Open up Your Local Move: The Ultimate Guide to Unlimited Mileage Truck Rentals in Illinois
A local truck rental with unlimited mileage is a rental option where you pay a flat daily rate for your truck without worrying about per-mile charges. Many major rental companies offer this for “in-town” moves, where you return the truck to the same location.
Key Benefits:
- Cost Predictability: A flat rate means no surprise charges based on distance.
- Flexibility: Make multiple trips for packing, donations, or forgotten items without penalty.
- Ideal for Local Moves: Perfect for moving within Chicago, Melrose Park, and surrounding Illinois areas.
What to Watch For:
- Base rates vary by truck size and location.
- Insurance, fuel, and environmental fees are almost always extra.
- “Local” typically means returning the truck to the same rental office.
Even for a local move, miles add up quickly with extra trips for packing, donations, and the final clean-up. Unlimited mileage rentals can save you significant money compared to per-mile pricing, especially for moves across Chicagoland.
I’m Mina Georgalas, owner and president of Bernard Movers. With nearly 30 years in the Chicago moving industry, I’ve seen how unexpected rental costs can derail a budget. While Bernard Movers specializes in full-service moves, I want to help you understand your options for a DIY move.
Know your local truck rental with unlimited mileage terms:
- cost for full service movers
- local packing and loading services for moving
- full service local moving companies
Maximizing Your Local Truck Rental with Unlimited Mileage
Moving around Chicago or Melrose Park is rarely a single trip. You might plan one trip, but then remember donations for Goodwill, items in a storage unit, or forgotten cleaning supplies. Those extra miles add up fast, which is why a local truck rental with unlimited mileage can protect your budget.
Why Choose Unlimited Mileage for Your Local Move?
If you’re paying per mile, the cost of multiple trips can quickly exceed your budget. Here’s why unlimited mileage makes sense for moves throughout Illinois:
- Cost Certainty: You pay one flat rate for the truck rental, eliminating surprise mileage fees. This helps you stick to your moving budget, even if you need to take a longer route to avoid traffic on I-90.
- Flexibility for Multiple Trips: Make extra runs to pick up items from family in Park Ridge or drop off recycling without worrying about the cost. This is invaluable when moving between Chicago and suburbs like Elmhurst or Northbrook.
- Reduced Stress: Moving day is stressful enough. Unlimited mileage removes the anxiety of tracking the odometer, letting you focus on the move itself.
While Bernard Movers can handle every detail of your move, we know a DIY approach sometimes fits best. Choosing unlimited mileage gives you the breathing room to manage your move effectively.
How to Find Unlimited Mileage Options in Chicago and Illinois
Finding a local truck rental with unlimited mileage in the Chicago area is straightforward. Most major companies offer this for “In-Town” or “Same-Location Return” rentals. When searching online, use specific phrases like “truck rental unlimited mileage Chicago” to find local deals. It’s also wise to call different locations, as a rental office in Des Plaines might have different rates than one in downtown Chicago. Always confirm that unlimited mileage is included before booking.
For more tips, our Chicago Moving Truck Rental Guide can help you steer the rental landscape. If the process feels overwhelming, our teams in Chicago and Melrose Park are always available to discuss whether a full-service move is a better fit for you.
Understanding the True Cost of a Local Truck Rental with Unlimited Mileage
“Unlimited mileage” applies only to the distance you drive. Your final bill will include several other costs:
- Base Rental Rates: These vary by truck size, location, and demand. Weekends and end-of-month dates are typically more expensive.
- Fees: Expect small, mandatory environmental or administrative fees.
- Insurance: This is a critical cost that should not be overlooked. Your personal auto insurance policy or credit card benefits may not extend to large rental trucks like a 16-foot or 26-foot box truck. Rental companies typically offer a tiered menu of protection plans. These can include a Damage Waiver (which covers damage to the rental truck), Supplemental Liability Insurance (SLI, which protects you against third-party claims), Personal Accident and Cargo Protection (which covers you and your belongings), and Roadside Assistance. While it adds to the daily cost, selecting at least a basic damage waiver is highly recommended. The cost of repairing a large truck, even for minor damage, can be thousands of dollars. Always clarify what each plan covers and what the deductible is before you sign.
- Fuel: Rental trucks have poor gas mileage (10-19 MPG). You must typically return the truck with the same amount of fuel or face high refueling charges.
- Taxes: Standard sales taxes will be added to your total bill.
Here’s a cost comparison for a typical 50-mile local move in the Chicago area:
| Cost Factor | Per-Mile Rental | Unlimited Mileage Rental |
|---|---|---|
| Base Rental Rate | $19.95 | $29.00 |
| Mileage (50 miles) | $39.50 | $0.00 (included) |
| Estimated Fuel (50 miles) | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Insurance (basic) | $30.00 | $30.00 |
| Environmental/Other Fees | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Subtotal | $114.45 | $84.00 |
| Taxes (estimated 10%) | $11.45 | $8.40 |
| Estimated Total Cost | $125.90 | $92.40 |
As you can see, unlimited mileage offers significant savings, which increase with every extra trip you make. For more budgeting tips, see our Affordable Moving Truck Rental guide.
Decoding the Fine Print: Restrictions and Vehicle Types
Before you book a local truck rental with unlimited mileage, understand the vehicle options and rules.
Vehicle Types:
- Cargo Vans: Ideal for studio apartments, dorm rooms, or delivering a few large pieces of furniture. Their smaller size makes them much easier to navigate and park on congested Chicago streets.
- Pickup Trucks: Perfect for hauling landscaping materials, appliances, or bulky items that won’t be damaged by rain or wind. They are not ideal for moving boxes or furniture due to the lack of an enclosed, secure space.
- Box Trucks: These are the workhorses of DIY moving. Choosing the right size is key to an efficient move:
- 10- to 12-foot trucks: Suitable for a studio or small one-bedroom apartment. They offer a good balance of cargo space and maneuverability.
- 15- to 17-foot trucks: The most popular choice, these are great for a one- or two-bedroom apartment or small house. Most come with a loading ramp, which is a back-saver.
- 20- to 26-foot trucks: Reserved for larger moves, such as a three- to five-bedroom home. Be aware that these larger trucks are more challenging to drive, have significantly worse fuel economy, and may be difficult to park in urban areas like Chicago or Melrose Park.
Common Restrictions:
- Geographic Limitations: “Local” usually means returning the truck to the same location. Some companies may enforce a radius (e.g., 25 miles) from the pickup point.
- Round-Trip Only: Unlimited mileage is for round-trips. One-way rentals have different mileage policies.
- Driver Age: Most companies require drivers to be 21+, with some setting the minimum at 25. Drivers under 25 often pay a daily surcharge.
How to Find the Best Deals on a Local Truck Rental with Unlimited Mileage
Save money on your rental by looking for common discounts. Ask about savings for:
- Military: Active duty, veterans, and reservists can often get significant discounts.
- Students: Many companies offer deals for students with a valid ID.
- AARP/AAA: Members of these organizations frequently qualify for percentage-based discounts.
- First Responders: Police, firefighters, and EMTs may be eligible for special promotions.
- Seasonal Promos: Look for promo codes on company websites, especially during off-peak moving seasons.
Booking in advance is also key, as it secures better rates and ensures vehicle availability, especially during busy summer months in Chicago.
Reviewing Your Rental Agreement Like a Pro
Before driving off, spend a few minutes reviewing your rental agreement. It can save you from expensive surprises.
- Confirm Mileage Policy: Ensure the contract explicitly states “unlimited mileage” for your local rental.
- Check Insurance: Understand what your selected coverage includes and excludes. Know your deductible.
- Note Fuel Requirements: Know the fuel level you must return the truck with to avoid high refueling fees.
- Understand Late Fees: Be aware of the penalties for returning the truck late.
- Document Pre-existing Damage: Walk around the truck with an agent and take photos of any scratches or dents. Make sure they are noted on your agreement.
- Ask About Roadside Assistance: Confirm if 24/7 support is included in case of a breakdown.
Making the Smart Choice for Your Chicago or Melrose Park Move
A local truck rental with unlimited mileage is a great budget-friendly option for many DIY movers in Illinois. It offers cost predictability and the flexibility for multiple trips, giving you complete control over your move. For smaller relocations or if you have plenty of help, it can be an excellent way to reduce expenses.
However, after nearly 30 years in the Chicago moving industry, we know that the savings from a DIY move can come at other costs: physical strain, damaged valuables, or an entire weekend lost to labor and logistics. There are times when hiring professional movers is the smarter choice.
Consider hiring professionals if you are:
- Moving a large home where logistics are complex.
- Transporting heavy or valuable items like pianos or antiques.
- Uncomfortable navigating Chicago traffic in a large, unfamiliar truck.
- Short on time and want to avoid a multi-day moving process.
For complex moves, or simply to avoid the hassle, Bernard Movers offers a full-service alternative. Our experienced team handles everything from packing and loading to safe transportation and unloading. We bring the expertise, equipment, and muscle so you don’t have to.
If you’re planning a longer move to Georgia or Florida, we’re offering a special 20% additional discount for deliveries booked by March 15, 2025, making a professional move even more accessible.
The choice between a DIY rental and hiring professionals depends on your unique situation. We hope this guide helps you make the right decision for your move. Whether you rent a truck or hire our team, we’re here to support your journey.
