No fly-by-night operation, Uhaul is a self-moving company that opened for business in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1945. It has since grown into a business so pervasive that it’s hard to find any populated area in the United States where you couldn’t go to Uhaul Truck Rental to move yourself. Besides trucks, Uhaul also offers trailers, dollies, packing blankets, and self-storage units for rent, plus sells moving supplies like packing boxes and tape. It has become a one-stop shop for all your moving needs. But what can you expect when you walk up to the counter? The process is simple.
About Uhaul Truck Rental
As the company that birthed the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) idea, one would expect Uhaul has figured out a thing or two along about helping a consumer get from point A to point B. What originally began as strictly a trailer rental service morphed over the years to a place where you can rent everything you need related to the move in one place. As with any business that has been around so long and grown so large, you can find a moderate number of complaints about their service scattered around the Internet. As to the merits, you’ll have to judge for yourself.
What does it cost to move a household using Uhaul truck rental? It’s hard to attach an exact price because it can vary based on how much you’re moving and how far. Another consideration is whether you want a truck (which vary in length from 10’ to 26’), or could get by with a tow trailer. As an example, though, if you were to move the contents of an entire three-bedroom house 1,000 miles over the course of five days using a large truck, you could expect to pay around $1,000. This includes adequate boxes, dollies, and pads, but not gas.
Uhaul Truck Rental List of Services
Truck Rental: Depending upon size, Uhaul truck rental ranges from $20 to $40 daily for a local move. A long distance move of about 1,000 miles will run you a little less than $900 for 10’ truck up to almost $1,300 for a 26’ truck.
Trailer Rental: If you have a good towing vehicle, renting a trailer can save you some money. For the long-distance move, prices range from $327 to $765. Local, one-day use of trailers starts at $15 and ranges up to $30, exclusive of taxes.
Self Storage: Self-storage rates vary by location but are generally in line of what you’d expect from a local vendor. For example, a 10x10x10 foot space would cost about $45 monthly in West Plains, Missouri.
Towing Equipment: Save money if you already have a truck and trailer and just need a professional hitch setup. Uhaul offers a variety of mount kits that start at $25 and go all the way up to $170.
Moving Supplies: We’ve already listed some of the moving supplies you can buy from Uhaul. You’ll pay a little more than you would at your local Wal-Mart, but you might find that the convenience of being able to buy everything in one place is worth it. For example, box prices range from .73 cents for a small one up to $7.95 for a specially designed wardrobe box.
Moving Containers: Nothing’s easier than this method. Uhaul drops off a large metal container in your front yard. You fill it up with the stuff you want to move. Uhaul comes and gets it and takes it by large truck to your destination. A single box costs about $1,200 for a long distance move but you don’t pay for gas for it.
Propane Refuel: Get your BBQ propane bottle filled at your nearest Uhaul as well. Costs vary according to location but, for example, it costs $3.59 gallon in Springfield, Missouri.
Moving Labor: Though Uhaul truck rentals have built a legacy on providing DIY vehicles, you can certainly pay for labor to help move if you prefer. A two-person crew for two hours time costs $210. Additional hours are billed at $75 each.
Pros and Cons of Uhaul Truck Rental
Pros:
- Same day rental means you can usually find a truck or trailer on the spur of the moment.
- Price break if Uhaul has to change your reservation,
- Special offers for returning customers. The company does value repeat business and you might get a great deal because of it.
- Last minute changes to reservation normally allowed with no penalty.
Cons:
- Upsell tactics (like insurance and all kinds of moving supplies) might make you spend more than you intended if you’re not paying attention.
- Reports of unreliable online customer service. You’re probably better off picking up the phone.
- You might have to venture to a second or third preferred location to get the vehicle you want.
- Often have slightly above average prices compared to the industry.
As with any business transaction, read the contract carefully, lest you end up in an untenable and completely unexpected situation. For example, if your insurance doesn’t pay for damage to their equipment, Uhaul expects you to cough it up upon return, which could cost thousands of dollars.
The bottom line is that no DIY moving company is perfect. Uhaul truck rental has been in business for a long time – over 70 years. You don’t reach that advanced age without doing something right. Their broad selection of trucks, trailers, and supplies makes for a logical consumer choice. No company is perfect. Moving a bunch of stuff from one place to another is stressful under the best of conditions, but a full service specialist like Uhaul should allow you to see the process through to completion. Have you had any personal experience with Uhaul truck rentals that you feel like sharing in the comments below? Help your fellow human being make a decision!
All images except the logo taken from depositphotos.com.
