U-Haul

Truck rental firm U-Haul have announced they going to start charging an "environmental fee" - anything from $1-per-day to $5+ for a one-way hire - saying its mandatory introduction will "defray a portion of the costs associated with the disposal and treatment of waste fluids, batteries, tires and many other environmentally hazardous wastes"

Just like the airlines with their totally bogus "fuel surcharges", this fee is a massive crock of gripped shit. The disposal and treatment of hazardous waste items are entirely the company's responsibility, and, as such, the costs associated with them are all part of U-Haul's regular operating procedures, therefore those costs should be swallowed up in the fees they charge consumers. Not tacked on like a third testicle.

BUT, I guess, a "$19.99 rental" is nowhere near as attractive to advertise as a "$24.99 rental", so u-Haul instead use fuzzy math to rip its customers off, additionally adopting the familiar - and apparently well-loved - "American" bait and switch method of doing business.

There's nothing like misappropriating a genuine global concern to try and up your profits is there? Company officials, management, shareholders and workers should all feel embarrassed by the introduction of this fake fee, and I REALLY hope people start abandoning U-Haul in their droves as a result.

Airline Surcharges

United Airlines (united in what exactly? price gouging?) have just announced that they are increasing their "fuel surcharge" to $50 for a round trip domestic fight.

Every other airline, including my "favorite", Delta, will line up like sheep to emulate this move.

United - and the others - will continue to advertise their deceptive "low cost fares" because, unlike Europe, it is still legal to to promote a price BEFORE all airport taxes and surcharges have been added. (Washington lobbyists will doubtless ensure the alternative will never go into force, heavens forbid we should be told the REAL price when we try and book a flight?!)

The FACT that the fuel surcharge was introduced to cover "sudden fluctuations" in the cost of oil doesn't seem to be considered. The fuel surcharge has never gone down when the cost of oil has gone down, it has only gone up every time the airlines think they need a little more cash in their coffers.

Fuel/Oil is an operating cost, one which you already make a profit from in your seat pricing you assholes. Passing off your operating costs as a 'surcharge' - allowing you to advertise "low cost flights" - just makes you seem like shit-gripping scumbags. Just so you know.