How to Calculate Fuel Costs When Renting a Moving Truck

Wish you had a gas calculator to help determine fuel costs for your next move? Fortunately, we can help. The cost of gas (and the gas mileage of your truck) is one of the easiest things to forget when calculating how much it costs to rent a moving truck. Most truck rental companies give customers two options for refueling their truck rental: 1) they can refuel the truck themselves; or 2) pay to have the truck rental company refuel it for them.

Of course, if you’re driving long distance, you’ll likely have to refuel the truck rental yourself along the route. U-Haul, for example, gives customers an “EZ-Fuel service” option, where you can bring the truck rental back with a less than full tank of gas and the company will take care of the refueling for you. Customers pay an agreed upon per gallon price as indicated on the rental contract, according to U-Haul. The second option is for customers to refuel the truck rental themselves. When choosing this option, customers must return the truck with the same fuel level it was when they picked it up. Most truck rental contracts will state how much fuel was in the car when it was picked up. Here’s the 411 on calculating fuel costs for next truck rental move.

Factors that impact fuel costs when renting a moving truck

When moving with a truck rental, there are a number of factors that impact fuel costs. Here are 5 variables to consider when calculating gas costs for your next move.

Size of the truck and MPG

Distance of the move

Speed

The price of gas

The weight of your truck

Basic gas calculator

To calculate the fuel cost estimate for your next move, you’ll need several important numbers: 1) the number of miles you’re driving; 2) how many miles per gallon your moving truck gets; 3) the cost of gasoline. Of course, fuel costs vary depending on location, type of gas and specific gas station. These two simple formulas (listed below) are only meant to give you an estimate of your truck rental fuel costs. It’s not a definite answer for how much gas you’ll need or how much it will cost. Make sure to keep all factors (including the ones listed above) in mind when considering fuel costs. Here’s your basic gas calculator.

Step One: Number of Miles ÷ Miles Per Gallon = Gallons Needed

Step Two: Gallons Needed x Cost of Gas = Estimated Fuel Cost

Ready to rent a moving truck?

Planning to use a truck rental for your next DIY move? Fortunately, there are multiple moving truck rental companies to choose from when planning your next relocation. You’ll want to make sure you choose the one that best fits your budget and the one that is conveniently located near your current and new home. For more information and discounts on various rental truck companies, such as Penske, U-Pack and Budget, check out our truck rental center. Best of luck and happy moving!