Tips and tricks to the best moving truck rental deals

Moving isn’t cheap regardless of how close or how far ahead you plan your move. In fact, the actual pricing for moving truck rentals isn’t as straightforward as it appears. Let’s face it, we have all seen ads for $20 moving cargo van rentals or cheap U-Haul moving truck rentals at some point. However, if you have ever been in the position of needing to rent a box truck, then you already know that rate rarely holds true when it’s time to secure a reservation. In fact, the final tally may be dramatically different. Thankfully, we have some effective tips and tricks that can help you get the best deals for your local or long-distance moving truck rental.

Pricing out your moving truck rental before a reservation

Moving truck rental prices and cargo van rental prices will vary depending on a few different factors. The season of the rental, the length of the rental, and even the distance over which the truck will travel will all have an effect on the pricing. This can be frustrating for those looking to book quickly, or for those who are simply on a tight budget. However, the best way to avoid pricing shock is to research and calculate the cost of the move and the rental well ahead of making an actual reservation.

Exploring rental truck pricing dynamics

For those who have ever found themselves grappling with the challenge of determining the cost of renting moving trucks for a relocation project, then the variety of price points won’t be anything new. Taking a quick look at different moving companies on the market, the range in rental prices between the same size trucks can vary in the amounts of hundreds of dollars. This pricing discrepancy is often what leads many DIY moving projects into budget failures. To better understand the cause, let’s delve into the underlying factors.

One of the primary drivers of these price differences was the popularity of the selected dates. Similar to the strategies employed by airlines and hotels, rental truck rental providers have adopted sophisticated algorithms to streamline their inventory management. While these algorithms aim to enhance vehicle utilization efficiency and potentially result in cost savings for customers, they introduce a layer of intricacy into the pricing structure.

Rental box truck providers often justify varying prices for in-town and cross-country trips, citing a range of reasons. Notably, one-way rentals tend to command higher rates due to the additional expenses associated with relocating vehicles to and from high-demand pickup locations and the need to account for increased wear and tear during such journeys.

Using supply and demand to get the best moving truck rental rates

There are certain times of the month and even the year in which box truck rentals are in high demand. The algorithm that is tasked with generating rental rates for any specific company takes these factors into mind. In order to get the best price, it is best to use supply and demand to your advantage. The higher the demand for a specific size cargo van, box truck, or even trailer hitch, the higher the rate will be. The lower the demand, the lower the rate. This is the same way that airlines determine most of their pricing. This also explains why the same size truck going the same route, from the same company will have different prices during the week, month, or even year. Trucks that are seldom rented, or routes that are not taken as often, will also tend to have lower rates than normal. Using supply and demand is one of the best tricks in the book for getting a sweet deal on a moving truck rental.

Consider dropping extra damage protection when renting a moving truck

Anytime someone rentals a box truck, cargo van, or cheap U-Haul for moving, they will also need to get some sort of insurance coverage. In some cases, a personal car insurance policy may cover moving truck rentals, but this is not usually the case. Most, if not all, moving truck rental companies offer a variety of coverage options to choose from. Extra coverage is one of the main ways that consumers end up paying much more out of pocket for a rental than the low advertised prices they see online. While some insurance coverage is required by law, there is nothing that says that you have to accept every coverage option available. Instead of getting all the add-ons, consider cutting out non-essential coverage to help lower your moving truck rental rate.

Damage protection is one such extra form of coverage that you can do without. What it does is cover your personal items and the truck from certain types of loss. This can include car crashes, natural disasters, theft, or even a malfunction with the equipment. It is important to have some coverage, but too often these upsold policies don’t do much more than drain your relocation budget. Stick with regular coverage and avoid the extras, especially if it’s a local relocation project. This can save you a couple of hundred dollars in moving van rental fees that you can use elsewhere.

Shop around for the best price

An old-fashioned way to save money on moving expenses is to look for a company that is offering the most competitive rate. You can use our simple tool (here) to compare prices in your local area. You can see which companies have seasonal sales, which are offering hot deals, and even which locations are open for instant reservations. Aside from using our tool, you can visit each rental company's website to check out their offers. Try using various dates, times, and truck sizes to too which company will offer the best price for the date you plan to move. Sometimes even a delay of a day is enough to net you several hundred dollars in savings on a moving truck rental.

Look for a rental moving truck company that offers pricing matching

The box truck rental moving industry is fiercely competitive, and companies are in a constant battle to outdo each other in pricing. This fierce rivalry can translate into substantial savings for the consumer with a little bit of dedicated effort. When engaging with customer service representatives during your quest for the best moving deal, always inquire about price matching.

Price matching is a savvy business tactic where a company adjusts its own prices to either match or surpass a written quote provided by a rival competitor. It's a game-changer when it comes to making box truck rentals for moving more cost-effective.

However, it's essential to note that not all moving companies offer price matching and those that do often attach certain conditions to it. For instance, some companies may commit to matching a competitor's price only if that competitor boasts a stellar score on the Better Business Bureau. Admittedly, jumping through these hoops can be somewhat exasperating, but the promise of a lower price is nearly always worth the extra effort. So, when you're navigating the world of moving quotes, don't hesitate to bring up price matching and explore the potential savings it can bring to your relocation journey.

Perform a comprehensive inspection of the box truck rental before driving it off the lot

When you're at the rental truck pickup location, it's crucial to conduct a meticulous inspection of the vehicle. You'll be provided with a form where you need to list any visible damage you observe on the truck. It's not enough to simply glance over it; make sure to painstakingly document every scratch, dent, or scrape, no matter how minor they may seem. While this may not save you money on the front end, it will keep you from forfeiting your deposit or getting charged extra.

Why is this so important? Well, upon returning the truck, the rental company may assume that any damage not noted during the initial inspection is your responsibility. This means you could be held accountable, both in terms of blame and charges, for damages you didn't actually cause. To ensure you don't overlook even the tiniest blemish, consider bringing along a particularly detail-oriented friend to assist with the inspection. This not only speeds up the process but also increases the chances of spotting something you might have missed on your own. If you want to take things a step further, consider filming a video of the inspection during the pickup, including having the agent agree that there is no damage, or that there is existing damage to the truck.

Don't forget to refuel prior to returning your moving truck rental

It's a golden rule when returning your rental truck: always refill the gas tank, even if it means a slight detour during an already busy moving day filled with driving and unpacking. Failing to do so can result in an additional charge on your final bill. This charge not only covers the cost of the gas itself but also includes a fee for the time spent by a rental company employee refilling the tank for you.

It's worth noting that rental truck companies don't maintain their trucks with full tanks when they're parked at their facilities. Most keep their trucks' fuel levels at around a third or a fourth of capacity. This means you don't have to top off the tank entirely before returning the truck. Simply ensure its back to the level it was when you initially picked it up, and you'll avoid those extra charges. This small effort can go a long way in saving you money during your move.

Keep a close eye on the odometer

Rental tuck companies that offer cargo vans, box trucks, and other vehicles for moving often charge by the day and for distance. They don’t just take your word for it when it comes to how many miles your trip will be, they actually check the mileage on the rental. Of course, when you pick up your moving truck rental, make a note of the mileage before you drive off the lot. Make sure that the number noted in the truck is the same as noted on your rental contract.

When you start your relocation project, keep an eye on how often you go back and forth, which routes you take, and how often you have to change your route. In most cases, a rental truck company will offer consumers a prorated price if their mileage is under the expected amount. However, you have to ask for this concession. At the same time, you will be charged for going over the agreed-upon mileage, often at a rate that is higher than what is listed in the original contract. Find the shortest, most efficient route to your new location before getting behind the wheel of your moving truck rental.

Be direct in asking for a discount

You may be surprised, but many rental truck locations will offer location-specific discounts if you ask. Sometimes the person on duty booking the truck may be able to offer you a discount, or there may be hidden discounts available at the location. The worst thing they can do is say no, but after following our other tips you should still be getting a great deal. After negotiating your rate, but before finalizing your reservation, ask how else you can bring your expenses down. Be polite and just let the company know you are on a budget and looking for every way possible to save on your moving truck rental. Most places are willing to work with people, especially if they have excess trucks on the lot they need to get rented out. Hopefully, with these tips, you can bring your moving budget well below your expected calculations. To get started on your moving truck rental search, click (here).