U-Haul “8 for 80” Dealer Series
In celebration of our 80th anniversary in 2025, we are highlighting eight small businesses serving as U-Haul dealers who have teamed with us to bring DIY moving products and services to their communities. These dealers may be old or new, have a fun story, a unique location, or just be in an interesting line of work. Enjoy!
Not Your Average Feed and Seed
Shopping locally is important for many reasons. It is comforting to buy from someone you know while directly supporting your neighbors and community.
At least that’s the mindset in Central, S.C., where the town’s 5,300 residents take pride in supporting small businesses like the Rabbit Box and owner Linda Merck.
“Being a U-Haul dealer allows me to meet more people and have deeper roots within the community,” said Merck, who has rented U-Haul trucks and trailers since 2007. “The best part about Central is that we are filled with ‘the older generation’ … people who are full of knowledge, respect and kindness.”
The older generation, as Merck puts it, is undoubtedly familiar with U-Haul. The Company has been moving America since 1945, when a WWII Navy veteran and his wife founded the operation after recognizing a basic need for affordable one-way moving equipment to accommodate do-it-yourselfers.
The Ties that Bind
Through its dealership network, U-Haul empowers small businesses like the Rabbit Box to augment their primary income with commissions from truck and trailer rentals, while also giving the community access to essential moving services from the industry’s most trusted name.
“Linda and the Rabbit Box are staples in the community,” noted Jeff Dickard, U-Haul area field manager.
“Within the community, everyone knows the Rabbit Box is much more than just a U-Haul dealer. It’s the local spot where everyone goes to take care of their animal needs. Linda takes care of her community. Not only with the U-Haul equipment she has on site, but also with her chickens, rabbits and eggs.”
Livestock feed, farm supplies, baby chicks and orange-clad trucks. It’s quite the selection Merck has for her customers.
Serving Clemson Students
The Rabbit Box is located about a 10-minute drive northeast of Clemson. Every May and August brings a flood of university students to the area — nearly 29,000, in fact — in need of U-Haul moving equipment and supplies.
“The Rabbit Box takes care of a lot of college students throughout the year,” Dickard added. “Move-in and move-out season is always busy. Students and their families go by the Rabbit Box to pick up all of their moving needs before they go and get settled on campus.”
For Merck, being close to Clemson means she is serving more than farmers and locals. She is helping students take the next step in life, moving into or out of a dormitory or apartment.
This is the seventh blog in the “8 for 80” Dealer Series. Continue visiting myuhaulstory.com for more posts.
U-Haul Dealer Network
Independent dealers have been the backbone of the U-Haul service model since 1945, accounting for almost 90% of all network rental locations.
Do you own a small business that could benefit from a supplemental income stream while meeting a basic need for your neighbors and community? If so, consider partnering with U-Haul as a dealer and start earning commissions from rental transactions at your site. Learn more at uhaul.com/dealer.
