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U-Haul Moving & Storage
Locations: Multiple Nationwide
Company Overview
U-Haul Holding Company, founded in 1945 in Ridgefield, Washington by Leonard Shoen and Anna Mary Carty, has grown into a major American logistics and rental firm headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. It specializes in do-it-yourself moving, trailer and equipment rentals, and self-storage solutions.
Services Offered
U-Haul provides a wide range of services, including:
Truck rentals (in various sizes from 10 to 26 ft), cargo vans, trailers, auto transport devices, and U-Box portable storage containers.
Moving labor services—loading/unloading, packing/unpacking, handling of fragile or specialized items like pianos or gun safes, and home cleaning.
Self-storage units (indoor, outdoor, climate-controlled), U-Box containers for local or shipped moves.
Propane exchange and installation of trailer hitches.
Sales of moving supplies, used trucks, and even new truck purchases.
What Sets Them Apart
U-Haul operates over 23,000 rental locations across the U.S. and Canada, making it accessible within five miles of ~90% of the U.S. population.
It controls over 50% of the U.S. moving market and is a major player in self-storage, owning about 70 million square feet and ranking third nationally.
Developed an extensive logistics ecosystem combining moving equipment rentals with storage facilities, often co-located for customer convenience.
Service Areas and Availability
U-Haul boasts the largest network of moving and storage services across North America, including tool and trailer rentals, storage units, and portable container delivery nationwide.
Reputation & Customer Satisfaction
Trustpilot ratings are very low (around 1.3 out of 5)—many customers cite dissatisfaction with service, staff, and pricing transparency.
Yelp ratings for neighborhood dealer locations average around 2.4 out of 5 based on tens of thousands of reviews.
Comparably scores U-Haul’s product quality at 1.6 out of 5, again indicating widespread negative feedback.
On the positive side, some corporate-located branches and the “Moving Help” platform have received very good local reviews for professionalism and care.
Anecdotal reports include variable experiences—some praising subcontracted movers, others noting late pick-ups or poor communication.
Pricing & Scheduling
U-Haul often advertises low base rates (e.g., “$19.95”), but additional mandatory fees (mileage, insurance, environmental fees) can dramatically increase the final cost—raising concerns about transparency and “bait-and-switch” practices.
There have also been reports of overcharges—even when a rate was “locked in”—that required dispute resolution to resolve.
Accreditation and Rating
U-Haul is a publicly traded company (AMERCO) and part of the Russell 1000 index.
No specific regulatory certifications noted, but it operates under standard industry and corporate governance systems.
Team & Expertise
U-Haul is currently led by Joe Shoen, chairman, president, and CEO, with his brother Mark Shoen serving as vice-president of moving equipment and a key shareholder in the parent company.
The company remains largely controlled by the Shoen family via the AMERCO holding structure.
Achievements
U-Haul has one of the widest moving and storage footprints in North America, maintaining a dominant market share and extensive property holdings.
Recently introduced innovative equipment like the Toy Hauler trailer—a durable, higher-capacity flatbed trailer built domestically and designed for long-term use.
Over the years, U-Haul has weathered legal challenges and emerged resiliently, including expansions in moving, storage, and manufacturing.
5 Little Known Facts
U-Haul’s headquarters are in Phoenix, Arizona, though it began in Ridgefield, Washington in 1945.
Its “One-Way” vs. “In-Town” fleet system allows flexible logistics—older one-way vehicles are reassigned as local-use trucks.
It still uses iconic “SuperGraphics” on trucks—painted state- or province-themed designs—and many display permanent apportioned Arizona plates.
U-Haul’s Toy Hauler trailer lineup is hand-assembled, GPS-tracked, and designed for a 25-year lifespan—demonstrating durability and innovation.
The company acquired Door to Door Storage in 2017, expanding its portable container storage offerings.
Recommendations Before Hiring
Read the fine print: Base rates often exclude mandatory fees like insurance, mileage, and environmental charges. Ask for total estimated cost upfront.
Document all charges: Keep receipts and verify your “locked-in” rate; if discrepancies arise, be prepared to dispute.
Compare locations: Ratings vary significantly between dealer and corporate spots—look for ones with higher satisfaction.
Understand your service provider: Moving Help services are provided by local subcontractors—sometimes highly rated, but quality may differ.
Schedule carefully: Book early for availability and clarity on pick-up/drop-off times to avoid surprises or delays.
Inspect equipment: Check for vehicle maintenance, cleanliness, and safety before departing.
Use a credit card: Helps with consumer protection and dispute leverage if overcharged or service falls short.
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