Penske is a national leader in truck rentals, known for high-quality, newer trucks and offering unlimited miles on one-way trips. In 2026, a Penske truck typically costs between $1,200 and $1,700 for a two-bedroom, long-distance move of 1000 miles or less.
When you’ve done the hard work of finding a new home, you just need a truck to get your stuff there. Penske’s one of the many rental options out there, but is its higher price point compared to other companies worth it for your specific move?
At HireAHelper, we have been helping people move every day for over a decade. In this guide, we evaluated Penske based on pricing, real customer feedback, and how they stack up against U-Haul and Budget so you can make the best decision for your own move. Here’s everything you need to know before you book.
Table of Contents:
- Who is Penske Best For?
- How Renting a Truck With Penske Works
- How Much Does Penske Truck Rental Cost?
- Penske Truck Sizes and Features
- Penske Truck Rental Reviews
- Pros and Cons of Renting a Penske Truck
- Is Penske a Good Choice for Your Move?
- FAQs About Penske Truck Rental
Who is Penske Best For?
Choosing the right truck rental often comes down to one question: Are you prioritizing your budget or your peace of mind?
Penske is widely considered a premium option in the DIY moving world. While they aren’t always the cheapest choice, they are known for being one of the most reliable. If you are willing to pay a little more for a newer truck and a smoother ride, they are a fantastic contender.
Penske is a great match if:
- You are moving long-distance. They offer unlimited miles on one-way rentals, which saves stress on cross-country trips.
- You have a heavy load. Their fleet includes heavy-duty diesel trucks that handle weight better than standard gas trucks.
- You want reliability. You prioritize driving a newer, well-maintained vehicle over saving a few dollars.
Consider a different brand if:
- You are moving locally. For short, round-trip moves, the mileage fees can add up quickly.
- You are on a tight budget. Competitors like U-Haul often have lower daily rates for small moves.
- You are booking last minute. Availability can be tighter than competitors with larger fleets.
How Renting a Truck With Penske Works
The booking process changes depending on where and how far you’re going. Penske separates reservations into “Local” (Round-trip) and “One-Way” (Long-distance).
How Penske Works for Local Moves
A local move means you pick up and drop off the truck at the same location.
- Reserve Online or by Phone: Select “Round-trip.” You will need your zip code and dates.
- Pay the Deposit: Local moves generally require a deposit. This is often $150 or more if paying by credit card.
- Pick Up: Bring a valid driver’s license and the credit card used for the reservation. Inspect the truck carefully before driving off.
- Refuel: You must return the truck with the same fuel level as pickup to avoid hefty fees.
- Pay Mileage: You are charged a daily rate plus a fee for every mile you drive.
How Penske Works for Long-Distance Moves
A one-way move means you drop the truck off in a new city.
- Get a Quote: Enter your starting point and destination. Penske calculates the allowed days and distance automatically.
- Secure the Rate: One-way quotes include unlimited miles. No deposit is usually required if you reserve with a credit card.
- Drive: You have a set number of days to complete the trip. If you need more time, you can purchase extra days (usually around $100/day).
- Drop Off: Return the truck to the designated location in your new city.
Tip: Always ask about discounts. AAA members, military personnel, and students can often get 10% to 12% off.
How Much Does Penske Truck Rental Cost?
There are several factors that go into the cost of your moving truck. Mileage, fuel, and other fees can be priced dynamically. In other words, it changes based on supply and demand, much like airline tickets, and that volatility is something you should keep in mind when booking.
What Goes Into Penske Pricing
- Base Rental Rate: The flat fee for the truck itself.
- Mileage: For local moves, you pay per mile (often $0.99 to $1.29/mile). Long-distance moves usually include unlimited miles.
- Truck Size: Larger trucks have higher daily rates.
- Seasonality: Rates spike during summer and at the end of the month.
Estimated Penske Costs by Move Type
Based on recent quotes, here is what you might expect to pay for different move scenarios:
| Move Scenario | Truck Size | Est. Cost | Notes |
| Studio / 1-Bedroom Local | 12-foot or 16-foot | $120 – $140 | Includes daily rate + mileage (approx. 20-50 miles). |
| 2-Bedroom Long-Distance | 16-foot or 22-foot | $1,200 – $1,700 | One-way quote (approx. 1,000+ miles). Includes unlimited miles. |
| 3+ Bedroom Cross-Country | 26-foot | $4,300 – $5,500 | Coast-to-coast move. Includes unlimited miles. |
Additional Costs and Fees to Watch For
Sticking to a moving budget is tough, especially when the initial truck quote is just the starting point. To help you plan for the full cost of your rental, we’ve broken down the common fees and add-ons that are typically added at the counter. Here is exactly what to look out for so you have a clear picture of your final bill.
Insurance
As with the other major truck rental companies, Penske offers several options for insurance and liability coverage:
- Limited Damage Waiver (LDW): Waives your financial responsibility for covered damage to the truck or towing equipment, per contract terms, but not your personal vehicle or belongings.
- Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI): Up to $1,000,000 in protection for the renter and listed authorized drivers against claims made by a third party for bodily and/or property damage (age restrictions apply).
- Cargo Protection (CAI): Protects your household items in the truck from loss or damage caused by accidents or natural disasters during transit, and only while in the truck (limits apply).
- Personal Accident Insurance (PAI): Medical and accidental death coverage for the renter and cab passengers.
- Towing Insurance (TWI): Covers a vehicle towed behind your Penske truck in case of damage while loading or unloading, or while in transit.
Make sure to review your policy in detail before checkout, as coverage may vary, and you’ll want to be sure you’re getting what you need.
Moving Supplies
In addition to a rental truck, your move will require moving supplies like boxes, tape, furniture pads, and a dolly. You have lots of options for buying and renting supplies and equipment, like borrowing from friends and family or purchasing them at your local hardware store.
If you need, you can buy or rent moving supplies from Penske as well. Prices may vary by date or location, but here’s what we saw in the quote flow for both local and long-distance quotes:
| Item | How it’s Offered | Typical Details | Quoted Price |
| Hand truck/Dolly | Rental add-on | Stair-climber style with straps | -$15 for local move
-$15 for long-distance move |
| Furniture pads | Rental add-on | 4’×6’; available in 12-packs | $20 per dozen |
When researching, I was informed that there were supplies offered for sale at the location where I was picking up my Penske truck, although there were no specific details about which supplies were available. According to Penske’s website, they offer the following supplies for sale, but pricing varies by location:
- Moving boxes
- Bubble wrap
- Mattress bags
- Mattress covers
- Ropes and bungee cords
- Padlocks
Towing Equipment
Need to tow your vehicle as part of your move? Penske offers two options for towing equipment (available only with a Penske truck reservation): a tow dolly and a car carrier.
Each type serves a different purpose and is better for certain cars. Here’s what to know:
- Tow dolly: This lifts the front wheels of your vehicle off the ground. It’s best for front-wheel-drive vehicles within Penske’s recommended size/weight limits.
- Car carrier: This carries the entire vehicle and is typically used for AWD/4WD/RWD vehicles or when owners prefer to have all wheels off the road.
In the chart below, we break down each piece of equipment further:
| Tow Dolly | Car Carrier | |
| Best for | Front-wheel-drive cars | AWD, 4WD, RWD vehicles |
| Key Limits | – Load cap ~4,300 lbs
– Max towed width: 74 in – Max wheelbase: 125 in |
– Load cap 4,055–5,000 lbs (depends on truck size)
– Max towed width: 80.5 in – Max wheelbase: 128 in |
| Considerations | – Rear wheels on road (adds tire wear)
– Not for AWD/4WD – Cheaper than car carrier |
– All wheels lifted off road (no tire wear)
– More stability for long-distance moves |
Quotes vary depending on factors such as date and distance. Generally speaking, adding a tow dolly or car carrier adds several hundred dollars to a move.
Common Cost Surprises
To keep your budget on track, watch out for common “hidden” costs. These are things you might not know about or expect, so they’ll seem like a surprise on your final bill. Here’s what to look out for:
- Environmental Fee: A small mandatory fee added to most rentals.
- Diesel vs. Gas: Penske’s large trucks use diesel. This fuel can sometimes be more expensive than regular gas.
- Late Fees: Returning the truck late can result in being charged for an extra day.
- Tolls: You are responsible for all tolls incurred during the drive.
Penske Truck Sizes and Features
Penske stands out for its regularly updated, well-maintained vehicles. Here’s what you can expect in terms of features:
- Newer Trucks: Penske’s fleet contains newer, well-maintained vehicles for reliability and comfort.
- Ramps and Lift Gates: Ramps are available on larger trucks to make loading and unloading easier. However, it appears that lift gates just come with Penske’s commercial trucks, and they may not be available for all trucks.
- Towing Capabilities: Most trucks (all except the 12-foot size) can tow personal vehicles or trailers.
- 24/7 Roadside Assistance: Nationwide 24/7 roadside support is available for all customers for breakdowns, flat tires, or other issues at no additional cost
Penske Truck Size Options
Like its major truck rental competitors, Penske offers several truck size options, and it falls somewhere between U-Haul and Budget in terms of its size offerings. Here’s a closer look at the dimensions and other details for each size option, along with recommendations for what size home it’s best suited for.
| Rental Sizes | Details | Best For |
| Smallest Box Truck
(12-foot) |
– Cargo Dimensions: 12′ L x 6’6″ W x 6’1″ H
– Exterior Dimensions: 18’6″ L x 6’7″ W x 8’9″ H – Capacity: 450 ft³, 3,100 lbs. – Fuel Type: Gasoline, Up to 12 mpg – Can’t tow a car |
Dormitory or studio apartment
1–2 rooms |
| Mid-range Box Truck
(16-foot) |
– Cargo Dimensions: 16′ L x 7’7″ W x 6’6″ H
– Exterior Dimensions: 22’5″ L x 8′ W x 10’6″ H – Capacity: 800 ft³, 4,300 lbs. – Fuel Type: Gasoline, Up to 12 mpg |
1 BR Apartment
(2–3 Rooms) |
| Large Box Truck
(22-foot) |
– Cargo Dimensions: 21’11” L x 8’1″ W x 8’1″ H
– Exterior Dimensions: 31’5″ L x 8’6″ W x 12’6″ H – Capacity: 1,200 ft³, 10,000 lbs. – Fuel Type: Diesel, Up to 13 mpg |
1–2 BR Home
(3–5 Rooms) |
| Largest Box Truck
(26-foot) |
– Cargo Dimensions: 25’11” L x 8’1″ W x 8’1″ H
– Exterior Dimensions: 35’5″ L x 8’6″ W x 12’6″ H – Capacity: 1,700 ft³, 10,000 lbs. – Fuel Type: Diesel, Up to 13 mpg |
3–5 BR Home
(5–7 Rooms) |
Truck Options: Penske vs U-Haul vs Budget
How does this compare to Penske’s competitors? As far as traditional box trucks go, Penske has just as many size options as U-Haul. Budget only offers 3 options for small, medium, and large-sized moves. Here’s how the three fleets compare:
| Penske | U-Haul | Budget | |
| Pickup Truck | Not an option | – Pickup Truck
– 19 mpg – 8′ × 6’1″ bed – Can tow a car |
Not an option |
| Cargo Van
Small studio apt |
Limited availability | – 18 mpg
– 246 ft³ – Can’t tow a car |
– 8–14 mpg
– 323 ft³ – Can’t tow a car |
| Smallest Box Truck
Studio or 1 BR apt |
12-ft Box Truck:
– Up to 12 mpg – 450 ft³ – Can’t tow a car |
10-ft Box Truck:
– 12 mpg – 402 ft³ – Can tow a car |
12-ft Box Truck:
– 8–14 mpg – 380 ft³ – Can’t tow a car |
| Mid-range Box Truck
1–2 BR home |
16-ft Box Truck:
– Up to 12 mpg – 800 ft³ – Can tow a car |
15-ft Box Truck:
– 10 mpg – 764 ft³ – Can tow a car |
16-ft Box Truck:
– 6–10 mpg – 658 ft³ – Can tow a car |
| Large Box Truck
2–3 BR home |
22-ft Box Truck (Diesel):
– Up to 13 mpg – 1,200 ft³ – Can tow a car |
20-ft Box Truck:
– 10 mpg – 1,016 ft³ – Can tow a car |
Not an option |
| Largest Box Truck
3–5 BR home |
26-ft Box Truck (Diesel):
– Up to 13 mpg – 1,700 ft³ – Can tow a car |
26-ft Box Truck:
– 10 mpg – 1,682 ft³ – Can tow a car |
26-ft Box Truck:
– 8–10 mpg – 1,698 ft³ – Can tow a car |
Want a deeper dive into how these companies stack up on price? You can read more in our piece on Penske vs. U-Haul: Is Penske a Cheaper Alternative to U-Haul?
Penske Truck Rental Reviews: What Customers Say
To get a real sense of what it’s like to rent from Penske, we analyzed feedback from verified customers on platforms like ConsumerAffairs and Trustpilot. While Penske is often seen as a premium provider, user experiences highlight a mix of high-quality equipment and logistical headaches.
What Customers Like About Penske
When the rental goes smoothly, customers are quick to praise the quality of the drive and the helpfulness of individual staff members.
- Newer, Well-Maintained Fleet: A major selling point for many reviewers is the condition of the trucks. Customers frequently mention receiving newer models that feel safe, clean, and road-ready, which is a significant step up from the older, high-mileage vehicles often found at budget competitors.
- Reliability on the Road: Renters planning long-distance moves often cite peace of mind as a primary benefit. The newer fleet generally translates to fewer breakdowns, and users appreciate features like bright headlights, effective air conditioning, and functioning safety equipment.
- Comfort for Long Drives: Several customers noted that the cabs are spacious and comfortable, making cross-country trips less fatiguing. Features like translucent roofs for easier loading and driver-friendly cabins are frequently highlighted as positives.
Common Penske Customer Complaints
Despite the high marks for vehicle quality, a pattern of administrative and logistical issues appears in negative reviews.
- Reservation Reliability: The most consistent complaint revolves around “guaranteed” reservations falling through. A significant number of customers reported arriving on moving day only to find their specific truck size was unavailable, or being forced to drive to a different location hours away to pick up their vehicle.
- Billing Disputes: Many negative reviews stem from unexpected charges. Customers have reported issues with deposit returns being delayed, as well as disputes over fuel levels — specifically being charged refueling fees even after returning the truck with the correct amount of gas or diesel.
- Customer Service Inconsistencies: While some local staff members are praised as heroes, others are described as unhelpful or difficult to reach. Users have expressed frustration with long wait times for roadside assistance and a disconnect between local branches and the national corporate support team when problems arise.
- Pickup and Drop-off Limitations: Because Penske has fewer locations than its biggest competitor, some renters found themselves driving significant distances just to pick up or return their trucks, adding stress and mileage costs to their move.
Pros and Cons of Renting a Penske Truck
Like any rental company, Penske has its strengths and weaknesses. It is generally considered a premium option — great for reliability and long hauls, but potentially pricey for short local trips.
Here is a quick look at where the brand shines and where it falls short compared to competitors like U-Haul and Budget.
Pros of Penske Truck Rental
- Unlimited Miles on One-Way Moves: Unlike most competitors, Penske includes unlimited mileage on long-distance rentals. This offers huge peace of mind (and savings) if your route involves detours.
- Newer, Reliable Fleet: Penske rotates its trucks more frequently than other companies. This means you are more likely to get a clean, modern vehicle with working A/C and fewer mechanical issues.
- Potential for Price Matching: While their base rates are higher, Penske agents are often empowered to match competitor quotes if you ask. It’s not a guarantee, but it doesn’t hurt to try.
- Transparent Pricing: The quote flow is straightforward, and one-way rentals use a simple flat rate rather than a complicated per-mile calculation.
- Roadside Assistance: Every rental includes 24/7 roadside assistance, so you won’t be stranded if something goes wrong.
Cons of Penske Truck Rental
- Higher Average Costs: You will typically pay more for a Penske truck than you would for a U-Haul or Budget truck, especially on local moves.
- Fewer Locations: Penske has thousands of locations, but they are not on every corner like U-Haul. You might have to drive further to pick up or drop off your truck.
- Booking & Availability Issues: As noted in customer reviews, “guaranteed” reservations can sometimes fall through due to tighter inventory.
- Diesel Fuel Requirements: The larger trucks (22-foot and 26-foot) require diesel fuel. This can be more expensive than gas and harder to find at some stations.
- Strict Deposit Policies: Local moves almost always require a credit card deposit, which can tie up your funds during the move
Is Penske a Good Choice for Your Move?
In the end, deciding if Penske is the right fit for you largely comes down to the distance of your move and your comfort level behind the wheel. If you are going far and want predictable, mileage-included pricing, Penske is a compelling option.
Penske is Best For:
- Long-Distance Moves: With their unlimited mileage policy on one-way rentals, you won’t have to stress about the odometer if you need to take a detour or get lost along the way.
- Heavier Loads: Penske’s fleet includes heavy-duty diesel trucks (22-foot and 26-foot models) that are built to handle the weight of a larger home better than standard gas trucks.
- Drivers Comfortable with Larger Trucks: The newer fleet is reliable, but the larger diesel trucks can be intimidating if you are used to driving a sedan.
Penske is Not Ideal For:
- Short Local Moves: For quick, in-town trips, the daily rate plus per-mile fees often make Penske more expensive than budget-friendly competitors.
- Tight Budgets: If every dollar counts, youwill often find lower base rates with U-Haul or Budget.
- Last-Minute Rentals: Due to a slightly smaller fleet, availability can be tight. You might struggle to find the right truck size if you wait until the week of your move to book.
Looking for the absolute lowest price? Check out our rankings of The 7 Cheapest Moving Trucks of 2025
A Smarter Way to Move: The Labor-Only Option
If you love the idea of a reliable Penske truck but hate the thought of lifting heavy furniture, you have options. A labor-only move gives you the best of both worlds: you rent the truck to control your timeline and budget, but you hire professional movers just for the loading and unloading.
By pairing a Penske rental with HireAHelper labor, you save significant money over a full-service moving company while still saving your back.
Pro Tip: If you do choose Penske, don’t forget to ask about discounts. They actively offer deals for AAA members, military personnel, and students, which can sometimes bring prices down to match competitors’.
Why Trust HireAHelper
With over 17 years of experience in the moving industry and more than 1 million moves under our belts, HireAHelper has built a nationwide network of over 1,700 vetted moving providers. With our deep industry insights drawn from nationwide customer reviews and first-hand shopper research, we pride ourselves on delivering the most up-to-date, unbiased data on moving companies like Penske — helping readers make confident, informed comparisons.
FAQs About Penske Truck Rental
How much does Penske charge to rent a truck per day?
Penske doesn’t have a universal daily price. The cost of a move depends on various factors. Local rentals, where you pick up and drop off the truck at the same location, are priced according to a daily base rate plus a fee per mile, which can vary by market or date.
One-way moves are priced differently as a flat rate that includes a certain number of days and unlimited miles, with extra days priced at $100/day. The best way to find out how much a Penske rental will cost you is to run a quote for your specific move.
How many days can you rent a Penske truck?
When renting a Penske truck for a local move (where you pick up and drop off at the same location), rental periods are usually same-day. However, you have the option to rent your truck longer at a per-day rate plus a per-mile fee.
With one-way Penske truck rentals, the number of days you rent your truck depends on the distance. If you need your truck longer, let your Penske representative know, and they can extend your rental period at $100/day.
What is cheaper than Penske?
According to our personal shopper research, U-Haul and Budget tend to offer truck rentals for less than Penske, especially when it comes to local or short moves. However, Penske has been known to price-match lower quotes, so be sure to check with your Penske rep before opting for a lower-priced competitor.
How many miles will a Penske truck go on a full tank?
On Penske’s website, the 22- and 26-foot diesel lists up to a 70-gallon tank and up to 13 mpg. In ideal conditions, that’s about 910 miles per tank (70×13).
Penske’s 12- and 16-foot trucks are listed online as having a fuel tank up to 33 gallons (up to 12 mpg). This would amount to 396 miles per tank in ideal conditions. Real-world numbers vary according to factors such as speed, load, terrain, and idling.
Pro Tip: Use Penske’s Fuel Estimator to estimate fuel costs for your truck size and distance.
Can You Hire Movers With a Penske Truck?
Yes, absolutely. This is often called labor-only or “hybrid” moving. You rent the Penske truck to handle the transportation yourself, but you hire professional moving labor to handle the heavy lifting (loading and unloading). This is a great way to save money compared to a full-service moving company.
Does Penske charge per mile?
It depends on your move type. For local (round-trip) moves, yes — Penske typically charges a daily rate plus a per-mile fee. However, for one-way (long-distance) moves, Penske usually includes unlimited mileage in the quoted price, which is a major perk compared to some competitors.
Are Penske trucks reliable?
Yes, Penske is widely known for maintaining one of the newest and most reliable fleets in the industry. Their trucks are rotated out of service sooner than many competitors, which generally means fewer breakdowns and better features like working A/C and automatic transmissions.
Does Penske include moving labor?
No, Penske is a truck rental service only. Your rental includes the vehicle and any equipment you add (like a dolly or furniture pads), but it does not include a crew to help you move your boxes or furniture.
Can I hire movers separately with a Penske truck?
Yes! You can book a crew through a marketplace like HireAHelper to meet you at your home. They will load up your Penske truck efficiently, and you can even hire a separate crew at your destination to help you unload.
