Quick Answer

Yes, U-Haul does hire people with felonies in 2025. As one of the largest truck and equipment rental companies with thousands of locations, U-Haul has long been known as one of the most felon-friendly employers in America. Customer service representative, hitch installer, and truck/lot porter positions pay $13-$18 per hour and are highly accessible. U-Haul explicitly practices second-chance hiring as part of their company values, making them one of the best options for people with various criminal backgrounds, including recent convictions, who need employment opportunities with room for advancement.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About U-Haul

3. Does U-Haul Hire People with Felonies?

4. Available Jobs at U-Haul

5. Best entry point

6. Background Check Process

7. Application Tips

8. Frequently Asked Questions

9. Similar Felon-Friendly Companies

10. Final Thoughts

About U-Haul

U-Haul operates thousands of rental locations, storage facilities, and service centers across the United States. They rent trucks, trailers, towing equipment, and storage units to millions of customers annually. The company employs tens of thousands of workers in customer service, maintenance, sales, and operations roles.

For people with felonies, U-Haul stands out as exceptionally accessible. The company has an explicit, decades-long commitment to hiring people with criminal backgrounds. This isn't just policy on paper—it's embedded in their company culture and practiced consistently across locations. U-Haul actively advertises their willingness to hire people with felonies.

U-Haul's founder made second-chance hiring a core company value, and this philosophy continues today. They understand that people with criminal backgrounds can be excellent, loyal employees when given opportunities. The company has won awards for their fair chance hiring practices.

Individual locations operate with some autonomy under regional management. While all locations follow the corporate commitment to second-chance hiring, specific hiring practices may vary slightly. However, the overall culture strongly supports giving people opportunities regardless of criminal history.

Does U-Haul Hire People with Felonies?

U-Haul explicitly and actively hires people with felony convictions. They don't just tolerate it—they embrace it as part of their mission. This makes them one of the most accessible employers in America for people with criminal backgrounds.

In practice, U-Haul locations regularly hire people with all types of criminal backgrounds for various positions. The company has been recognized nationally for their commitment to fair chance hiring. They focus on your current ability to work and your potential, not your past mistakes.

The type of conviction matters less at U-Haul than at virtually any other employer. Drug convictions, violent felonies, theft—U-Haul has hired people with all of these backgrounds. They understand that criminal records don't define people's ability to work hard and contribute.

That said, some positions have requirements. Driving positions require acceptable driving records (though felonies don't automatically disqualify you if your driving history is reasonable). Positions involving access to customer property or cash may face more careful evaluation with theft convictions, but opportunities remain.

Time since conviction helps demonstrate stability, but even recent convictions don't automatically disqualify you at U-Haul. The company understands people need employment immediately after release to succeed. Many facilities specifically work with people recently released from incarceration.

The position affects opportunities somewhat. Customer service representatives are very accessible. Hitch installers (installing towing equipment) are accessible and pay well. Truck/lot porters (moving trucks and cleaning) are very accessible. Maintenance technicians with skills are highly valued. Moving helpers are accessible. Even management positions are possible as you prove yourself.

Location culture matters. Some U-Haul locations are particularly active in second-chance hiring and have partnerships with reentry programs. However, all locations follow the company's fair chance hiring values, so you have good chances anywhere.

The key is demonstrating willingness to work hard, learn, provide good customer service, and be reliable. U-Haul wants to see commitment to positive change and readiness to contribute, not perfect backgrounds.

Available Jobs at U-Haul

U-Haul offers various positions suitable for people with felony convictions:

Customer Service Representative

($13-$16/hour)

You'll assist customers with rentals, reservations, sales, answer questions, process transactions, and provide service. Requires customer service skills and computer literacy. This is the most common entry position and very accessible for people with felonies. Every location needs reliable customer service staff.

Hitch Installer

($14-$18/hour)

You'll install towing hitches, trailer wiring, and other towing equipment on customer vehicles. Physical work requiring mechanical aptitude and attention to detail. Good position paying better than customer service. Training provided. Very accessible for people with records who have mechanical interests.

Truck/Lot Porter

($13-$16/hour)

You'll move trucks and trailers around the lot, clean vehicles, fuel trucks, and maintain equipment. Physical outdoor work requiring valid driver's license. Very accessible for people with felonies—straightforward work focusing on reliability and safe driving.

Moving Helper

($13-$16/hour)

You'll help customers load and unload moving trucks. Physical labor requiring strength and customer service. Good position if you prefer physical work and helping customers directly.

Storage Facility Manager

($14-$18/hour)

You'll manage self-storage facility operations, assist customers, maintain property, and handle administrative tasks. Requires customer service and organizational skills. Accessible for people with backgrounds who have management interests.

Maintenance Technician

($15-$20/hour)

You'll repair trucks, trailers, and equipment, perform maintenance, and troubleshoot issues. Requires mechanical skills or automotive experience. If you have these skills, criminal backgrounds rarely matter—U-Haul desperately needs skilled mechanics.

Sales/Rental Representative

($13-$17/hour)

You'll sell moving supplies, insurance, and services to customers, process rentals, and meet sales goals. Requires customer service and sales skills. Accessible for people with backgrounds who have good people skills.

Assistant Manager

($15-$19/hour)

You'll assist with location management, supervise staff, handle operations, and support business growth. Requires leadership ability and usually some experience. Good advancement opportunity for people who start in entry positions and prove themselves.

Best entry point

Customer Service Representative, Hitch Installer, or Truck/Lot Porter positions offer the most accessible entry points. They require no extensive experience, focus on customer service or mechanical work, and U-Haul is very flexible about backgrounds for these roles. Once employed and proving reliability, advancement becomes very realistic.

Background Check Process

Understanding U-Haul's approach to backgrounds helps you navigate hiring successfully.

U-Haul conducts background checks after interviews and before final hiring decisions. However, their approach differs significantly from most employers. They look at criminal records within the context of their commitment to second-chance hiring.

The background check typically looks back seven years, though this varies by position and location. U-Haul follows all applicable state laws regarding how far back they can check. They're more interested in recent history and patterns of stability.

The process usually takes 5-10 business days. Drug testing policies vary by location and position—some locations require testing while others don't, particularly for non-driving positions. You'll be informed during hiring if testing is required.

What sets U-Haul apart is how they interpret background check results. Rather than automatically rejecting people with criminal records, they consider circumstances, time passed, evidence of rehabilitation, and your current situation. They explicitly look for signs of positive change.

If something appears on your background check, U-Haul typically discusses it with you rather than immediately rejecting your application. They want to understand what happened, what you learned, and how your life is different now. This conversation-based approach means your current character matters more than past mistakes.

Some positions have specific requirements. Driving positions require reasonable driving records, though many traffic issues or even some DUIs don't prevent employment if they're not recent. Positions with significant cash handling may have closer scrutiny with theft convictions, but opportunities remain.

U-Haul operates nationwide and follows all applicable laws including ban-the-box regulations where they apply. Their mission naturally aligns with fair chance hiring, making them national leaders in giving people opportunities.

Application Tips

1. Apply online at uhaul.com/jobs or visit locations in person. In-person visits work particularly well at U-Haul because personal connection matters. Ask for managers and express strong interest.

   
   

2. Be completely upfront about your criminal background. U-Haul's entire reputation is built on hiring people with records. Honesty about your past combined with evidence of change resonates with their values. Don't hide your background—own it and explain your growth.

   
   

3. Target customer service, hitch installer, or porter positions first. These roles have the most flexible standards and constant openings. They're the main entry points into U-Haul.

   
   

4. Emphasize your commitment to reliable work and customer service. U-Haul needs people who show up consistently and treat customers well. Give specific examples of dependability and service orientation from any context.

   
   

5. Express genuine appreciation for U-Haul's second-chance philosophy. Showing that you understand and value their commitment to hiring people with records demonstrates cultural alignment.

   
   

6. Highlight any mechanical, automotive, or customer service experience. Even informal experience demonstrates relevant capabilities U-Haul values.

   
   

7. Show flexibility with scheduling. U-Haul locations operate long hours including weekends. Willingness to work various shifts makes you more valuable.

   
   

8. If you have mechanical skills or interests, pursue hitch installer or maintenance positions. These pay better and U-Haul desperately needs skilled workers regardless of backgrounds.

   
   

9. Bring valid driver's license if you have one. Many positions benefit from ability to drive trucks and move equipment. Reasonable driving records (not perfect, just reasonable) open up more opportunities.

   
   

10. Dress appropriately for interviews. Business casual shows professionalism. Even though much work is physical, neat appearance at interviews makes good impressions.

    
    

11. Bring references who can speak to your character and work ethic. Anyone who can vouch for your reliability and positive changes provides valuable credibility.

    
    

12. Express interest in learning and growth. U-Haul offers advancement opportunities. Show you want to build a career, not just get any job.

    
    

13. Ask about their second-chance hiring commitment during interviews. This shows you've researched the company and understand their values. It's a positive talking point.

    
    

14. Follow up after applying or interviewing. Call locations or visit to express continued interest. Persistence demonstrates reliability U-Haul values.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my violent felony prevent me from working at U-Haul?

Violent felonies don't automatically disqualify you from U-Haul employment. The company has explicitly hired many people with violent convictions. They evaluate circumstances, time passed, and current stability. Customer service positions require demonstrating appropriate interpersonal behavior, but many people with violent pasts work successfully in these roles. Be completely honest about what happened, show clear evidence of personal growth, and emphasize your commitment to appropriate workplace behavior. Time helps—convictions several years old with clean records since demonstrate change. U-Haul is one of the most accessible employers for people with violent felonies.

Does U-Haul do drug testing?

Drug testing policies vary at U-Haul by location and position. Some locations require pre-employment drug testing while others don't, particularly for non-driving positions. Driving positions more commonly involve testing. You'll be informed during hiring if testing is required for your specific position and location. Even if testing is required, U-Haul's overall commitment to second-chance hiring means they understand recovery and personal change. If you're in recovery and on prescribed medications, bring documentation. Be prepared for possible testing but understand that drug felonies don't automatically prevent U-Haul employment.

How long should I wait after my conviction before applying to U-Haul?

Don't wait at all. U-Haul explicitly works with people recently released from incarceration. Even if your conviction or release was very recent—within weeks or months—apply now. U-Haul understands that employment is crucial for successful reintegration. Some locations actively partner with reentry programs and specifically recruit people transitioning from incarceration. Your current commitment to positive change matters more than time since conviction. Apply immediately if you need work. U-Haul is specifically known for giving people chances right away.

Can I work at U-Haul while on probation or parole?

Yes, absolutely. U-Haul frequently employs people on probation or parole. Having employment with them often looks very favorable to probation officers because U-Haul's reputation for supporting people with records is well-known. Be upfront about your supervision requirements—scheduling accommodations for check-ins, court dates, or other requirements can usually be arranged. Many managers have experience coordinating with probation officers and the justice system. Some U-Haul locations specifically partner with reentry programs and understand supervision conditions well.

Will theft or drug felonies disqualify me?

Theft and drug felonies don't disqualify you from U-Haul employment. The company has hired many people with these backgrounds. For theft convictions, positions with less direct cash handling or inventory control may be more accessible initially, but opportunities exist across all positions. Drug convictions are very common and U-Haul understands recovery journeys. Be honest about your convictions, take responsibility, and explain how you've changed. Many U-Haul employees have both drug and theft convictions in their backgrounds. The company's commitment to second chances explicitly includes people with these types of felonies.

What if I have multiple felonies?

Multiple felonies don't disqualify you from U-Haul employment. The company understands that people's lives can go through difficult periods involving multiple mistakes. What matters is demonstrating you've moved beyond that period and are committed to positive change now. Be completely honest about your history, acknowledge the pattern, and clearly articulate how your life is different. U-Haul has hired people with complex criminal histories who demonstrate genuine transformation. Multiple felonies may require more conversation about your changes, but the company regularly employs people with extensive criminal backgrounds.

Can I advance to management with a felony record?

Yes, absolutely. Many U-Haul supervisors, managers, and even regional leaders have felony convictions in their past. Once hired and proving yourself as reliable, hard-working employees, criminal backgrounds become much less relevant for advancement. Customer service reps become assistant managers. Hitch installers become maintenance supervisors. U-Haul actively promotes from within. Your work record with U-Haul matters far more than criminal history for internal advancement. Demonstrating leadership, reliability, and alignment with company values can lead to management within 1-3 years regardless of backgrounds. U-Haul's commitment to second chances extends to advancement opportunities.

Are certain U-Haul locations better for hiring people with felonies?

All U-Haul locations follow the company's commitment to second-chance hiring, making any location a good option. However, some locations are particularly active in reentry partnerships and may have established relationships with justice system programs. Urban locations often have more experience with diverse candidates. Locations with visible "now hiring" signs need workers urgently. The best strategy is applying to multiple locations (5-10) and finding the best fit. Don't make assumptions about which locations will be more flexible—U-Haul's corporate culture supports hiring people with felonies everywhere.

What should I do if my background check shows something inaccurate?

Take immediate action if background checks contain errors. Contact U-Haul HR immediately to explain inaccuracies. Gather documentation proving errors—court records, certificates of disposition, or documents showing dismissed or expunged charges. U-Haul is generally understanding and willing to work with you to resolve discrepancies. Given their mission-driven approach to second-chance hiring, they want to ensure decisions are based on accurate information. Follow up persistently but professionally. The company's commitment to fairness means they'll typically work with you to clarify confusion or correct mistakes.

Why is U-Haul so committed to hiring people with felonies?

U-Haul's founder established second-chance hiring as a core company value decades ago, believing that everyone deserves opportunities and that people with criminal backgrounds can be excellent employees. This philosophy continues today as part of company culture. U-Haul has found that people who are given second chances often become loyal, hardworking, and grateful employees who stay with the company long-term. They understand that criminal records don't define people's ability to contribute. This isn't just corporate policy—it's a genuine mission embedded in how U-Haul operates, making them one of the most felon-friendly employers in America.

Similar Felon-Friendly Companies

If U-Haul doesn't work out, these similar companies also practice fair chance hiring:

Penske Truck Rental: Truck rental company that hires people with felonies for various positions including customer service and maintenance.

Budget Truck Rental: Truck rental company with accessible hiring for people with criminal backgrounds.

Enterprise Rent-A-Car: Car rental company that hires people with felonies for customer service and driver positions.

Ryder: Truck rental and logistics company hiring people with criminal backgrounds for various positions.

Public Storage: Self-storage company that hires people with felonies for facility management positions.

Final Thoughts

U-Haul offers exceptional opportunities for people with felony convictions. Their explicit, decades-long commitment to second-chance hiring makes them one of the most accessible employers in America. The combination of decent pay ($13-$18/hour), benefits, and clear advancement paths provides realistic opportunities for building stable employment and careers.

Take action today by applying at uhaul.com/jobs or visiting locations in person. Be completely honest about your criminal background—U-Haul's reputation is built on giving people with records opportunities. Focus on demonstrating your reliability, work ethic, and commitment to positive change.

Express genuine appreciation for their second-chance philosophy. Many thousands of people with criminal backgrounds have built successful careers at U-Haul. With the right attitude and work ethic, you absolutely can too.