As an essential service provider, U-Haul stores and dealers continue to serve the public during the coronavirus pandemic, the company announced. 

U-Haul trucks and vans are utilized by first responders; delivery companies bringing supplies to homes; small businesses trying to remain afloat; college students; and other dependent groups, in addition to moving households.

U-Haul Company of California announced today that Town and Country Storage has signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer to serve the Lancaster, Calif. community. Town and Country Storage will offer essential services like U-Haul trucks, towing equipment, moving supplies, and in-store pick-up for boxes.

U-Haul has teamed with independent dealers to offer moving equipment since 1945. With the COVID-19 outbreak creating challenging times for small businesses, more than 20,000 dealers across the U.S. and Canada are creating supplemental income through their U-Haul partnership. 

When a customer rents from a U-Haul dealer, they are directly supporting an independent small business in their community, the company states.

U-Haul reports it has programs that inherently promote social distancing with minimal or no contact with others. For instance, U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 allows customers to create an online account and pick up their truck at any hour using only their smartphone with photo features and GPS. 

Trained agents interact with customers online, enabling them to skip the lines and go straight to their truck.