Budget® Truck Rental

Budget® wins over clients with its practically guaranteed pickup and drop-off locations and seasonal discounts

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Budget Truck Review
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Budget Truck Review

Updated Tuesday, November 19th 2024

Pricing

$156 - $1,104

Pros

  • Practically guaranteed pickup and drop-off locations
  • Free unlimited miles for long-distance moves
  • Lots of neat discounts
  • You can change your drop-off date online

Cons

  • (Probably) higher prices than the competition
  • Fewer locations
  • Some weird fees U-Haul and Penske don't have
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Budget® Company Overview

Budget tends to be better known for its car rentals. But it also has a truck rental arm, which is aimed mostly at people who are moving. (You know, like you!) With 1,700 locations in the United States and even more in Canada, it seems miniscule compared to a company like U-Haul®, with their over 22,000 locations nationwide. However, Budget keeps true to its name by offering promotional deals that translate into some pretty nifty savings.

It's also worth noting that if unlimited miles for a long-distance move is appealing to you, then you should consider seeing if there is a Budget rental location near where you're moving. There's nothing better than not feeling babysat by your rental company.

Budget® Reviews and Pricing

Budget Truck Review

Local Move

Under 50 mi.

Medium Distance

50-250 mi.

Long Distance

250+ mi.

Average Cost

$156

4.9% higher than other companies

$286

8.7% cheaper than other companies

$1,104

9.5% cheaper than other companies

Average Review

3.89/5

10.8% lower than other companies

3.73/5

12.3% lower than other companies

3.64/5

13.5% lower than other companies

Average Cost Per Mile

N/A

$2.44

16.4% cheaper than other companies

$1.25

13.6% cheaper than other companies

Local Move

Under 50 mi.

Budget Truck Review

Compared to Other Companies

Average Cost

$156

4.9% higher than other companies
Average Review

3.89/5

10.8% lower than other companies

Medium Distance

50-250 mi.

Budget Truck Review

Compared to Other Companies

Average Cost

$286

8.7% cheaper than other companies
Average Cost Per Mile

$2.44

16.4% cheaper than other companies
Average Review

3.73/5

12.3% lower than other companies

Long Distance

250+ mi.

Budget Truck Review

Compared to Other Companies

Average Cost

$1,104

9.5% cheaper than other companies
Average Cost Per Mile

$1.25

13.6% cheaper than other companies
Average Review

3.64/5

13.5% lower than other companies

Budget® Truck Sizes

Length
Dimensions
Capacity
Volume
Miles Per Galon (Up To)
12' 11'8 X 6'3" X 6'1" 1 to 2 rooms 443 cu. ft. 8 to 14 mpg
16' 16' X 6'3" X 6'7" 3 to 4 rooms 658 cu. ft. 6 to 10 mpg
26' 26' X 8'1" X 8'1" 5 to 8 rooms 1,698 cu. ft. 8 to 10 mpg

Photos of Budget® in the Wild

Budget® Services Offered

Services Legend

  • Available
  • Not Offered
Moving Truck

Trucks

Van

Vans

Pickup Truck

Pickups

Storage Container

Storage

Towing Supplies

Towing Supplies

Packing Supplies

Packing Supplies

Hand holding a box

Local Movers

My move with Budget®

Author: Francesca Di Meglio

Updated: Tuesday, November 19th 2024

How does Budget work?

Similar to its competitors, Budget is most easily accessed through its website first. There, you can get a quote and contact customer service representatives either via phone or online chat. Although if you already know of a nearby location, you could always show up in person to get an estimate and schedule pick up and delivery. Simple enough.

Budget's Truck Options

For Budget, you only have a choice between one of three trucks: 12', 16', and 26'. And if you're moving from one big house to another, you might want to talk to someone about whether you need to rent more than one vehicle. Still, the medium-sized, 16' truck is the most popular choice for rentals.

Budget's Check Out

Once you fill out the online form (or provide details of your move to a representative), you will determine both your pick-up date and drop-off date. Your drop off date is not automatically generated, as is the case with other truck rental companies, such as Penske.

Budget gives you a mileage estimator online. You can calculate the number of miles of your move by the price per mile to get your total cost, which is nice.

To figure out your best deal, you still need to consider the distance, amount of gas, and any tolls. And keep in mind that in the case of a local move, you'll likely pickup and drop-off at the same location, whereas for a long-distance move, you'll be picking two different stops.

Budget gives you a mileage estimator online. You can calculate the number of miles of your move by the price per mile to get your total cost, which is nice. You can also add protection coverage and rentals of equipment, such as furniture pads. (No worries, you can bypass those options if you're not interested.) Finally, you'll see the estimated price. You can decide whether to move forward with scheduling and signing an agreement at that point.

If you go for it, then you pick your dates. On the pickup day, you will get your truck from the Budget location you chose. Then, you will bring the vehicle to your original home, load it with your stuff, and move it to the next destination to unload it. Once it's empty and clean, you'll return it to the Budget drop-off location you chose. You should aim to maintain the timeframe you suggested in your estimate to stay as close to the intended price as possible.

How does Budget work with local moves?

Like most other rental truck companies, Budget's process for planning either a local or a long-distance transport is standard stuff. You still start at the website, pick out the size truck you'll need, fill out all the necessary information about your starting and ending points. With a local move, you are likely going to pick up and drop off your vehicle at the same location. Because Budget has fewer locations, this can be a benefit in disguise. No trying to find a second Budget store!

For the local move, I was asked to make a deposit of $225, due at pickup.

While the tool for getting a quote automatically suggests a day for you to drop off the vehicle, you can easily change it with a drop-down menu that's front and center. For the local move I planned, for example, my pick up and drop off were for the same day. That seemed a little hard to accomplish, so I simply changed the date to the next day so I could bring it back 24 hours later and get a little sleep after the big move. Of course, the sooner you can return the vehicle, the cheaper your move will be.

One other unexpected (and not so great) difference is the fine print regarding the refundable deposit. For the local move, I was asked to make a deposit of $225, due at pickup. With a credit or debit card, a hold is placed on the card. (Cash is acceptable.) The deposit would be fully refundable pending any additional charges at check-in. For a long-distance move, the deposit is waived when paying by credit card, and you owe a minimum deposit of $150 when paying with a debit card, cash, or gift card.

Keep in mind you can hire professionals to help you with the move - not to mention save your back - through safe and more consumer friendly labor sites like HireAHelper.

My local move estimate

I planned a move from Fort Lee, New Jersey to neighboring Ridgefield Park, New Jersey, which are both close to New York City. There are only about five miles between the two towns.

My move was for a 3-bedroom house with an attic and basement. I reserved the 26-foot truck for a Saturday in September, and I opted to drop it off the following day. I scheduled the return for exactly 24 hours later at 8 a.m., but the location I chose in Hackensack, New Jersey allowed for after-hours drop-offs, so I ended up not needing to rush.

My estimate ended up being for $79.99 per day, and $1.19 per mile from the starting point of the trip in Hackensack.

Originally, I was going to have to pay $99.99 per day for the truck, and $1.49 per mile. However, while I was online using the mileage estimator, a screen popped up offering a 20 percent discount. As a result, the price was lowered to the $79.99 per day/$1.19 per mile deal. After I opted into the Value Protection Package at $45.98 per day, my total estimate was for $149.53. Having that discount pop up made me wonder if it would be worth it to contact a customer rep to get the estimate, so you can ask outright about possible promotions and deals. You might want to try that if you don't happen to get any pop ups or other online discount.

How does Budget work with long-distance moves?

Planning a long-distance move (or “one-way move”, as they call it) is virtually the same as a local move. Of course, because it's a longer trip, you can expect the price to be higher.

But there are a couple of other differences to note. Of course, you will pick up the rental truck near your starting point and drop it off near your final destination, so you will be choosing two different Budget locations. It's always up to you to pick the two best ones for your specific move.

...(W)hile I was online using the mileage estimator, a screen popped up offering a 20 percent discount.

Another difference is you get to pick how long you keep the truck. The automatic suggested trip for my local move was same-day pickup and drop off, but I got scheduled for five days later on the long-distance trip. In both cases, I could use the drop-down menu to either shorten or lengthen my trip. Five days seemed reasonable for a trip from northern New Jersey to central Florida, so I just took the suggested estimate. Options are nice, though.

Again, the fine print about the refundable deposit presents another difference between local and long-distance moves. For long-distance moves, the deposit is waived if you pay by credit card. But you owe $150 when paying by debit card, cash, or gift card as a deposit. This is close to the local move, which requires a refundable deposit and a hold of $225 due at pickup when paying with a credit or debit card.

Finally, the biggest difference is the fact that Budget offers unlimited miles for the long-distance trip, as opposed to the $1.19 per mile for the local one. It's a nice consolation prize for having to pick up and move your life so far away.

How much does Budget cost?

Prices vary a lot. The size of the rental truck and distance of the trip make a big difference. Not to mention variables like deciding on which insurance coverage package to choose. Judging from the website, you can usually get some sort of discount. Most recently, 20 percent off has been the standard, so try not to take less.

My quotes

$149.53 for a local move - 3 bedrooms, 5 miles

The local move price is a little higher than some competitors, even with a 20 percent discount. The 26-foot truck with enough space to fill the contents of a 3-bedroom house cost a total of $149.53. The breakdown:

  • Daily fee: $79.99
  • $5.95 estimated mileage
  • Value Protection Package: $45.98 per day
  • Sales tax: $8.98
  • Special tax: $5
  • Cost recovery fee: $3.50
  • Energy recovery fee: $0.13
    • Total: $149.53

In the estimate, you can see detailed information about the costs, and my discount came out to be a savings of $21.49. In the end, the total came to $149.53.

$2,967.18 for a long-distance move - 3 bedrooms, 1,200 miles

I made a reservation for a move of a 3-bedroom house with a basement and attic from northern New Jersey to central Florida. I was charged $2,967.18, which includes:

  • Rental of the 26-foot truck ($2,511.20) for 5 days
  • Free unlimited mileage
  • Value Protection Package $229.90
  • Sales tax $182.93
  • Special tax $25
  • Cost recovery fee $17.50
  • Energy recovery fee $0.65
    • Total: $2,967.18

If any of those additional costs have you scratching your head, the cost recovery fee is described as "an accepted industry allocation that allows for the recovery of certain taxes, environmental costs, vehicle licensing fees, and federal inspection fees and apply (on a pro-rate basis) to each rental." Whatever that means.

You will end up spending more money if you turn in the vehicle later than suggested in the estimate. There are rate differences based on availability, says a customer services representative online.

While you don't get charged for changing your pick-up date, you should change it at least 48 hours before your scheduled pick-up to ensure inventory. If you're planning on canceling, you must do so at least 48 hours beforehand or you'll be charged $50. Be prepared!

How does insurance with Budget work?

Budget offers a number of coverage options. You can bypass them if you don't want to opt in, and you should definitely check your own car and home insurance policies to see if you're already covered or could be covered.

The prices differ a lot between local and long-distance moves, so you'll have to ask for your own quote. Here are the insurance choices from Budget:

  • Complete Protection Package
    This includes the physical damage waiver, supplemental liability, personal accident and cargo coverage, plus the Roadside Safety Net option.
  • Choice Protection Package
    This option includes physical damage waiver, supplemental liability, and Roadside Safety Net option.
  • Value Protection Package
    This package only includes the physical damage waiver and Roadside Safety Net.
  • Roadside Safety Net
    With this option, you can get roadside assistance coverage. It allows for help with flat tires, key replacement, non-collision towing, etc.

Downsides of using Budget

The biggest downside during my experience was the weird list of additional fees.

The cost recovery fee doesn't sound like a real thing. While it compares to the environmental fee of many of Budget's competitors, it is a much higher price. For example, one company charges $5 and Budget charged $17.50. Wowzers!

Also, you might be bounced around to get answers.

While all the Budget consumer representatives were busy minding their etiquette, I was getting the runaround. No one really ever answered my questions. I asked about the insurance options, which are available online, and I was told to contact the local dealer. I asked about the age of the fleet, I was told to contact the local dealer. You see where this is going.

When I contacted the local dealer, I pretty much got non-answers ... and very brief ones at that. That was only after I managed to get someone on the phone. The first few calls to the local dealer had me receiving a recorded message to try back later.

What I learned using Budget

Budget will lower your final price (when you can get them to answer you).

The national staff is impersonal and cold, but all my local dealership experiences were better. All staff members exuded niceness, the website and online chat are easy to use, and there are lots of promos that could lower your costs.

You need to check local reviews.

Because each local dealer takes such strong ownership of their rental companies, it behooves consumers to check out the reviews of that dealership, as opposed to relying on national info. Joe Shmo's thoughts are actually valuable when choosing a rental truck when it comes to your local Budget dealership.

Preferred pick-up locations are practically guaranteed.

The website says changes in venue are rare. If they occur, Budget tries to make sure your new pick-up place is still nearby. In addition, same-day rental is possible. As long as the truck you need is available, you can make a reservation and pick it up for the same day.

Should you choose Budget over other moving options?

You might be a good fit for Budget if you are the type who is willing to do research on promos and utilize the optimal times for moving. Of course, you also have to be flexible so you can take advantage of those optimal dates. Like with most rental companies, the availability of the equipment reduces the rates! Consumers who do their homework could end up with a great price that keeps them within their budget (or even spending less than they anticipated).

The cost of Budget is a little higher than some of its competitors. Some of those hidden fees can be seriously annoying! But there are some perks attached. For instance, you practically get a guaranteed location, which can be a big deal depending on your move. For me, a new location in the point of origin could mean having to travel to the Bronx or Manhattan, which are not far but avoid me going over the bridge, tackling traffic and paying more for gas and hefty tolls. Another plus for Budget is the fact that you can change the date of drop off online and check price differences in real time.

Overall, you're mostly at the mercy of how near Budget is from you, which means you might not have a sensible deal on the table. Dig into those HireAHelper reviews to see how your area stacks up!

Francesca Di Meglio

Contributing Author: Francesca Di Meglio

Francesca Di Meglio is a writer, editor, and moving professional featured on Businessweek and About.com. As a wife and mother of two little ones, she is always on the move.

Budget® Reviews

Susan C

Henrico, VA
Wrote a review on 2/21/2016
Budget Truck Review
(5 out of 5 rating)

The woman who set up our rental was very good at getting through the contract, explaining every detail in common English. She also showed me how everything works on the truck. We wanted to add a fourth driver to allow everyone to switch off driving the truck and car, but the online system only allowed three. The truck functioned very well. It would help to know the driving range of a tank of gas. We forgot to watch the gauge and almost ran out but found a station in time after the warning light came on.

Distance: 650 mi
Cost: $660
Per. Mile: $1.02
SqFt. Moved:

Dale H

Florence, CO
Wrote a review on 2/20/2016
Budget Truck Review
(1 out of 5 rating)

Booked a 24' Budget rental truck two weeks in advance of our move. Called the agent three days before the pickup date, he advised everything was set to go. Arrived at the pickup location at the appointed time, NO TRUCK! Don't know why? The agent called around and found a truck 90 miles away, but we would have to drive there to pick it up, they would not deliver it! We cancelled on the spot, went with Penske, who had a truck available, thank God. We had crews set up on both ends of our move and any delay would have cost us extra money because of Budget. Tried calling Budget's 800 number to complain, but only got a peon who works weekends, no supervisor, so no help there. Emailed them, explaining the situation and asking for the difference in cost, because we had to rent on the spot with Penske, no discount. Never received a reply from Budget...will never use or recommend them to anyone. Too important of situation to leave to a second rate company!

Distance: 473 mi
Cost: $1,047
Per. Mile: $2.21
SqFt. Moved: 1,050

Michelle F

Dunedin, FL
Wrote a review on 2/18/2016
Budget Truck Review
(2 out of 5 rating)

I made the reservation for 12 ft truck, pads, and dolly online via budget.com and then the provider didn't have any trucks at all. I had flown into Baton Rouge from Tampa and didn't have time to drive around looking for a truck as the loaders were scheduled for several hours after pickup. I ended up finding another Budget nearby who had a 16 ft truck, but not the pads or dolly, and who did not honor the original agreement so had to spend an add'l $150. I bought pads spending another $100. The truck itself was good, and the move went smoothly. Until several days after arrival in TPA when I noticed a $50 "no show" fee from Budget. I did get that back within two business days, but I will definitely check other options next time before taking them on again

Distance: 700 mi
Cost:
Per. Mile:
SqFt. Moved: 1,300

Mieko B

Carlsbad, CA
Wrote a review on 2/14/2016
Budget Truck Review
(4 out of 5 rating)

The truck was fine. The staff at the Budget offices handled us well. Budget was cost effective, and about $100 less expensive than U haul.

Distance: 450 mi
Cost: $375
Per. Mile: $0.83
SqFt. Moved: 900

Michelle F

Baton Rouge, LA
Wrote a review on 2/8/2016
Budget Truck Review
(4 out of 5 rating)

I was the transportation crew and two old cats were involved - a review of that is more suited to black comedy....

Distance: 700 mi
Cost: $400
Per. Mile: $0.57
SqFt. Moved: 1,330

Andrea C

Vernon Rockville, CT
Wrote a review on 2/5/2016
Budget Truck Review
(5 out of 5 rating)

We are still in process with them, we would happily can't complete thus after we are completed! Thanks!

Distance: 80 mi
Cost: $250
Per. Mile: $3.13
SqFt. Moved: 1,000

Patrisha K

Chicago, IL
Wrote a review on 2/4/2016
Budget Truck Review
(3 out of 5 rating)

I ordered a 12 foot truck from the website, they gave me a 10 foot truck. When I asked about it at the time of pickup, the woman at the desk said " You get what you ordered" even though they had circled the 10 foot truck on the check out sheet. She then crossed out the 10, and circled the 12 foot truck option on the sheet. SO I was led tp believe that was what I had. I drove my truck away, packed it up, and then didn't have enough room for some of my things. When I finally realized I should measure my truck. I did in fact recieve a 10 foot truck. I called after returning it, and they said they were not required to give me what I had reserved. So my advise would be to not use them if you expect them to be honest. They were cheap, so I got what I paid for. Bad customer service, and lies. But cheaper than everyone else.

Distance: 356 mi
Cost: $420
Per. Mile: $1.18
SqFt. Moved:

Craig B

Sunset Beach, NC
Wrote a review on 1/27/2016
Budget Truck Review
(5 out of 5 rating)

The truck ran well, was easy to load and unload and was less expensive that competitors.

Distance: 500 mi
Cost: $750
Per. Mile: $1.50
SqFt. Moved: 500

Jenny C

Palm Harbor, FL
Wrote a review on 1/24/2016
Budget Truck Review
(5 out of 5 rating)

No hassle, cheap rental. Only negative was that they had no packing blankets available.

Distance: 100 mi
Cost: $180
Per. Mile: $1.80
SqFt. Moved: 1,100

Jim H

La Conner, WA
Wrote a review on 1/23/2016
Budget Truck Review
(5 out of 5 rating)

Easy to check-in and check out.

Distance: 350 mi
Cost: $330
Per. Mile: $0.94
SqFt. Moved: 1,200

Michael C

Mount Laurel, NJ
Wrote a review on 1/16/2016
Budget Truck Review
(4 out of 5 rating)

No problems but truck condition ie broken mirror that was taped was a problem with driving. friendly helpful people on both ends of a one-way trip.

Distance:
Cost:
Per. Mile:
SqFt. Moved:

Wayne B

Boulder, CO
Wrote a review on 1/15/2016
Budget Truck Review
(5 out of 5 rating)

Had my unit ready and waiting for me at 7:00 a.m. Moving van ran well and gave me no trouble at all. I have used Budget before and I certainly would use them again Wayne

Distance: 75 mi
Cost: $115
Per. Mile: $1.53
SqFt. Moved: 1,200

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