Using Penske Truck Rental for Your Move

A quick look at Penske

Penske Truck Rental can be a budget-friendly option for a DIY move. Cross-country or right next door, one of Penske’s five truck sizes in its nationwide fleet are sure to fit. These trucks range from a simple cargo van to mid-sized 16-foot trucks, and all the way to the large 26-foot rental.

Penske provides truck-only moving services for local moves or one-way truck rentals. Larger households will need a bigger moving truck, so prepare for the gas-guzzling costs of frequent fill-ups that go with renting one.

And a quick word to the wise: before you go online or to a Penske location to rent a truck, make sure you’ve packed efficiently and are ready for moving day. Whatever you do, don’t make these packing mistakes.

How much does it cost to rent a Penske truck?

Moving is exhausting and stressful, but your long-distance move doesn’t have to be. It’s easy to find the right size moving truck at a price you can afford so you don’t end up making multiple (pricey) trips because you rented a too-small truck.

The following example is the online quoted Penske price for a one-way trip from Denver, Colorado to Atlanta, Georgia (1,400 miles) using the standard five-day rate with an 8 a.m. pickup. No discounts applied.

Note that prices can vary by location.

*Prices as of 11/10/2019

Don’t forget to fill up your Penske moving truck to the original amount. Otherwise, you’ll pay a refueling fee.

Understanding your Penske quote

Penske truck rentals go by half-day rentals and free, unlimited miles for one-way rentals. Prices depend on your move distance and truck availability. Location and seasons can change your price, too, so shop around early and often.

You may have one more unexpected cost. Penske doesn’t provide automatic truck insurance. No matter which move you make, double-check if your insurance company covers the size of your truck rental. Gross vehicle weight (GVW) can push you out of coverage.

Buy insurance through your provider or via Penske to fill in the gaps. Penske offers a Limited Damage Waiver (LDW), Personal Accident Insurance (PAI), Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI), Liability Coverage (LIA), Cargo Insurance, and Towing Insurance.

Breaking down Penske’s fees

Checking cost estimates on your moving truck rental vary from one day to the next. Penske bases rates on customer demand and truck supply. Moving during the high season (May to September) and on the weekend often costs more than weekday moves at other times of the year.

• Penske charges a flat $9 environmental fee. This cost is tacked on to one-way and local moves to cover proper disposing of unsafe materials (think: oil changes and bad tires).
• If you don’t have a credit card, one-way reservations will need to take a $100 cash deposit to a Penske location with two days of the reservation. Local rentals will receive the cash deposit required after making a reservation and will have two days to bring the deposit to a Penske locale.
• If your insurance doesn’t cover the size or weight of your truck, you will need to purchase insurance. Your rates will vary based on your driving history and needs.

What size Penske truck do I need?

Figuring out how everything in your current home translates to filling a moving truck isn’t tricky if you use the Penske Truck Wizard. Waltz through your home and click on the matching items in the Wizard to find the truck that fits.

Penske Truck Rental pros and cons

Penske isn’t perfect, but it does take some guesswork out of moving with its moving calculator and up-front terms. Make moving even easier with the MYMOVE interactive checklist so you always know where you stand in your moving timeline.

The advantages of renting a truck through Penske

• Free unlimited miles for one-way truck rental.
• Penske participates in the EPA’s SmartWay Program to reduce its environmental impact.
• No hidden mileage costs or turn-in fees.
• Penske offers 24/7 roadside assistance.

The disadvantages of renting a truck through Penske

• With only 2,400 nationwide locations (including those in Home Depots), Penske moving truck rental may not be available in your area.
• Rental rates change from day to day.
• You won’t find Penske trailer rentals because Penske only rents trucks.

Penske reviews

Consumer Affairs customer reviews give Penske a poor 1/5 rating. Yet, the most recent customers consistently rank Penske high on customer service. Past customers cite an easy reservation process, friendly service, and well-maintained vehicles. Angry customers dealt with billing issues, so look over your receipts, and understand the process, before you leave the building.

Some complaints include mentions of key drop-off returns malfunctioning, resulting in extra trips for DIY movers. Other angry consumers neglected to refill the gas tank to the pre-move levels and suffered large refueling fees. Always fill up the truck right before drop off.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Penske truck rental cost?

Penske rates vary based on customer supply and demand so plan ahead and compare rates early.

How much does Penske trailer rental cost?

Penske doesn’t offer trailer rentals.

What are the best one-way truck rental companies?

Penske lacks the location net of other moving companies, like U-Haul. Since rates vary and companies sometimes have special deals, see what companies are in your area and call for current rates before you commit.

How do I know how big of a moving truck I need?

Use the Penske Moving Wizard to get a true picture of what you need. Adding in the items and boxes inside your home helps you save money so you don’t overspend on a too big truck or have to make multiple trips if you get one that’s too small.

Do I need special insurance to rent a Penske moving truck?

Maybe. Contact your insurance provider to see if the size and weight of your moving truck will be covered under your plan. If not, you will need to add on the appropriate insurance, whether through your current provider or Penske.

Can I add days to my one-way truck rental?

If moving is taking longer than you liked, or you are going slower than you expected, you can tack on days for an extra $100 a day. Add on days through live chat, via phone, or change your reservation online.

What if I have a problem with my Penske moving truck?

Things can go wrong, even on newer trucks, like those that make up the Penske fleet. Penske’s 24/7 roadside assistance will leap to your rescue so you can get back on the road fast.