U-Haul Ceases Operations at KC Fulfillment Center after 13 Years

Rhea-AI Summary

U-Haul has officially closed its fulfillment center at 1650 N. Topping Ave., with operations ceasing in late 2021. This facility, operational since 2008, distributed products across the U.S. and Canada, employing about 200 team members who have now been let go. U-Haul is transitioning to a new fulfillment center at 1800 Reynolds Ave. to support increased shipping demands, packing and shipping over 500,000 parts weekly. Reasons for the closure include strategic growth plans and operational efficiency.

Positive

• New fulfillment center at 1800 Reynolds Ave. to enhance operational efficiency.
• Expansion reflects U-Haul's growth and increased shipping demands.

Negative

• Closure of the Topping Ave. center resulted in 200 layoffs.
• Shift in operations may impact local employment and community support.

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Feb. 16, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- U-Haul® has officially announced the closing of its fulfillment center at 1650 N. Topping Ave., where daily operations ceased in late 2021.

Since 2008, the U-Haul Fulfilment Center distributed shipments to Company-owned facilities and customers' homes all over the U.S. and Canada. U-Haul had been leasing the 310,000-square-foot space.

U-Haul retail products, like boxes and tape, and even truck ramps and bumpers were distributed from the warehouse over 13 years.

The new U-Haul Fulfillment Center of Kansas City at 1800 Reynolds Ave. recently opened and will meet Company and customer distribution demands going forward.

"U-Haul is growing, and we had a need to expand our operations," said Jeremy Brick, U-Haul Fulfillment Center president. "We pack and ship more than 500,000 parts each week. We needed to be able to invest in a bigger space with the most modern technology."

Local U-Haul Companies are always exploring opportunities for growth as they pursue means to better meet the needs of customers, but sometimes find it necessary to close or relocate facilities, or cease certain business operations at locations.

Reasons for closures can include: long-term strategic plans; physical plant limitations; shifts in demographics; trends in migration; expansion of the U-Haul neighborhood dealer network; and proximity to new or existing U-Haul stores or shops.

About 200 Team Members were let go as a result of the U-Haul Fulfillment Center on Topping Avenue closing.

As an essential service provider, U-Haul continues to serve communities during the COVID-19 recovery while offering contactless business programs and enhanced cleaning protocols, including added steps for sanitizing equipment between customer transactions. U-Haul products are used daily by First Responders; delivery companies bringing needed supplies to people's homes; small businesses trying to remain afloat; college students; and many other dependent groups, in addition to the do-it-yourself household mover.

About U-HAUL 

Since 1945, U-Haul has been the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers, with a network of more than 23,000 locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 offers secure access to U-Haul trucks every hour of every day through the customer dispatch option on their smartphones and our proprietary Live Verify technology. Our customers' patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to approximately 176,000 trucks, 126,000 trailers and 46,000 towing devices. U-Haul offers nearly 825,000 rentable storage units and 71.6 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities throughout North America. U-Haul is the largest retailer of propane in the U.S., and continues to be the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry. U-Haul has been recognized repeatedly as a leading "Best for Vets" employer and was recently named one of the 15 Healthiest Workplaces in America.

Contact:
Andrea Batchelor
Jeff Lockridge 
E-mail: publicrelations@uhaul.com
Phone: 602-263-6981
Website: uhaul.com

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SOURCE U-Haul

FAQ

What recent changes did U-Haul announce regarding its fulfillment centers on February 16, 2022?

U-Haul announced the closure of its fulfillment center at 1650 N. Topping Ave. which ceased operations in late 2021.

Why did U-Haul close the fulfillment center in Kansas City?

The closure was part of U-Haul's strategic plan to enhance operations, indicating shifts in demographics and operational efficiencies.

How many employees were affected by the U-Haul fulfillment center closure?

Approximately 200 team members were let go due to the closure.

Where is the new U-Haul fulfillment center located?

The new U-Haul fulfillment center is located at 1800 Reynolds Ave. in Kansas City.

How many parts does U-Haul ship weekly from its fulfillment centers?

U-Haul packs and ships more than 500,000 parts each week.