Penske vs. U-Haul: Does Penske Make a Suitable Alternative to U-Haul?

​When planning a move, choosing the right truck rental service is critical to ensuring a smooth and cost-effective experience. Penske and U-Haul are two of the most prominent names in the moving truck rental industry, each offering unique advantages and disadvantages. This blog post explores whether Penske makes a suitable alternative to U-Haul by comparing their truck options, services, costs, and overall customer experience.

Truck Options: Size and Availability

​One of the first considerations when choosing between Penske and U-Haul is the variety of truck sizes available.

Penske

• ​Offers trucks ranging from 12-foot box trucks to 26-foot trucks.
• Trucks are generally larger than U-Haul’s counterparts and offer better gas mileage.
• Cargo vans are available but only for commercial use, limiting options for residential movers.
• Diesel-powered trucks provide better fuel efficiency for long-distance moves.

U-Haul

• Provides a broader range of vehicles, including pickup trucks, cargo vans, and box trucks ranging from 10 feet to 26 feet.
  
• Smaller options like pickup trucks and cargo vans are ideal for small moves or local trips.
  
• Offers portable storage containers (U-Box), which Penske does not.
  

Verdict

​U-Haul wins in terms of variety and flexibility, especially for smaller moves. However, Penske’s larger trucks with better fuel efficiency make it a strong contender for long-distance or larger moves.

Services Offered

Both companies provide essential moving services beyond truck rentals, but there are notable differences.

Penske Services

• ​Truck rentals with unlimited mileage for one-way moves.
• Roadside assistance and multiple insurance coverage options.
• Moving supplies such as boxes and furniture covers.
• Partnerships with third-party providers for moving labor and storage.

U-Haul Services

• ​Comprehensive offerings including truck rentals, trailer hitches, portable storage (U-Box), and propane sales.
• International moving services through U-Box.
• Self-storage facilities at various locations.
• Moving supplies and labor assistance via their Moving Help® platform.

Verdict

​U-Haul has a more extensive service lineup, making it the better choice for those needing additional features like trailer hitches or international moving options. Penske’s services are solid but less diverse.

Cost Comparison

Pricing is often the deciding factor when choosing between Penske and U-Haul. Costs depend on several factors, including rental duration, distance traveled, truck size, and additional services.

Local Moves

​For local moves, U-Haul is typically more affordable:

• U-Haul’s rates start as low as $19.95 per day for smaller vehicles like pickup trucks or cargo vans.
  
• Penske’s base rates range from $79 to $99 per day for their smallest trucks.
  

Additional fees also play a role:

U-Haul’s lower base rates and fees make it the more economical choice for short distances

Long-Distance Moves

For long-distance moves, Penske often becomes more competitive due to its flat-rate pricing and unlimited mileage:

• ​A one-way move from Tampa to Los Angeles with a 26-foot truck costs approximately $5,849 with Penske versus $4,588 with U-Haul.
• However, Penske’s diesel trucks offer better fuel efficiency (12 mpg vs. U-Haul’s 10 mpg), which can offset some costs over long distances.

Verdict

​For local moves, U-Haul is significantly cheaper. For long-distance moves, while U-Haul still has lower upfront costs, Penske’s unlimited mileage and fuel efficiency may make it a better option depending on your specific needs.

Truck Quality and Performance

The quality of the rental truck can significantly impact your moving experience.

Penske

• ​Known for well-maintained vehicles with superior comfort features such as air conditioning and cruise control.
• Diesel engines provide better performance for heavy loads and long distances.

U-Haul

• Offers functional but less comfortable trucks compared to Penske.
  
• Gas-powered engines are less fuel-efficient than diesel alternatives.
  

Verdict

​Penske wins in terms of truck quality and comfort, making it ideal for longer trips or those transporting heavy loads.

Insurance Coverage Options

Both companies offer multiple insurance plans to protect customers during their move.

Penske Coverage Options

1. Basic: Covers equipment damage.
2. Standard: Adds third-party damage/injury claims.
3. Value: Includes cargo accident damage.
4. Plus: Covers personal accident injuries in addition to all other protections.

U-Haul Coverage Options

1. ​Safemove®: Covers damage waiver, cargo protection, medical/life protection.
2. Safemove Plus®: Adds supplemental liability coverage with no deductible on accidental damage claims.
3. Safetow®: Protects towed property.
4. Safestor®: Covers self-storage/U-Box protection.

Verdict

​ U-Haul offers more coverage options tailored to specific needs like towing or storage protection, giving it an edge in flexibility.

Customer Experience

Customer reviews often highlight key differences between these companies.

Penske

• Praised for excellent customer service and well-maintained vehicles.
• Offers AAA discounts and other promotions that can lower costs.

U-Haul

• Widely available with numerous locations across the country.
  
• Criticized at times for hidden fees or inconsistent service quality at certain locations.
  

Verdict

​Penske leads in customer satisfaction due to its reliable service and vehicle quality. However, U-Haul’s extensive network ensures greater availability nationwide.

Final Verdict: Is Penske a Good Alternative to U-Haul?

​Whether Penske is a suitable alternative to U-Haul depends on your specific moving needs:

Choose Penske if:

• ​You’re planning a long-distance move where unlimited mileage can save money.
• Comfort and vehicle quality are priorities.
• You prefer diesel-powered trucks with better fuel efficiency.

Choose U-Haul if:

• You’re making a local move or need smaller vehicles like pickup trucks or cargo vans.
  
• You require additional services such as trailer hitches or portable storage containers (U-Box).
  
• Budget is your primary concern.
  

​Ultimately, both companies have their strengths and weaknesses. By carefully evaluating your requirements—truck size, distance, budget—you can determine which provider best suits your move!