U-Haul Gas Charges And Mileage Explained.
- American National Movers
- Mar 20
- 3 min read
When relocating long-distance—say 1,000 to 1,800+ miles—Fuel and mileage are one of the largest hidden costs with U-Haul. These undisclosed fees add an average of $800 to $1,500 more to the total U-Haul costs. This article will break down potential hidden fees, how U-Haul "charges" for gas, and why you should consider affordable out-of-state movers as an alternative to U-Haul.
How Much Does U-Haul Charge For Gas?
Technically, U-Haul doesn't bill you a set gas fee. Instead, you are responsible for refilling the gas tank. If you're moving to another state, the average cost to fuel a U-Haul rental ranges from $400 to $800. Before returning your truck rental, you must refill the U-haul or pay a penalty for not doing so. If you're traveling 1,000+ miles, gas surcharges can easily climb into hundreds or thousands of dollars—especially in states like California and New York with high gas prices.
Heavier Loads = Lower MPG
Another overlooked factor is that heavier loads reduce your miles per gallon (MPG). If you're moving a 3–4 bedroom household, the Truck's engine has to work harder, causing a drop in fuel efficiency. Over a long trip, you'll stop for gas more often and pay more each time. Even a drop of 1–2 MPG below the advertised estimate can add hundreds of dollars in extra fuel costs.
Average Fuel Costs by Truck Size Chart:
The chart below shows typical U-Haul gas expenses based on your truck size and travel distance. Remember that these figures don't include mileage fees, insurance, or packing materials.
Does U-Haul Have Hidden Fees?
-U-Haul has hidden fees; they aren't transparent about the average costs of utilizing their rental. These hidden fees include mileage, fuel surcharges, and packing material costs.
Important Things to Consider:
Many people rent a U-Haul truck to save money on moving services but don't realize how quickly mileage, gas, and other expenses add up, especially for bigger trucks like a 26-footer.
U-Haul doesn't openly disclose its mileage policy; each Truck has a set limit for the miles a consumer can drive before U-Haul charges a fee. The fee U-Haul charges per mile after exceeding your mileage limit is approximately $1.00
Packing material costs aren't necessarily a hidden cost with U-Haul but should be considered when factoring costs. Depending on the size of your home, packing material costs can range from $200 to $500.
Example: New York To Florida Haul.
-The average cost of moving from New York to Florida with U-haul is $2,700.00. However, this does not include the hidden costs for Fuel, mileage (should you exceed your limit), and packing materials. Below is a chart displaying potential hidden costs you may experience with U-Haul:
Final Costs:
After factoring in material costs, packing material charges, tolls, mileage, and fuel fees, your U-Haul costs will increase by an average of $1,200.
U-Haul Alternative: American National Movers.
U-Haul may be a cheap option for small moves relocating a short distance. However, loads traveling over 800 miles are not much more inexpensive than affordable long distance movers. For example, American National Movers has an average cost of $4,00 0 for a state to state relocation. Our moving costs include professional handling, transport, and Fuel surcharges, saving you from the stress and hidden fees that may come with U-Haul.
U-Haul Gas Costs & Other Fees May Be Substantial.
U-Haul's low base rates for long distance moving don't always reflect the true cost once you add Fuel, mileage fees, packing materials, and potential hotel stays. After adding other fees $2,700 quote can become $4,000+ with U-Haul. Instead, it may be worth paying extra and working with an affordable state to state moving companies like American National Movers.
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