Uhaul Story

Got the job done U Haul

In the spring of 2000, I took the home ownership plunge by purchasing a condo. I had lived in a small, one bedroom apartment, so I didn’t have that many things. Actually, aside from my waterbed, my computer setup consisted of more furniture than the rest of my apartment.

Being the organized person that I am (I was single at the time and didn’t have my wife to make sure I did things early enough) I waited until the week before to start packing. About three days in advance, I realized I should probably make sure that a U-haul would be available. I went on their web site to see what they’d recommend. I figured a 14 foot truck would be adequate for my needs. I can’t pack well, plus I was going to pick up a couch and love seat from a co- worker on my way.

While looking up the information on U-haul’s site, I found three dealers. One was on a major road. Since my move would be about ten miles, I figured I could pick up and return there. I called the dealer itself, since I didn’t trust the web site reservations for some reason, especially on short notice.

I finally got around to calling the day before I was going to pick it up. They didn’t have any 14′ trucks, but they had a larger one (I think it was 19′) I drive a small car, and didn’t want to have to get used to something that large, but I figured “what the heck”. It was my fault for waiting so long, so I’ll settle. Of course that truck cost ten dollars more.

When I went to pick up my truck, things went pretty smooth. I had to stand in line for a half hour, but they had the truck. The rental process went easy enough. They didn’t ask for ID, and I don’t remember a deposite. They took me out to the truck, checked the mileage, and I was on my way.

The truck itself wasn’t in very good shape. I had to drive from the U-haul place to my coworker’s house, then back again. The truck was large and ungainly. The neighborhood my co worker lived in had a lot of small streets. I had to run the gauntlet to get the truck coming from the right direction so I could park on the curb facing the right way for a quick departure. That added miles. There was one intersection where the road I was on came in at such a way that I couldn’t see to the right at all around the cargo area. I had to make sure left was clear, pull out, and hope for the best. In that neighborhood, I must have hit every curb. At one point, I heard a noise from the back.

A lot of heat made it’s way into the cab while I was driving. I don’t think I would have wanted to go much farther with that truck. I was also worried about fumes, such as carbone monoxide entering the cab.

When I arrived, I got out and found the back door open all the way. The dolly was laying on the floor. I was worried about being charged for it, even though I never needed it. We couldn’t get the door locked at all, but we could secure it just enough. Since I couldn’t lock it, my plans to start loading small things that night went out the window. On the way back to my apartment, the truck died on me at a light. It didn’t want to start back up right away. I finally got it started just in time to make the yellow light and leave everyone behind me cursing.

All in all, the move went uneventful. Looking back though, my final charge for a one day rental with forty miles came to $120. I should find that receipt and look at it again, because I’m starting to wonder.

I don’t know if I’d use U-haul again. In my case, I’d give them an average rating. The job got done, everyone involved was at least cordial to me, and the truck made it. But that $19.95 a day is a joke. Always budget for extra charges, like mileage. Don’t assume that they’ll have the size truck you want.

Tags: packing