No More Jobs For Smokers! U-Haul Won’t Hire Nicotine Users In These States

U-Haul International has taken a stance against smoking and nicotine use, saying that it will no longer hire potential job applicants that use nicotine in any form in 21 states. The nicotine-free hiring policy will go in effect on Feb. 1.

U-Haul said the move to nicotine-free hiring is part of an effort to promote and empower “a healthy workforce,” which will allow the rental company to decline job applicants that use nicotine as potential employees.

The company will no longer hire nicotine-using job applicants in the states of Arizona, Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.

U-Haul offers nicotine cessation programs for its current employees and said the new policy won’t impact its current workforce hired before Feb. 1. Job applicants in the 21 affected states will be questioned about their nicotine use and, in states where allowed, will have to consent to nicotine screening in the future to be hired for a job with the company.

“We are deeply invested in the well-being of our Team Members,” Jessica Lopez, U-Haul chief of staff said. “Nicotine products are addictive and pose a variety of serious health risks. This policy is a responsible step in fostering a culture of wellness at U-Haul, with the goal of helping our Team Members on their health journey.”

In addition to the nicotine-free policy, U-Haul is also in the process of completing a 54,208 square-foot conference and fitness center at its Midtown campus in Arizona, where it is one of the largest employers in the state.