Rented two 26' trucks the weekend of May 15th-May 17th 2014. I had to pick each truck up at a separate location, each further away from my nearest UHaul location. Even though I "reserved" these trucks at the same location, but you'll find out why just as I did.
At the time of pick up, each truck only had ¼ tank of gas. So the two vehicles I'm renting to use to move are out of gas. Needless to say, this is quite frustrating and adds to my already hectic schedule during the move. However, I was told on each occaision that I would only need to return the vehicle with the same amount of fuel, that will be passed on to the next lucky customer...again.
In addition to having to drive further to pick up the second truck, I was not provided the "extra" mileage allowance I was told I would on the phone with the operator. I noticed this when I picked up the vehicle and the employee agreed, there was no allotment provided for this, which if I hadn't pointed out would have been charged to me in error. There is a theme forming: For being in a business that focuses so heavily on logistics, they do not seem well equipped to meet the task.
I noticed when I picked up the second truck, it was barely able to maintain at idle. It wasn't even pulled out for us, they literally threw the keys to my wife and pointed her to the stacks of trucks. So if that's how it was released to me, how could any kind of walk through procedure have been completed? I guess not. No surprise later, after turning the truck off, I had to purchase jumper cables to get it restarted. So again, I've rented trucks that are out of gas and have dead batteries. It really makes the move easy when you have to scramble to fix these sort of things. $33 later from the jumper cables, I now realize I won't be able to turn this truck off, since it may not restart. Luckily for UHaul, they didn't pay for the fuel, so I would be able to allow the truck to run endlessly further increasing my own personal expense.
Additionally part of this debacle was my renting of a 6 x 12 tow behind trailer. This was another "reservation." I was contacted by the location that if I did not pick it up before the close of business, it would be gone the next morning. The reason I found out was, it was "reserved" to someone else. Even when the employee was asked, they confirmed that by picking up the trailer that day, it would eliminate the trailer from being available for the other customer. I subsequently received a phone call from the operator at the location the next morning, stating "it shouldn't have happened" and essentially trying to verbally convince me into returning the trailer at once. He was very careful not to say anything beyond that, just as I was equally careful not to commit to returning a trailer that was rented to me while "reserved" for another customer. That was the end of the phone call, and the beginning of the moment when I knew I would be leaving a review about this experience. I found it interesting they would call me to attempt to correct this scheduling error and wondered if they called the other customer. Then I remembered, I didn't receive a phone call when my truck was not at its scheduled location. Now I understand and hopefully you understand why this will be the absolute last time I ever use or allow anyone I know to use UHaul for anything.
In addition to both trucks being filthy, barely running, out of gas, they had not been swept out when I was given the keys. If you guys tried half as hard to do your job right as you do calling me to harass me about your mistake, you might have a successful business. Therefore I'll be smearing this review in as many places as possible and if you are considering using UHaul of 6114 MacCorkle Ave SW, St. Albans, WV...check your local paper and see if there is a section for filthy, broke down pickup truck for use instead.
I've never had an issue like this with Budget or Penske.
6/12/2014 FOLLOW UP:
Well, Mr. St. Albans called my wife about the situation. Boy, he sure talks tough on the phone...to a woman. read more
