Penske Truck Rental

DO NOT RENT HERE! I originally called Penske to arrange to rent a box truck with lift gate so I could move my lathe and bandsaw. I called the national rental number, they confirmed with a local office that they had that type of truck, gave me the address and that’s were I bussed to to pick it up. They didn’t have it so I had to spend an additional 2 hours bussing to the Columbia location where I was redirected. There was little in the way of apologizing for the mishap, rather I was just told the first location didn’t carry those types of vehicles. In my opinion and I’m sure most people will agree, that is not my problem. If I was told to go to a place to pick it up and have to go to a second location, the mistake should be admitted and rectified. i requested a discount on the rental and was given $ 10 off for my hassle. Probably the only good thing about this experience.
Now onto the second issue. I purchased their Limited Damage Waiver, which clearly states you are without financial obligation in the event of damage. Well I just received a $ 420 invoice for some damage to the truck. Of course they told me there is a deductible, after-​the-​fact, yet the LDW says «no financial obligation.» The additional insurances available were not mentioned to me at time of the rental yet were marked as declined on the copy of my rental agreement that I requested. I know there are typically exceptions for certain types of damages to rental trucks, this isn’t my first time renting a big truck, just my first time with Penske. Yet the LDW was without caveats or exceptions.
Overall there couldn’t have been worse service or poorer follow up. Needless to say, avoid the hassle of being taken advantage of with Penske at the Columbia location. They are obviously not worried about customer service, just volume and big commercial rentals.

This Penske is good sized, situated as it is on Columbia Boulevard. There’s ample parking, and they’ve got an impressive available selection of rental trucks. They’ve also got a decent array of moving supplies from boxes to packing tape.
I have to say that having moved more times than I’ll admit to — both in town and up and down the west coast — I’m a huge fan of Penske for those long-​distance moves. The service is great, their prices lower than their competitors, and the trucks generally handle very nicely. If I ever have to move (not that I’m ever leaving Portland again –ever), Penske will be the service I’ll use.