Moving is hard enough without having to perform comparative research on the best truck companies and most cost-effective methods of getting from point A to point B. That’s why Big Deahl’s Movers is committed to doing the heavy lifting on your behalf. We’ve compiled all our knowledge and research into one handy guide!   We know every move is unique and that rental trucks are not one-size-fits-all. Some companies shine when it comes to local moves and others are built to handle one-way, long-distance hauls across state lines. Some are cost-effective because they capitalize on short trips and pre-purchased time while others offer flexible service and convenience at a slight premium.   The American Moving and Storage Association estimates that the average in-state move cost $1170 and out-of-state moves can be as much as $5000. But at Big Deahl’s Movers, we know that rather than hiring a full-service moving company, hiring a truck and a labor service can cut your costs and your stress levels. With that in mind, let’s examine your moving truck rental options.   With so many rental truck companies competing in a saturated landscape, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. So, stop worrying and let the experts at Big Deahl’s Movers help you make sense of moving truck rental companies. We’ll break down our favorite national moving truck rental services based on price, convenience, service, distance, and availability.   Let’s get started!

U-Haul

One of the best-known truck rental companies in the nation, U-Haul is easily our top choice for the best overall moving truck rental experience. One-way rentals are readily available, and, with over 20,000 locations nationwide, you can pick up and drop off your truck with ease. U-Haul excels in convenience, offering guaranteed online reservations, 8 different vehicle sizes, and moving trailers. All of U-Haul’s trucks are equipped with low decks and “EZ load” ramps. Additionally, U-Hauls’ fleet uses unleaded gas, making fill-ups cheaper and cleaner on the environment. No matter the size of your move, U-Haul has a truck that meets your needs.   But what about the price? Well, U-Haul’s in-town truck rentals start as low as $19.95 with low-rates for extended days and miles. For longer moves, U-Haul offers competitive pricing based on truck size, moving date, point of origin, and destination. The average price of a “medium move” (defined as 50-250 miles) is $320. The average price of moves over 250 miles is $1,053. Not too shabby compared to your astronomical full-service moving company fees!

Budget

With a name like Budget, you better believe that Budget offers great value. Though Budget only has three truck sizes, they do offer low up-front pricing, instant online quotes, tons of discounts, and a better long-distance price than their competitors. What about those discounts, we hear you ask? Well, Budget offers ongoing discounts to students, military personnel, AARP members, Bar Association members, and more. Additionally, Budget frequently runs promotions and is one of the few companies that will work with you to match or beat competitor pricing. Now, all that being said, there’s a reason that Budget isn’t our absolute favorite rental truck company… Budget does not guarantee online reservations. Their offerings are also pretty limited with only 3 truck sizes and no moving trailers. However, with the average price of a “medium move” coming in at $255 and a long distance move at $920, their cost-efficiency can’t be beat.

Penske

Next up, another giant in the DIY moving world, Penske. Now, right up front, we can tell you that Penske is more expensive for local moves than either U-Haul or Budget. However, if you’re making a cross-country move, Penske is reliable, safe, and convenient with a comparable price point to the other guys. Additionally, Penske is known for maintaining newer trucks than its competition, offering 24-hour roadside assistance, and flexible reservation and cancellation policies. Best of all for those long-haul moves, Penske offers free, unlimited miles on one-way rentals. Penske has four different truck sizes and rates run from $200 to $400 per day. How does Penske stack up to U-Haul and Budget? The average price of a “medium move” comes in at $345 and the average price of a long distance haul is $1193. A little more expensive, but easily worth the value.

Enterprise

Enterprise is better known for the car rental branch of their business, but they also rent out moving trucks. Due to its smaller size, Enterprise does not support one-way moves, but it’s a great choice for local moves because their smaller vehicles offer free mileage allowance for moves under 300 miles. Due to their base rental business, Enterprise offers trucks, vans, and stakebed trucks of all sizes. Enterprise is capable of covering the majority of moving situations but we definitely think it’s best-suited to quick local moves and odd jobs.

Ryder

When it comes to nationwide moving truck rental companies, Ryder is probably the least popular. We think that’s because of a combination of high rates, a lack of one-way rentals, and the fact that they don’t rent out trucks in 24-hour timeframes. Despite the fact that Ryder has over 500 locations, trucks are only rented for round-trip moves. Ryder also doesn’t offer any additional moving equipment which alongside their higher price points definitely decreases the overall value. However, if you find yourself in need of a specialty moving truck, Ryder has an answer for you. With a fleet that includes refrigerated trucks and stake trucks, Ryder is a great choice for restauranteurs and landscaping projects.

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Ready for a Crew? Call Big Deahl’s Movers Today!

Whether you’re moving across the country or just down the street, moving shouldn’t be an expensive hassle. We’re here to help. We know that moving is hard work because it’s what we do! But we also know that with the right crew and the right truck, your moving experience can be easy and breezy. Let us help you on your next journey so you can concentrate on settling in.   Our moving labor teams are ready to go. Are you?