body {
font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;
line-height: 1.6;
color: #333;
margin: 0;
padding: 20px;
}
.calculator-container {
max-width: 800px;
margin: 0 auto;
background: #f9f9f9;
padding: 30px;
border-radius: 8px;
box-shadow: 0 4px 15px rgba(0,0,0,0.1);
border-top: 5px solid #f36f21; /* U-Haul Orange color hint */
}
.calc-title {
text-align: center;
margin-bottom: 25px;
color: #2c3e50;
}
.input-grid {
display: grid;
grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr;
gap: 20px;
margin-bottom: 25px;
}
@media (max-width: 600px) {
.input-grid {
grid-template-columns: 1fr;
}
}
.input-group {
display: flex;
flex-direction: column;
}
.input-group label {
font-weight: 600;
margin-bottom: 5px;
color: #444;
}
.input-group input, .input-group select {
padding: 10px;
border: 1px solid #ddd;
border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 16px;
}
.input-group input:focus, .input-group select:focus {
border-color: #f36f21;
outline: none;
}
.calc-btn {
width: 100%;
padding: 15px;
background-color: #f36f21;
color: white;
border: none;
border-radius: 4px;
font-size: 18px;
font-weight: bold;
cursor: pointer;
transition: background 0.3s;
}
.calc-btn:hover {
background-color: #d85c15;
}
.results-area {
margin-top: 30px;
padding: 20px;
background: #fff;
border: 1px solid #e1e1e1;
border-radius: 4px;
display: none;
}
.results-area.visible {
display: block;
}
.result-row {
display: flex;
justify-content: space-between;
padding: 10px 0;
border-bottom: 1px solid #eee;
}
.result-row:last-child {
border-bottom: none;
font-weight: bold;
font-size: 1.2em;
color: #2c3e50;
border-top: 2px solid #2c3e50;
margin-top: 10px;
padding-top: 15px;
}
.result-label {
color: #666;
}
.result-value {
font-weight: bold;
}
.article-content {
max-width: 800px;
margin: 40px auto;
padding: 20px;
background: #fff;
}
h2 {
color: #2c3e50;
border-bottom: 2px solid #f36f21;
padding-bottom: 10px;
margin-top: 30px;
}
h3 {
color: #444;
margin-top: 25px;
}
p {
margin-bottom: 15px;
}
ul {
margin-bottom: 20px;
}
li {
margin-bottom: 8px;
}
.info-box {
background-color: #eef7ff;
border-left: 4px solid #2980b9;
padding: 15px;
margin: 20px 0;
}
function toggleMileageInput() {
var moveType = document.getElementById('moveType').value;
var mileageInput = document.getElementById('mileageRate');
var container = document.getElementById('mileRateContainer');
if (moveType === 'oneway') {
// For one-way, mileage is usually included up to a limit,
// but hard to calc without specific locations.
// We will disable per-mile input to signify flat rate behavior or adjust logic.
// For this estimator, we will treat One-Way as a higher base rate calculation.
mileageInput.disabled = true;
mileageInput.value = "0.00";
container.style.opacity = "0.5";
} else {
mileageInput.disabled = false;
mileageInput.value = "1.09";
container.style.opacity = "1";
}
}
function calculateMovingCost() {
// 1. Get Inputs
var truckSize = document.getElementById('truckSize').value;
var days = parseFloat(document.getElementById('rentalDays').value);
var miles = parseFloat(document.getElementById('totalMiles').value);
var mileRate = parseFloat(document.getElementById('mileageRate').value);
var gasPrice = parseFloat(document.getElementById('gasPrice').value);
var insuranceType = document.getElementById('insuranceType').value;
var moveType = document.getElementById('moveType').value;
// Validation
if (isNaN(days) || days < 1) days = 1;
if (isNaN(miles) || miles < 0) miles = 0;
if (isNaN(gasPrice)) gasPrice = 0;
if (isNaN(mileRate)) mileRate = 0;
// 2. Constants & Data
var baseRate = 19.95;
var mpg = 10;
var envFee = 1.00; // Minimal environmental fee
// Set Truck Specifics (In-Town Pricing Models)
// Note: Prices are estimates based on standard U-Haul tiers
switch(truckSize) {
case 'pickup':
baseRate = 19.95;
mpg = 19;
break;
case '10':
baseRate = 19.95;
mpg = 12;
break;
case '15':
baseRate = 29.95;
mpg = 10;
break;
case '20':
baseRate = 39.95;
mpg = 10;
break;
case '26':
baseRate = 39.95;
mpg = 10;
break;
}
// Adjust for One-Way (Simple heuristic: Higher base, included miles usually,
// but since we don't have geo-data, we will simulate a high day rate and 0 mile cost)
if (moveType === 'oneway') {
// One-way moves are significantly more expensive per day base, usually quoted as a lump sum.
// We will approximate a lump sum "base" per day for the sake of estimation.
baseRate = baseRate * 4; // Rough multiplier for one-way value
mileRate = 0; // Usually included
}
// Insurance Calculation
var insuranceCost = 0;
if (insuranceType === 'basic') {
insuranceCost = 14.00 * days;
} else if (insuranceType === 'plus') {
insuranceCost = 28.00 * days;
}
// 3. Perform Calculations
var totalBaseFee = baseRate * days;
var totalMileageCost = miles * mileRate;
// Fuel Calculation
var gallonsNeeded = miles / mpg;
var totalFuelCost = gallonsNeeded * gasPrice;
var totalEnvFee = envFee; // Flat fee per contract usually
var grandTotal = totalBaseFee + totalMileageCost + totalFuelCost + insuranceCost + totalEnvFee;
// 4. Update UI
document.getElementById('displayBaseFee').innerHTML = '$' + totalBaseFee.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('displayMileageCost').innerHTML = '$' + totalMileageCost.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('displayFuelCost').innerHTML = '$' + totalFuelCost.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('displayInsurance').innerHTML = '$' + insuranceCost.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('displayEnvFee').innerHTML = '$' + totalEnvFee.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('displayTotal').innerHTML = '$' + grandTotal.toFixed(2);
document.getElementById('resultArea').classList.add('visible');
}
Understanding Your U-Haul Rental Rates
Moving yourself can save a significant amount of money compared to hiring professional movers, but the costs can add up if you aren't careful with the details. This U-Haul Rate Calculator helps you estimate the total out-of-pocket expense for your move, factoring in not just the truck rental, but the hidden costs like mileage, fuel, and insurance.
Did you know? The "$19.95" advertised price is just the base rental fee for the day. For most local moves, the mileage fee ends up being the largest portion of the final bill.
Key Cost Factors
1. Truck Size and Base Rate
U-Haul typically charges a flat daily rate based on the size of the truck. While pickups, cargo vans, and 10′ trucks often start at $19.95, larger trucks like the 15′, 20′, and 26′ movers often start at $29.95 or $39.95 per day. This fee is charged for every 24-hour period you have the equipment.
2. Mileage Fees (The Biggest Variable)
For "In-Town" moves (where you pick up and drop off at the same location), you are charged for every single mile you drive. Rates typically fluctuate between $0.59 to $1.29 per mile depending on the day of the week and demand. Weekends generally command higher mileage rates than weekdays. For long-distance "One-Way" moves, a set amount of miles is usually included in the quoted price, with a steep fee for exceeding that limit.
3. Fuel Costs
You are required to return the truck with the same level of fuel as when you picked it up. Moving trucks are not known for fuel efficiency:
- Pickup/Van: ~15-19 MPG
- 10′ Truck: ~12 MPG
- 15′ – 26′ Trucks: ~10 MPG
Using our calculator, you can input the current gas price to see how much the drive will actually cost you in fuel.
4. Insurance and Protection
U-Haul offers "SafeMove" and "SafeMove Plus" protection packages. While optional, they cover damage to the truck and your cargo. SafeMove typically costs around $14/day, while the Plus version (which includes liability coverage) is closer to $28/day. Most personal auto insurance policies do not cover commercial rental trucks, so verify your coverage before declining.
Tips for Lowering Your Rate
- Move Mid-Week: Mileage rates are often lower Monday through Thursday compared to Friday through Sunday.
- Estimate Miles Accurately: Map your route from the rental center to your home, to the new home, and back to the rental center. One extra trip can add $20-$30 in mileage fees.
- Refuel Yourself: Never let the rental company refuel for you. They charge exorbitant convenience fees per gallon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the mileage fee negotiable?
Typically, no. The per-mile rate is set by the corporate system based on inventory demand. However, you may sometimes receive extra miles included on one-way rentals if you ask politely.
Do I have to pay a deposit?
If paying by credit card, usually no deposit is required beyond the estimated cost hold. If paying with cash, a deposit (often $100 or estimated charges) is required.