Los Angeles Times Investigates U-Haul.

June 26th, 2007

The L.A. Times published the findings of a three-part investigation of U-Haul:

Driving with rented risks
In the first part (6/24/07), the Times investigation finds the company’s practices raise the risk of accidents on the road.

Upkeep lags in U-Haul’s aging fleet
In the second part (6/25/07), the Times found many trucks have high mileage and safety checks were often overdue; customers describe breakdowns and accidents.

Key trial evidence goes missing
Injured customers suing U-Haul over accidents have sought key equipment, only to find it lost or discarded (6/26/07).

Ruling struck at “Just Say Yes” reservations policy in CA.

June 25th, 2007

From the L.A. Times (6/25/07):

Ruling struck at reservations policy.
U-Haul agents are told to accept all reservations, even if they don’t know if equipment will be available.

U-Haul customers who have seethed over botched reservations were vindicated last year when a California judge ruled that the company had engaged in “unlawful and fraudulent business practices.”

U-Haul Gets Hauled Into Court Over Refueling Charges.

October 6th, 2006

A class action lawsuit against U-Haul of California and U-Haul International, Inc. contends that U-Haul’s refueling charges and practices violate the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act and the California Unfair Competition Law.

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2006/10/uhaul_fuel.html

Canadian TV Investigates U-Haul Truck Safety.

October 22nd, 2005

Read CANADIAN TV’s investigation of U-Haul’s dangerous trucks.

Some hilights:

“W-FIVE rented vehicles in four provinces and took them to licensed mechanics to see if they met provincial safety standards. From Quebec, to Ontario, Alberta to British Columbia, in every case the U-Hauls inspected failed.”

“Between 2002 and 2004, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) inspected 220 U-Haul vehicles during roadside safety checks; 109 failed, almost half of all U-Hauls checked.”

“Ontario police aren’t the only ones concerned. Brian Patterson, the president of the Ontario Safety League, has U-Haul directly in his crosshairs. Patterson was so appalled at the OPP’s findings he did his own tests. Patterson took seven U-Hauls to registered mechanics to see if the vehicles were safe. They weren’t; all seven vehicles had safety problems.”

“‘In my review of the evidence I can only draw one conclusion… they have systematically chosen to allow a shoddy safety record to be part of their business plan,’ charges Patterson.”

“After renting 13 U-Haul trucks across the country, W-FIVE found not a single one passed basic provincial standards. Each truck required some sort of maintenance to make it roadworthy.”