Moving is never an easy task but the help of budget moving trucks can help make your move easier while helping you to save money. In this guide, we’re comparing Penske vs Uhaul to see what is more affordable and who offers the better service.
The goal is to provide you with valuable insights to help you make an informed decision when choosing between Penske and Uhaul for your next move.
Overall Opinion
A lot of articles will tiptoe around making a decision but we don’t want to be like that. We want to provide you with concrete evidence and our opinion about which one of these moving truck companies is the better choice for what situation.
If reliability, fuel efficiency, and flexibility are crucial factors for your move, Penske emerges as a strong contender. With their well-maintained fleet and reputation for fuel efficiency, Penske trucks offer a reliable and cost-effective solution for long-distance moves.
Additionally, their 24/7 roadside assistance provides peace of mind in case of any unexpected issues. If you value a seamless and efficient moving experience and are willing to potentially pay a slightly higher price, Penske may be the better choice for you.
On the other hand, if affordability, convenience, and additional services are your primary considerations, Uhaul stands out. Uhaul’s extensive network of rental locations across the country ensures that you can easily find a pickup and drop-off location near you.
With a wide range of truck sizes available and competitive pricing, Uhaul offers cost-effective solutions for various moving needs. Furthermore, Uhaul’s additional services, such as moving supplies, towing equipment, and storage options, make it a comprehensive one-stop shop for all your moving requirements.
We think Uhaul is the better choice for local moves because they charge less per mile but more for long distance moves of 100 miles or more.
If you have a longer move and you need a more reliable vehicle, Penske is the way to go.
Pros of Penske
- Reliable fleet: Penske boasts a modern and well-maintained fleet of moving trucks, ensuring that customers can rely on their vehicles throughout their moving journey.
- Fuel efficiency: Penske trucks are known for their fuel efficiency, which can result in cost savings, especially for long-distance moves.
- 24/7 roadside assistance: Penske provides round-the-clock roadside assistance, giving customers peace of mind in case of any unexpected issues during their move.
- Flexible rental options: Penske offers flexible rental options, including one-way rentals, allowing customers to return the truck to a different location, which can be convenient for long-distance moves.
Cons of Penske
- Limited availability: While Penske has a significant presence across the United States, their number of locations may be more limited compared to Uhaul, which could pose challenges if you are in a remote area.
- Potentially higher costs: Penske’s pricing structure may be slightly higher compared to some competitors, including Uhaul. However, this can vary depending on the specific rental location and duration of the rental.
Pros of Uhaul
- Extensive network: Uhaul has an extensive network of rental locations across the United States, making it easier for customers to find a convenient pickup and drop-off location.
- Variety of truck sizes: Uhaul offers a wide range of truck sizes, from small vans to large trucks, catering to different moving needs.
- Affordable pricing: Uhaul is known for its competitive pricing, which can be attractive for customers on a tight budget.
- Additional services: Uhaul provides various additional services such as moving supplies, towing equipment, and storage solutions, offering customers a comprehensive moving experience.
Cons of Uhaul
- Older fleet: Some customers have reported that Uhaul trucks may be older and less well-maintained compared to Penske trucks, potentially leading to a less reliable moving experience.
- Limited availability during peak seasons: Uhaul’s popularity can sometimes result in limited availability of trucks, especially during peak moving seasons, making it necessary to book well in advance.
Penske vs Uhaul: Services
Use this table to stack the services of Uhaul vs Penske, side-by-side:
| Service | Penske | Uhaul |
| One-way rentals | ✔ | ✔ |
| Local rentals | ✔ | ✔ |
| Long-distance | ✔ | ✔ |
| Moving supplies | Limited | ✔ |
| Towing equipment | ✔ | ✔ |
| Storage options | Limited | ✔ |
| Free Cancellation | 48 hours before | 24 hours before |
| Online booking | ✔ | ✔ |
Penske vs Uhaul: Truck Sizes
When it comes to truck sizes, both Penske and Uhaul offer a range of options to accommodate different moving needs. Looking at Penske rental truck sizes and Uhaul sizes can help you determine which company offers more options to appeal to various sized moves.
Here is a breakdown of the different truck sizes available:
| Truck Size | Penske | Uhaul |
| Cargo van | Available | Available |
| 12 ft | Available | Available |
| 16 ft | Available | Available |
| 26 ft | Available | Available |
| Auto transport | Available | Available |
| Trailers | Available |
Penske vs Uhaul: Availability
| Penske | Uhaul | |
| United States | 48 states | 50 states |
| Canada | Yes | Yes |
Both Penske and Uhaul have a significant presence across the United States. However, there are some variations in their availability. Penske has a widespread network of locations, but they may have fewer branches compared to Uhaul.
It’s important to check the availability in your specific area and consider the proximity of their rental locations to your starting and ending points.
Uhaul, on the other hand, has an extensive network of rental locations in many cities and towns across the country, which can make it easier to find a convenient pickup and drop-off location.
Penske vs Uhaul: Insurance
Both Penske and Uhaul offer insurance options to protect your belongings during the move. It’s essential to understand the coverage options and select the one that suits your needs.
While the specific insurance plans can vary, both companies typically offer options such as Limited Damage Waiver (LDW) or Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI). LDW covers damage to the rental truck, while SLI provides additional liability coverage in case of accidents or property damage.
It’s recommended to carefully review the terms and conditions of the insurance coverage provided by each company and consider any additional coverage you may need.
Penske vs Uhaul: Costs
When comparing the costs of renting a moving truck from Penske and Uhaul, it’s important to note that pricing can vary based on factors such as the rental duration, truck size, distance traveled, and location.
Additionally, costs may also fluctuate depending on seasonal demand. To provide a general idea of the pricing comparison, here is a breakdown based on a sample scenario:
| Rental Duration | Penske | Uhaul |
| 1-day rental | $79-$99 per day | $19.95-$39.95 per day |
| 7-day rental | $950-$1,200 | $300-$500 |
| 1-month rental | $2,300-$2,600 | $600-$900 |
Here is another scenario if you choose to pay per mile:
| Distance | Penske | Uhaul |
| Local | $1.29 per mile | $0.59 per mile |
| 100-250 miles | $300 | $289 unlimited mileage |
| 250+ miles | $960 | $810 unlimited mileage |
Keep in mind that these are estimates and will change depending on your location, rental vehicle size, and time of year.
Uhaul vs Penske vs Budget
If we throw Budget into the mix, we can compare the three options to see which of these companies provides the best service.
Budget offers a fleet of well-maintained trucks, although their availability may be more limited compared to U-Haul and Penske in certain areas. However, their trucks generally provide a reliable transportation option for moving.
Budget also specializes in truck rentals but may have a more limited selection of additional services compared to U-Haul and Penske. However, they still provide some moving supplies and accessories to support your relocation.
It’s important to consider your specific priorities when choosing between U-Haul, Penske, and Budget. If affordability and a wide range of additional services are crucial to you, U-Haul may be the preferred option over Budget.
If reliability, fuel efficiency, and a well-maintained fleet are your top concerns, Penske stands out. Budget can be a viable choice for those seeking a balance between affordability and reliability, although their additional service offerings may be more limited.
Penske vs Uhaul: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Penske cheaper than Uhaul?
Penske is cheaper than Uhaul for long distance moves because they charge a flat rate price plus unlimited mileage. Uhaul will charge you if you go over the pre-agreed upon mileage rate.
What are the Penske rental truck sizes?
Penske provides cargo van, 12-foot, 16-foot, 22-foot, and 26-foot truck options.
What packaging materials do each offer?
Both Penske and Uhaul offer packing boxes, packing materials, mattress bags, furniture covers, and other options to help with the overall shipping process. That said, Uhaul typically has more options available at their locations.
Final Thoughts
In the battle of budget moving trucks, both Penske and Uhaul offer distinct advantages. Penske provides a reliable fleet, fuel efficiency, and 24/7 roadside assistance. On the other hand, Uhaul stands out with its extensive network, variety of truck sizes, affordability, and additional moving services.
When choosing between the two, it’s crucial to consider your specific requirements, including availability in your area, desired truck size, budget, and any additional services you may need.
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