Renting a moving truck on Friday costs significantly more than the same vehicle on Tuesday—often 40–60% higher depending on your location. Understanding the pricing gap between weekend and weekday rentals can save you hundreds of dollars on your move. Here's what you need to know to time your rental smartly.
Why Weekends Cost More
Weekend demand drives up moving truck rental prices across the board. Most people move on Saturdays and Sundays because they don't have to take time off work, which concentrates demand into just two days. Rental companies know this and adjust pricing accordingly—a 16-foot box truck that rents for $45–$60 on a Wednesday might jump to $80–$120 on Saturday.
Supply also tightens on weekends. Trucks rented Friday evening for a weekend move won't be available for Sunday pickups or Monday returns, reducing the available fleet when demand peaks.
Typical Price Differences by Day
Here's what you can realistically expect to pay:
- Monday–Thursday: $40–$65 per day for standard 16-foot trucks; $60–$85 for 20-foot trucks
- Friday: $55–$80 per day (transition day; prices begin climbing)
- Saturday–Sunday: $80–$130 per day for 16-foot trucks; $110–$165 for 20-foot trucks
- Holidays (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Moving Day): Add 25–50% to weekend rates
Prices vary by region and rental company, but this reflects typical U.S. market rates. Larger trucks and specialty rentals (refrigerated vans, auto-transport carriers) follow similar percentage markups.
How to Lower Your Weekend Rental Cost
Book earlier in the week if possible. A Monday or Tuesday move is your cheapest option. If you must move on the weekend, even shifting to Friday night (rent Friday, return Monday) often costs less than a full Saturday pickup.
Reserve early. Booking 2–3 weeks ahead locks in lower rates before weekend inventory depletes. Last-minute weekend bookings are the most expensive scenario.
Compare package deals. Some rental companies offer discounts if you bundle mileage, insurance, and equipment rental (dollies, furniture pads). A weekday rental with these extras can still cost less than a bare-bones weekend truck.
Consider a one-way rental. If you're moving to a different city, one-way rentals sometimes have different weekend pricing than round-trip bookings—it's worth checking both options.
Move mid-month instead of month-end. People concentrate moves around the end of the month and first week of the new month, spiking prices then. A mid-month move (especially Tuesday–Thursday) offers the best rates.
Hidden Costs Beyond Daily Rates
Daily rental price is only part of the equation. Factor in:
- Mileage charges: 50¢–$1.50 per mile on some rentals, though unlimited-mileage plans are common
- Insurance or damage waiver: $15–$35 per day; check if your personal auto policy covers rental trucks
- Equipment rental: Dollies ($5–$10), furniture pads ($10–$20 per set), tie-down straps ($2–$5)
- Fuel surcharge: Some companies add 10–15% to the final bill if you don't return the truck full
- Late return fees: $40–$75 for returning even one hour past your reservation
A $60 weekday rental can quickly balloon to $100+ once you add these. A $100 weekend rental might jump to $160+, making the actual difference even steeper.
When a Weekend Move Makes Sense
Sometimes the convenience of a weekend move outweighs the cost premium. You might choose to pay extra if:
- You're moving alone and need flexibility without taking vacation days
- Your lease/purchase timelines require a specific weekend
- You have friends or family available only on Saturday
- Your new place is only available starting the weekend
In these cases, focus on minimizing other costs: rent the smallest truck that fits your belongings, skip optional insurance if you're covered elsewhere, and return it on time to avoid late fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I negotiate a weekend rental price with a rental company directly? Rates are usually fixed, but calling the branch directly (not booking online) sometimes reveals special discounts or loyalty offers that don't appear on the website.
Q: Is it cheaper to rent a truck Friday evening for a Saturday move, or wait until Saturday morning? Friday evening is typically cheaper since you lock in Friday rates, though you'll pay for two days instead of one. Compare the math: Friday evening + Saturday return sometimes beats a Saturday-only rental.
Q: What if I return my truck early—do I get a refund? Most companies won't refund unused days on a pre-paid booking, but some offer credit toward future rentals. Always ask before booking.
Use Mercoly to compare moving truck rental rates from multiple providers in your area, then schedule your move strategically to get the best price.