U-Haul review (2026)

U-Haul in one paragraph

U-Haul has been operating since 1945 (about 81 years), runs out of Phoenix, AZ, and covers all 50 states. Current FMCSA filing shows USDOT 125550 and MC 26588; BBB rating is B. The default DIY rental option in nearly every US ZIP code. Cheapest path for a same-city move; their U-Box container product also competes with PODS for long-distance.

What customers actually paid this year

For a 2-bedroom interstate move, U-Haul quotes generally land between $400 and $2,800, with the median around $1,600. The low end of that range usually applies to off-season runs under 1,000 miles with self-packing; the high end shows up on full-service summer moves over 2,000 miles.

Local hourly pricing through U-Haul varies by market. In a high-cost metro, two movers + a 26-foot truck commonly bills at $160–$220/hr. In a smaller market the same crew might run $110–$150/hr. Always ask whether travel time, fuel surcharge, and stair fees are inside or outside the hourly number — this is where two "identical" quotes often diverge by 20%.

Where this carrier is genuinely good

DIY moves where you drive the truck. The customer pattern that consistently rates U-Haul highly: an inventory list locked in 2+ weeks ahead, a binding-not-to-exceed quote in writing, and a destination ZIP they service directly (not via subcontractor). When all three of those line up, satisfaction scores cluster well above the industry median.

Where this carrier falls short

Truck condition and customer service vary widely by location; one-way rentals can run 3–4x the local price.

If your move profile lines up with that weakness, you'll save money and stress by getting a comparison quote from one of the alternatives below before signing.

U-Haul vs the competition

Booking process, step by step

• Request a quote with a complete inventory list. Online forms are fine for a first pass; a video survey is what makes a binding number stick.
• Insist on binding-not-to-exceed in writing. Non-binding estimates from any carrier — including this one — almost always come in higher on move day.
• Confirm valuation coverage. Released value (the federal default) pays $0.60 per pound. Full-value protection costs more but actually replaces a damaged TV.
• Confirm pickup and delivery windows. For interstate jobs the delivery window is a range, not a date — plan accordingly.
• On move day, walk the truck and check the inventory list before signing the Bill of Lading. Note any pre-existing damage on the form.

Bottom line

U-Haul earns 3.5/5 in this scoring model. For the customer profile in "where it's good," it's a strong default pick. For everyone else, get one comparison quote and decide on the spot — the 15 minutes pays for itself.