Cargo Van Rental: Budget vs Load ‘N Go Which One Is Better?

van with home depot logo

Source: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/home-depot-tops-street-boosts-dividend/article4251547/

When you need to rent a cargo van or a truck for work or personal purposes, where do you turn? Do you stick with a familiar brand name like Budget, or do you choose a less familiar service like Load ‘N Go?

Budget is a general rental car company that was established in 1958. It is owned by Avis and has convenient locations across the United States and worldwide.

Load ‘N Go is a special moving service offered by Home Depot. At select Home Depot locations, you have the option of renting a cargo van, pickup truck, or small commercial truck.

Budget

If you are looking for inexpensive vehicle rental services, Budget is a great choice. Budget offers rentals by the day, week, and month.

If affordability is your primary concern, Budget deserves consideration. It earns the title of “best value” for its good deals on rental trucks.

Budget offers generous discounts through its partnerships. It often has promotions and coupons designed to make rentals more affordable.

One deal is offered through its partnership with Amazon. If you are an Amazon customer, you are entitled to a number of deals, such as rebates on your car rental and credits in the form of Amazon gift cards.

Amazon Alexa customers are also eligible for select discounts. Budget occasionally offers special deals such as weekend rentals, long-term rentals, and renting in various seasons.

If you rent a cargo van or truck for a month, you are eligible for a 10% discount.

Load ‘N Go

Rental vans at Home Depot are primarily offered at an hourly rate. However, you can also rent a truck for a day, week, or month. Rates vary based on the length of time that you want to rent a vehicle for.

There are over 1,000 locations that offer these rental services, which are available to people 21 and older who have a valid US or Canadian driver’s license.

Trailer hitches for towing are available at select locations. If you are considering renting a truck through Home Depot’s Load ‘N Go program, note that you will need to drop the vehicle off to the same location where you picked it up.

One-way rentals are not currently supported. Along with renting a van or truck, you can also specify if you need additional rental tools to facilitate your move.

The tools are also available through the same rental policy, which is that you can rent them for an hourly rate or an extended period of time.

The tools must also be returned to the same location where you rented them. A deposit ($50) is required to rent a van or truck from Home Depot, which you’ll get back if the truck is returned in the same condition.

Home depot entrance

Another consideration to keep in mind is that unlike Budget, you won’t be able to rent a truck or van ahead of time. Instead, they are issued first come, first serve.

The same applies to renting moving equipment and tools. The FAQ section on Home Depot’s website recommends calling ahead of time or checking the website of your local store before you arrive to see if the equipment you need is in stock.

If you are planning a more long-distance move, note that Home Depot partners with Penske, a popular car rental service, to facilitate its customers’ needs. Penske’s website does allow online reservations.

What You’ll Get

Budget

When you rent through Budget, you have a variety of options for a rental vehicle. This includes a cargo van, a 12-foot small truck, a 16-foot medium truck, and a larger truck sized 26 feet.

The cargo van seats two occupants and has a maximum payload of 3,610 pounds. A truck of this size is ideal for towing up to 2,000 pounds.

The cargo van has an interior height of 54 inches and an interior length just short of 11 feet. It has basic features such as power brakes, power steering, a radio, and air conditioning.

With the cargo van, you’ll get a fuel economy of 8-14 MPG. The truck has an eight-foot clearance, and it is ideal for moving into or out of a one-bedroom or studio apartment.

Home Depot

If you rent a cargo van from Home Depot, you will most likely get a Ford Transit. Highlights of this vehicle include an automatic transmission, an AM/FM radio, an auxiliary jack, air conditioning, dual bucket seats, and tie-downs to keep your cargo secure.

The cargo van can accommodate up to 3,000 pounds. Flatbed pickup trucks and box-style moving trucks are also available to rent.

What it Costs to Rent a Van or Truck

Budget

Going through Budget, it costs $19.99 per day, plus an additional fee of $0.89 per mile, to rent a cargo van or a 12-foot truck. A 16-foot moving truck costs $29.99 per day plus $0.89 per mile.

If you need towing capacity, you’ll get it with a truck this size and larger. The largest moving truck (26 feet) costs $39.99 to rent per day plus $0.89 per mile.

These are standard fees without any specials, discounts, or promotions.

Dollar bills

Home Depot

When you rent through Load ‘N Go, you’ll pay a fee of $19 for the first 75 minutes. If you want to use the truck for a longer period of time, your local store will provide adjusted rates.

Note that this fee applies to any size truck that you get, regardless of whether it is a cargo van, a flatbed, or a box-style moving truck.

A $50 deposit fee is also added to the cost of any vehicle. If you want to do a longer one-way move, you will probably go through Penske.

This will give you a large selection of vehicles as well as the convenience of unlimited one-way mileage.

Verdict

Renting a van or truck for a move has many considerations. Which company is best overall, and which one will meet your needs? Two good options for rentals are Budget and Load ‘N Go.

Competitive rates are offered through both, but Budget has the best prices overall.

If you’re looking for a short-term, affordable means to move, renting through Home Depot is a viable option.