Sustainable manufacturing minimizes waste and cost

U-Haul initiatives for sustainable manufacturing are aimed at finding innovative solutions to increase eco-efficiency, boost productivity and minimize the waste and costs associated with manufacturing. From the perspective of sustainability’s triple bottom line, U-Haul product standards also set up criteria for our sustainable manufacturing practices. These objectives are set up to serve our Primary Service Objective: “To provide a better and better product and service to more and more people at a lower and lower cost.”

U-Haul has made a concerted effort to manufacture equipment that not only serves its customers well but also is environmentally friendly. So, it comes as no surprise that U-Haul would be involved in programs with partners who have the same philosophy.

Three-across seating

An additional seat in the 14-foot and 17-foot moving trucks is making a positive impact on the environment by reducing the number of vehicles driven per moving family. This additional seat allows three-member families to tow a vehicle, minimize emissions and improve fuel efficiency by eliminating an extra vehicle on the road.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the average fuel efficiency of a passenger vehicle is approximately 17 mpg. Driving such a vehicle would produce 1.2 pounds of CO2 per mile. A family of three moving 350 miles from Arizona to California could keep 420 pounds of CO2 out of the atmosphere by towing their vehicle instead of driving along with the rental truck. This third seat helps protect our environment, and at the same time meets the needs of our customers by providing room for an extra passenger. Aside from making the move more fuel efficient, the third seat provides comfort for long travel, with a great amount of legroom.