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Penske Truck Rental vs U-Pack
Apr 17, 2026
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Penske one-way truck rental: Is it right for your long-distance move?
Penske® rental trucks are one of many options for DIY long-distance moving. Before deciding on a mover, it’s helpful to understand Penske rental terms, pricing factors and truck sizes so you’ll know what you’re getting into.
Keep reading to learn about Penske and compare their long-distance moving service to U-Pack®, a DIY service that lets you avoid driving or buying fuel for a rental truck.
Penske moving truck sizes compared to U-Pack equipment
Penske has four truck sizes for personal one-way moves (12-, 16-, 22- and 26-ft). The chart below lists the details about each one from Penske’s website to help you compare their options to U-Pack equipment:
| Truck Size | 12-ft | 16-ft | 22-ft | 26-ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 people | 2 people | 3 people | 3 people |
| Holds 1-2 rooms (450 cubic feet) | Holds 2-3 rooms (800 cubic feet) | Holds 3-5 rooms (1,200 cubic feet) | Holds 5-7 rooms (1,700 cubic feet) |
| 12’ x 6’6” x 6’1” (LWH)* | 16’ x 7’7” x 6’6” * | 21’11” x 8’1” x 8’1” * | 25’11” x 8’1” x 8’1” * |
| 3,100 lbs. | 4,300 lbs. | 10,000 lbs. | 10,000 lbs. |
| 33-gallon gasoline tank (est. 12 MPG) | 33-gallon gasoline tank (est. 12 MPG) | 70-gallon diesel tank (est. 13 MPG) | 70-gallon diesel tank (est. 13 MPG) |
| 6–7 linear feet in a moving trailer or 1–2 ReloCubes | 11–12 linear feet in a moving trailer or 3–4 ReloCubes | 16–17 linear feet in a moving trailer or 4 ReloCubes | 23–24 linear feet in a moving trailer or 5–6 ReloCubes |
*Exact measurements will vary based on make, model and year. We suggest confirming specifics about the trucks with your nearest Penske rental location.
Penske also offers trailers in some locations. Learn more about Penske trailer rental options.
How do Penske services work?
Penske’s one-way rentals include unlimited miles, but you get a set number of days to complete the drive. The rental period starts the moment you pick up the truck, which means you’ll need to handle driving home, loading, long-distance travel, unloading, and truck return (in a new location) all within those days. If you need more time due to loading or travel delays, you can get it, but it will cost an extra $200 per day.
You’ll also need to consider the cost of fuel, which isn’t included in your quote. Penske trucks average 12 – 13 MPG, and you’ll pay for the gas or diesel during your trip.
U-Pack services compared to Penske
U-Pack transports your belongings so you can focus on getting to your new home — without the worry and hassle of driving a large moving truck out of state. Choose between flexible space in a 28-ft moving trailer or ReloCube® moving containers.
A key benefit of U-Pack vs. truck rental is the flexibility it offers. You only pay for the space filled in the trailer (down to a minimum of 5 linear feet) or the number of Cubes you use (empty Cubes are picked up at no cost!). Plus, you’ll get three business days to load and three more to unload, not included in the transit time, which averages only 4–6 business days.
Cost of a Penske truck rental compared to U-Pack
To help you compare prices, here’s an example quote for a studio apartment move from Charlotte, NC, to Salt Lake City, UT, approximately 2,050 miles. The pricing was accurate at the time of posting for a move in June 2026 and rounded to the nearest dollar. Actual moving costs will vary.
Penske quote
For this move, Penske recommended a 12-ft truck for an estimated total cost of $2,677.
Here’s the breakdown:
- 12-foot truck (8-day rental): $1,225
- Fuel (12 MPG at current fuel prices): $712
- Environmental fee: $15
- Damage coverage: $666
- Estimated taxes: $59
Total cost: $2,677
U-Pack quote
For the same example, moving a studio apartment from Cincinnati, OH, to Philadelphia, PA, U-Pack recommended 1 ReloCube moving container for only $2,476. The price included equipment, delivery, transportation and standard liability coverage. Taxes do not apply.
The ReloCube is a bit smaller than Penske’s 12-ft truck, but with U-Pack, you’re not paying for more space than you need or dealing with the hassle of driving a truck.
Plus, when you reserve with U-Pack, your price stays the same as long as your moving details don’t change. That means your price is locked in, even if fuel prices increase. Read more about how gas prices can affect moving costs.
Penske Rental FAQs
What are Penske’s rental requirements?
You must be at least 18 and have two forms of identification, one of them being a valid driver’s license (no CDL is required). Penske requires a credit card to rent a truck.
Do rentals require a deposit?
No. Penske does not require a deposit to reserve a truck online.
Does Penske offer discounts?
We found some discounts and seasonal coupons online. It’s best to check their website for more details since these deals can change frequently. Suggested reading: Do Penske coupons really save money?
Where can I rent a truck?
Penske has 2,500 locations across the U.S. and Canada; hours will vary by location. Check their website to confirm that a specific site works with your schedule.
Can I rent a Penske truck at Home Depot®?
You can rent or drop off a Penske truck at participating Home Depot locations. Visit Penske’s website for more information and to find a rental location.
Can I tow my car with a Penske truck?
You can add towing equipment when renting trucks 16 ft or larger, but not all cars will fit the trailers. We recommend contacting a rental location for details about towing your specific vehicle.
Another thing to consider is that Penske doesn’t allow you to attach your own trailer to a Penske truck or use a personal vehicle to haul their trailers.
Learn more about Penske trailer rental options.
Ready for your U-Pack quote to compare prices to Penske?
Get your free, personalized U-Pack quote today to compare our prices to Penske truck rental. Use our convenient online form or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant.
If you have questions about cheap truck rental vs. U-Pack services, let us know!
Penske® is a registered trademark of Penske Truck Leasing Co., L.P. Use of third-party trademarks or registered trademarks does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by such third-party.
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