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Review 2026
Each company is evaluated across five criteria. Scores are weighted and combined into a single BestGuide Score out of 5. See how we rate the brands.
Key Takeaway
Penske Truck Rental earns a BestGuide Expert Score of 4.5/5.0, ranking among the top DIY moving-truck providers for long-distance moves. It scores highest on Services (95%), thanks to a newer, well-maintained fleet and unlimited mileage on one-way rentals — a feature only Penske offers nationwide. The main trade-off is a smaller network of locations than U-Haul, which can mean a longer drive to pick up your truck.
Best For: Best for one-way, long-distance DIY moves where unlimited mileage and a reliable, newer truck matter most.
Not sure if Penske Truck Rental is the right fit? Compare the alternatives
Penske Truck Rental is a do-it-yourself moving-truck company founded in 1969 and owned by Penske Corporation, a transportation and logistics group. With more than 55 years in business and roughly 2,500 rental locations across the U.S. (excluding Alaska), Penske rents everything from cargo vans to 26-foot trucks. Its calling card is unlimited mileage on one-way rentals — which no other national truck-rental company matches — plus a fleet known for being newer and well-maintained, backed by 24/7 roadside assistance.
Founded
1969
Locations
~2,500 (U.S.)
One-way mileage
One-way mileage
See If You Qualify
Visit the site to get started in less than a minute.
Book online and choose a truck size from a cargo van (up to 1 room) to a 26-foot truck (5–7 rooms), plus your pickup and drop-off locations, dates, and extras like towing equipment, boxes, and furniture pads. Reservations are guaranteed, so your truck size and pickup spot are locked in when you book.
Pricing depends on truck size, distance, and rental length. One-way (long-distance) rentals include unlimited mileage; local moves (within about 25 miles) are charged per mile. An environmental fee and other standard charges apply, and Penske offers a "Pay Now & Save" discount at booking. Payment is due at pickup.
Pick up your truck at a Penske location — the fleet is known for being newer and well-maintained — and return it to the designated drop-off point after your move. 24/7 roadside assistance is available if you need it. Online reservations require a minimum 24-hour rental and must be made at least 3 hours ahead for local moves (24 hours for long-distance).
Penske is best for people planning a one-way, long-distance move who want unlimited mileage and a reliable, well-maintained truck.
Not ideal for short local moves under about 50 miles, where Penske tends to run pricier than the cheapest options — U-Haul is often a better fit there.
Unlimited Mileage on One-Way Rentals
Most one-way, long-distance rentals include unlimited miles — the only national truck-rental company to offer this — so there's no per-mile anxiety on cross-country moves.
Newer, Well-Maintained Fleet
Penske's large national fleet is consistently rated newer and better maintained than competitors', with diesel engines on the 26-foot trucks for better fuel efficiency on long drives.
AAA, Military & Student Discounts
Penske is AAA's exclusive truck-rental partner (12% or more off), offers a 15% military discount, and provides a student discount — all applied with valid ID at pickup.
24/7 Roadside Assistance
Round-the-clock roadside help is available by phone year-round, which matters most on long-distance moves.
Guaranteed Reservations
Your truck size and pickup location are locked in when you book, so you're not left scrambling on moving day.
Pricing & What to Expect
Penske doesn't publish flat rates; cost depends on truck size, distance, and dates, and you get a quote through the reservation flow. Unlimited mileage makes it competitive for one-way long-distance moves, while short local moves (charged per mile plus fees) tend to run higher than the cheapest local options.
Pros
Cons
Yes, Penske Truck Rental is a legitimate, well-established company. Founded in 1969 and owned by Penske Corporation, a major transportation and logistics group, it has operated for more than 55 years and rents across the U.S. (excluding Alaska). Penske publishes clear reservation and pricing terms and is upfront about its fees, and it adheres to federal and state transportation regulations, with no major lawsuits or enforcement actions against its rental division. Its longevity and use by millions of movers support its reliability, though some customers report isolated issues with truck cleanliness or equipment availability at smaller locations.
Penske Truck Rental earns a BestGuide Expert Score of 4.5/5.0, making it a top pick for long-distance DIY moves. Its strengths are a newer, well-maintained fleet, unlimited mileage on one-way rentals, guaranteed reservations, and generous AAA, military, and student discounts, backed by 24/7 roadside assistance. The trade-offs are a smaller network of locations than U-Haul (which can mean a longer drive to pick up) and higher rates on short local moves. If you're moving a short distance and want the cheapest option, U-Haul may fit better. But for cross-country movers who value reliability and unlimited miles, Penske delivers strong value.
BestGuide gives Penske an Expert Score of 4.5/5.0, praising its reliable, newer fleet, unlimited mileage on one-way rentals, and strong discounts for long-distance moves. It scores highest on Services and Customer Satisfaction.
Yes, especially for one-way moves over 500 miles, where unlimited mileage removes per-mile anxiety and the fleet is built for long drives. For short local moves under about 100 miles, Penske tends to cost more than competitors.
Penske generally beats U-Haul on truck quality and offers unlimited mileage on one-way trips, while U-Haul has far more locations and lower local rates. Budget sits in between, with fewer locations and mixed reviews.
Yes — most one-way, long-distance rentals include unlimited mileage. Local moves (within about 25 miles) are charged by the mile.
Penske doesn't publish flat rates; cost depends on truck size, distance, and dates, and you get a quote when you reserve. An environmental fee and other standard charges apply, and discounts can lower the total.
AAA members get 12% or more off (Penske is AAA's exclusive truck-rental partner), active and veteran military get 15% off, and students qualify for a discount — all with valid ID at pickup.
Penske has roughly 2,500 rental locations across the United States, covering all states except Alaska.
Penske offers cargo vans (up to 1 room) and trucks from 12-foot up to 26-foot, accommodating up to about 7 rooms.
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