Budget Truck Rental Prices, Options, and More

Looking to rent a truck for your upcoming move? Don’t forget to do plenty of research before making your reservation. While all of the truck rental companies might seem pretty similar, there are a number of big differences between them, and it’s important that you gather as much information as you can before making your decision. To help you out, we’ve put together this quick guide to Budget truck rental prices, options, and need-to-know specifics that you can use when comparing your various options.

Renting a truck for your move can be a lot more cost efficient than hiring a professional moving company—but budget isn’t the only factor that matters. With such a wide variety of truck rental companies out there to choose from, your research should also include information on features and terms in addition to cost.

We always recommend researching at least three different companies before making your pick. That being said, here’s what to know about Budget truck rental as you make your decision.

What is Budget Truck Rental?

Budget is one of the biggest names in moving trucks and van rentals. And with nearly 2,600 service locations in North America and 30,000 trucks for rent, it’s also one of the largest. Chances are that wherever you live in the country you can find a Budget truck to rent for your move.

Budget offers four easy-to-compare non-commercial truck options, plus add-on equipment for towing your car if you have one. Keep reading for the lowdown on various key specifics, including Budget truck rental prices and the different size trucks that they offer.

Budget Truck Rental Options

There are a few different options to choose from when renting a Budget moving truck.

Cargo van

Budget’s cargo van is their smallest available rental, and it’s great for moving in and out of the dorms or if you’re moving a studio apartment.

Interior cargo capacity: 11 feet long with 357 cubic feet of loading space.
Weight capacity: Up to 3,400 pounds.
Fuel efficiency: 8 to 14 miles per gallon.
Special features: Power steering, power brakes, dual-faced mirrors, tie-down slats.

12 foot truck

Size wise, the 12 foot long Budget rental truck is sufficient for about one to two rooms—about your standard size one-bedroom apartment.

Interior cargo capacity: 10 feet long with 380 cubic feet of loading space.
Weight capacity:
Up to 3,610 pounds.
Fuel efficiency:
8 to 12 miles per gallon.
Special features: Automatic transmission, translucent roof and interior lighting (in most trucks), cargo tie rails, and non-slip wood floors.

16 foot truck

Budget’s 16 foot moving truck is their most popular, and can comfortably fit three to four rooms—about the equivalent of a one-bedroom home.

Interior cargo capacity: 16 feet long with 658 cubic feet of loading space.
Weight capacity:
Up to 4,460 pounds.
Fuel efficiency:
6 to 10 miles per gallon.
Special features:
Automatic transmission, translucent roof and interior lighting (in most trucks), cargo tie rails, and available walk ramps and lift gates.

26 foot truck

The 26 foot moving truck is recommended for those who need to move five to eight rooms, which is sufficient for most two- to three-bedroom homes.

Interior cargo capacity: 26 feet long with 1,698 cubic feet of loading space.
Weight capacity:
Up to 10,000 pounds.
Fuel efficiency:
8 to 10 miles per gallon.
Special features:
Automatic transmission, translucent roof and interior lighting (in most trucks), cargo tie rails, available walk ramps and lift gates, and diesel engine (depending on availability).

Budget Truck Rental Prices

As you might infer from its name, Budget is considered one of the more cost-effective options when it comes to renting a moving truck, with Budget rental truck prices ranging from about $80 to $1,500 a day depending on what size truck you need to rent and how far you need to take it.

Keep in mind that Budget does have a tendency to tack on additional fees, which means that the quote you receive for your truck isn’t likely going to be the total amount owed. Additional fees to consider when it comes to Budget truck rental prices include:

    • Mileage ($0.25 per mile after you hit your mileage limit)
    • Add-ons, such as a dolly rental or towing equipment
    • Gas
    • Optional liability coverage
    • Taxes and fees
    • $150 deposit

    Budget truck rental prices also vary depending on availability and demand, with prices coming in higher on the weekends than they do Sunday through Thursday.

    Fortunately, Budget does offer a lot of great discounts. In additional to seasonal promotions, Budget offers 20% off rentals for all active and veteran military members, as well as discounts ranging from 10% to 20% for AARP members; police, fire, and EMT workers; Motor Club members, students; and members of the Bar Association.

    What to Know About Renting with Budget

    All rental companies are different when it comes to the specifics about what they offer and what they don’t. So before opting for a Budget moving truck, here are a couple things to know about what sets them apart.

    There are no unlimited mileage rentals

    Your booking isn’t guaranteed

    There’s a deposit

    How to Reserve a Budget Moving Truck

    If you want to make a rental truck reservation, you can do so easily online. Simply visit Budget’s online reservation site and enter in your location and moving date information to check for availability and get a quote. From there, you’ll get a quote for each truck option, and you’ll also be able to choose your add-ons. Just remember that this quote isn’t a final estimate, and that you should expect some additional fees.

    What if You Need to Cancel Your Budget Truck?

    You can cancel your Budget truck rental for no fees up to 48 hours in advance of your reservation. If you cancel with less time remaining however you will have to pay a $50 fee.

    Is Budget Right For You?

    Remember, you’ll want to research and get quotes from at least three different rental truck companies to ensure that you get the best deal possible for your move. Here’s how to start the process:

    Figure out exactly what you need

    • Cargo van: dorm or studio apartment
    • 12 foot truck: dorm, studio, or small one bedroom apartment
    • 16 foot truck: one bedroom home or larger one bedroom apartment
    • 26 foot truck: two to three bedroom home

    Choose your top three picks

    Get quotes

    Go to the drawing board

    Whether you choose to go with a Budget truck rental or a truck from another rental company, it’s always smart to do as much research as possible. That way, you can know for sure that the truck you’ve rented is the right one for your move.