U-Haul’s DIY Costs Always Wind Up Costing More
- American National Movers
- Mar 20, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 27
Aside from mileage charges and fuel costs, U-Haul doesn’t inherently have hidden fees, but there are many extra charges consumers aren't aware of. U-Haul intentionally does not mention these costs, which consumers consider “hidden fees”, because this may scare customers away, and many of these surcharges are not directly associated with U-Haul.
While U-Haul is still a cheap long distance moving option for consumers on a budget, in 2026, it's not the most cost-effective choice. Many people realize after factoring in travel time, labor, lodging, packing materials, fuel, and mileage fees, U-Haul isn’t the cheapest option.
Long distance moving companies like American National Movers can relocate select small moves at an average cost of $2,700.00 through a shared-load moving service. Larger moves cost an average of $5,700.00 with full-service moving included. Compared to U-Haul, American National Movers is a good alternative and a strong competitor because its prices are lower or similar.
Key Points Of This Article
Before going with U-Haul because you think they are cheaper than all moving options, it’s important to understand the true costs of going with U-Haul. In this article, you’ll learn:
✔️ Fees U-Haul doesn’t openly disclose on its website.
✔️ How Much Does U-Haul Charge for Gas.
✔️ If U-Haul is The Cheapest Option For Your Move.
✔️ How Much Does U-Haul Charge Per Mile.
✔️ U-Haul Alternatives/Competitors Worth Considering.
Does U-Haul Have Hidden Fees?
U-Haul doesn’t disclose undisclosed fees, but the advertised price always winds up being more for the consumer once you factor in other operational expenses.
Please see the chart below for a faster read and to understand the potential added fees associated with renting a U-Haul and DIY. Please note, some of the fees mentioned are not from U-Haul, but are still fees associated with renting a truck and doing the move yourself.
U-Haul is cheap and, at times, convenient due to its nationwide availability, but it is not the most cost-effective option. Alternatives like American National Movers offer competitive prices at an average cost of $3,700.00 for many small to mid-sized shipments. In many cases, this can be cheaper than U-Haul would cost.
Please see the content below for a detailed break down of potential fees with U-Haul:
1. Mileage
When renting a U-Haul moving truck for a long-distance move, you receive a mileage limit — once you exceed it, you are charged $1.00 per mile. This can be problematic for people with more than one pick-up or drop-off location, and if you plan to make any extra stops along the way, your'e likely to exceed the mileage limit.
2. Not Enough Truck Space
If you are considering going with U-Haul, you'd better make sure everything will fit in one truck, or you’ll end up paying close to $ 10,000. A 20- to 26-foot truck is usually not enough space for many larger homes with 3+ bedrooms. A 26-foot truck can only fit roughly 5-7 rooms of furniture, i.e., living room, dining room, garage, kitchen, and bedroom. This can be very problematic for consumers with bulky items, a lot of boxes, and furniture, requiring them to rent more than one U-Haul.
3. Potential Motel Costs
If you're a young single professional, this section might not apply, but older individuals 28+ may prefer sleeping in a bed rather than a truck or a car. Motel costs can be relatively affordable, but you may still need to worry about another fee if you're going to rent a U-Haul.
4. Fuel
Fuel costs are an obvious fee when renting a U-Haul, but many people don't understand how much they will pay for gas with longer moves. If you’re moving to another state, the average cost to fuel a U-Haul ranges from $400 to $800.
5. Full Truck = Lower MPG
Another overlooked factor is that heavier loads reduce your miles per gallon (MPG). If you're moving a 3–4-bedroom household, the truck's engine has to work harder, which reduces fuel efficiency. Over a long trip, you'll stop for gas more often and pay more each time. As a result, a 20- to 26-foot truck will cost between $720 and $1,000+ in gas with U-Haul.
6. Packing Materials
Packing materials is another fee you need to be aware of when considering U-Haul versus other alternatives. For small moves, packing material expenses are manageable, but for larger shipments, packing materials can cost $700 to $800 or more.
7. Late Fees
U-Haul gives you a timeframe to return the truck, and if you’re late, they charge an additional day rate and may charge other penalties. The late fee ranges from $50 to $110.00 per day.
Bottom Line on U-Haul's Additional Charges
U-Haul may be a good option for consumers with small long distance moves who have 1 pick-up and drop-off location. However, larger homes with 3+ bedrooms can get too expensive with U-Haul due to packing material costs, labor, fuel, and mileage (if making multiple stops).
The major expenses to consider before deciding whether U-Haul is cheaper than movers are fuel surcharges and material costs, especially in 2026. Gas prices are high right now, and if you’re moving 1000+ miles away, you're going to spend about $1,000 on gas.
After factoring in rental costs, fuel, labor, and other miscellaneous expenses such as food and hotels, your DIY costs with U-Haul can exceed $4,000.00. Why spend that much when there are full-service options that can drive and handle the labor at a similar price point?
Is There An Alternative to U-Haul?
In 2026, U-Haul’s biggest competitor is American National Movers and PODS.
American National Movers provides full-service moving, i.e., movers, packers, loading, unloading, disassembly, and reassembly at an average cost of $2,700.00 for select small moves and $4,800 for larger shipments.
PODS is a service that provides a container that you load, then they provide the driver at an average cost of $4,000.00.
Why Consider American National Movers As A U-Haul Competitor?
Many people consider American National Movers U-Haul’s biggest competitor because its prices are just as affordable, including movers, packers, packing materials, and a driver.
Please see the chart below to compare U-Haul’s costs versus American National Movers.
Why Is PODS a Competitor to U-Haul?
PODS charges an average of $2,700 for a small, long distance move, making it a major U-Haul competitor because you don’t have to do any driving.
Please see the chart below for a quick comparison on PODS Vs. U-Haul.
Based on the chart above you would find that the prices of PODS Vs. U-Haul are virtually the same for long distance moves. This makes PODS a strong U-haul alternative for the consumers who prefer a DIY but want to avoid truck driving, fuel and mileage fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please see the most frequent asked questions when people are considering U-Haul or other alternatives for their relocation below:
1). Why Is PODS a Competitor to U-Haul?
PODS charges an average of $2,700 for a small long distance move, making it a major U-Haul competitor because you don’t have to do any driving.
2). Is U-Haul Unlimited Miles?
No, U-Haul is not unlimited miles; they give you a mileage allowance based on your relocation. If you make additional stops aside from the agreed-upon route, you may exceed your mileage limit and be charged $1 per mile.
3). Is U-Haul Cheaper Than Movers
In some cases, U-Haul is cheaper than full-service movers. However, there are full-service alternatives like American National Movers that are just as competitive as U-Haul with materials and labor included.
4). Should I Use U-Haul or Movers?
U-Haul is a good choice for very small, long distance moves that involve a pickup and drop-off. However, larger shipments and more complex moves may benefit more from hiring a full-service, affordable long distance mover.
5). What Are The Pros And Cons Of U-Haul?
The advantages of U-Haul are flexibility and lower prices compared to major van lines (larger corporations). However, the disadvantages of U-Haul include high DIY prices, fuel surcharges, extensive labor for larger moves, and long driving times.
U-Haul Alternative: American National Movers
Compared to U-Haul, American National Movers is a strong alternative, with rates similar to U-Haul's due to our shared load dispatch service. This process involves combining shipments, also known as truck sharing, which is ideal for 1-2 bedrooms or lightly furnished three-bedroom homes. If your shipment is too large for a shared load service, we offer affordable dedicated truck options starting at $7,000. Dedicated trucks are for consumers who prefer exclusivity over sharing a truck with other customers.