Budget Truck Rental hires moving trucks and cargo vans for local and one-way moves across the US, from Budget dealer and company locations. It also rents dollies, furniture pads and other moving equipment.
A Budget move goes well when you book the right size truck, understand how mileage and fuel are charged, and decide on protection before you are standing at the counter.
Choosing a Budget truck size
Budget's fleet has typically included a cargo van and trucks around 12, 16 and 26 feet. Check what your Budget location offers on the booking page.
As a rough guide, a cargo van or the smallest Budget truck suits a studio or small one-bedroom apartment. A 16-foot truck suits two to three rooms, and the 26-foot Budget truck suits a larger home.
If you are between sizes, go up. On a local move a second trip costs mileage and time; on a one-way move, a truck that is too small leaves furniture behind.
Measure the large items — sofa, wardrobe, refrigerator — and compare them with the interior dimensions and door height on the Budget listing.
Larger Budget trucks generally have a loading ramp, which makes heavy items far easier. Confirm the ramp before settling on a smaller vehicle.
Local versus one-way pricing
A local Budget rental, returned to the same location, is usually priced as a daily rate plus a charge per mile. The low headline daily rate is not the full cost.
Estimate miles honestly: picking up the truck, the old home, the new home, any storage unit, and back. Multiply by the per-mile rate before comparing quotes.
A one-way Budget rental is typically quoted with a set number of days and miles for the route. Going over either adds charges, so check the allowance in the quote.
One-way prices vary a lot by direction. Routes that many people are leaving cost more, because Budget has to rebalance its trucks.
Fuel, condition and the return
Return the truck with the fuel level you collected it at. Otherwise Budget usually adds a refueling charge at a higher price per gallon than the pump. Check whether your truck takes gasoline or diesel.
Photograph the fuel gauge and odometer at pickup and return. Record any dents and scratches with a walk-around video before you drive off.
Return on time. A late return can add another day's charge, and some Budget locations have strict hours for key drop.
Damage protection and insurance
Budget offers optional protection when you book or at the counter, covering damage to the truck, liability and your belongings in various combinations.
Many personal auto insurance policies and credit card benefits do not cover large moving trucks. Call your insurer and card provider before the move rather than assuming.
If you decline Budget's protection and have no other cover, you may be responsible for the full cost of any damage. For first-time truck drivers the cover is often worth it.
Driving and loading a moving truck
Budget moving trucks are generally drivable on a standard US driver's license. Check Budget's minimum renter age before booking.
A loaded truck brakes more slowly and stands much taller than a car. Watch for low bridges, drive-throughs and parking garages, and leave extra space in front.
Load the heaviest items first, against the cab, and spread weight evenly side to side. Tie loads to the rails and fill gaps so nothing shifts.
Renting a dolly and furniture pads from Budget adds little to the bill and saves backs and furniture.
When Budget truck prices are lowest
Demand for moving trucks peaks in summer, at weekends, and at the end and start of each month when leases turn over. Budget prices generally follow that demand.
A midweek, mid-month pickup outside summer is typically cheapest. For peak dates, book early, because the right-sized Budget truck may be gone.
Where the Budget Truck Rental savings are
Budget codes usually apply to the base rental rate, not to fuel, protection, taxes or equipment. On a local move, the saving on the headline rate is smaller than it looks against the final total.
Enter a code at the quote stage and compare totals with and without it. Budget sometimes has an online discount already running that a code replaces rather than adds to.
The name TEACH suggests a discount for teachers, so eligibility checks may apply. PRT08 and TRUKU are the Budget codes to try first.
Budget has also offered discounts through programs such as military and AARP. Compare those with these codes, because normally only one discount applies.
Common questions
What size Budget truck do I need?
Roughly: the smallest truck for a studio or one-bedroom, 16 feet for two to three rooms, 26 feet for a larger home. When unsure, go up.
Does my car insurance cover a Budget truck?
Often not. Call your insurer before the move.
Do Budget truck codes cover mileage?
Usually they discount the base rate only. Check the quote breakdown.
| Discount | Type | Get the deal |
|---|---|---|
| 20% off | Online deal | View at Budget Truck Rental → |
| 15% off | Promo code | View at Budget Truck Rental → |
| 20% off | Promo code | View at Budget Truck Rental → |
| 20% off | Promo code | View at Budget Truck Rental → |
