Driving the Market: Lessons from a U-Haul
Next week, my son is moving for school and work. The good news? We actually like our sons—most of the time—and he’s moving closer to us. The bad news? I get to drive six hours and help him move heavy furniture. When he said, “I think I’ll just rent a U-Haul and load everything up,” I immediately imagined a cartoon parody of a commercial: Announcer: “Need to move? No problem. Take it yourself with U-Haul.” Customer: “But I’ve never driven a truck before.” Announcer: “No problem! U-Haul lets anyone drive a giant truck—because, hey, you’re moving!” Cue scene of a U-Haul swerving across the freeway, forcing other cars off the road. Customer: “Sorry! I’m making a go of it in a new city!” I’ve been there. At his age, I rented a 26-foot U-Haul and drove it across town. It was nerve-wracking: slow acceleration, no rear-view mirror, only side mirrors,