U-Haul Marks 80 Years and Kicks Off Moving Season with NYSE Bell Ringing Ceremony
U-Haul®, the nation’s leading provider of do-it-yourself moving and self-storage solutions, will symbolically usher in the busy summer “moving season” on Friday by ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). This special ceremony not only signals the official start of the season but also marks a monumental milestone — U-Haul’s 80th anniversary of serving American families and supporting residential mobility across the country.
The Moving Season: A Vital Time for U-Haul and American Movers
Every year, the Memorial Day weekend signals the beginning of what is widely known as the busiest stretch for residential moves in the United States. From Memorial Day through Labor Day — a period spanning roughly three and a half months — nearly half of all U.S. household moves occur. This peak season means U-Haul’s trucks and trailers will be on the roads in full force, helping millions of Americans relocate smoothly and affordably.
With more than 24,000 rental locations scattered across the U.S. and Canada, U-Haul’s extensive network of local dealers and company teams mobilize to meet the surge in demand. Whether it’s a long-distance move across states or a short local relocation, U-Haul’s resources are designed to provide reliable, accessible, and cost-effective solutions to millions of customers.
“Moving can be a stressful life event,” said Jeff Sonberg, President of U-Haul Co. of Manhattan/Bronx and a U.S. Navy veteran, who will be ringing the NYSE closing bell. “For 80 years, our job has been to make people’s lives easier through accessibility, affordability, and unwavering support. We welcome the opportunity to care for every customer who needs U-Haul services.”
Sonberg emphasized the significance of this year’s ceremony: “It’s truly exciting to ring the bell on another moving season, and to do so alongside fellow veterans and Gold Star families just before Memorial Day is a profound honor.”
U-Haul’s Deep Commitment to Veterans and Military Families
Founded in 1945 by a World War II Navy veteran and his wife, U-Haul began with a simple but powerful mission: to enable affordable, accessible residential mobility for American families. The company’s first one-way trailers became available around Independence Day of that founding year, laying the groundwork for decades of innovation and service.
U-Haul’s commitment to veterans remains as steadfast today as it was at its inception. The company is widely recognized as a veteran-friendly employer and dedicates substantial community efforts toward supporting veteran organizations and causes. This includes sponsorships, partnerships, and active involvement in events that honor the sacrifices and contributions of military personnel and their families.
Among its many honors, U-Haul is a founding sponsor of the National Memorial Day Parade, which recently celebrated its 20th year. This Monday, U-Haul will once again march in Washington, D.C., paying tribute to fallen heroes and the families they left behind.
At the NYSE bell-ringing ceremony, Sonberg will be joined by a distinguished group of guests including Gold Star family members, active-duty service members, veterans from the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps, as well as representatives from veteran service organizations like the USO, United War Veterans Council, and Achilles International. FDNY veterans and their veteran liaison will also participate, underscoring the company’s broad ties to those who serve and protect.
Other notable U-Haul representatives include Nick Marra, Area District Vice President for the New York City metro area; Allan Cotto, President of U-Haul Co. of Northern New Jersey; Felicia Roberts, President of U-Haul Co. of North Central New Jersey; Sebastien Reyes, President of A&M Associates (U-Haul’s in-house advertising and marketing team); Ashleigh Wagner, Community Relations Manager; and Robert Price, an Army veteran and U-Haul customer service representative.
Fleet Week and The Tribute Journey Afternoon Tea
Prior to the ceremonial closing bell on May 23, U-Haul will host The Tribute Journey Fleet Week Afternoon Tea at the NYSE from 1-3 p.m. This event returns to New York City during Fleet Week (May 21-27) for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
The afternoon tea serves as a heartfelt gathering space for Gold Star families, senior military officers, veterans, veteran service representatives, and members of the Sea Services (Navy, Marines, Coast Guard). It offers a rare, informal moment without schedules, ceremonies, or media presence to honor the sacrifices of those who have served and the families who support them.
Kathryn Cross, a U.S. Navy Gold Star mother, artist, and founder of Tribute Journey, has partnered with U-Haul since 2009. Tribute Journeys involve creating custom-made greeting cards that express gratitude and remembrance for service members and veterans. Cross personally designs the illustrations and poetic verses, with the cards printed at U-Haul International’s headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona.
This year, U-Haul produced 45,000 Memorial Day Tribute Journey cards that will be distributed to VA hospitals in 49 states ahead of Memorial Day. These cards offer comfort and recognition to veterans receiving care and highlight U-Haul’s ongoing dedication to honoring military families.
“Our Tribute Journey Fleet Week Afternoon Tea creates a unique opportunity for Gold Star families to connect with the military’s most senior leaders,” Cross explained. “It is a moment of dignity and nobility that allows everyone to reflect on the special bonds shared by military families.”
Where Are Americans Moving in 2025?
As U-Haul kicks off the moving season and celebrates its 80th anniversary, many are curious about current migration trends across the U.S. and Canada. Every year, U-Haul analyzes one-way truck, trailer, and U-Box® container rentals to track population shifts, identifying states, provinces, metros, and cities experiencing the most significant growth.
The U-Haul Growth Index for 2024 revealed that South Carolina led the nation as the top growth state, showing the largest net gain of arrivals compared to departures. Other fast-growing states included Texas, North Carolina, Florida, and Tennessee — all popular destinations for movers seeking opportunity, affordability, and lifestyle changes.
Conversely, California experienced the largest net loss of one-way movers, continuing a trend of outward migration. States such as Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania ranked among the lowest in terms of growth, reflecting ongoing regional population shifts.
Among metropolitan areas, the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington region topped the growth charts, attracting new residents in large numbers. Ocala, Florida, stood out as the leading U.S. city for in-migration. In Canada, Alberta province and its city of Calgary were the fastest-growing destinations, according to U-Haul’s data.
As 2025 unfolds, U-Haul will continue to monitor these migration patterns, providing updates to customers and communities. Whether trucks are rolling into your neighborhood or departing for new horizons, U-Haul remains ready to serve every move with dependable equipment and friendly support.
A Season of Service and Celebration
This summer promises to be a special time for U-Haul — not just as a practical partner in moving, but as a company with deep roots in American history, veteran support, and community engagement. Celebrating eight decades of helping families transition to new chapters, U-Haul’s ringing of the NYSE closing bell is a fitting tribute to its legacy and ongoing mission.
With Memorial Day as a backdrop and the collective spirit of moving season underway, U-Haul invites all Americans to reflect on the meaning of mobility, resilience, and home. Whether embarking on a cross-country adventure, starting fresh in a new town, or simply shifting to a new apartment nearby, U-Haul is committed to making every move easier, more affordable, and full of possibility.