July is Independent Retailer Month, when consumers are encouraged to support small businesses and the important role they play in the community, economy and retail industry.
U-Haul does this every day of the year through the U-Haul Dealer Network. It’s been at the heart of the Company’s business model since 1945.
Since its inception, U-Haul has partnered with local independent retailers to offer affordable and accessible moving equipment to do-it-yourself customers who are seeking residential mobility. These valued relationships with neighborhood dealers generate additional revenue for both U-Haul and partnering small businesses while serving the community’s needs.
“Ever since we became dealers, the average number of customers we’ve served has increased each year,” said Jerry Barnes, owner of Barnes Exxon gas station in Whiteville, N.C., a U-Haul dealer since 1973. “In addition, truck and trailer customers are more likely to purchase boxes, packing paper and the other U-Haul moving supplies that we offer here, which further increases our profits.”
When small businesses join the U-Haul Dealer Network, they are able to keep their autonomy while committing a portion of their lot space for U-Haul equipment and a portion of their time to meet the mobility needs of their neighbors.
In turn, small businesses earn an average of 21% commissions from the U-Haul transactions at their location. This additional revenue stream not only helps sustain small businesses, but often provides them the flexibility to grow and employ more members of their community.
Becoming a U-Haul Dealer
The better news: no financial investment is required to become a U-Haul dealer, because dealers are not franchises. Learn more about this opportunity and submit your information at uhaul.com/dealer.
“Many customers come from the surrounding area to share U-Haul equipment, which is the perfect way for us to get the word out about all of the other services we offer,” said Marcus Harden-Givens, owner of Harden-Givens Enterprises in Jacksonville, Fla., a U-Haul dealer since 2022. “After all, there’s no substitute for positive word of mouth! We hope that by providing top-notch U-Haul service to customers, we’ll be able to motivate people to spread the word about Overflow Health Alliance (community resource center) so that we can reach even more people to help.”
Ronnie Davis, owner of Davis Automotive and Towing in Asheville, N.C. (U-Haul dealer since 1968), added: “We decided back in the day that we would use the extra income from being a U-Haul dealer for our business expenses, and it’s paid off very well. A few years ago, we bought more property and constructed another building on it. Every year since then, we’ve used our ‘U-Haul money’ to pay off the annual property taxes. It has made our lives so much easier.”
U-Haul takes great pride in being part of local communities by directly supporting the independent retailers and small businesses there. There are more than 21,000 U-Haul dealers across the U.S. and Canada, with partnering businesses ranging from self-storage facilities and gas stations to clothing shops and restaurants.
The more the U-Haul Dealer Network grows, the easier it is for customers to access the No. 1 choice of DIY movers. So this July, remember to support small businesses in your town – and let them know U-Haul does as well.
