Since 1979, do-it-yourself customers in Abbeville, La., have been coming to Craig’s Auto Experts and U-Haul Dealership for their moving needs. Now after four decades of serving his community, Craig Hebert is reflecting on his role and successes.
“I opened this business in 1978 and started renting U-Haul trucks in 1979,” Hebert said. “I was looking for a way to bring people into the store, but it became so much more. When folks were moving to town, I would be the first person to greet them.”
Service above the Rest
Craig’s Auto Experts at 1708 Memorial Drive started as a detail shop with a mechanic service department. It has since expanded to a full-service auto shop. Hebert has a car wash and gas station, and goes above and beyond for his customers. His shop offers U-Haul truck and trailer sharing, towing equipment, moving supplies and much more.
Normal business hours are 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 7:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Saturday. After-hours drop-off is available. Reserve U-Haul products by calling (337) 898-1923.
“My slogan is ‘Service above the rest’ – and I really try to live by that,” Hebert said. “I had some folks that used to get their U-Haul trucks from me for grocery deliveries. One time, the truck broke down and I drove another one out to make sure they made the delivery on time. To be successful, business has to be personal.”
Hebert added that he doesn’t have much spare time between U-Haul and his primary business, but it’s not hard to work because he loves it so much. “I wish everyone could love their job like I do,” he noted.
Todd Boudreaux is the U-Haul area field manager assigned to Craig’s Auto Experts. He has seen firsthand the work Hebert puts into his business.
“Craig works very hard to service his customers, both with their U-Haul rentals and their own vehicles,” Boudreaux said. “He is the only dealer I have who actually washes our trucks himself. He really cares.”
U-Haul is Family
After 40 years of keeping Abbeville on the move, Craig’s Auto Experts is synonymous with U-Haul in his community.
“Craig lives and breathes U-Haul,” Boudreaux continued. “People in Abbeville know that he’s the U-Haul guy, and we’re so glad to have him representing us. He’s part of our team.”
U-Haul Company of Northern Louisiana, based in Shreveport, services Craig’s Auto Experts. But the three-hour drive does nothing to stymie this longstanding partnership.
“I’ve made lifelong friends through U-Haul,” Hebert said. “I try to take the whole Shreveport team out to eat once a year. They take care of me, and I want to do the same.”
Interested in becoming a U-Haul neighborhood dealer and meeting your community’s moving needs? Visit uhaul.com/dealer to learn more.
