Can I Drive a Rental Truck to Canada?

Driving to Canada in a moving truck

Rental trucks are a common moving option, but driving one into Canada can be complicated. Not all rental companies allow their trucks to cross the border or be dropped off in Canada, adding stress (and extra costs) to your move.

Let’s review what’s possible with a rental and how a cross-border move to Canada can be easier with a DIY moving solution like U-Pack®.

U.S. to Canada moving truck rental companies

Only U-Haul® consistently allows one-way rentals with truck returns in Canada. While Budget® and Penske® have locations in Canada, according to their websites, they do not allow one-way moves from the U.S. to Canada or vice versa. 

Note: Budget does not allow crossing the border. Penske allows border crossing, but the truck must be returned to a location in the U.S. 

What paperwork is required to drive a U-Haul to Canada?

Some documents you need to drive a rental truck into Canada are the same as those required when crossing the Canadian border by car. This includes a valid U.S. Passport for the driver and all passengers 16 and older (birth certificates for younger children) and Canadian visas. You’ll also need a copy of the vehicle registration and proof of insurance (U-Haul can provide these documents).

Transporting household goods across the border will also require completed forms for the Canadian customs office, including an inventory of the items, and payment of any duty fees. Failure to have proper documentation can result in denied admittance into the country.

Rental trucks will cross the border through the same lanes as passenger vehicles. Be prepared for a lengthy process to declare your shipment.

Learn more about the requirements when moving from the U.S. to Canada or relocating from Canada to the U.S.

U.S. to Canada truck rental sounds complicated; is there an easier way to move?

Absolutely! While you can drive a U-Haul rental across the border, moves from the U.S. to Canada (or in the other direction) are easy and affordable with U-Pack! 

With U-Pack, you’ll get all the savings of a DIY move without the hassle of driving a moving truck. We’ll even file the customs paperwork on your behalf to clear the shipment.

Call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a U-Pack moving consultant or request your free, no-obligation quote online. If you have questions about U-Pack services or how we compare to truck rental, let us know in the comments. We’re here to help! 

U-Haul^® is a registered trademark of U-Haul International, Inc. Penske^® is a registered trademark of Penske Truck Leasing Co., L.P. Budget^® is a registered trademark of Budget Truck Rental, LLC. Use of third-party trademarks or registered trademarks does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by such third party.