Why U-Haul Trucks All have Arizona License Plates?


U-Haul trucks dominate the moving industry, and they’re instantly recognizable by their trademark orange and white exterior design and the Arizona license plates that adorn each of their vehicles. But why are U-Haul trucks all registered in Arizona?

U-Haul trucks all have Arizona License Plates because the U-Haul company, which has been based in Phoenix since 1967, registers all its rental trucks in Arizona.

u-haul-moving-truck with Arizona license plates

The answer can be traced back to the company’s humble beginnings in the 1930s. Leonard Shoen and his wife, Anna Mary Carty, founded the original business model based on a fleet of trucks that helped Arizonans move across state lines. To make it easier to travel state borders with their trucks, Leonard registered them in his home state—a decision that eventually became part of U-Haul lore and tradition.

This tradition continues today, making U-Haul one of the few companies that have maintained such consistency in vehicle registration for many years. By registering all its vehicles in one place, U-haul can easily organize its fleet and maintain a sense of unity among its franchises nationwide. The move also allows the company to use special tax incentives from Arizona’s Department of Transportation (ADOT).

In addition to making business sense for U-Haul, there are some distinct advantages for customers using the company’s services. For example, having an Arizona license plate makes it easy for customers driving cross country on I-10 or I-40 to quickly confirm they’ve rented from an authentic U-Haul franchisee versus an impersonator. It also helps with customer service; if you ever need assistance driving your U-Haul truck cross country, you can always call our 24/7 roadside assistance line at 1 800 GO UHAUL – no matter what state you’re in!

At this point, it looks like Leonard Shoen’s original decision is here to stay—80 years later, U-Haul trucks continue to have Arizona license plates. While this may seem strange at first glance, there are several reasons why this unique practice makes sense for both the company and its customers. Thanks to its commitment to consistency over time, renters can feel confident knowing they’re getting a genuine U-Haul experience wherever they go!

Please read more about the attractive FP license plate in Illinois.

Robert Aksamit

Robert Aksamit

Robert Aksamit is a mechanical engineer and automotive industry expert. Robert was born in Minnesota and worked in the US automotive industry for 25 years. He is highly regarded for his passion and dedication to continually improving vehicles in response to customer feedback. Robert has a keen eye for sourcing the best vehicle components and materials on the market and is always looking for ways to enhance the user experience. As a writer, Robert covers automotive-related topics. Read more on Robert Aksamit's about page. Contact Robert: robert@promtengine.com

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