U-Haul vs. Penske vs. Budget
The three companies that actually do one-way moving truck rentals, compared honestly and independently, so you can see which one truly wins for your move.
Not sure which one is cheapest for your move?
One-way prices swing a lot by route and date, so the winner here isn't the winner everywhere. Tell us where you're going and we'll price U-Haul, Penske, and Budget for your exact move, with any discount you qualify for already applied.
Free, no account, and we never charge you to compare.
Penske Truck Rental
Newer fleet, unlimited miles on one-way moves, well-reviewed for reliability.
Budget Truck Rental
Frequently the lowest one-way price, with regular online discount codes.
U-Haul
The widest location network and the most truck sizes, including a 10-footer.
What each size looks like
All three companies rent these five categories, just with different names and foot-lengths.
Sizes are approximate and vary by model year. See every truck size for dimensions and capacities, or use our size calculator to find the right fit for your move.
Side by side
| U-Haul | Penske | Budget | |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-way availability | Everywhere | Everywhere | Most metros |
| Smallest truck | 10' (plus 9' van) | 12' (plus van) | 12' (plus van) |
| Largest truck | 26' | 26' | 26' |
| Truck sizes offered | Most (10/15/20/26') | 12/16/22/26' | 12/16/26' |
| One-way mileage | Set allowance | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Fleet age | Older, varies | Newest | Varies |
| Locations | Most (21,000+) | Fewer, dealer + company | Fewer |
| Typical one-way price | Middle | Highest | Often lowest |
General guidance, not live pricing. Truck sizes and mileage policies can vary by location and change over time. Confirm the current details when you book.
You want the most locations, need a specific size like a 10-footer, or a nearby one-way drop-off matters most.
Reliability is worth a premium: newest trucks, unlimited miles one-way, and strong roadside support for long hauls.
Price is the priority. It's frequently the lowest one-way rate, and online discount codes are common.
Common questions
Which is cheapest for a one-way move?
It genuinely depends on the lane and date. In our own price checks Budget is frequently the lowest and Penske the highest, with U-Haul in the middle. But one-way pricing swings hundreds of dollars based on fleet imbalance between cities, so the only honest answer is to check all three for your exact route and date.
Is Penske worth the higher price?
Often, yes. Penske runs the newest fleet, includes unlimited miles on one-way moves, and is consistently rated well for reliability and roadside support. If a breakdown mid-move would be a disaster, that premium buys peace of mind.
Does the truck size mean the same thing at each company?
No. That's the biggest source of confusion. A U-Haul 15', a Penske 16', and a Budget 16' are all the roughly-two-bedroom size. Use our size calculator to map your home to the equivalent size at each company.
New to all this? Start with how to rent a moving truck or find your truck size.