In the Penske vs U-Haul matchup, U-Haul is usually cheaper and much easier to find, while Penske wins on one-way moves with unlimited mileage, guaranteed reservations, and built-in discounts. In HireAHelper’s 2026 data for a 2-bedroom move, U-Haul cost less than Penske for local, regional, and cross-country moves.
That is not the whole story, though. Penske includes unlimited miles on every one-way rental, and U-Haul has over 25,000 locations against Penske’s 2,000-plus. Below, I compare prices, truck sizes, fees, and policies using both companies’ own websites and real 2026 rental data, then show which one fits your move.
Key Takeaways
- U-Haul was cheaper in HireAHelper’s 2026 2-bedroom data: $139 vs $215 locally and $3,249 vs $3,718 cross-country.
- Penske includes unlimited mileage on all one-way moves, and needs no deposit on one-way rentals paid by credit card.
- U-Haul has over 25,000 locations, more than 10 times Penske’s 2,000-plus.
- Penske offers 12% off for AAA members, 15% for military, and 10% for students.
- U-Haul’s new 29-foot truck is larger than anything Penske rents.
Penske vs U-Haul at a Glance
| Feature | U-Haul | Penske |
|---|---|---|
| Locations | Over 25,000 | Over 2,000 |
| Truck sizes | Pickup, cargo van, 10′, 15′, 20′, 26′, 29′ | Cargo van, 12′, 16′, 22′, 26′ |
| One-way mileage | Set number of miles, extra miles cost more | Unlimited miles at no extra cost |
| Starting rate | From $19.95 (small local rentals) plus mileage and fees | Quote based |
| Discounts | No standard military or student percentage | AAA 12%, military 15%, students 10% |
| Reservation promise | $50 if a confirmed reservation is not honored | Your truck or an equal or larger one |
| Minimum age | 18 for trucks, 16 for trailers | 18 |
Sources: U-Haul and Penske websites; HireAHelper (August 2026).
Is Penske Cheaper Than U-Haul?
Usually not. HireAHelper compared median 2026 prices for a mid-size (15- to 16-foot) truck on a 2-bedroom move booked two weeks ahead, including standard fees but not insurance:
| Move distance | U-Haul | Penske | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local (under 50 miles) | $139 | $215 | U-Haul $76 less |
| Regional (50 to 250 miles) | $168 | $256 | U-Haul $88 less |
| Cross-country | $3,249 | $3,718 | U-Haul $469 less |
Source: HireAHelper Rental Truck Cost Database, 2026.
Why do some guides say Penske is cheaper? Results change with the size of the move and the route. In a separate HireAHelper dataset for 3-bedroom moves, Penske’s local median was $148.50 against U-Haul’s $160.00, while U-Haul stayed cheaper on 1,400- and 2,400-mile moves. For me, the safe conclusion is that U-Haul is usually cheaper, especially on long trips, but a local quote can go either way.
Is U-Haul or Penske cheaper for one-way moves? U-Haul’s one-way rentals include a set number of miles, with extra miles charged on top. Penske says “for all one-way moves, enjoy the added benefit of unlimited miles at no extra cost,” according to its rental FAQ. If your trip runs longer than planned, mileage charges will not add to Penske’s price.
U-Haul vs Penske Truck Sizes
| Truck | U-Haul | Penske |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup | Yes | No |
| Cargo van | Yes | Yes (round-trip only) |
| Small box truck | 10′ (no ramp) | 12′ |
| Medium box truck | 15′, 20′ | 16′, 22′ |
| Large box truck | 26′ (1,682 cu ft) | 26′ (up to 1,700 cu ft, 10,000 lbs) |
| Extra large | 29′ Easy Mover (2,057 cu ft) | None |
Which 26-foot truck is bigger? They are close. HireAHelper lists Penske’s 26-foot truck at up to 1,700 cubic feet and U-Haul’s at 1,682 cubic feet, but U-Haul’s has a higher listed maximum load of 12,859 pounds against Penske’s 10,000.
What about U-Haul’s 29-foot truck? In May 2026, U-Haul launched a 29-foot “Easy Mover” built with Peterbilt. It holds 2,057 cubic feet and starts at $49.95 for in-town rentals, the same base rate as its 26-foot truck in most markets, according to U-Haul’s announcement. It launched first in Greater Los Angeles and Philadelphia. For me, this is a clear differentiation strategy: a size Penske simply does not offer.
How Do Loading and Driving Compare?
Deck height and ramps. A lower deck means less lifting. U-Haul’s deck heights run from 29 inches on its 10-foot truck to 35 inches on its 20- and 26-foot trucks, and its 29-foot truck adjusts from 34 down to 30 inches, HireAHelper reported. Penske does not publish one standard deck height. U-Haul’s 10-foot truck has no ramp, while Penske lists ramps on its 16-, 22-, and 26-foot trucks.
Engines. HireAHelper notes that Penske uses diesel engines in its 22- and 26-foot trucks. U-Haul’s trucks, including the new 29-foot model, take regular unleaded gas.
Locations. U-Haul’s network of over 25,000 locations means a pickup or drop-off spot is usually nearby. For me, this is U-Haul’s biggest competitive advantage: Penske cannot match that reach, even if its trucks suit long trips.
How Do Fees and Policies Compare?
| Policy | U-Haul | Penske |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | Check at booking | None on one-way with a credit card; local: at least $300 or 150% of estimate |
| Extra drivers | Check at booking | Up to three at $10 each; family members free |
| Early return (one-way) | Check at booking | No refund |
| Electronic tolls | Check at booking | Tolls plus a $25 processing fee |
| Insurance | Extra (Safemove plans) | Extra (Basic to Plus plans) |
Penske details from its rental FAQ; insurance plan names from HireAHelper.
What does the reservation guarantee mean? Penske guarantees “the vehicle you reserved, or an equivalent or larger vehicle,” as long as you book more than 24 hours before pickup. U-Haul pays $50 if it cannot honor a confirmed reservation that lists exact equipment, time, and location, according to HireAHelper. For me, Penske’s promise is the stronger one on a tight moving day.
Who Gets a Discount?
Penske offers 12% off for AAA members, 15% for military members and veterans, and 10% for students. HireAHelper says U-Haul does not offer a standard percentage discount for military members or students.
For me, these discounts work like a customer loyalty program aimed at specific groups. On HireAHelper’s cross-country median, a 15% military discount would bring Penske’s $3,718 down to about $3,160, below U-Haul’s $3,249.
Who Owns Penske and U-Haul?
They are separate, competing companies. Penske Truck Leasing is owned 41.1% by Penske Corporation, 28.9% by Penske Automotive Group, and 30.0% by Mitsui & Co., according to Penske Automotive Group’s 2025 quarterly filing. U-Haul is run by U-Haul Holding Company, which trades on the New York Stock Exchange and names Penske as one of its major national competitors.
U-Haul had about 204,800 trucks and $6.04 billion in revenue in fiscal 2026. See how both fit into the wider market in our full list of U-Haul competitors.
Penske or U-Haul: Which Should You Choose?
| Your move | Better choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Local, budget matters most | U-Haul | Lower median prices and more locations |
| Long one-way trip with uncertain mileage | Penske | Unlimited miles on one-way rentals |
| Military, student, or AAA member | Penske | 10% to 15% discounts |
| Very large home | U-Haul | 29-foot truck, where available |
| You cannot risk a missing truck | Penske | Stronger reservation guarantee |
| Small job, like a sofa | U-Haul | Pickups, vans, and 10-foot trucks |
What about Budget? Budget is the third major option. In HireAHelper’s 3-bedroom data, Budget had the lowest median price at every distance. So for me, the smart move is to get quotes from all three for the same truck size and dates.
How Do U-Haul and Penske Compete as Businesses?
This rivalry is a good lesson in business competition. U-Haul competes on reach and price: thousands of locations, low starting rates, and the widest range of sizes. Penske competes on reliability and value for long trips: unlimited one-way miles, guaranteed trucks, and discounts for specific groups.
For me, neither strategy is “better.” They target different customers. U-Haul wins the budget-minded local mover; Penske wins the long-distance mover who wants fewer surprises.
How Can You Get the Best Price From Either Company?
- Quote the same truck size and dates. A 15-foot U-Haul and a 16-foot Penske are the closest match.
- Estimate your miles first. On one-way moves, U-Haul’s extra-mile charges add up, while Penske’s miles are unlimited.
- Apply discounts before comparing. If you qualify for Penske’s AAA, military, or student discount, use the discounted price.
- Add insurance to both quotes. Both companies charge extra for coverage, so compare the full price, not the base rate.
- Ask about deposits. Penske’s local rentals require at least $300 or 150% of the estimate, which matters if cash is tight.
Bottom Line
For me, U-Haul is the better pick for most local moves and for anyone who wants the lowest typical price. Penske is the better pick for long one-way trips, for military members and students who qualify for discounts, and for movers who cannot afford a reservation surprise. Check both, plus Budget, for your exact route and dates before you book. For another two-company rivalry, see our guide to Uber vs Lyft.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Penske Truck Leasing is owned by Penske Corporation, Penske Automotive Group, and Mitsui & Co. U-Haul is run by U-Haul Holding Company, which trades on the New York Stock Exchange. U-Haul names Penske as one of its main national competitors.
Not on one-way moves. Penske includes unlimited miles at no extra cost on all one-way rentals. For local round-trip rentals, check your quote, since Penske’s FAQ promises unlimited miles only for one-way moves.
For one-way rentals paid by credit card, Penske says no security deposit is required. For local round-trip rentals, Penske requires a deposit of at least $300 or 150% of the estimated total, whichever is greater.
Yes. Both companies rent moving trucks to drivers aged 18 and older with a valid license. U-Haul also rents trailers to customers from age 16, according to HireAHelper. Penske says no special license is needed for its personal moving trucks.
Yes. Penske allows up to three additional drivers for $10 each, and family members can be added at no charge. The renter must be at least 18 with a valid US or Canadian driver’s license.
