The U-Haul military discount situation is one of the most confusing in the moving industry — and most articles about it are either outdated or inaccurate. Here is the honest picture based on the most current research.
What is confirmed: U-Haul provides one month of free storage to active duty service members who present their DD Form 2278. This is a verified, reliable benefit.
What is not confirmed: U-Haul does not advertise an official standardized percentage discount (10%, 15%, or any fixed percentage) for military personnel on truck or trailer rentals. Veteran.com’s independently verified April 2026 report states plainly: “U-Haul does not offer a military discount code or a percentage off based on military status.”
What might work: Multiple service members and veterans report that calling U-Haul directly at 800-468-4285 and asking for a military discount sometimes results in a representative applying a 10–15% discount at their discretion. These outcomes are inconsistent and depend on the individual representative — but the approach costs nothing to try.
What is better for PCS/PPM moves: U-Haul’s policies for military members doing Personally Procured Moves (PPM/DITY moves) are more favorable and consistent than their general rental discount, with specific benefits including the free storage month and a moving supplies buy-back program.
What U-Haul Confirms for Military Members
One Month of Free Storage — The Most Reliable Benefit
Active duty service members can receive one month of free storage at participating U-Haul storage locations by presenting their DD Form 2278 (the form required to authorize a PPM/DITY move). This benefit does not require a truck rental.
How to access it:
- Obtain DD Form 2278 from your installation transportation office
- Present it at a participating U-Haul location
- Request one month of free self-storage
Service members doing a PPM with a one-way U-Haul truck or trailer rental also receive one month of free storage at their destination automatically — no extra paperwork needed beyond what is required for the PPM.
Moving Supplies Buy-Back Program
U-Haul offers a moving supplies buy-back program for military PPM movers — purchasing back unused boxes and packing materials at the end of your move. This reduces the risk of over-purchasing supplies.
U-Box Containers for Military Moves
U-Haul’s U-Box portable moving containers are a flexible option for military PCS moves — you pack them at your own pace, and U-Haul transports them to your destination. This can be useful for moves with uncertain timing (common with military orders).
The “Phone Call” Approach: What Some Service Members Report
Multiple sources document that service members and veterans have succeeded in obtaining a 10–15% discount by calling U-Haul’s sales line and asking directly:
Phone: 800-468-4285
Approach: Ask specifically to be connected with the sales department. Explain that you are active duty or a veteran and ask whether any military discount is available for your reservation. If the first representative says no, outcomes vary by representative — some are more accommodating than others.
Important caveat (operationmilitarykids.org, March 2026): “The first sales rep you reach may deny you a U-Haul military discount. However, call five minutes later and you might get another rep. You may find this associate more accommodating.” This reflects the inconsistent, unofficial nature of whatever discretionary discounts may apply — these are not a reliable or guaranteed benefit.
The bottom line: If you are already reserving with U-Haul, it costs nothing to ask. But do not count on a percentage discount when budgeting your move.
Who Qualifies (for Confirmed Benefits and Potential Discounts)
Confirmed free storage benefit: Active duty service members presenting DD Form 2278
For potential negotiated discounts (not guaranteed):
- Active duty service members (all branches)
- Veterans with honorable discharge (DD-214 or VA ID as documentation)
- Reservists and National Guard members
- Military spouses and dependents
Documentation accepted:
- Active Duty Military ID card
- Retired Military ID
- DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
- Veterans Affairs (VA) ID card
- DD Form 2278 (for PPM moves and free storage)
U-Haul for PPM / DITY Moves
For military members doing a Personally Procured Move (PPM) — also called a DITY (Do It Yourself) move — U-Haul is one of the most commonly used options. Key facts:
What PPM/DITY means: The military pays you an allowance to move yourself rather than using a government-contracted mover. If you move for less than the allowance, you keep the difference. U-Haul is among the most competitive options for keeping PPM costs low.
U-Haul PPM benefits:
- One month free storage at destination (automatically with one-way rental)
- Moving supplies buy-back program
- Variety of truck sizes to match your household goods weight
How to document your PPM for reimbursement:
- Retain all U-Haul receipts
- Document weight before and after (weigh tickets)
- Submit through your installation transportation office
Better Military Moving Alternatives to Consider
Penske Truck Rental — Military Discount
Penske is one of U-Haul’s primary competitors and offers a more clearly documented military discount than U-Haul. Penske provides active duty and veterans a verified discount on truck rentals.
How to access: Contact Penske directly and mention military status when reserving.
Budget Truck Rental — Military Rate
Budget Truck Rental offers a military rate for active duty service members and veterans on truck rentals.
Military OneSource — Official Moving Resources
Military OneSource provides comprehensive resources for PCS moves, including guidance on PPM/DITY moves and approved vendor programs.
Website: militaryonesource.mil/moving-housing
Defense Personal Property Program (DP3)
For official government-funded moves, the Defense Personal Property Program coordinates government-contracted moving services.
Website: move.mil
Stacking Savings
Even without a confirmed military percentage discount, you can reduce U-Haul costs through:
- Seasonal promotions: U-Haul runs promotions during Memorial Day and Veterans Day that may include reduced rates for military personnel. Check uhaul.com/promos before reserving.
- One-way rentals: One-way rentals are typically cheaper for long-distance moves — and automatically include one month free storage at the destination for military PPM movers.
- Off-peak timing: Mid-week and mid-month reservations are often cheaper than weekends and end-of-month periods.
- Moving supplies buy-back: Order only what you need, knowing U-Haul buys back unused materials.
U-Haul vs. Competitors for Military Moves
| Company | Official Military Discount | Free Storage | PPM Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-Haul | Not officially confirmed; one month free storage confirmed | Yes — DD Form 2278 | Strong PPM program |
| Penske | Yes — documented military rate | Varies | Standard |
| Budget | Yes — military rate available | Varies | Standard |
| PODS | Flexible scheduling; no specific military discount | Varies | Good for uncertain timelines |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does U-Haul offer a military discount?
U-Haul does not advertise an official standardized military discount on truck or trailer rentals. However, U-Haul does offer one month of free storage to active duty service members who present a DD Form 2278. Some customers report successfully negotiating a 10–15% discount by calling U-Haul’s sales line at 800-468-4285, but these outcomes are inconsistent and depend on the individual representative.
Does U-Haul offer free storage for military members?
Yes. Active duty service members can receive one month of free storage at participating U-Haul locations by presenting their DD Form 2278. Service members doing a PPM/DITY move with a one-way U-Haul truck or trailer rental also automatically receive one month of free storage at the destination.
How do I get a U-Haul military discount?
The most reliable approach: (1) Use your DD Form 2278 to claim one month of free storage at your destination — this is a confirmed benefit; (2) Call 800-468-4285 and ask directly about military pricing for your specific reservation — outcomes vary; (3) Compare with Penske and Budget, which have more clearly documented military discount programs.
Can veterans get a discount at U-Haul?
Veterans without current active duty status do not have a confirmed U-Haul discount on rentals. The one month of free storage benefit is specifically for active duty members presenting DD Form 2278. Veterans may be able to negotiate a discretionary discount by calling 800-468-4285, but this is not a reliable or guaranteed benefit.
Is U-Haul good for PPM/DITY military moves?
Yes. U-Haul is one of the most commonly used options for PPM/DITY moves because of its variety of truck sizes, competitive pricing, U-Box containers for flexible timing, and the one month of free storage at destination included with one-way rentals.
Other Resources
- Military discount — comprehensive guide to military discounts across all categories
- Oura Ring military discount — 25% off via GOVX for veterans and active duty
- Sam’s Club senior discount — military members qualify for the same Sam’s Club discount
- Section 8 housing vouchers — housing assistance including for military families
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only. Freefurniturevouchers.com is not affiliated with U-Haul, Penske, Budget, or any moving company or government program. U-Haul does not advertise an official standardized military percentage discount as of 2026 per veteran.com (April 2026) and operationmilitarykids.org (March 2026).
The one month of free storage benefit for DD Form 2278 holders is a confirmed U-Haul benefit. Phone-negotiated discounts are discretionary and inconsistent. Always verify current pricing and benefits directly at uhaul.com or by calling 800-468-4285 before reserving.