Uhaul was founded by Leonard Shoen in the year 1945. The company started out as a small business, but it has since grown into one of the largest moving companies in the world. In this blog post, we will take a look at the history of Uhaul and see how it has evolved over the years. We will also discuss some of the key milestones that have taken place in the company’s history. Thanks for reading!
Overview
Approximately 55 percent of AMERCO is owned by the Shoen family, who are also the heirs of Uhaul’s founder, Sam Shoen. These shares are owned by the Shoen family both directly and indirectly.
Uhaul offers truck, trailer, and other equipment for rent, but many Uhaul facilities and dealerships also provide self-storage units, moving boxes and supplies, moving help, LPG (propane) refueling, hitch and trailer wiring installation, and other services.
The name “U-Haul” has become a genericized trademark to refer to the services of any self-move rental business because of its popularity (there are over 17,000 active dealers across the country). The livery on rented cars is well known, consisting mainly of white and a thick horizontal orange stripe with a big state- or province-themed picture known as SuperGraphics.
History – The Uhaul Story
Uhaul is an American company that offers moving truck, trailer, and self-storage rental services. In 1945, Leonard Shoen and his wife Anna Mary Carty co-founded Uhaul with an investment of $5,000 in Ridgefield, Washington. The couple started the business in their garage before expanding it through franchising with gas stations.
Many Uhaul locations and dealerships offer moving truck and trailer rentals, as well as self-storage units. Moving boxes, packing materials, LPG (propane) fill up, trailer hitch and wiring installation are all available at some locations. Other services include moving container rentals and more.
How the idea of a rental company came to their mind?
LS and Anna Mary Carty Shoen first conceptualized Uhaul in 1945 to serve do-it-yourself movers who needed equipment for their nationwide, one-way moves. Many other successful businesses were born out of need and Uhaul is no different. After World War II, the demand for this type of service was high and as a result, the company was built.
“Sam” Shoen and his wife, Anna Mary Carty Shoen, were two people who identified a need and took steps to fill it. Their innovative approach allowed many users to spread the cost of ownership, making travel easier for the populations of North America. The covered wagon used by early settlers transformed into orange Uhaul trailers. This process gave birth to an entirely new industry.
29-year-old Sam and Anna Mary, recent Navy dischargees in the summer of 1945, tried to rent a utility trailer to move their belongings from Los Angeles all the way up to Portland, Oregon. When they were told it couldn’t be done, they had no choice but to take only what would fit in their car.
“No one, at that time, seemed ready or willing to serve that need.”
Shoen, in his book “You and Me,” said that small trailers were being rented from ‘rental lots’ for about $2 per day. He recalled that each lot had 20 to 40 trailers that could be rented locally in Los Angeles. Shoen recognized the utility value of this idea and saw the potential for it as a business, specifically one-way rentals, something that hadn’t been done before in the Northwest or San Francisco-Oakland area.
The Shoen believed that many other families had a similar need: the temporary availability of a trailer that could be rented “here” and stored “there.” Nobody appeared prepared or inclined to meet that demand at the time.
Uhaul’s Birth
Sam, Anna Mary, and their young son relocated from Los Angeles to Portland, Oregon in 1937 with a Ford sedan and $5,000 in savings. During the trip, they came up with the name as well as the framework of what eventually became the Uhaul Trailer Rental System.
In the summer of 1945, the Shoen built Uhaul. The first trailers were purchased from welding businesses or a second-hand trailer was bought from private owners. Within two weeks of arriving in Los Angeles, the first Uhaul trailer was parked on a service station lot and rented out. In Portland, Vancouver, and Seattle, Washington by the end of 1945, there were thirty 4′ x7′ open trailers on service station lots.
Uhaul began its business with a single trailer and $1,000. The name was chosen by the founder, who had been in the truck renting business for many years before. He considered himself to be a “trailer guy.” One of his first decisions as the chief executive officer was to hire advertising executives from the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the National Fire Equipment Association (NFECA). Their job would be to convince landowners that leasing their land for gas stations would increase their profits.
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The Uhaul Company name was first used in the original commercial for “U-Haul” trucks, which aired on television in 1950. The commercials were only broadcast a few times per year but have been seen worldwide since then. In total, there have been around 1,500 commercials and 574 are still airing today.
A commission structure was created for dealers, and a discount on trailer rental fees was offered to customers who agreed to establish a Uhaul rental agent(dealers) at their chosen destination.
Uhaul once compared its trucks to covered wagons
Uhaul once compared its trucks to covered wagons, and while that might seem like a stretch, there’s no denying that these trucks have played a significant role in American history. For many Americans, a Uhaul truck was their first experience with cross-country travel, and for others, it was their first taste of freedom.
Uhaul trucks have been a part of American culture for nearly 70 years, and in that time, they’ve come to symbolize both the best and worst of the American spirit. On the one hand, they’re a symbol of our can-do attitude and our willingness to roll up our sleeves and get the job done
Whatever your opinion of Uhaul, there’s no denying that these trucks have played a significant role in American history.
So the next time you’re driving one of these trucks across the country, take a moment to reflect on all the history that’s been made in them. And if you’re feeling adventurous, maybe even try to make some of your own.
Uhaul once banned Ford Explorers
Uhaul once banned Ford Explorers from its rental fleet due to safety concerns. The decision was made after several accidents involving the vehicles. Ford Explorers have a history of rollovers and other accidents.
Uhaul’s decision was controversial at the time. Some people thought that the ban was unfair to Ford Explorer owners. Others thought that it was a sensible safety measure.
The ban was eventually lifted, and Ford Explorers are now once again available for rent from Uhaul. However, the company still recommends that customers use other vehicles for their moves.
Uhaul’s orange color scheme is a safety thing
The color orange is highly visible, which makes it easier for other drivers to see you on the road. This increases your safety while driving. Uhaul’s orange color scheme isn’t just a safety thing, though. The company also wants to be different than its competitors. By being different, they hope to stand out in the minds of consumers.
The Uhaul company started out as a small business with just one truck
The company has now grown to become one of the largest moving truck rental businesses in North America. Uhaul has over 20,000 locations across the United States and Canada. The company has a fleet of over 100,000 trucks and trailers. Uhaul also offers self-storage units in over 950 locations.
The Uhaul company has a long history of providing moving and storage services to customers. The company has been in business for over 70 years and has a strong reputation for providing quality services. Uhaul is a trusted brand that customers can rely on.
If you are in need of a moving truck, Uhaul is a great option to consider. The company has a wide selection of trucks and trailers to choose from. You can also find a Uhaul location near you by visiting the company’s website.
In the early days, Uhaul was known for its innovative marketing tactics
The company would give away free moving supplies, like boxes and furniture pads, to people who rented their trucks. They also offered a “rent by the mile” option, which was cheaper than the traditional hourly rate. Uhaul’s marketing efforts paid off, and the company became a household name. Today, Uhaul is the largest moving truck rental company in the United States. If you’re planning a move, there’s a good chance you’ll be renting a Uhaul truck.
The Uhaul company is a household name and operates in over 20 countries
It has a long history of providing excellent service to its customers. Uhaul is a company that you can trust, and it has an excellent reputation. If you are looking for a company to help you move, then Uhaul is a perfect choice.
It has nearly 20000 locations and more than 30,000 trucks, which makes it the largest truck rental company in North America. Uhaul also offers storage facilities and boxes for people who need them. The company is very convenient, and it offers a lot of services that can make your move easier.
Uhaul has faced its share of challenges throughout its history but has always managed to overcome them
Uhaul is a company that has a long history of overcoming challenges. The company was founded in 1945 and has since then become one of the most popular moving companies in the United States. It has over 20,000 locations across the country and offers a variety of services to its customers. While Uhaul may not be the largest moving company in the world, it is still a major player in the industry.
Despite its long history, Uhaul has faced its share of challenges. The company has had to adapt to changing markets and the needs of its customers. In recent years, Uhaul has faced competition from smaller moving companies. However, the company has been able to maintain its position as a leading moving company by offering quality services and competitive prices.
The company is now poised for continued growth and success
Uhaul has a strong brand and is well-positioned to compete in the moving industry. The company is committed to providing quality services to its customers and will continue to invest in its business.
Uhaul is poised to expand its market share and continue its growth trajectory. The company has a strong brand and is well-positioned to compete in the moving industry. Uhaul is committed to providing quality services to its customers and will continue to invest in its business.
The company has a clear vision for the future and is well-positioned to execute its growth strategy. Uhaul is committed to providing quality services to its customers and will continue to invest in its business. The company is poised for continued growth and success.
Which equipment does Uhaul rents?
The Uhaul rental fleet consists of trucks, transport trailers, auto-transports, and other equipment. Ford, GMC, and Ram heavy duty pickup trucks and van cabs are coupled with Uhaul-branded truck boxes in North American fabrication facilities.
The vehicles are all gas powered, and previous models included diesel 17-foot (5.2 m) trucks that had to be returned to the pick-up location. Six truck sizes are available, ranging from 10 feet (3.0 m) to 26 feet (7.9 m), as well as multiple trailer sizes, in addition to a two-wheeled “Tow Dolly” and a four-wheeled “Auto Transport”.
Uhaul markets itself as having lower decks that are built below the rear tires rather than above them, similar to regular cargo box trucks. “Mom’s Attic” is an over-the-cab storage area on some vehicles.
The SuperGraphics images on our trucks are educational and promote different states and provinces across the United States and Canada. You can also find pickup trucks and cargo vans at most corporate-owned centers or select neighborhood dealerships.
Uhaul’s Rental classifications
Uhaul has two rental classifications, which include:
- One-way Rental
- In-town Rental
One-way Rental
This is when you rent a truck from one location and return it to another location. This is ideal for long-distance moves or if you need to move items to a location that doesn’t have Uhaul service.
In-town Rental
This is when you rent a truck and return it to the same location. This is ideal for local moves or if you only need the truck for a short period of time.
No matter which classification you choose, Uhaul has a wide variety of trucks and trailers to fit your needs. So, whether you’re moving across town or across the country, Uhaul has you covered.
Uhaul Moving statistics
- Uhaul is the most popular moving company in the United States
- In 2017, Uhaul moved over 23 million people
- 3/4 of all movers are “do-it-yourselfers.”
- 2/3 of all movers move locally.
- A third of all young adults move every year.
- Forty to fifty million people may relocate each year.
- On average, a do-it-yourself move costs less than half as much as hiring professional movers.
- The majority of moves happen between Memorial Day and Labor day- almost half of all annual relocations.
- Uhaul offers a variety of moving services, including truck and van rental, self-storage, and moving supplies.
- Uhaul is known for its low prices and quality customer service.
- In one year, the average North American could travel to the moon and back more than 9.9 times per day if they utilized Uhaul trucks, trailers, and tow dollies for their annual mileage.
- North American Uhaul trucks, trailers, and tow dollies travel enough annual mileage to circle the Earth 177 times per day.
Whether you’re moving across the country or just across town, Uhaul is the most popular choice for a rental truck or van.
