Every day, thousands of people across the United States rely on truck rentals for moving, hauling, and various other needs. Numerous companies offer a wide selection of trucks to choose from, with Budget, boasting over 32,000 trucks and approximately 3,000 locations nationwide, being a prominent player. However, Budget is just one of many options available in this competitive market.
The trucks offered by most US rental companies are typically manufactured by GMC, Ford, International, and Isuzu. Customers can select from a range of sizes, including cargo vans, 10-foot trucks, 16-foot trucks, and 24-foot trucks. Many companies pride themselves on maintaining a relatively young fleet, with an average truck age of only two to three years.
Beyond the trucks themselves, rental companies often provide essential moving supplies at reasonable prices. These may include hand trucks, packing pads, adhesive tape, ropes, packing paper, mattress bags, padlocks, and boxes. Modern rental trucks are designed for comfort and convenience, featuring amenities such as air conditioning, FM radio, power steering, automatic transmission, power brakes, walk-off ramps, and lift gates.
To ensure peace of mind, rental trucks are frequently covered by roadside assistance programs. Rental companies’ websites offer detailed information about truck types, pricing, and rental terms. Most sites feature user-friendly interfaces with interactive maps for selecting pick-up and drop-off locations, along with online reservation and quote tools.
For example, renting a Budget truck from Atlanta to New York (approximately 1,100 miles) for five days, from Wednesday to the following Monday, would cost roughly $650 for a 10-foot truck, $680 for a 16-foot truck, and $830 for a 24-foot truck. A car carrier rental would add an extra $50. A deposit of $150 is typically required and will be refunded upon the truck’s safe return.
It’s important to remember that these prices usually exclude taxes, and additional charges may apply. Exceeding the allotted mileage will incur a fee of approximately $0.56 per mile, while extending the rental period will cost around $56 per day if arranged in advance. Modifying the rental agreement after pick-up will result in higher charges of $0.70 per mile and $70 per extra day.
Before signing any rental agreement, it is crucial to carefully review the terms and conditions. Cancellation policies typically require at least 48 hours’ notice to avoid cancellation fees.
To rent a truck, you will generally need to present a valid U.S.-issued driver’s license and another form of identification, such as a passport, Military ID, Social Security card, or utility bill.
Renting a truck offers several advantages, including greater control over your belongings, well-maintained vehicles, numerous locations, and a cost-effective moving solution.