U Haul Auto Transport Vs Using A Car Shipping Company

Last updated Oct, 14 2026
U Haul Auto Transport Vs Using A Car Shipping Company

When it comes to moving, there are a lot of decisions that one has to make, and the most important one is how to go about it, especially when it comes to moving your car. One of the most straightforward choices is to go to a U Haul Auto Transport company as you are sure to find a franchise close to your neighborhood as there are more than 13,000 dealerships all over the US, which means there are more trucks and tow dollies out there to choose from.

Typically, you can pick up a moving vehicle ranging from 10’-26’, which includes vans, trucks, and trailers. At the same time, looking at the Yellow Pages will also give you many haulers that can offer reasonable offers, and before you decide, it will be prudent to do a little research.

Why Do a Little Research?

Sometimes, it is vital, especially for your pocket and peace of mind, to think about smaller and independent shifters who do not have to follow the rule book strictly and, hence, can bend the rules to suit your needs. Also, you will know that your final decision is the best after considering the pros and cons of the various companies that are equipped to relocate your car. Each company will have its own ways to charge for the following:

  • Vehicles, wherein the bigger you hire, the more it will cost you
  • Services rendered
  • Administrative charges
  • Time slot where you can employ on a 6-hour, 12-hour, and 24-hour basis
  • Equipment available for the move such as ramps, tire straps, and security chains
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The Known Deal

There are fixed rates with U Haul Auto Transport, which are standardized throughout the country so that you do not have to worry about being taken for a ride. On a 24-hour hire, a 10’-14’ vehicle will cost $19.95, while you can expect to pay $29.95 for a 17’ one and $39.95 for a 24’-26’ one. A car shipping company may allow for a bit of bargaining and, sometimes, may even give you a discount, mainly if the move is during slower business months. When you know you are in for a move, you can also start looking out for discount coupons. Also, some haulers may be willing to match or even give lower rates just to beat the competition while providing the same professional-level services.

The Truck for the Job

U Haul has made things easy by dividing its fleet into:

  1. “in-town,” which can only be rented for in-town moving
  2. “one-way” is only for the moves that are one-way.

So, even if you see many trucks sitting in the yard, you might not get a one-way vehicle if they are all “in-town” ones, and you will just have to wait for the truck for the job to become available. Another slight hitch you can expect is that the pricing depends on the size of the vehicle available, so a tiny move can cost more as only the available trucks will be given for the move. So be sure to ask about the availability of the right size moving truck before you sign on the dotted line, or else look around for another shifter if you cannot wait.

  • U-Haul trailer rentals cost $55–$120 per day before fuel, insurance, and mileage fees; total cross-country costs often reach $800–$1,200, comparable to professional carrier rates of $600–$1,500.
  • Professional carriers handle all driving and logistics; U-Haul tow dollies are only suitable for front-wheel-drive vehicles and are not recommended for AWD or RWD vehicles on long-distance routes.
  • Licensed auto transport companies operate under DOT-compliant equipment standards and carry cargo insurance; U-Haul renters assume full towing liability and road safety responsibility themselves.
powerful container truck

When Service Matters

For your most precious possession to arrive at the destination in the same condition that it was loaded, you must be sure of the company you hire. U Haul has made a name for itself by providing reasonable on-road assistance should any unforeseen mishaps occur. When you hire other companies, be sure to find out about their services and assistance available while on the move. You can also be sure of the fleet's condition at U Haul as they constantly upgrade their vehicles. You might not find such an updated fleet at other haulers.

Time is Money

Find out whether you will have to pay for the whole pizza or just the time you need, as most companies like U Haul Auto Transport charge for 24 hours even if the destination is only around 10 hours away. Smaller companies may charge you for smaller time slots that can benefit your pocket.

Consider every aspect before loading your car on that truck, and inspect both your vehicle and the hired truck before you start your journey. Ensure that all the safety features are in working condition and that you start right on time, as you may have to pay for another day if you are late returning the vehicle.

relocating various vehicles

Frequently Asked Questions

Is U-Haul auto transport cheaper than using a car shipping company?

As of October 14, 2026, U-Haul isn't always cheaper: shipping a running sedan roughly 1,000 miles on an open carrier commonly costs $900–$1,100. A local U-Haul trailer may cost less if you already own a suitable tow vehicle, but one-way rentals use different pricing. Add the actual trailer quote, extra towing fuel, and any truck rental before comparing totals. A professional carrier's quote covers the hauling service, and A1's car shipping rates guide can help you estimate that alternative.

How much does a U-Haul auto transport trailer cost to rent?

U-Haul lists $69.95 per day for a local auto transport trailer and $49.95 per day for a tow dolly, before applicable taxes and fees. The familiar $19.95 starting rate applies to certain local truck rentals, not an auto transport trailer. One-way trailer rentals have trip-based quotes with an allotted number of rental days, so the local daily rate is not a cross-country estimate. Trailer and towing-equipment rentals include unlimited mileage; moving truck mileage charges and extra towing fuel are separate.

Does U-Haul ship cars across the country?

U-Haul does not ship cars across the country for customers; its auto transport service rents equipment that you pull behind an approved tow vehicle. You load and secure the car, drive to the destination, and return the trailer according to the rental agreement. By comparison, a professional interstate car shipping service arranges a carrier to transport the vehicle while you handle the pickup and delivery handoffs. U-Haul offers one-way trailer rentals, so cross-country self-towing is possible when your vehicle combination qualifies.

What is the difference between a tow dolly and an auto transport trailer?

With a tow dolly, the car's front wheels ride on the dolly while the rear tires roll on the road; an auto transport trailer lifts all four wheels. U-Haul designs dollies mainly for front-wheel-drive cars. Its instructions require the driveshaft to be disconnected and secured when towing a rear-wheel-drive, all-wheel-drive, or four-wheel-drive vehicle on a dolly. The full trailer has a listed 5,290-pound maximum vehicle load, but U-Haul must still approve your car and towing vehicle as a suitable combination before rental.

Is it safer to use a car shipping company instead of towing a car with U-Haul?

Professional car shipping may be safer for someone without towing experience because a commercial driver handles the loaded trailer instead of you. U-Haul tells drivers pulling an auto transport trailer to stay at 55 mph or below, brake earlier, and check tire straps and connections at stops. Your car can still be damaged during professional transport, so verify the assigned carrier's FMCSA registration and cargo coverage before handing over the keys. Neither option removes road risks, but hiring a carrier means you do not have to drive the loaded trailer yourself.

When does using U-Haul auto transport make more sense than hiring a car shipping company?

A U-Haul auto transport trailer makes sense for a short DIY move when you already have a compatible tow vehicle, a suitable hitch, and experience driving with a trailer. You control departure and can bring the car with your household move instead of arranging a separate carrier pickup. For a longer trip, compare U-Haul's one-way trailer quote with towing fuel, travel time, and any truck rental. If you prefer to avoid towing, door-to-door auto transport can arrange vehicle pickup and delivery as close to your addresses as truck access permits.

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CSI Logistics
435 Division Street
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45 Campus Drive
Edison, NJ 08837
NO. 17858N
Trans Global Auto Logistics, Inc.
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Arlington, TX 76011
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Paramount, CA 90723
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Boca Raton, FL 33431
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