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Coast Truck Rental
Categories: Hotels & Travel Car Rental Home Services Movers Car Rental, Movers [Edit]
2955 3rd StSan Francisco, CA 94110
Neighborhood: Potrero Hill
(415) 282-6200
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 7 am - 6 pm
Sat 8 am - 2 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
31 reviews for Coast Truck Rental
31 reviews in English
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Review from Neil H.
San Francisco, CA
10/9/2011
OK, I almost hate to review these guys, lest the general public know how much better it is to rent from a good old fashioned, independent business than some better known company.
I rent a lot of trucks. Weekly in fact. Coast truck rental is a favorite for those of us in the event industry; caterers, floral designers, etc. They're reasonable, flexible, and service oriented. They understand those of us who need our trucks for our livelihood and make sure we're taken care of. From what I've seen though, they're just as great to work with if it's the first time or the 50th.
Coast is run and staffed almost entirely by the family that owns it. They're really decent people. As an added bonus, the money you spend with them stays right here in the area. Remember all that "shop local" talk that gets batted around? This is it. -
Review from James B.
San Francisco, CA
11/10/2011
Good honest company. I rent from them all the time. Everyone in the office is very professional and knowledgeable, and even though these are rental trucks, they are clean and in great condition. I would rent from these guys over any big co. any day.
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Review from Andrew C.
8/26/2010
I bought a "small" outdoor storage closet from Sears and did the "Buy online pick up at the store" thing. When I got there I found that it wouldn't fit in my station wagon . . .
So called around to various places and found Coast and grabbed a van within the hour.
Reasonable prices (cheaper than U-haul), friendly staff, clean vehicles. Great local business. -
Review from Ann C.
San Francisco, CA
9/24/2010
I've rented from Coast twice in the past 2 years. Both times were great.
First Time (May 2009): I found them doing a search on Google after calling around for different moving companies. (I think this was before I became an avid Yelp user.) The moving companies were all booked up b/c it was close to the end of the month. So I ended up having to move all of my personal belongings (myself) and I needed to rent a truck. The truck I rented was a very new looking 14ft truck. It was white and shiny - none of that advertising on the side or the back. The vehicle was in tip-top condition.
The process was really painless and easy. When I called Coast, the clerk was totally chill. He said they had plenty of trucks in stock and gave me a quote. I came in, waited maybe 5 minutes, got my truck right away, did a quick visual check, and was on my merry way. Exhausted after my move, I returned the truck after hours after filling up the gas tank. I was a bit hesitant because I've never returned a vehicle after hours before, but I parked the vehicle in the lot, returned the key in the lock box and off I went. No extra charges on my card. Everything was super smooth and mellow.
Second Time (November 2009): I had to move some machines from Sacramento back to San Francisco on short notice. I wanted a pick up truck but all they had were 10ft vans. Considering I only called them the night before for the rental - I was surprised they had anything in stock - but they did. The process this time, was smooth like the first.
The only glitch was that when I returned the van, the clerk told me I didn't fill up the gas tank. There's a gas station about 2 blocks away and I had filled it up there just before arriving at Coast to return the truck. Rather than be charged extra with their gas fee, I took the van back to the gas station, topped it off another $5 or so, and then returned the van (again). So maybe I didn't top off the gas tank like I had thought I did? No extra charges on my card.
Not sure if the gas thing was my user error or the gas gauge was off, but just be sure to top off the gas (completely) before returning your vehicle. I would definitely recommend these guys and would use them again. Compared to U-Haul, these guys are great. -
Review from Noah S.
San Francisco, CA
8/29/2010
Much better than uhaul, no frills truck rental. Used these guys to rent a pickup for a 2 day long haul, good initial service, however:
Radio was broken - no signal reception
The cigarette lighter power adapter was broken - no charging for devices
Upon return - I filled the truck up 3 miles away from drop off, but was charged an extra $10 because they had to 'refill the vehicle'
I called them and left a message regarding the extra charge, but didn't receive a response. -
Review from Dmytro A.
10/19/2010
This review is based only on my abortive attempt to rent through Coast Truck Rental.
I went through the whole rigamarole of calling up and chatting with the guy about renting from them (I was interested in the half-day rate and they STILL hadn't got back to me about my online request from the previous day), and setting up the details of my reservation. We hit a snag when I tried to give him my debit card number. Coast Truck Rental only takes credit cards because, "A debit card just proves that you have a little bit of money in the bank. It doesn't mean that anyone has checked your credit. It doesn't mean that you pay your bills."
Excuse me, but that was rude. I don't enjoy being told implicitly that maybe I don't pay my bills because I only pay for things with cash that I *actually have* in my account, instead of with a credit. Moreover, when Rudy McRuderson runs my number through his little machine thingy, it locks up that amount of cash in my account, so it's not like I even could pull out if I wanted to. Secondly, being forced to pay (or at least reserve) with a credit card that has its headquarters in South Dakota or Delaware really defeats the purpose of "buying (renting) local".
So, minus one star for requiring a credit card, and minus two stars for rude service.
I ended up renting with Budget (26th Street location) and had a great experience there. -
Review from Gil S.
5/11/2007
Everything you hate about U-Haul? Forget it. This place rocks.
When you call Tom answers. No automated attendant, no electronic waiting music. You have a billing question Tom deals with it, not , no call center three continents away.
Tom knows rates, the truck count on the lot ( they rarely sell out), all the policies. No coupons, no promo codes. A reservation is a reservation, not an invitation to haggle and argue when you show up. The day before he promises only the trucks he has, not what's supposed to come in. Longer ahead, either your truck is ready or he'll personally call the miscreant dude who got drunk last night instead of dropping it off and tell them to get there with your truck, NOW!
The vehicles are in good condition, clean. They work. You turn the key, the engine starts. They are not leftovers from freeway chase scenes in the Matrix. Heavy crap? Think LIFT GATES, not ramps.
Your truck will be white. It has no corporate logo. You can drive around pretending you're a mobster or big-time burglar. Maybe you are? Nobody knows.
You save lots of money. Tom does not upsell. The rate he quotes is what you get, daily, not U-Haul's half day bait-and-switch. You pay extra for insurance and boxes or tape if you want, and there's a coke machine. But that's it.
There are no bums loitering outside looking for work or tips.
Sometimes there are bigger trucks, specialized trucks, flatbeds. They also have a rent-a-wreck franchise.
A class act all the way around. It's like the first time you rode Jet Blue or Virgin, the first time you chose In-n-Out over MacDonald's. You suddenly realize the crap you've been putting up your whole life is unnecessary. There is a better way. You'll be happy, not cursing moving day. -
Review from hinge d.
San Francisco, CA
4/9/2011
Like every other reviewer of Coast here on Yelp, I have nothing but nice things to say. So I'll be brief. Cheap[er], easy to deal with, simple overall, pleasure doing business with them. I even got a different sized truck than the one I originally reserved. Definitely coming back to this place for SURE!
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Review from Nick T.
San Francisco, CA
12/20/2008
I needed a truck real fast to move equipment for our company. I will have to be more then truthful here. I do share the same building. However they had a truck I could use with short notice that saved our lives. We are thankful to Matt and Tom for helping us out.
Cheers
Nick
http://www.lostcampers... -
Review from Mike Z.
San Francisco, CA
12/30/2008
Here's my experience with U-Haul today:
Me: "Hi, do you have any pick-up trucks available today?"
UH: "Yes"
Me: "Great, I'll be right over"
UH: "We need to put you on a call back list"
Me: "Why? When will you call back?"
UH: "There are eight people ahead of you"
Me: *click*
My Coast Truck Rental experience:
Me: "Hi, do you have any pick-up trucks available today?"
PTR: "Yes, we have two"
Me: "Great, I'll be right over"
PTR: We'll see you then.
Very nice guys to deal with and NONE of the U-Haul bullshit. A decent truck and seriously cost me half what I paid last time I rented a U-Haul. -
Review from Megan G.
New York, NY
8/29/2009
Tons cheaper, tons easier, and way more reliable than Uhaul.
No bullshit at all. -
Review from Thomas K.
Pacifica, CA
7/18/2010
Reasonable and honest, two things you don't usually expect when renting a vehicle.
My weekend cargo van rental was completely straightforward and pleasant.
The location is great, easy freeway access. -
Review from Robert C.
Lodi, CA
9/29/2009
These guys are the best! Don't even think about going to U-Haul. Great prices, cool & informative staff (Owen & Tom), and great attitudes.
I rented from here a couple times and every time either Owen or Tom are in a cool mood and are quick to get me going. They are down to earth and professional. I am VERY critical when it comes to getting help from a guy so this is saying a lot.
All of the trucks that I have rented have been very clean and graffiti free. The rates are about $65/Day + 25 cents/Mile which kills U-HAUL or Budget. Plus, the return policy is simple, after hours just drop it off in the lot.
I will be back to do business with them... -
Review from Stanford M.
Palo Alto, CA
1/9/2010
Excellent business!
They let me pick a truck up in the middle of the Christmas holiday weekend. The truck was cheaper than the major chains, and it was in MUCH BETTER condition than any truck I've gotten from Uhaul or Budget. I would give these guys 10 stars if I could.
The business is a bit hard to find, as I got bad directions from Google maps and they share the lot with some other places, but if you head north on 3rd from Cesar Chavez, it is there to your right.
Excellent place! -
Review from Matt M.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 4/24/2010
Since my original review, I've had the ease of using CTR numerous times.
They are still as friendly, reasonable, and easy as the first time I used them.
Coast Truck Rental has cars, vans, cargo vans, box trucks with lift gates, short and long sizes, as well as stake trucks.
They are consistent and I like doing business with them.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/24/2009
I called at 3:00pm Wednesday to make a next morning reservation. They asked my name and my telephone… Read more »
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Review from Darcy N.
San Francisco, CA
8/23/2010
Unbelievable. I don't think I've ever been so passionate about a truck rental company. My experience was not just painless--it was enjoyable. I rented a box truck at 2:30pm on a Tuesday knowing I would have to drive about 100 miles all over the bay area (not to mention in rush hour traffic). I told Matt, the co-owner, that I wouldn't be able to return the truck until probably 10pm, and even though they close at 6, he only charged me a half day. It's also only $0.22/mile (compare to U-haul's rate of $0.89/mile or something absurd like that). Everything about this experience was positive. I am actually looking forward to the next time I have to move some furniture.
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Review from Jude F.
San Francisco, CA
8/26/2010
I am delighted with Coast Truck Rental/ Rent a Wreck. Friendly humans instead of automated answering services, no hidden costs, half the price of other rental places (in one case 1/3 of the price, ahem, National Car Rental), and just no-nonsense, get-the-job done service. I like that it's a local, family-owned business, and I never, ever have to go back to U-Haul. I'm just sorry I didn't know about them sooner. Recommended without any caveats.
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Review from michelle h.
Fort Walton Beach, FL
8/14/2008
Do yourself a huge favor : if you are even THINKING about using Uhaul, just don't. Use these guys instead. When I went into the office to get my truck there were zero people in line. I was out the door in less than 5 minutes. When I was done with the truck I filled up at a gas station that is right across the street and dropped the key in the drop box since it was after hours. They let me park my car there too! Uhaul should take some lessons.
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Review from Alexandra D.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 9/6/2010
Update: I rented a truck from them again recently and everything went smoothly except for one SNAFU which was quickly straightened out.
I returned the truck after-hours and dropped the keys in the night drop box outside the front door, so I didn't get a final receipt. When I checked my mastercard account on-line, I saw that I had been overbilled $17.16.
When I called to enquire, they said they had charged me $2.75 for gas and 22 cents a mile for 43 miles. In fact, I had only driven 11 miles and I had put $5 (1.6 gallons) worth of gas into the truck just before I returned it. I filled the tank but I didn't top it off. 1.6 gallons for 11 miles should cover the gas, doncha think?
From a previous reviewer's comments, I think they top off every tank and bill the customer both for the gas, and a fee for the inconvenience (otherwise how did $2.75 for gas and 32 extra miles at 22 cents come out to $17.16?).
When I called, they responded quickly, believed me about the gas and mileage, and I see the credit on my M/C already. So, props for that. However, when we spoke about it, Tom said these trucks hold 45 gallons and the gauges are not precise. My impression is that even if you more than replace the gas you used, if they can put any gas in the tank after you return it, you will be billed for the actual gas and my impression is, a convenience fee as well.
My advice: don't drop the truck off after-hours - bring it in and check out and get a final invoice so there won't be any surprises on your credit card. Also, compare the mileage on your contract with the actual odometer on the truck before you start your trip.
With those caveats, I still consider Coast Truck Rental a 5-star experience. Night and day better than U-Haul, that's for sure! And their prices can't be beat - I checked out Penske which is just around the corner and has great reviews, but their day rate is slightly higher and they charge a whopping 79 cents a mile, compared to Coast's 22 cents a mile. They're not just undercutting the competition, they're beating them by a mile (or, 57 cents a mile - hee!)1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/16/2008
Thanks to Yelp, I found these guys. I was in "anything but U-Haul" mode after all the horrible… Read more »
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Review from K D.
San Francisco, CA
7/6/2010
My second time renting from Coast was as breezy, affordable and pleasant as the first. When I called to make my reservation a new employee gave me the wrong impression as to what qualifies as a half day vs. full day rental. I explained the misunderstanding at the counter and they honored the lower price. This kind of customer service is too rare these days. They also have much better and well maintained trucks than Uballs. I look forward to renting their trucks in the future.
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Review from t s.
San Francisco, CA
1/21/2008
I'm not that witty with my yelping, but these guys made my reservation easy, pick-up easy and drop-off the same. Plus it was very competitive on price and the truck was in great condition.
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Review from Katie B.
San Francisco, CA
8/2/2010
After many nightmarish experiences with other "big" truck companies, my husband and I decided to go with a local co. for our recent move.
Here's why I came to love Coast Truck Rental:
1.) Excellent customer service
2.) Easy access to the freeway and good location
3.) Matt and his brother (?) are both very friendly and easy-going
4.) The "Support Your Local Business" poster hanging up in the rental office makes you feel like you're doing your part
5.) When upon the visual inspection of the truck Matt noticed that someone had stuck an "I Love Fandango" sticker on the truck, he just chuckled and said "well, that's new"
6.) The parking lot is easy to get in and out of
7.) The minute we turned on the truck, Black Flag was blasting from the speakers, which automatically put us in a "let's get MOVED!!!" state of mind
8.) The truck we rented had an automatic lift thingy on the back, which was fun to ride up and down on (oh, and it helped with moving big furniture)
9.) Driving a big truck is fun!
10.) We did not experience any hassles as we have with past big name truck companies.
11.) Hooray for Coast Truck Rental! -
Review from Cristi S.
Penngrove, CA
8/7/2010
RENT FROM COAST!!!! All those 5 star ratings are well-deserved. What a wonderful family business. I felt like I was an old friend. Their prices are much lower than their competitors' and they are very relaxed about the experience. Easy access to 280, you can leave your car if you need to, and the T is one block away. Next time you need a truck, email them or give them a call.
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Review from rolan g.
San Francisco, CA
11/25/2008
Easy as pie! These guys make it painless. I called the day before to rent a truck, I showed up, they swiped my card, I drove away. It took less than 5 minutes. Also, you get the truck for 24 hours and when you're finished just drop the keys in the drop box. Done.
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Review from Andrea U.
Los Angeles, CA
2/20/2009
Easy easy easy. Cheap cheap cheap. After this experience, I will never go back to the hassle of dealing with U-Haul and the like. I recently rented a 10' truck and dolly for an in-town move. My truck was clean and in tip-top shape, and each one goes through a thorough 360-degree inspection before you pull out of the yard. The guys in the leasing office were helpful both in person and over the phone, and I couldn't believe how simple returning the truck would be! No muss. No fuss.
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Review from Kelly H.
San Francisco, CA
6/10/2009
Never again will I be dealing with U-Haul or the like. This place is quick and painless. You can reserve a truck in as little as 24 hours in advance (I even heard same day works, but why take the chance?). The whole process (payment, walk-through, keys and you're off!) takes about 15 mins total. It's inexpensive or at least comparable to most other truck rentals. It's in a very convenient location, especially if you're moving in/out of one of the many storage facilities nearby. You can leave your car in their parking lot until you're done. If you are returning the truck after hours, simply pull in to a spot and drop the keys in a box by the door. The service is friendly and helpful, nobody pushing insurance or unnecessary things on you. I can't say enough about this place. Just try it! It'll change your life...or at least your moving experience ;)
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Review from fymi o.
Berkeley, CA
3/29/2011
Wow. Inexpensive, easy in, easy out -- very nice, professional guy at the counter. We needed a cargo van to move one piece of furniture in the city. Love the idea of a half-day rental -- with rental and gas it was $30. No fuss, no muss.
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Review from T H.
San Francisco, CA
3/22/2009
Fast and Easy!!!!
I needed a truck on Sunday, although they' aren't open on Sunday Owen made an exception. They made the whole process painless. If you have ever used "corporate" trucking you know that the process is never fast or easy.
Coast didn't try and screw me with extra charges. Their base charge was about $10 more expensive than Uhaul or Budget, but their mileage is WAY lower. Plus, it is worth a couple of extra bucks to do business with professionals. -
Review from Albert T.
San Mateo, CA
8/18/2009
Wow -- as quick, painless, and easy as all the reviews have said. Called up on a Tuesday morning and asked if they had a pick-up truck available currently, guy who answered was really cool and said 'yep, but if you come make sure you bring a credit-card as we can't accept debit cards' -- not sure why, but that was indeed the case.
15 mins later I was at the front desk, he was helping someone else but finished up a few mins later. Took down my info and I signed some paperwork, then we walked out to the truck -- which he kindly pulled out -- and we did a visual walk-around to note any existing damage. He handed me the keys and off I went.
I brought it back a couple of hours later (topping off the gas tank at a Shell station conveniently located across the street from them), showed him the gas receipt, paid and left.
$30.00 including taxes, really great experience -- a model for other rental companies to follow. Thank you fellow Yelpers for recommending this place. Those of you reading who are still wondering, don't hesitate to call them or bother considering anyone else, esp. if you value your time. I went from discovering I needed a truck to being back at work in less than a couple of hours. These guys are as good as everyone has been saying. -
Review from anna g.
San Francisco, CA
4/3/2009
I tried Coast solely on their yelp rep and was NOT DISAPPOINTED. These dudes have some well maintained, clean-ass trucks, not beaten down U-Hauls that cause you to fear for your life simply by sitting in the rickety old cab. I got the option of doing a half day rental or full day, and when I turned my truck in two hours past the half day mark, all he did was charge me the overtime, not the full day rental, which saved me The Green. Very low-key, non-stressful outfit they're running there.
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Review from Mike C.
San Francisco, CA
7/28/2009
Think Global...Act Local! Coast Truck Rental is the best when it comes to van/truck rentals...hands down! Needed a van to move a motorcycle to the shop and called around/looked around online. The best deals I could get were near $125 for the day (including taxes and high per mile fees) from all the big companies. I called Coast, talked to Owen, asked if they had a van and and he said, "yes" and put one on hold for me. I was there 30 minutes later and treated great...got out of there fast...and even let me park my car in his lot while I drove away in the van. All this for almost half the cost of the lowest price I had found. Check out their site for prices...cheapest in town and they even offer an amazing 1/2 day rate for 5 hours! And, best of all, they are local and family owned and that beats going to the big corporations anyday! I'll be going to Coast from this point on and not even bothering hunting around the web for so-called "specials" from the big guys that aren't "specials" at all! Thanks guys!
