UHAUL PORTLAND:
A Comprehensive Analysis of
U-Haul Locations in
Portland, Oregon (2023)
Kayl Enders/ Moving Fellows, LLC
Last Updated: May 16, 2023
A Comprehensive Analysis of U-Haul Locations in Portland, Oregon
Review U-Haul locations: Go to Part 2
Recommendations to help you have the best possible experience
Welcome to part one of our comprehensive review analysis of U-Haul locations in the Portland area. A dependable and efficient rental truck service is essential when preparing for a move, and selecting the right U-Haul branch can greatly impact the ease of your moving experience. In this article, we delve into customer feedback for two specific U-Haul locations, offering valuable information on their strengths and weaknesses. Our focus is on locations with over 50 reviews and a proven track record.
We gathered our findings by scrutinizing more than 1300 reviews from the greater Portland region, which encompasses Portland, Beaverton, Gresham, Lake Oswego, and other nearby areas. We only included locations with over 25 reviews and considered feedback from the past 3-5 years, prioritizing the most recent ones. Locations with fewer than 25 reviews were excluded since they are not recommended based on customer traffic.
Our assessment covers various factors such as customer service, vehicle conditions, billing issues, and location-specific concerns. By reading this article, you will be better prepared to make an educated decision about the ideal U-Haul location for your upcoming move. We have conducted the research, so you can save time and effort! Dive in to learn from the experiences of other customers at these U-Haul branches, ensuring your moving day runs smoothly.
Based on this comprehensive analysis, we have compiled the following recommendations to help you have the best possible experience when renting a U-Haul vehicle or using their services.
Truck Rental -Recommendations:
Inspect Vehicles. Thoroughly inspect the vehicle and equipment before leaving the lot, paying close attention to any signs of damage or malfunction. If any issues are found, request a different vehicle or consider using a different U-Haul location.
Review Contract. Review this document along with their charges and fees prior to renting. Let's assume you're planning a local move within the same city using a 15-foot U-Haul truck. Here's a line-by-line breakdown of the charges with realistic example numbers, followed by a final cost:
Base rental fee: $29.95 (flat fee for a 15-foot truck for in-town moves)
Mileage fee: $0.79 per mile (example rate for a 15-foot truck, can vary by region) - Assuming you drive a total of 30 miles for your move, the mileage fee would be: $0.79 x 30 = $23.70
Rental duration: Assuming you complete your move within the agreed-upon rental period (24 hours), there are no additional charges.
Fuel charges: Assuming you refuel the truck to the same level it was when you picked it up, there are no additional charges.
Damage protection: Optional Safemove® coverage - $14.00 (covers accidental damage to the rental vehicle)
Environmental fee: $1.00
Equipment rental: Utility dolly - $7.00, Furniture pads (6-pack) - $5.00
Late return fee: Assuming you return the rental vehicle on time, there are no additional charges.
One-way drop-off fee: Not applicable for a local move.
Truck Rental -Final cost breakdown:
Base rental fee: $29.95
Mileage fee: $23.70
Damage protection: $14.00 (optional)
Environmental fee: $1.00
Equipment rental: $12.00 (utility dolly and furniture pads)
Total cost (without optional damage protection): $66.65
Total cost (with optional damage protection): $80.65
Please note that these are example numbers and can vary based on your location, rental period, and other factors.
Recommendations on the process of renting a truck:
Always get a quote directly from U-Haul or check their website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Be Prepared for Inconsistencies: Be prepared for potential inconsistencies in customer service, and consider trying a different U-Haul location if you have concerns about the staff. Document any negative experiences or issues to support any claims you may need to make later.
Check Business Hours: Call ahead to confirm the location's hours of operation before planning to pick up or return a vehicle to avoid issues with inconsistent business hours.
Document Vehicle Condition: Take photos of the vehicle's condition, including the gas level and mileage, before and after using the rental to prevent potential overcharging and use as documentation in case of disputes.
Research Alternative Locations: Due to mixed reviews, consider researching other U-Haul locations in the area to find one with a more consistent positive reputation, minimizing the risk of encountering poor customer service or other issues.
Confirm Reservation Details: Call the location in advance to double-check reservations and ensure necessary equipment or services are available to prevent scheduling issues.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours: To avoid poor customer service, visit the location during less busy hours or call ahead to confirm staff availability.
Use Online Check-In or U-Haul App: Streamline your experience and avoid potential issues with wait times and communication by using online check-in options or the U-Haul app.
Be Proactive in Communication: Take the initiative to communicate with staff and follow up on reservations, addressing any concerns and ensuring everything is in order.
Read Reviews: Before choosing a U-Haul location, read reviews to understand common issues and make an informed decision.
Review Charges: Carefully review the charges on your bill, including any insurance charges, and make sure they match the agreed-upon rate. If there are discrepancies, address them immediately with the staff or escalate the issue to U-Haul's customer service hotline if needed.
Escalate Issues: If you experience any issues with the facility, don't hesitate to reach out to U-Haul's corporate customer service for assistance.
By following these recommendations based on the experiences of other U-Haul customers in the Portland metro area, you can proactively address potential issues and ensure a smoother and more satisfying rental experience.
Here's a comparison of some popular truck rental companies with example pricing, including U-Haul, for a local move within the same city using a similar-sized truck (approximately 15-foot). Please note that these prices are only examples and can vary based on factors such as location, rental duration, mileage, and more.
Truck Rental -Cost Comparison:
U-Haul:
Base rental fee: $29.95
Mileage fee: $0.79 per mile
Insurance (optional): $14.00
Total cost w/ 30 miles driven:
(without insurance): $53.65 /(with insurance): $67.65
Penske:
Base rental fee: $29.99
Mileage fee: $0.99 per mile
Insurance (optional): $14.00
Total cost w/ 30 miles driven:
(without insurance): $59.69 /(with insurance): $73.69
Budget Truck Rental:
Base rental fee: $29.99
Mileage fee: $0.79 per mile
Insurance (optional): $16.00
Total cost w/ 30 miles driven:
(without insurance): $53.69 /(with insurance): $69.69
Enterprise Truck Rental:
Base rental fee: $39.99
Mileage fee: $0.69 per mile
Insurance (optional): $17.00
Total cost w/ 30 miles driven:
(without insurance): $60.69 /(with insurance): $77.69
*Please note that these prices are for illustrative purposes only and are subject to change. The exact pricing and additional fees for equipment rental, insurance, and other factors will depend on your specific rental agreement.