Penske Truck Rental: Truck Sizes, One-Way Mileage and Damage Cover

Penske Truck Rental rents moving trucks and cargo vans to households, for local moves around town and one-way moves across the country. The trucks are generally newer and well kept, which is a large part of why people choose Penske.

What decides whether a Penske move goes smoothly is picking the right size, understanding how miles and days are counted, and knowing what the protection options cover before you sign.

Which Penske truck size you actually need

Penske's household fleet runs from a cargo van through 12-foot, 16-foot, 22-foot and 26-foot trucks. Penske publishes a size guide by number of rooms, and it is a sensible starting point.

A cargo van or 12-foot truck suits a studio or a single room of furniture. A 16-foot Penske truck fits a typical one- or two-bedroom flat. The 22-foot and 26-foot trucks are for larger homes.

When you are between sizes, go up. A second trip on a local move costs time and mileage, and on a one-way move it is simply not possible. Bulky items such as sectional sofas and bed frames take more space than the room count suggests.

Remember the bigger trucks are harder to drive, park and turn. If you have never driven anything larger than a car, the 26-foot Penske truck on narrow streets is a real consideration.

Local versus one-way rentals

A local Penske rental is picked up and returned at the same location. It is typically priced by the day plus a charge per mile, so a quick move with short distances is cheap and a slow, sprawling one is not.

A one-way Penske rental is dropped at a location near your new home. The quote usually includes a set number of days and an allowance of miles based on the route. Going over either tends to cost extra.

Plan the route before you book and add a margin for detours and fuel stops. Ask Penske how excess miles and late days are charged, and get it in writing on the reservation.

Fuel, return condition and the charges at drop-off

Penske trucks are generally returned with the same fuel level they left with. If the tank is lower, the refuelling charge is usually well above pump price, so fill up near the drop-off.

Check the fuel type on the rental agreement. Some larger trucks run on diesel, and putting petrol in a diesel engine is an expensive mistake.

Photograph the truck, inside and out, at pickup and at return, including the odometer and fuel gauge. Sweep out the cargo box. It takes five minutes and settles most disputes before they start.

Protection plans and your own insurance

Penske offers optional cover at the counter, typically including a limited damage waiver for the truck, supplemental liability, and personal and cargo cover. The names and limits vary, so read what each one actually pays for.

Do not assume your car insurance or credit card covers a rented moving truck. Many policies exclude trucks above a certain size. Ring your insurer before the move and ask specifically about a Penske box truck.

If your cover does not extend to it, the Penske damage waiver is worth its price. A scraped awning or a clipped mirror can cost far more than the daily fee.

Equipment, towing and booking timing

Penske rents furniture pads, utility dollies and appliance dollies. Pads protect furniture and the truck walls, and a utility dolly speeds up a move with a lot of boxes. Reserve them with the truck.

If you need to take a car, Penske offers tow dollies and car carriers. Check that your vehicle is compatible, and know that towing adds weight, length and caution to the drive.

Demand peaks at the end of the month, on weekends, and through summer. Book a Penske truck early for those dates, or move mid-week and mid-month when trucks are easier to find.

Where the Penske Truck Rental savings are

Penske runs affinity discounts, and these codes are listed:

Use the one you genuinely qualify for. Penske may ask for a military ID, AAA card or student ID at pickup, and a discount you cannot prove can be reversed at the counter.

MILITARY gives the largest cut, then AAA, then STUDENT. Only one Penske discount normally applies per reservation, so do not try to stack them.

The percentage generally comes off the base rental rate. It may not reduce fuel, excess mileage, equipment, taxes or protection fees, so the saving on a small local move can be modest.

On a long one-way move with a large truck, though, 15% of the base rate is real money. Compare the discounted Penske quote with the size below before deciding you need the biggest truck.

Common questions

How old do you have to be to rent from Penske?

Penske sets a minimum age for consumer rentals. Check the current requirement and bring a valid driving licence.

Do I need a special licence for a Penske truck?

Penske's household trucks are designed to be driven on a standard car licence in the US.

Can I return the Penske truck early?

Usually yes, but an early return does not always reduce the price. Ask Penske how it is handled.

Are Penske trucks unlimited mileage?

Not normally. One-way rentals come with an allowance and local rentals are charged per mile.