Moving is expensive. Whether you're relocating across town or across the country, the cost of packing, transporting, and unpacking your belongings can quickly add up. One of the biggest expenses associated with moving is the cost of renting a truck or trailer to haul your possessions. One of the factors that determine the overall cost of a U-Haul rental is the charge per mile. In this article, we'll explore what the charge per mile is and how it can impact your moving budget.
When you rent a U-Haul truck or trailer, you'll be charged a base rate for the rental. This rate covers the cost of the vehicle itself as well as basic insurance coverage. In addition to the base rate, you will also be charged a fee for each mile that you drive the vehicle. This fee is known as the charge per mile.
The charge per mile varies depending on the type of vehicle you're renting as well as the location of the rental. In general, larger vehicles like moving trucks will have a higher charge per mile than smaller vehicles like cargo vans. The charge per mile may also vary depending on the time of year and the demand for rental vehicles in a particular area.
The charge per mile is a fixed fee that is applied to your rental based on the number of miles you drive. For example, let's say you rent a U-Haul truck for a one-way trip from New York City to Boston, a distance of approximately 215 miles. If the charge per mile is $0.59, you would be charged an additional $126.85 in mileage fees.
It's important to note that the charge per mile is calculated based on the distance you actually drive, not the distance between your starting and ending locations. U-Haul uses a GPS tracking system to determine the distance traveled and calculate your mileage fees accordingly.
As mentioned earlier, several factors can impact the charge per mile for a U-Haul rental. Let's take a look at some of the most common factors that may influence this fee:
- Type of vehicle: As mentioned earlier, larger vehicles like moving trucks typically have a higher charge per mile than smaller vehicles like cargo vans.
- Location: The charge per mile may vary depending on the location of the rental. Areas with high demand for rental vehicles may have a higher charge per mile than less-popular locations.
- Time of year: The charge per mile may also vary depending on the time of year. Moving season, which typically takes place during the summer months, may result in higher mileage fees.
- Distance: In general, the longer the distance you need to travel, the higher the charge per mile will be. U-Haul charges more per mile for long-distance rentals than for local rentals.
If you're looking to save money on your U-Haul rental, there are several strategies you can use to reduce your overall cost. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Reserve your rental early: By reserving your rental vehicle well in advance, you may be able to take advantage of lower rates and lock in the charge per mile at a lower rate.
- Choose a smaller vehicle: If possible, choose a smaller vehicle like a cargo van or small moving truck. These vehicles typically have a lower charge per mile than larger trucks.
- Return the vehicle to the same location: While one-way rentals may be more convenient, they can also be more expensive. Returning the vehicle to the same location can help you save on mileage fees.
- Avoid peak moving season: If your move is flexible, try to avoid moving during peak season, which typically takes place from May to September. Moving during the off-season can result in lower rental rates and mileage fees.
Understanding the charge per mile is an essential aspect of budgeting for a U-Haul rental. By knowing how this fee is calculated and what factors can influence it, you can make informed decisions about your rental and minimize your overall costs. With a bit of planning and strategy, you can ensure that your move is as affordable as possible.
