Budget Truck Rental review: a solid alternative to U-Haul with newer-feeling trucks and frequent online discounts. Fewer locations and sizes, but often a better price, especially on one-way moves.
Budget Truck Rental is part of Avis Budget Group and focuses on local and one-way moving truck rentals. Here’s what each truck fits, how pricing works, the pros and cons, and how it stacks up against U-Haul.
Check Budget Truck RatesBudget Truck Rental at a Glance
| Parent company | Avis Budget Group |
| Fleet | Cargo vans, 12′, 16′ and 26′ moving trucks, plus towing equipment |
| Rental types | Local (in-town) and one-way rentals; cargo vans are generally local-only |
| Extras | Moving supplies, dollies, furniture pads, tow dollies and car carriers, optional protection coverage |
| Best for | One-way moves and price-conscious renters who book online |
Our Verdict
Budget is the strongest national alternative to U-Haul for DIY moves. Its frequent online discounts can make it the cheaper option, particularly for one-way rentals, and renters often find its trucks comfortable to drive. The trade-offs are a smaller network than U-Haul, fewer truck sizes, and no built-in storage or container service. If there’s a Budget location convenient to both ends of your move, it’s always worth pricing out.
- Frequent online and group discounts
- Competitive one-way pricing
- Comfortable, well-equipped trucks
- Large 26′ truck for big homes
- Fewer locations than U-Haul
- Fewer truck sizes
- No self storage or containers
- Fuel and cleaning fees if you return it wrong
Budget Truck Sizes
| Vehicle | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cargo van | A dorm or a few large items | Generally local moves only |
| 12-foot truck | Studio or one-bedroom | Easy to drive and park |
| 16-foot truck | One- to three-bedroom home | The most versatile size |
| 26-foot truck | Three- to five-bedroom home | Largest truck; one trip for bigger moves |
Availability varies by location. Use our moving truck size calculator to pick the right size.
How Budget Pricing Works
Like other truck rental companies, Budget charges differently for local and one-way rentals. Local rentals combine a daily rate with a per-mile charge. One-way rentals come with a flat quote that includes a set number of days and miles, with extra charges if you go over.
On top of the base price, budget for fuel (return the truck at the same level to avoid refueling charges), optional damage protection, equipment such as dollies and pads, and taxes and fees. Return the cargo area swept out to avoid a cleaning fee.
Budget vs. U-Haul
| Budget | U-Haul | |
|---|---|---|
| Truck sizes | Cargo van, 12′, 16′, 26′ | Pickup, cargo van, 10′, 15′, 20′, 26′ |
| Locations | Fewer | The most of any company |
| Discounts | Frequent online and group discounts | Occasional promotions |
| Storage and containers | No | Yes (self storage and U-Box) |
| Best for | Price-shopping one-way moves | Availability and one-stop shopping |
Read our full U-Haul review and compare options on our moving truck rental page. Estimate total costs with our truck rental cost calculator.
Is Renting a Truck the Right Move?
A rental truck is usually the cheapest way to move if you’re willing to load and drive. If you’d rather not drive a big truck across the country, a portable moving container lets you pack at your own pace while someone else handles the driving. For a hands-off move, compare long-distance mover quotes.
Tips for Renting From Budget
- Book online to get web discounts, and apply any coupon or group discount at checkout.
- Reserve early for summer weekends and month-end dates.
- Inspect and photograph the truck before you leave the lot.
- Load smart. See how to load a rental truck, or hire moving labor for a couple of hours.
- Return it full and clean to avoid extra charges.
Price your Budget truck
Check availability and rates for your dates and route.
Check Budget Truck RatesBudget Truck Rental FAQs
What size trucks does Budget rent?
Budget’s moving fleet typically includes cargo vans, 12-foot, 16-foot and 26-foot trucks. Availability varies by location, and cargo vans are generally for local moves only.
Is Budget cheaper than U-Haul?
Sometimes. Budget often runs online discounts that can make it cheaper, especially on one-way moves, while U-Haul has more locations and sizes. Price the same dates and route with both before booking.
Does Budget Truck Rental offer discounts?
Yes. Budget regularly offers online discounts, and group discounts such as military and AARP savings are often available. See our Budget truck rental coupon page for the current offer.
Can I do a one-way move with Budget?
Yes. Budget’s moving trucks can be rented one way, and one-way quotes include a set number of days and miles. Cargo vans are typically local-only.
Who owns Budget Truck Rental?
Budget Truck Rental is part of Avis Budget Group.
Used a budget truck to move from seattle to denver last year and it was fine. Nothing special but at least it didnt break down and it really was cheaper than uhaul (finally gave up on them after 2 breakdowns).
Worst truck ever! Stupid thing broke down but I was still charged for the days it took them to finally come get it. Then they had the nerve to charge my bank account more than $5000! Me and my kids were homeless with no food! Do NOT use Budget for your moving truck. This company will screw you over and over again! Save yourself and use someone else!