Discover everything about renting U-Haul vehicles—from costs and history to ideal usage scenarios. This guide covers U-Haul's extensive fleet, pricing estimates, and suitable customers, perfect for DIY movers and short-distance relocations. Learn about the company's background and leadership, with practical tips to make your moving process smooth and affordable.

Exploring U-Haul Rental Options

U-Haul offers affordable solutions for moving and storage through its wide selection of rental vehicles. Perfect for DIY movers, U-Haul provides an easy way to manage local and long-distance relocations. Established in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1945 by Leonard Shoen, the company started from a small garage in Washington and grew through franchise partnerships. Owned mainly by the Shoen family and operated under AMERCO, U-Haul’s fleet includes trucks, trailers, cargo vans, and storage units available at over 16,000 locations nationally.

Historical Development of U-Haul

Founded by Leonard Shoen and his wife with a $5,000 investment in a family garage.

Introduced rentable trailers and partnered with gas stations as franchisees.

Growth was driven by one-way rental designs and attracting investors.

By 1955, U-Haul managed over 10,000 trailers, becoming a leader in truck rentals.

Rental Costs and Price Estimation

Rental rates for cargo vans and small trucks start around $19.99 daily.

Larger trucks cost between $29.99 and $39.95 per day.

Mileage charges range from $0.59 to $0.99 per mile.

Fuel not refilled upon return will be charged at a higher rate.

Insurance coverage adds approximately $28 per day.

Environmental fees are generally $1 or $5, depending on the route.

Total expenses include rental fees, mileage, insurance, fuel, environmental fees, and taxes.

If returning the vehicle to a different location, an extra fee of $124.95 applies.

Quotes like $19.99 or $39.95 are baseline prices; actual charges depend on specific details.

Long-distance moves over 30 miles or extra drop-off locations require customized estimates.

Best For

Ideal for short-distance moves within the same city or area.

Suitable for customers comfortable driving and handling larger rental trucks independently.

Types of Equipment Available

U-Haul’s fleet features vehicles built by Dodge, GMC, and Ford, assembled in North America with U-Haul bodies.

Leadership Team

Joe Shoen is the Chairman and CEO of U-Haul.

John Taylor serves as President.

Mark Shoen is the Vice President.

Note:

This blog offers practical insights on various topics. While we strive for accuracy, we recommend verifying details from official sources. Some offers or information might differ over time or location. We are not responsible for discrepancies or outdated information.