U-Haul, U're life in U're hands

Twice in my life I have rented U-Haul trucks in order to move my crap from point A to point B. The last time I did this was when joi_division and I moved in together; she hired movers, I rented a truck thinking, "hey, I can save money by doing this myself." Due to administrative and clerical errors (ahem), I nearly didn't get the truck, but at least once I finally did, it was in - more or less - serviceable condition. One thing I quickly learned about U-Haul trucks was that the ride was going to be about as luxurious as a city bus. But what should that matter - you're hauling furniture, not taking a joy ride, right?

Regardless, I was frustrated enough with the experience of trying to rent the truck itself that I pretty much wrote off U-Haul as an option for potential future moves. An article published in today's Sun-Sentinel does not effectively buttress any counterargument to my decision. The first three paragraphs:

The U-Haul truck was 19 years old, with nearly 234,000 miles on its odometer. It had a history of problems with its emergency brake and was overdue for a safety inspection.

Talmadge Waldrip, 73, of Forney, Texas, was using it to help his daughter move some belongings in September. He drove to a warehouse and killed the engine. Then he put the manual transmission in gear, set the emergency brake and stepped down from the cab, he told family members later.

Instantly, the truck rolled backward. Waldrip tried to climb back in, but the door knocked him to the pavement. The 6-ton truck rolled over his midsection and dragged him, crushing his pelvis.

A shocking opener to the article meant to grab attention to be sure, but the rest is no less of a worthwhile, albeit, sobering read.