U-Haul remains one of the most recognizable companies in the moving business. So much so that many people think of the brand as synonymous with DIY relocations. Although other companies on the market provide similar services, U-Haul retains its industry dominance for many reasons.
If you need relocation services, U-Haul is likely one of the first brand names that comes to mind. But what do you get with this company, and is it worth all of the hype?
In this U-Haul review, we'll look at the pros and cons of working with this company and whether it lives up to its promises.
What to Know About U-Haul
Founded in 1945, U-Haul relocation services have come a long way over the years when it comes to providing customers with the relocation surfaces they need. Whether customers require moving trucks they pack and drive themselves or a trailer for a small household's belongings, U-Haul has them covered. The company also provides self-storage solutions.
U-Haul represents an excellent option for local moves. When it comes to more long-distance options, though, you might do better working with another company. Here's when you should hire a professional moving company.
Nevertheless, there are many advantages of working with U-Haul. The company offers fair prices, responsive customer service, and you'll never have to worry about hidden fees.
Compared to other truck rental moving companies such as Penske, U-Haul comes out on top with the number and variety of trucks in its fleet. Customers enjoy access to their choice of truck sizes. This reality translates into enough space to ensure a successful move.
U-Haul provides easy and convenient ways to relocate. If you need storage between move-out and move-in dates, the company represents an attractive option.
U-Haul Pricing
You can visit the U-Haul site to gain access to a complimentary quote. Initial quotes will vary for both local and long-distance relocations. The company offers a wide variety of services to help consumers, so what you pay will also be impacted by additional services you may require.
These additional fees include mileage and fuel fees, which U-Haul will explain upfront. Again, the company goes the extra mile to ensure you never feel as though hidden costs have been charged.
The company offers a break when it comes to fuel fees. It maintains competitive quotes compared to the competition.
One recent quote between New Mexico and Utah illustrates these price differences. For the same route, Budget quoted $836.81, and Penske came in at $728.23.
As for U-Haul? The company provided an initial quote of $589.16, which represents significant savings.
You'll also be pleased to know that the company offers one month of free storage for one-way moves. This perk helps customers save additional money.
What else do you need to know about pricing? Factors such as seasonality, location, demand, and distance will impact the final price you pay. In other words, depending on the timing of an upcoming move and where you're going, you could see even greater savings.
Variety of Rental Truck Sizes
Unlike some other rental truck companies on the market today, U-Haul has the competition beat regarding their selection of different truck sizes. That way, you can select the ideal truck for your move.
Why does this matter? To save the most money, you'll want to split the difference between a truck big enough to hold your belongings without paying for extra, unused space.
How do you know which size truck is right for your household? The company offers a handy online guide that walks you through the different truck sizes provided. It also offers recommendations based on your household's size and the number of belongings you need to move.
For example, the company suggests a rental truck that measures eight, nine, or ten feet for the smallest moves. For medium to large moves, they recommend a truck that measures 15, 20, or 26 feet.
The largest truck offered by the company measures 26 feet. It can hold 7,400 pounds. Here's another handy resource to help you secure the right truck for your upcoming relocation.
No Weigh Station Stops
Driving around a large moving truck can prove a stressful experience. Adding things you've never had to do before, such as weigh station stops, can make you feel downright anxious.
Fortunately, with U-Haul, you don't have to stop at weigh stations. Why? Because your movement isn't classified as commercial.
As it turns out, very few states require non-commercial vehicles that exceed 10,000 pounds to make a weigh-in stop. But you should check with your state's Department of Transportation to be on the safe side. Here's everything you need to know about weigh stations.
U-Haul Customer Service
What's the customer experience like for those relying on U-Haul truck rentals? Most customers find the company to be responsive, helpful, speedy, and polite.
A few minutes and a few phone calls will reserve a rental truck or storage unit. This fact is a pleasant surprise if you've ever languished on hold or waited for another moving company to get back to you.
You'll find countless happy customer reviews for the company, and employees always prove friendly and capable of answering your moving questions. The company also sells many last-minute needs, so that your relocation goes smoothly.
These last-minute needs include:
- Packing supplies
- Moving boxes
- Tie-downs and ropes
- Wheelchair carriers
- Covers and bags
- Storage options
- Hitch accessories
- Hitches
- Bike racks
- Grilling supplies
- Motorcycle towing
- Wiring and lights
- RV and boat accessories
- And much more
As you can see, U-Haul represents a one-stop-shop when it comes to all of the supplies you need for a successful move. How should you proceed once you receive these packing and moving supplies? Check out our list of epic relocation tips.
So far, we've covered the compelling reasons to go with U-Haul for your next move. But what do you need to know about the cons of the service? Let's take a closer look.
What to Know About Gas Mileage
One of the downsides of moving with U-Haul remains gas mileage. Although this may not have a significant impact on a local move, if you've got serious distances to cover, you may wish to look elsewhere.
Gas mileage also becomes a more significant issue with the company's largest trucks. For example, U-Haul's 26 foot-long moving truck gets just ten miles per gallon. Contrast this with the ten-foot-long truck, which gets 12 miles per gallon.
As you can see, the expenses associated with a DUY moving truck rental can add up quickly. Especially if your move involves a long haul. For these reasons, you should explore other options for the long-distance moves.
U-Haul Bookings
There's another sticking point you need to understand when it comes to U-Haul rentals. No matter how far in advance you schedule a reservation, you won't receive a confirmation until the day before your move.
That's when a U-Haul representative will contact you to confirm the details of your upcoming rental. During the call, you'll go over all of the details related to your reservation, including the equipment, pickup time, date, and locations.
Once you've agreed upon all of the details, you'll have a guaranteed booking. Bear in mind that each location offers different access to trucks and equipment. For this reason, you may also get referred to another store if the one you're trying to make reservations through doesn't have what you need.
The company offers $50 compensation when you verify your rental details, and they prove unable to meet your requirements.
One-Way Moves Come With Limitations
What else do you need to know before making a U-Haul reservation? The company considers a one-way move involving a rental truck as picking up from one place and dropping off at another location.
For this reason, the agreement will come with certain limitations when it comes to the number of days and miles you can put on the equipment. These limitations are calculated based on your current location and destination.
For local moves, you're subject to a per-mile fee. To purchase additional miles or days before the move, you'll pay $0.40 per mile and $40 for each extra day. For trailers, you'll pay $20 per day.
As long as you're aware of these limitations from the get-go, you won't be in for any nasty surprises. What's more, if you foresee needing additional mileage or time beyond that allocated based on your origin point and destination, be sure to discuss this with a representative ahead of time.
U-Haul Relocation Services: The Takeaway
Over the years, U-Haul has become interchangeable with the concept of DIY rental truck moves. But the company also tackles a variety of other relocation-related issues, from acquiring packing materials to storing belongings.
Those who have worked with U-Haul report that the company provides streamlined, effective customer service, which takes plenty of stress out of a move. You'll also enjoy the widest selection of options when it comes to truck sizes from U-Haul.
That said, U-Haul rentals are generally best for customers making a local move. Otherwise, costs associated with gas mileage can add up quickly. What's more, you must remain aware of U-Haul's mileage and day limitations to avoid extra charges at the end.
Professional Auto Shipping
Although U-Haul also offers options for towing a vehicle behind your moving truck rental, DIY auto relocation comes with many hazards. Not only is it tricky to drive a loving truck while towing a car, but it could lead to significant damage if you don't fully understand the ins and outs of car towing.
That's why we recommend going with a professional auto mover for your next relocation. Not only will you rest assured your car arrives in the same condition you handed it to the trailer drive, but you'll rest assured it's covered by insurance along the way. Get a free, no-obligation moving quote. You can also check out our moving cost estimator to calculate the entire cost of your move.
