Help not wanted; U-Haul moves to nicotine-free policy

U-Haul International Inc. announced this week that beginning Feb. 1 in 21 states it will not hire anyone who uses nicotine, according to media reports.

The first in the field to implement such a nicotine-free workforce policy, the do-it-yourself moving company said it wants to empower potential employees to not smoke.

"We are deeply invested in the well-being of our Team Members," Jessica Lopez, U-Haul’s chief of staff, told Fox Business news network. "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."

Existing employees who smoke will not be subject to the new rules, the Phoenix-based company told reporters.