U-Haul vs Penske 2026 — Truck Rental Cost Comparison
U-Haul and Penske are the two largest truck rental companies in the US. U-Haul has 22,000+ locations and lower base rates, while Penske offers a newer fleet and unlimited mileage on one-way moves. Local moves cost $20 to $150/day with either company, while long-distance one-way rentals run $500 to $3,500 depending on distance and truck size.
Calculate Your Moving Cost →U-Haul vs Penske: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Factor | U-Haul | Penske |
|---|---|---|
| Truck Sizes Available | 10, 15, 17, 20, 26 ft | 12, 16, 22, 26 ft |
| Base Pricing (Local) | $19.95–$39.95/day | $29.99–$49.99/day |
| Base Pricing (One-Way) | $500–$3,500 flat | $600–$3,200 flat |
| Mileage Policy | $0.69–$0.99/mi (local) | $0.69/mi (local), unlimited one-way |
| Fuel Economy | 6–12 MPG (older fleet) | 8–14 MPG (newer fleet) |
| Insurance Options | Safemove $14/day, Plus $28/day | PDW $15–$25/day, SLI $13/day |
| Locations/Availability | 22,000+ locations | 2,500+ locations |
| Roadside Assistance | 24/7 included | 24/7 included |
| Equipment Quality | Older fleet (8–12 yr avg) | Newer fleet (2–3 yr avg) |
All prices exclude fuel, insurance add-ons, and equipment rentals (dollies, blankets). Based on 2025-2026 market rates.
U-Haul Overview — Pricing, Trucks & Pros/Cons
U-Haul is the largest truck rental network in North America with over 22,000 locations. They offer the widest range of truck sizes and the most convenient pickup/dropoff options, especially in rural and suburban areas. U-Haul trucks tend to be older but are well-maintained and reliable for most moves.
Truck Sizes
5 sizes (10–26 ft)U-Haul offers 5 truck sizes: 10-foot ($19.95/day, fits a studio or small 1-bedroom), 15-foot ($29.95/day, fits 1 to 2 bedrooms), 17-foot ($29.95/day, fits a full 2-bedroom), 20-foot ($39.95/day, fits 2 to 3 bedrooms), and 26-foot ($39.95/day, fits 3 to 4+ bedrooms). The 17-foot is a U-Haul exclusive size not offered by competitors.
Local Rental Pricing
$19.95–$39.95/dayLocal (in-town) rentals charge a base daily rate plus $0.69 to $0.99 per mile. A typical local move of 20 to 40 miles in a 15-foot truck costs $60 to $120 total. Some locations include a set number of free miles (often 15 to 40). Always confirm mileage policy at booking.
One-Way Pricing
$500–$3,500One-way (long-distance) moves use flat-rate pricing that includes mileage. A 500-mile move in a 20-foot truck costs $900 to $1,600, while a cross-country move (2,500 miles) runs $2,000 to $3,500. Prices vary by route, season, and demand — moves out of popular cities cost more.
Equipment & Add-Ons
$7–$500 eachAppliance dolly ($10/day), utility dolly ($7/day), furniture pads ($12 for 12 pads), moving blankets ($10 for 12), auto transport trailer ($300 to $500 one-way), tow dolly ($100 to $250 one-way). U-Haul also offers Moving Help, a marketplace for booking local loading labor ($150 to $400).
U-Haul Pros
- - 22,000+ locations for convenient pickup/dropoff
- - Lowest base daily rates in the industry
- - Widest range of truck sizes (5 options)
- - Auto transport and tow dolly rentals available
- - Moving Help marketplace for local labor
U-Haul Cons
- - Older fleet (8 to 12 year average truck age)
- - Lower fuel economy (6 to 12 MPG)
- - Per-mile charges on local rentals add up fast
- - Inconsistent truck condition across locations
- - One-way prices spike heavily in peak season
Penske Overview — Pricing, Trucks & Pros/Cons
Penske Truck Rental is the second-largest consumer truck rental company in the US with around 2,500 locations, including partnerships with Home Depot stores. Penske is known for its newer, better-maintained fleet and unlimited mileage on one-way rentals. The driving experience is noticeably better, especially on multi-day long-distance moves.
Truck Sizes
4 sizes (12–26 ft)Penske offers 4 truck sizes: 12-foot ($29.99/day, fits a studio or 1-bedroom), 16-foot ($39.99/day, fits 1 to 2 bedrooms), 22-foot ($49.99/day, fits 2 to 3 bedrooms), and 26-foot ($49.99/day, fits 3 to 4+ bedrooms). The 22-foot truck is a popular Penske option that sits between U-Haul's 20-foot and 26-foot.
Local Rental Pricing
$29.99–$49.99/dayLocal rentals have a base daily rate plus $0.69 per mile. Some locations offer packages with included mileage (e.g., 100 miles free). A typical 20 to 40 mile local move in a 16-foot truck costs $70 to $140. Penske local rates are $10 to $15 higher per day than U-Haul, but the trucks are newer.
One-Way Pricing
$600–$3,200One-way rentals include unlimited mileage at a flat rate. A 500-mile move in a 22-foot truck runs $1,000 to $1,700, while a cross-country move (2,500 miles) costs $2,100 to $3,200. Penske one-way rates are more stable during peak season compared to U-Haul, which can spike 2 to 3x in summer.
Fleet Quality
2–3 yr avg agePenske trucks average 2 to 3 years old compared to U-Haul's 8 to 12 year average. This means better fuel economy (8 to 14 MPG), modern safety features (backup cameras, lane departure warnings on some models), working air conditioning, and cleaner truck interiors. The driving experience on a 2-day cross-country trip is significantly more comfortable.
Penske Pros
- - Newer fleet (2 to 3 year average truck age)
- - Better fuel economy saves $50 to $200 on gas
- - Unlimited mileage on all one-way rentals
- - More stable pricing during peak season
- - Cleaner, more comfortable trucks for long drives
Penske Cons
- - Only 2,500 locations (vs U-Haul's 22,000+)
- - Higher base daily rates ($10 to $15 more)
- - Fewer truck size options (4 vs 5)
- - No tow dolly or auto transport rentals
- - Limited availability in rural areas
Cost Comparison by Truck Size
Below is a side-by-side cost comparison for equivalent truck sizes from U-Haul and Penske. Local prices assume a 30-mile move (base rate + mileage). One-way prices are for a 1,000-mile move. All prices exclude fuel, insurance, and equipment.
| Move Type | U-Haul | Penske |
|---|---|---|
| Small (10ft / 12ft) — Local | $40–$70 | $50–$80 |
| Small (10ft / 12ft) — 1,000 mi | $800–$1,300 | $900–$1,400 |
| Medium (15ft / 16ft) — Local | $50–$90 | $60–$100 |
| Medium (15ft / 16ft) — 1,000 mi | $1,100–$1,800 | $1,200–$1,800 |
| Large (20ft / 22ft) — Local | $60–$110 | $70–$120 |
| Large (20ft / 22ft) — 1,000 mi | $1,500–$2,500 | $1,600–$2,400 |
| XL (26ft / 26ft) — Local | $60–$120 | $70–$130 |
| XL (26ft / 26ft) — 1,000 mi | $1,800–$2,800 | $1,900–$2,700 |
Local prices include base rate + estimated 30 miles of driving. One-way prices are flat-rate quotes for a 1,000-mile move. Fuel, insurance, and equipment rentals are not included. Based on 2025-2026 average rates.
Which Is Better for Local Moves?
U-Haul Wins for Local Moves
Lower base rates save $10 to $15 per day
U-Haul's daily rates start at $19.95 compared to Penske's $29.99. On a 1-day local move, this difference goes straight to your bottom line. For multi-day local rentals the gap widens further.
22,000+ locations for convenient pickup and dropoff
U-Haul has a location within 10 miles of almost every address in the US. This means less driving to pick up and return the truck, saving time and mileage charges. Penske's 2,500 locations may require a 20 to 30 minute drive in suburban areas.
More truck size options for small moves
U-Haul's 10-foot truck is perfect for studio and small 1-bedroom moves at just $19.95/day. Penske's smallest option is a 12-foot truck at $29.99/day. For moving a few pieces of furniture or a dorm room, U-Haul's smaller, cheaper truck is ideal.
Moving Help marketplace for loading labor
U-Haul's Moving Help platform lets you book local laborers for loading and unloading, typically $150 to $400 depending on the job. This is integrated into the U-Haul booking process, making it easy to add helpers to your local move.
Which Is Better for Long-Distance Moves?
Penske Wins for Long-Distance Moves
Newer trucks are more reliable for 1,000+ mile drives
Penske's fleet averages 2 to 3 years old with well-maintained engines, modern transmissions, and reliable air conditioning. On a 2 to 5 day cross-country drive, a breakdown can cost you hundreds in delays, hotel nights, and rebooking. Newer trucks dramatically reduce this risk.
Better fuel economy saves $50 to $200 on gas
Penske trucks get 8 to 14 MPG compared to U-Haul's 6 to 12 MPG. On a 2,500-mile cross-country move in a 26-foot truck, that difference translates to $100 to $200 in fuel savings at $3.50/gallon. The savings partially offset Penske's higher base rates.
Unlimited mileage on all one-way rentals
Penske includes unlimited mileage on every one-way rental. While U-Haul also includes mileage in its one-way flat rate, Penske's transparent unlimited policy means no surprise charges if you take a detour or need to reroute. You know your mileage cost is zero beyond the flat rate.
More stable pricing during peak season
U-Haul's one-way rates can spike 2 to 3x during June through August, especially on high-demand routes (leaving California, New York, etc.). Penske's pricing is more consistent year-round. If you are moving in summer, Penske often becomes price-competitive or even cheaper than U-Haul on popular routes.
Calculate Your Truck Rental Cost
Enter your move details into the free calculator to estimate total truck rental costs — including fuel, insurance, equipment, and all the hidden fees most people forget. Works for U-Haul, Penske, or any DIY truck rental.
Open Free Moving Cost Calculator →U-Haul vs Penske FAQ
Is U-Haul or Penske cheaper for a local move?
U-Haul is generally cheaper for local moves. U-Haul local truck rentals start at $19.95 per day plus $0.69 to $0.99 per mile, while Penske local rentals start at $29.99 per day plus $0.69 per mile. However, Penske sometimes includes more free miles in local rentals, so the final cost depends on your total mileage. For a short move under 30 miles, U-Haul typically saves you $20 to $60.
Is U-Haul or Penske cheaper for a long-distance move?
Prices are competitive for long-distance one-way moves. A 1,000-mile move in a 26-foot truck costs roughly $1,800 to $2,800 with U-Haul and $1,900 to $2,700 with Penske. Penske includes unlimited mileage on all one-way rentals, while U-Haul includes mileage in the flat rate. The difference is usually under $200 for equivalent distances, so compare quotes for your specific route.
Does Penske have unlimited mileage?
Yes, Penske includes unlimited mileage on all one-way (long-distance) truck rentals. For local rentals, Penske charges per mile, typically $0.69 per mile after any included free miles. U-Haul also includes mileage in one-way rates but charges $0.69 to $0.99 per mile for local rentals. The unlimited mileage on one-way moves makes Penske attractive for long-distance relocations.
Are Penske trucks newer than U-Haul trucks?
Yes, Penske maintains a significantly newer fleet. The average Penske rental truck is 2 to 3 years old, while U-Haul trucks average 8 to 12 years old. Newer trucks mean better fuel economy (up to 15% better), more reliable engines, modern safety features, air conditioning that works, and a more comfortable driving experience. This matters most on long-distance moves where you spend 2 to 5 days in the cab.
Which has better truck availability, U-Haul or Penske?
U-Haul has far more locations — over 22,000 pickup/dropoff points across the US and Canada, including gas stations, storage facilities, and dealerships. Penske has around 2,500 locations, mostly at dedicated Penske facilities and select Home Depot stores. For rural areas and small towns, U-Haul is much more likely to have a nearby location. In major cities, both have strong coverage.
What truck sizes do U-Haul and Penske offer?
U-Haul offers 5 truck sizes: 10-foot (studio/small 1BR), 15-foot (1 to 2BR), 17-foot (2BR), 20-foot (2 to 3BR), and 26-foot (3 to 4BR). Penske offers 4 sizes: 12-foot (studio/1BR), 16-foot (1 to 2BR), 22-foot (2 to 3BR), and 26-foot (3 to 4BR). U-Haul has more options for small moves, while Penske has a larger mid-range truck (22-foot vs 20-foot).
Do U-Haul and Penske include insurance?
Neither company includes insurance in the base rental price. U-Haul offers Safemove ($14/day for damage waiver and medical coverage) and Safemove Plus ($28/day adding cargo coverage up to $15,000). Penske offers a Physical Damage Waiver ($15 to $25/day), Supplemental Liability Insurance ($13/day), and Personal Accident Insurance ($6/day). Your personal auto insurance or credit card may also cover rental trucks.
Which is better for towing a car, U-Haul or Penske?
U-Haul is better for towing. U-Haul offers both auto transport trailers (all four wheels off the ground, $300 to $500 one-way) and tow dollies (two wheels up, $100 to $250). Penske does not rent tow equipment directly — you would need to arrange car transport separately through a third party. If you need to tow a vehicle behind the moving truck, U-Haul is the clear choice.
Related Comparisons & Guides
Compare Your U-Haul vs Penske Costs
Enter your move details into the free calculator to get a personalized cost estimate for truck rentals, full-service movers, or portable containers — including fuel, insurance, and all hidden costs.
Open Free Moving Cost Calculator →