with Equipment
You're moving a 3-bedroom house locally. You choose a 20 ft truck, estimate 75 miles, and need it for 2 days. You also rent an appliance dolly and opt for Safemove Basic.
(Based on calculator logic: ($39.95 * 2) (daily) + $0.99 * 75 (miles) + $10.00 (appliance dolly) + $14.00 (Safemove) = ~$187.45)
Important Note: This calculator provides an estimate based on typical local U-Haul pricing structures. Actual prices may vary based on location, availability, demand, specific promotions, and whether you choose a one-way rental. Always confirm final pricing directly with U-Haul.
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function calculateUhaulPrice() {
var truckSize = document.getElementById("truckSize").value;
var distanceMiles = parseFloat(document.getElementById("distanceMiles").value);
var rentalDays = parseFloat(document.getElementById("rentalDays").value);
var padsChecked = document.getElementById("padsCheckbox").checked;
var utilityDollyChecked = document.getElementById("utilityDollyCheckbox").checked;
var applianceDollyChecked = document.getElementById("applianceDollyCheckbox").checked;
var safemoveChecked = document.getElementById("safemoveCheckbox").checked;
// Validate inputs
if (isNaN(distanceMiles) || distanceMiles < 0) {
document.getElementById("uhaulResult").innerHTML = "Please enter a valid positive number for estimated distance.";
return;
}
if (isNaN(rentalDays) || rentalDays < 1) {
document.getElementById("uhaulResult").innerHTML = "Please enter a valid number of rental days (at least 1).";
return;
}
var baseDailyRate = 0;
var perMileRate = 0.99; // U-Haul often has a consistent per-mile rate for local rentals
// Define base daily rates by truck size (example rates, subject to change)
switch (truckSize) {
case "10ft":
baseDailyRate = 19.95;
break;
case "15ft":
baseDailyRate = 29.95;
break;
case "17ft":
baseDailyRate = 29.95; // 17ft often same as 15ft or slightly higher
break;
case "20ft":
baseDailyRate = 39.95;
break;
case "26ft":
baseDailyRate = 39.95;
break;
default:
baseDailyRate = 0; // Should not happen with dropdown
}
var truckRentalCost = baseDailyRate * rentalDays;
var mileageCost = perMileRate * distanceMiles;
var optionalEquipmentCost = 0;
var insuranceCost = 0;
var costDetails = [];
costDetails.push("
" + truckSize + " Truck Rental (" + rentalDays + " days): $" + truckRentalCost.toFixed(2) + "");
costDetails.push("
Mileage (" + distanceMiles + " miles @ $" + perMileRate.toFixed(2) + "/mile): $" + mileageCost.toFixed(2) + "");
// Optional equipment costs (example rates)
if (padsChecked) {
optionalEquipmentCost += 10.00; // 12-pack furniture pads
costDetails.push("
Furniture Pads (12-pack): $" + (10.00).toFixed(2) + "");
}
if (utilityDollyChecked) {
optionalEquipmentCost += 7.00; // Utility Dolly
costDetails.push("
Utility Dolly: $" + (7.00).toFixed(2) + "");
}
if (applianceDollyChecked) {
optionalEquipmentCost += 10.00; // Appliance Dolly
costDetails.push("
Appliance Dolly: $" + (10.00).toFixed(2) + "");
}
if (safemoveChecked) {
insuranceCost += 14.00; // Safemove Basic Coverage (example)
costDetails.push("
Safemove® Basic Coverage: $" + (14.00).toFixed(2) + "");
}
var totalEstimatedCost = truckRentalCost + mileageCost + optionalEquipmentCost + insuranceCost;
var resultHTML = "
Estimated U-Haul Rental Cost:
";
resultHTML += "
" + costDetails.join(") + "
";
resultHTML += "
Total Estimated Cost: $" + totalEstimatedCost.toFixed(2) + "";
resultHTML += "
Note: This estimate does not include fuel costs, taxes, or environmental fees, which will be added by U-Haul. One-way rental prices vary significantly and are not accurately reflected by this local rental estimator.";
document.getElementById("uhaulResult").innerHTML = resultHTML;
}