Mobile Truck Rental vs Bunnings Truck Hire: The Complete 2025 Comparison Guide
Choosing the right truck rental service for your move or transport needs? Compare Australia’s leading door-to-door truck rental specialist against Bunnings’ convenient store-based hire service. Discover which option delivers better value, flexibility, and convenience for your specific requirements.
🚛 Compare Services NowMobile Truck Rental vs Bunnings Truck Hire: Quick Overview
Mobile Truck Rental is Australia’s specialist door-to-door truck rental company, operating since 2014 with nearly 400 trucks covering the entire East Coast. Their service focuses exclusively on 3-tonne Pantech trucks with comprehensive equipment and one-way interstate capabilities.
Bunnings truck hire operates through HandyHire partnership, offering utes and vans at selected Bunnings Warehouse stores across Australia. This service provides convenient store-based pickup for customers needing short-term vehicle hire, primarily for local transport and DIY projects.
Key Service Differences at a Glance
- Service model: MTR delivers to your door vs Bunnings requires store pickup
- Vehicle types: MTR specializes in 3-tonne moving trucks vs Bunnings offers utes and small vans
- Coverage area: MTR covers East Coast extensively vs Bunnings limited to store locations
- Target use: MTR focuses on moving/relocation vs Bunnings targets DIY/shopping transport
- One-way hire: MTR specializes in interstate moves vs Bunnings primarily return-to-store
- Equipment included: MTR includes trolley, ropes, tailgate lifter vs Bunnings basic vehicle only
🚛 Service Comparison Overview
Mobile Truck Rental
Australia’s leading door-to-door truck rental specialist since 2014. Delivers 3-tonne Pantech trucks directly to your location and picks them up when finished. Specializes in moving, relocation, and one-way interstate hire with comprehensive equipment and 24/7 support.
Bunnings Truck Hire (HandyHire)
Store-based vehicle hire service available at selected Bunnings Warehouse locations across Australia. Offers utes and vans for short-term local hire, primarily targeting DIY projects and immediate transport needs from store purchases.
📊 Detailed Service Comparison
Vehicle Specifications & Capacity
| Feature | Mobile Truck Rental | Bunnings HandyHire | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Type | 3-tonne Pantech trucks | Utes (1-tonne) and small vans | MTR for capacity |
| Cargo Space | 20m³ (4.2m x 2.1m x 2.1m) | Ute: 2.5m x 1.8m tray; Van: ~4.3m³ | MTR significantly larger |
| Load Capacity | 3-tonne payload | 1-tonne maximum | MTR higher capacity |
| Seating | 3 adults in cab | 2-3 adults (varies by vehicle) | Similar capacity |
| Transmission | Fully automatic | Automatic | Tie |
| Licence Required | Standard car licence | Standard car licence | Tie |
💰 Pricing & Cost Comparison
Cost Structure Analysis
Mobile Truck Rental Pricing
- Daily rates: From approximately $199 per day
- Multi-day discounts: Substantial savings for 30+ day rentals
- One-way interstate: Competitive rates with no return fees
- Delivery service: Door-to-door included in rates
- Equipment included: Trolley, ropes, 500kg tailgate lifter
- Insurance options: Comprehensive coverage available
- Hidden fees: None – transparent pricing structure
Bunnings HandyHire Pricing
- Hourly rates: From $28 per hour (ute) plus km charges
- Daily rates: From approximately $80-90 per day
- Kilometre charges: 39¢ per km over 15km (hourly) or 25¢ (daily)
- Deposits: $200 for hourly, $500 for daily/interstate hires
- Additional drivers: $10 per driver per day
- Insurance excess: $5,500 standard, reduction available for $42/day
- Store pickup required: Travel costs to/from Bunnings location
Cost Comparison for Common Scenarios
| Scenario | Mobile Truck Rental | Bunnings HandyHire | Value Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-day local move (50km total) | ~$199 (all inclusive) | ~$90 + $17.50 km + travel costs | Bunnings for basic needs |
| 3-day household move | ~$597 (includes delivery) | ~$270 + km charges + travel | Context dependent |
| Interstate one-way move | ~$800-1200 (door-to-door) | Not available | MTR only option |
| Long-term hire (30+ days) | Significant discounts available | Standard daily rates | MTR with discounts |
🎯 Service Features & Convenience
Mobile Truck Rental Advantages
- Door-to-door service: No travel to pickup locations required
- Interstate capability: One-way moves across East Coast
- Larger capacity: 3-bedroom house contents in single trip
- Equipment included: Professional moving equipment provided
- 24/7 roadside assistance: Isuzu support nationwide
- Long-term discounts: Cost-effective for extended hire
- Specialist service: Focused expertise in moving/transport
- No return travel: Save time and fuel costs
Bunnings HandyHire Advantages
- Store convenience: Available while shopping at Bunnings
- Immediate availability: Often same-day hire possible
- Lower hourly rates: Cost-effective for very short hire
- Multiple locations: Bunnings stores nationwide
- Familiar environment: Bunnings staff assistance
- No minimum hire: One-hour rentals available
- Store ecosystem: Combined with hardware purchases
- Smaller vehicles: Easier parking in urban areas
🌏 Service Coverage & Availability
Geographic Coverage Comparison
Mobile Truck Rental Coverage
- East Coast focus: Comprehensive coverage from Townsville to Melbourne
- Major cities: Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Cairns
- Interstate capability: One-way moves between QLD, NSW, VIC, SA
- Regional delivery: Extends to suburban and regional areas
- Door-to-door service: No need to travel to pickup locations
- Established network: 10+ years building reliable delivery routes
Bunnings HandyHire Coverage
- Store-based network: Available at selected Bunnings Warehouse locations
- National presence: 280+ Bunnings stores across Australia
- Urban concentration: Best coverage in major metropolitan areas
- Variable availability: Not all stores offer vehicle hire service
- Local focus: Designed for return-to-same-store model
- Limited interstate: Possible but not cost-effective for long distances
Winner for coverage: Mobile Truck Rental for comprehensive East Coast service and interstate capability; Bunnings for immediate local availability in urban areas.
Choose Mobile Truck Rental When…
- Moving house: 2-3 bedroom household relocation
- Interstate moves: One-way hire across state borders
- Long-term projects: Extended hire periods (3+ days)
- Large cargo: Need 20m³ capacity and 3-tonne payload
- Convenience priority: Want door-to-door service
- Professional equipment: Need trolley, ropes, tailgate lifter
- Business relocations: Office or commercial moves
- Rural locations: Areas without nearby Bunnings stores
Choose Bunnings HandyHire When…
- Short-term needs: 1-4 hour hire periods
- Local transport: Under 50km total distance
- DIY projects: Transporting building supplies or equipment
- Immediate need: Same-day availability required
- Shopping convenience: Already visiting Bunnings
- Smaller loads: Fits in ute tray or small van
- Budget conscious: Very short hire duration
- Local availability: Bunnings store nearby
📋 Booking Process Comparison
🚛 Mobile Truck Rental Process
Online booking: Submit requirements through website or call 1300 799 317. Specify pickup location, delivery address, dates, and any special requirements. Receive comprehensive quote including all costs.
Confirmation: Staff contact to confirm details, arrange delivery time, and process payment. Clear communication about vehicle specifications and included equipment.
Delivery day: Truck delivered to your door at scheduled time. Professional briefing on vehicle operation and equipment. Ready to start your move immediately.
🏪 Bunnings HandyHire Process
Online pre-booking: Use HandyHire booking wizard to check availability at your chosen Bunnings store. Requires membership signup with driving licence details.
Store collection: Present booking ID, physical driving licence, and credit card to Bunnings Hire Shop team. Complete paperwork and vehicle inspection on-site.
Self-service: Drive to and from Bunnings store. Responsible for fuel levels and vehicle cleanliness. Return to same store location within hire period.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Which service offers better value for money?
For very short local hires (1-4 hours), Bunnings HandyHire can be more cost-effective. For full-day hires, interstate moves, or when door-to-door convenience is important, Mobile Truck Rental typically provides better overall value with transparent pricing and included equipment.
Can I do interstate moves with Bunnings vehicles?
Bunnings HandyHire is primarily designed for local use and return to the same store. While theoretically possible, it’s not practical or cost-effective for interstate moves. Mobile Truck Rental specializes in one-way interstate hire across the East Coast.
Which service has better vehicle capacity for household moves?
Mobile Truck Rental’s 3-tonne Pantech trucks (20m³) can fit contents of a 3-bedroom house in one trip. Bunnings utes and small vans are suitable for smaller loads or would require multiple trips for household moves.
Do both services include moving equipment?
Mobile Truck Rental includes trolley, ropes, and 500kg hydraulic tailgate lifter at no extra cost. Bunnings provides basic vehicle only – additional equipment would need to be hired separately or purchased.
Which has better availability and booking flexibility?
Bunnings offers good same-day availability at store locations. Mobile Truck Rental requires advance booking but provides door-to-door service eliminating travel time. Both accept bookings online and by phone.
What about insurance and roadside assistance?
Both services offer comprehensive insurance options. Mobile Truck Rental includes 24/7 Isuzu roadside assistance at no extra cost. Bunnings HandyHire has standard $5,500 excess (reducible for $42/day) with basic roadside support.
Which service is better for business use?
Mobile Truck Rental suits business relocations, long-term projects, and deliveries with door-to-door service and larger capacity. Bunnings works well for quick supply runs or short-term equipment transport near store locations.
Can I book last-minute with either service?
Bunnings often has same-day availability for short-term hire. Mobile Truck Rental typically requires 24-48 hours advance booking due to delivery logistics, though emergency availability may be possible by calling 1300 799 317.
🏆 Final Verdict: Mobile Truck Rental vs Bunnings
The Bottom Line
Mobile Truck Rental is the clear winner for household moves, interstate relocations, long-term hire, and anyone prioritizing convenience and capacity. Their door-to-door service, larger vehicles, included equipment, and one-way capabilities make them the specialist choice for serious moving and transport needs.
Bunnings HandyHire excels for quick local transport, DIY project support, and very short-term hire when you’re already shopping at Bunnings. It’s a convenient add-on service for immediate needs but lacks the specialization and capacity for major moves.
Our Recommendations
- For household moves: Mobile Truck Rental – better capacity, equipment, and door-to-door convenience
- For interstate relocations: Mobile Truck Rental – only viable option with one-way capability
- For quick DIY runs: Bunnings HandyHire – cost-effective for very short local hire
- For business relocations: Mobile Truck Rental – professional service and appropriate capacity
- For long-term projects: Mobile Truck Rental – better rates and no store return requirements
- For same-day needs: Bunnings HandyHire – better immediate availability
Choose based on your specific needs: Mobile Truck Rental for comprehensive moving solutions, Bunnings HandyHire for convenient short-term local transport.
Ready to Choose Your Truck Rental Service?
Whether you need Mobile Truck Rental’s comprehensive door-to-door moving solution or Bunnings HandyHire’s convenient store-based service, both offer quality vehicles for your transport needs. Compare your requirements against our analysis and choose the service that best matches your priorities.