Bottom line: If you want to save money and don’t mind doing the heavy lifting yourself, Budget Truck Rental is a top contender for your next move. With some of the most affordable rates in the industry, Budget combines low base prices with generous discount programs, making it a go-to option for DIY movers on a budget.
We recommend Budget Truck Rental for cost-conscious renters, students, and families who want flexible truck sizes and unlimited mileage on long-distance moves. Read on for our full review of its costs, services, and customer experience.
Budget Truck Rental at a Glance
| MC# | DOT# | Year Established | Type | State Availability | Online Quote Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NA | 1092543 | 1998 | Truck Rental | 48 states (not AK or HI) | Yes |
Pros and Cons of Budget Truck Rental
Pros
- Lowest rates in the industry for local and long-distance moves
- Unlimited mileage on most long-distance rentals
- Discounts for students, military members, and Costco members, among others
- 2,800+ locations across the continental U.S.
- Online quotes available for fast and easy booking
Cons
- Not available in AK or HI
- Higher fees for add-ons like moving supplies and equipment rentals
Services Budget Truck Rental Offers
Budget Truck Rental has more to offer than just rental trucks — they offer several helpful services to make your move smoother:
- Local and long-distance truck rentals: Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, Budget has rental options to fit a variety of moving needs.
- Vehicle towing: Budget offers car carriers and tow dollies to bring your vehicle along for the ride.
- Cargo van and pickup truck rentals: For smaller local moves, some locations offer smaller vehicles to rent.
- Moving supplies rentals: While they don’t sell boxes, Budget does rent furniture pads, hand trucks, and an automatic toll payment service.
- Protection plans: Optional roadside assistance, physical damage waivers, and cargo coverage plans are available for extra peace of mind.
- Labor assistance: Budget partners with HireAHelper to connect you with professional movers for loading and unloading help (though they won’t drive the truck).
Cost of Moving With Budget Truck Rental
| Move Distance | 12-Foot Truck | 16-Foot Truck | 26-Foot Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local move (under 50 miles) | $19.99/day + $0.99/mile | $29.99/day + $0.99/mile | $39.99/day + $0.99/mile |
| Medium-distance move (~250 miles) | $996 (unlimited mileage) | $1,106 (unlimited mileage) | $2,990 (unlimited mileage) |
| Cross-country move (~2,500 miles) | $2,976 (unlimited mileage) | $3,289 (unlimited mileage) | $5,927 (unlimited mileage) |
Budget Truck Rental Discounts
Budget offers more discounts than most of the movers we’ve reviewed, including:
- AARP members
- Costco members
- Motor Club members
- Military members
- Police, fire, and EMT workers
- Students
Be sure to ask what moving discounts are available when you book your move.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Moving With Budget Truck Rental
Wondering what your move might cost if you book with Budget Truck Rental? Take a look at the biggest cost factors:
- Truck size: Larger trucks cost more to rent and keep fueled up.
- Distance: Longer moves cost more, but we love that Budget includes unlimited mileage on most long-distance rentals.
- Time of year: Summer moves typically cost more than off-season dates because there’s much higher demand.
- Add-ons: Equipment rentals, extra insurance, and vehicle towing all increase the final price
- Reservation flexibility: Last-minute bookings could cost more and come with fewer truck options.
Getting Moving Quotes From Budget Truck Rental
Getting a quote from Budget Truck Rental is a straightforward process:
- Visit the Budget Truck Rental website and enter your move date, pickup, and drop-off locations.
- Select your preferred truck size and add optional extras like towing equipment or moving supplies.
- Receive an instant quote showing estimated rental costs, mileage, and taxes.
- Reserve your truck online and pay a refundable $150 deposit.
Budget Truck Rental Customer Reviews
Here are real experiences from Budget Truck Rental customers:
“As a student and single mom, I needed a cheap move from Georgia to New York. Budget gave me the lowest quote, but they didn’t have my truck on moving day. I had to scramble to find another rental, which was super stressful.”
“It was my first time to come to Atlanta and I rented a car because I needed to go to the suburbs. The white Jeep was very handsome and in good condition! The service staff also patiently explained that the entire car rental process was very smooth and made us have a wonderful trip.”
“Rented a van from them a few months ago. The van was in terrible condition as far as the exterior was concerned but the price was unbeatable. Paperwork was a bit lengthy but returning the van was easy.”
“Everything with the van was great. It was exactly what I needed and they gave it to me nice and clean… The customer service at this location was great but when I was charged too much and called budget customer service, the representative said if I was charged too much and everything was finalized that she could not help me. Luckily, management at this location helped me resolve the issue.”
Compare Budget Truck Rental to Other Top Movers
Budget Truck Rental vs. U-Haul
U-Haul has more locations (over 21,000), a wider variety of truck sizes, and U-Box storage containers, giving you more flexibility. Budget typically has lower base rates and more discount programs. If price is your top concern, Budget wins. If you need flexibility and storage, U-Haul might be a better fit.
Budget Truck Rental vs. Penske
Penske offers guaranteed reservations — a perk Budget lacks — plus newer trucks and better customer satisfaction scores. However, Penske’s rates tend to be higher, making Budget the better fit if you prioritize saving money on your move.
FAQs
Is Budget Truck Rental cheaper than U-Haul?
Yes, Budget’s rates are typically lower than U-Haul’s, especially for long-distance moves. Since you only have to pay for the space you take up on the truck, there’s less guesswork involved with booking your move.
Does Budget Truck Rental offer guaranteed reservations?
No, Budget does not guarantee your reserved truck will be available on moving day, which can create last-minute headaches. If you’d prefer to lock in the container or trailer size you need, consider a moving container company.
What’s the largest truck Budget offers?
Budget’s largest truck is 26 feet. The truck is equipped to handle large household moves and may be more affordable than storage containers for bigger moves.
Key Takeaways
Budget Truck Rental is one of our top options for budget-conscious DIY movers who want low rates and flexible rental options.
Here are some things to consider:
- Strengths: Affordable rates, solid discount programs, and flexible vehicle options
- Pricing: Among the cheapest options for both local and long-distance moves
- Customer feedback: Most praise the prices, but some report truck availability issues on moving day
- State availability: Available in 48 states, excluding Alaska and Hawaii