Graceland University Goes Green with UhaulCarShare: 24/7, Green-Transportation Options

LAMONI, Iowa, Aug. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- UhaulCarShare announced today that it will continue building on the success of partnerships with colleges and universities and is expanding its growth as it partners with Graceland University, in Lamoni, Iowa.  The launch of a new partnership with UhaulCarShare provides students and faculty with access to North America's most advanced car-sharing service. Now, the students, faculty and staff of Graceland University have more transportation options, allowing individuals to maintain a sustainable lifestyle in one cost-effective, convenient package. Each shared car takes 15-20 personally owned vehicles off the road, reduces parking congestion and improves air quality.  

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"The environmental benefits are nearly endless," stated Cassandra Allen, UhaulCarShare, program manager, "but the lifestyle change is where the greatest potential lies, because of the lasting effect we can have on an individual's routine behavior. By car sharing, individuals eliminate the need to own a car, without giving up the flexibility a car provides," Allen continued. "People who car share will increase their public transit usage while still having the convenience of a car when needed. And that's good for the whole community."

UhaulCarShare is placing one vehicle, a Mazda 3, on campus for the start of the 2012 fall semester.  The Mazda 3 will be parked at the North Events Parking Lot (north of Helene Center) and will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to all students, faculty and staff members, 18 years of age and older.  UhaulCarShare offers the lowest starting price point in the industry. 

For a limited time, new members can sign up and get a $25 driving credit on their account. Log on to uhaulcarshare.com today and enter promotion code "GRACELAND" at the time of application. (This promo code will expire on October 31, 2012.)

"The concept of sharing resources, such as the new shared vehicle, is the crux of innovative and sustainable economies. Not only that, resource sharing has also been shown to help build community. The Graceland University Sustainability Office looks forward to working with the UhaulCarShare program to provide this unique service to students and Lamoni residents. The carshare program is just another example of how Graceland University is exhibiting a commitment to pro-environmental action and responsible education," stated Jennifer Abraham-White, Graceland University Sustainability Coordinator.

With a unique flexible-rate system, members are able to enjoy the benefits of driving without having to worry about over paying for mileage.  Members pay only for what they use, in one low hourly rate starting at $4.95 per hour (plus $0.59 per mile).  For those who drive longer distances, UhaulCarShare also offers rates with 180 free miles, starting at $8.50 per hour, depending on the vehicle.  Gas, insurance, maintenance, reserved parking spots and 24/7 roadside assistance are included in the hourly and daily rates.  Reserve a car for as little as an hour or for up to six days.

For more information visit us online at uhaulcarshare.com or call 1-877-990-8227.

About UhaulCarShare
UhaulCarShare removes the burden of car maintenance, insurance, and even gas! UhaulCarShare members have access to cars 24/7 making car sharing convenient and reliable. Members pay only for what they use, in one low hourly rate. With a flexible rate structure, UhaulCarShare sets the bar in car sharing for the most cost-effective way to drive green. The flexible rate plan starts each reservation out at $4.95 per hour (plus $0.59 per mile) then automatically switches over to the flat hourly of $8-$12 rate that includes 180 miles free.  This automatically gives the UhaulCarShare member the best rate possible.  All the member has to do is reserve and drive.

Anyone 18 years or older with at least two years of driving experience may qualify to become a member.  UhaulCarShare is encouraging car-sharing solutions at Universities and colleges to ease congestion and emissions, while providing easy and worry-free transportation for students.

Car sharing meets the needs of any individual who needs a car occasionally, while being sensitive to the surrounding community and environment.  Car sharing reduces the demand for parking and promotes greater sustainability while enabling individuals to retain their mobility.

Research shows that car sharing is great for the environment. Every UhaulCarShare car can replace up to 20 personally owned vehicles. Car-sharing is a key factor in reducing our carbon footprint by reducing the amount of cars manufactured and reducing congestion on our roads. Car sharing is fast becoming a great environmental solution and alternative to car ownership. Members have access to a great program backed by years of U-Haul experience and customer service.

About U-Haul
U-Haul was founded by a Navy veteran who grew up during the Great Depression. Tires and gas were still rationed or in short supply during the late 1940s when U-Haul began serving U.S. customers. Today, that background is central to the U-Haul Sustainability Program: "Serving the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."  Our commitment to reduce, reuse and recycle includes fuel-efficient moving vans, neighborhood proximity, moving box reuse, moving pads made from discarded material and packing peanuts that are 100% biodegradable.  Learn more about these facts and others at uhaul.com/sustainability.

Since 1945, U-Haul has been the choice for the do-it-yourself mover. U-Haul customers' patronage has enabled the Company to maintain the largest rental fleet in the do-it-yourself moving industry which includes trucks, trailers and towing devices. U-Haul also offers storage throughout North America. The Company provides industry leading moving and storage boxes and an extended line of packing supplies to protect customer possessions. U-Haul is the consumer's number one choice as the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket. The Company supplies alternative-fuel for vehicles and backyard grills as one of the nation's largest retailers of propane.

Contact:
Joanne Fried
Ashleigh Wagner
U-Haul Public Relations
(602) 263-6194
[email protected]

SOURCE UhaulCarShare