When renting a U-Haul, the extra miles you drive beyond the included mileage influence final costs, and the per-mile price can vary by truck size, season, and region. Understanding the price range helps buyers budget accurately and compare alternatives. The main cost drivers are the per-mile rate, truck size, rental duration, and any mileage-inclusive promotions.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Miles per Mile | 0.79 | 0.99 | 1.25 | Typical rates for common truck sizes |
| Included Miles (base rental) | 0–50 | 50 | 100 | Depends on reservation type |
| Base Rental (one-way) | $39 | $59 | $89 | Varies by truck size and location |
| Taxes & Fees | $6 | $20 | $40 | Location-dependent |
| Total Estimated Extra Miles (typical 20–40 miles) | $16 | $28 | $50 | Assumes no promos |
Overview Of Costs
Extra miles are charged separately from the base rental, with rates typically in the 0.79–1.25 per mile range. The total depends on mileage used beyond included miles, truck size, and whether a promotion lowers the per-mile rate. Short trips may incur fewer miles, but longer moves increase the cost quickly. A compact 10–15 mile move could stay near the base price, while a cross-country move quickly elevates the mileage bill.
Assumptions: region, truck size, and reservation type influence rates; taxes vary by state and locality.
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Materials | $0 | $0 | $0 | No materials charged for mileage itself |
| Labor | $0 | $0 | $0 | Pickup/return handled by renter |
| Equipment | $0 | $0 | $0 | Per-mile cost covers vehicle use |
| Permits | $0 | $0 | $0 | Not typically required for standard moves |
| Delivery/Disposal | $0 | $0 | $0 | Not applicable to mileage charge |
| Taxes | $6 | $20 | $40 | Location-dependent |
| Contingency | $0 | $5 | $15 | Small buffer for fluctuations |
Factors That Affect Price
Truck size and season are major price levers for extra miles. Larger trucks generally command higher per-mile rates, and peak moving seasons (spring and summer) often raise rates or reduce included mileage. Distance driven beyond the included miles, reservation type (one-way vs round-trip), and regional promotions also shift final costs. Short, urban moves may stay within included miles, while longer intercity moves accrue more mileage charges.
Assumptions: fleet availability and regional promotions alter price, not all locations publish identical per-mile rates.
Ways To Save
Consider combining promotions with smaller truck choices to lower per-mile costs. Booking in off-peak times, choosing the minimum required mileage inclusion, and comparing local U-Haul branches can cut overall mileage expenses. Alternatives such as using a smaller pickup with additional car-sharing mileage or consolidating moves into fewer trips can also reduce mileage charges. Always review the reservation terms for mileage caps and possible overage protections.
Regional Price Differences
Regional pricing can create meaningful gaps across the country. In urban markets, per-mile rates frequently run higher due to demand and fleet placement, while rural areas may feature lower rates or more generous mileage inclusions. West Coast regions often show higher base rental costs and taxes, whereas the Midwest can offer more favorable mileage prices. Expect typical variations of about 5–15% from national averages depending on location and demand patterns.
Price By Region
Three example regions illustrate typical deltas. Urban Northeast may top out at near $1.10–$1.25 per mile for extra miles, while Suburban Southeast runs around $0.85–$1.05 per mile, and Rural Mountain states sometimes fall to $0.70–$0.95 per mile. These ranges assume a standard one-way rental with 50–100 miles included and no active promotions. Seasonal surges can push prices higher, while promotional periods may compress them toward the lower end of the spectrum.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Three scenario cards show typical outcomes for extra-mile costs.
Basic Scenario: Small pickup, 60 miles included, 40 extra miles, regional rate $0.85/mi, taxes $8. Total extra-mile cost: $34. Base rental $60. Total $102. Assumptions: standard season, no promotions.
Mid-Range Scenario: 20-foot truck, 50 included miles, 120 extra miles, regional rate $0.95/mi, taxes $18. Total extra-mile cost: $114. Base rental $70. Total $202. Assumptions: weekend move, suburban region.
Premium Scenario: 26-foot truck, 100 included miles, 350 extra miles, regional rate $1.15/mi, taxes $42. Total extra-mile cost: $360. Base rental $90. Total $492. Assumptions: cross-country move, peak season, no promos.
Notes: Always confirm the exact per-mile rate at pickup, as locations and promotions can alter the figures. Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.