by Troy Cunningham

I'm not an attorney. I don't even like attorneys but I have to admit I found researching the law and the whole process of suing an international corporation fascinating. Also very frustrating, but since I've done the legwork for you, you should have little problem hammering it out in a couple of months.

One of the first things to understand is how conniving and misleading UHaul can be. If you were to call them on the phone -- which you shouldn't even bother with -- they'd tell you they aren't responsible for what happened at the UHaul location you rented from and that you'll need to deal with that specific location. This is complete BS. The company you're interested in suing is this one:

        UHaul International, Inc.
        2727 North Central Avenue
        Phoenix, AZ 85004

Here's how you start things out. Photocopy all your receipts for any costs incurred as a result of UHaul not having a truck for you. For me, this included a few thousand dollars in paying a real moving company because it's all I could get in short notice, plus a hotel room for a night because I got such a late start, plus any legal fees incurred thus far. Serving the papers will cost around $40. Filing small claims will vary in cost but mine was about $60. Keep copies of receipts for these and file them when you file the claim.

Then, go down to your county courthouse and ask for a small claims Summons & Complaint form. You'll have to pay a fee and fill the form out explaining how you were wronged. Attach copies of your receipts when you submit the form.

One of the copies of this form will have to be served to UHaul at the above address, so they can't argue they never got anything in the mail.  You can contact these guys to have the papers served in Phoenix. They'll take care of it and send you confirmation when it's been done. The court will notify you and UHaul once a date has been set for the first hearing.