Every week at our Craigieburn depot, someone drives 40 minutes from the city after the major brands quoted rates that doubled once insurance and kilometre charges were factored in. Melbourne’s northern suburbs have a genuine truck hire gap — the airport brands don’t serve it well, and the CBD operators are inconvenient for anyone starting a move in Epping or Sunbury.
This guide covers the practical reality of truck hire in Melbourne: what sizes are available, what each size actually moves, what licence you need, what the real cost looks like, and how to avoid the mistakes that turn a straightforward move into a two-trip problem.
What Truck Sizes Can You Hire in Melbourne?
The terminology varies between hire companies, so it helps to think in cubic metres of load space rather than brand names.
Light Trucks (up to 3.5 Tonnes GVM, ~14–16m³)
The standard choice for one to two-bedroom moves and regular commercial deliveries. Driveable on a standard Victorian car licence. Typically seats two to three people — driver plus one or two helpers. This category handles most of what our customers need.
Medium Trucks (3.5–8 Tonnes GVM, ~20–30m³)
For three or more bedrooms, or substantial commercial freight. In Victoria, the licence requirement depends on the specific GVM of the vehicle — above 4.5 tonnes, a Light Rigid (LR) licence is required. Most medium trucks in our fleet are automatic, which makes longer Melbourne drives considerably easier.
Refrigerated and Specialty Trucks
We carry refrigerated trucks for food transport and perishables, and curtainsider trucks for oversize cargo that needs side-loading. Availability varies — contact our Craigieburn or Ravenhall branch to confirm current stock.
How Much Does Truck Rental Cost in Melbourne?
| Truck Type | Daily (From) | Weekly (From) | Ideal For |
| Light Truck (up to 3.5T GVM) | From $89/day | From $490/wk | 1–2 bedroom moves, deliveries |
| Medium Truck (3.5–8T GVM) | From $119/day | From $690/wk | 3+ bedroom moves, business freight |
Truck Hire vs Removalist: When Does DIY Make Sense?
The honest calculation: for a one to two-bedroom local move within Melbourne’s northern or western suburbs, truck hire almost always costs less than a removalist by a significant margin. Full-service removalists in Melbourne typically quote $700–1,500 for a standard two-bedroom move, depending on floors and distance.
A light truck from Turbofleet for the same job: $89 for the day plus fuel. If you have two people to help, most two-bedroom Melbourne moves in our corridor finish in four to six hours with a single truck load. The maths is straightforward.
Removalists earn their premium when: the move involves three or more floors without a lift, the home has antiques or pianos, the distance is interstate, or the timeline is extremely tight. For most local moves, the labour cost of a removalist far exceeds the effort of a DIY truck hire.
Licence Requirements for Melbourne Truck Hire
In Victoria, a standard Class C car licence covers vehicles up to 4.5 tonnes GVM. This includes all light trucks and most cargo vehicles marketed for home moves and general commercial hire.
Medium trucks above 4.5 tonnes GVM require a Light Rigid (LR) licence at minimum. Heavy Rigid (HR) applies to trucks above 8 tonnes. When you book with us, we confirm the specific GVM of your vehicle and match it to your licence class — we have never had a customer refused a vehicle due to a licence mismatch when they have called ahead.
Melbourne Road Tips for Truck Drivers
- Height clearance: Inner-Melbourne car parks, underpasses on the CityLink spur roads, and some industrial estate entries have height restrictions. Check your truck’s clearance against planned routes, particularly if you’re collecting furniture from inner-suburb addresses.
- Loading zones: Melbourne CBD loading zones operate Monday to Saturday with strict time limits. If you’re collecting from a Collins Street or Bourke Street address, arrive early — loading zone spots fill by 8am on weekdays.
- CityLink and EastLink: Hire trucks are not fitted with e-Tags. Plan alternative routes or arrange a day toll pass before your hire starts. Unresolved toll debts from hire vehicles are billed to you with an administration surcharge.
- Tram routes: Carlton, Brunswick, Fitzroy and Richmond streets have active tram routes. Give trams right of way, and be cautious about width clearance on narrow tram-route streets when driving a loaded truck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hire a truck in Melbourne for just one day?
Yes. All Turbofleet truck hire starts at a 24-hour minimum period. Same-day bookings are available subject to fleet availability — call 1300 410 510 directly for last-minute requests.
Do I return the truck with a full tank?
Yes. Turbofleet operates a full-to-full fuel policy on all truck hire. You collect the vehicle with a full tank and return it with a full tank. We provide a fuel receipt at collection so you know exactly what full means for that vehicle.
Can I pick up in Craigieburn and return in Ravenhall?
One-way hire between our two Melbourne locations is available subject to fleet requirements and a one-way relocation fee. Contact either branch to confirm for your specific dates.
What happens if the truck breaks down?
All Turbofleet truck hire agreements include 24-hour roadside assistance cover. In the event of a breakdown, call the emergency number on your hire agreement. Do not attempt to repair the vehicle.
