U Haul Mileage Cost Calculator

Renting a U-Haul truck is one of the most cost-effective ways to handle a DIY move. However, the advertised base rate often only covers part of the total expense. When you factor in mileage charges, fuel costs, taxes, and optional services, the true cost of your rental can increase quickly.

📌 What Is the U-Haul Mileage Cost?

U-Haul’s pricing consists of:

• Base rental fee (flat rate per day)
• Mileage fee (charged per mile driven)
• Fuel cost (you refill the tank before returning)
• Additional fees (insurance, equipment, taxes)

The mileage cost is the variable portion of your rental based on how far you drive. It’s especially important for local moves, where mileage is not included in the flat rate.

🧮 What the U-Haul Mileage Cost Calculator Does

This calculator lets you:

• Input miles you plan to drive
• Select your U-Haul vehicle type
• Enter per-mile rate (varies by location & vehicle)
• Add fuel efficiency (MPG) and fuel price
• Estimate total cost including fuel and mileage
• Get a quick overview for budgeting or comparisons

🛠️ How to Use the U-Haul Mileage Cost Calculator

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Enter Estimated Trip Mileage
   • Round-trip or one-way mileage total
2. Select Truck Size
   • Options: 10-ft, 15-ft, 20-ft, or 26-ft truck
3. Enter Per-Mile Rate
   • Usually $0.59–$0.99 per mile for local moves
4. Input Fuel Efficiency (MPG)
   • U-Haul average MPG:
     • 10-ft: ~12 MPG
     • 15-ft: ~10 MPG
     • 20-ft: ~10 MPG
     • 26-ft: ~8 MPG
5. Input Gas Price per Gallon
   • Use local average fuel price
6. Click “Calculate”
   • Get:
     • Mileage charge
     • Fuel cost
     • Estimated total moving cost

📏 Plain Text Formulas Used

🔹 Mileage Charge:

Mileage Cost = Miles × Per-Mile Rate

Example: 120 miles × $0.79 = $94.80

🔹 Fuel Cost:

Fuel Cost = (Miles ÷ MPG) × Fuel Price

Example: (120 ÷ 10) × $3.50 = $42.00

🔹 Total Estimated Cost:

Total Cost = Mileage Cost + Fuel Cost

Add this to your daily base rate (not included in calculator unless entered manually).

📈 Example Calculation

Scenario:

• Distance: 200 miles
• Vehicle: 15-ft truck
• Per-mile rate: $0.89
• MPG: 10
• Fuel price: $3.80/gallon

Result:

• Mileage Cost = 200 × $0.89 = $178.00
• Fuel Cost = (200 ÷ 10) × $3.80 = $76.00
• Total Estimated Mileage Cost = $254.00

This does not include base rental, taxes, or optional fees.

🚛 Average Per-Mile Costs by Truck Size

Note: Rates vary by location and time of year.

🎯 Benefits of Using the Calculator

• ✅ No surprises at checkout
• ✅ Helps you compare DIY vs hiring movers
• ✅ Allows for better trip budgeting
• ✅ Great for round trips and local moves
• ✅ Works for any fuel price and truck size

💡 Pro Tips for Saving on U-Haul Mileage Costs

1. Plan Efficient Routes to reduce mileage
2. Return the truck with a full tank to avoid refueling fees
3. Compare rental locations – some have lower per-mile rates
4. Avoid peak weekends when rates are higher
5. Consider one-way rentals if you’re moving far away

🚦 When Is Mileage Charged?

• Local/round-trip moves: You pay per mile
• One-way moves: Mileage is built into the flat rate, but extra mileage is charged if you exceed the allowance

🧠 Who Should Use This Calculator?

• 🚚 People planning DIY moves
• 🏠 Renters relocating apartments
• 🏡 Homeowners moving short distances
• 📦 Small business owners relocating inventory
• 🚛 Anyone comparing moving options or costs

🤔 20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is U-Haul’s per-mile charge?

It ranges from $0.59 to $1.39 depending on vehicle and location.

2. Does U-Haul charge for mileage on one-way trips?

No, unless you exceed the allotted mileage. Then, overage is billed per mile.

3. Is fuel included in the rental cost?

No, you must return the truck with the same fuel level it had when picked up.

4. How do I find the MPG for my truck?

U-Haul provides estimates on its website. You can also use our calculator defaults.

5. How much fuel will I use for 300 miles?

Depends on MPG. For a 10 MPG truck: 300 ÷ 10 = 30 gallons × fuel price.

6. Do I pay for fuel separately?

Yes, you refill the tank yourself before return.

7. What other fees should I expect?

Environmental fee, tax, optional insurance, and equipment rentals (dolly, blankets, etc.).

8. How accurate is this calculator?

It’s highly accurate if you input realistic values for miles, MPG, and gas price.

9. Is there a way to avoid mileage fees?

Only on one-way trips (within mileage limits). Local trips always have per-mile charges.

10. Do toll roads add to the cost?

Yes, but those are outside U-Haul charges and vary by route.

11. Can I estimate fuel cost only?

Yes, enter miles, MPG, and gas price — skip per-mile rate.

12. Is insurance included in the calculation?

No, but you can manually add SafeMove or other protection costs.

13. Do larger trucks cost more per mile?

Generally, yes — and they have lower MPG.

14. What if my return trip is longer?

Enter your full estimated round-trip mileage.

15. Is this tool only for U-Haul?

It’s optimized for U-Haul but can work for other truck rentals if you know their rates.

16. What happens if I exceed my estimated mileage?

You’ll be charged extra per mile at the agreed rate.

17. How do I lower my total cost?

Shorten the distance, use a smaller truck, and refuel wisely.

18. Does U-Haul charge a late fee?

Yes, if you exceed your rental period, daily charges will apply.

19. What size truck is best for a 2-bedroom home?

Usually a 15-ft or 20-ft U-Haul truck.

20. Can I print my result?

Yes, most calculators allow you to save or print your estimate.

✅ Final Thoughts

The U-Haul Mileage Cost Calculator is a practical, time-saving tool for anyone planning a move. Whether you’re relocating locally, helping a friend, or transporting inventory, this tool helps you calculate how much the mileage and fuel will actually cost, so you can budget with confidence.