Transportation Services provides and maintains a rental vehicle fleet for use by employees, students and volunteers who are traveling on official University business. Official University business is activity that directly promotes the mission of The University of Montana-Missoula.

All employees, students and other individuals renting vehicles from Transportation Services, other outside vendors, or utilizing their private vehicles for University business, must comply with the State of Montana's Vehicle User Policy (ARM 2.6.203).

Potential Additional Charges:
Trailer Towing $0.05 per mile
Excessive Off-Road use $0.05 per mile
Damage Charges up to $250 (includes repairs due to damage or negligence)
Excessive Cleaning Fee $25 - $50

Day calculation begins at the time of pickup; incremental days are applied every 24 hours therafter with 1 hour grace period for turn in. Returns after 5:00 p.m. will be considered as the next day. Weekend returns will be verified on Saturday and Sunday.

In order to rent a vehicle from Transportation Services, you must be traveling on official University business and represent an approved entity. To reserve a vehicle, contact Transportation Services' dispatcher at 243-2024 or email transportation@mso.umt.edu. Once availability has been verified, complete the vehicle rental forms and return it to Transporation Services prior to the departure date. Cancellations need to be made twenty-four (24) hours prior to scheduled pickup to avoid a one day use charge.

Please Note that the form must include the names and driver's license numbers of all individuals authorized by the department or renting entity to drive the vehicle. If an individual's name does not appear on the rental form they are not authorized to drive the vehicle. When renting a 15 passenger van, the authorized driver(s) van training date must be included, or proof of a current CDL with a passenger endorsement must be provided.

Entities that are not represented by the State Risk Management and Tort Defense Division must provide Transportation Services with proof of third party liability coverage on an annual basis.

In order to rent a vehicle, you must:

• Be traveling on official University business.
• Understand and comply with the State Vehicle Use Policy.
• Identify all drivers on the vehicle rental form.
• Have a CDL with a passenger endorsement or have completed van training to drive 15 passenger vans.

Transportation Services vehicles are to be used only by authorized personnel, and shall be used only for official state business.

• University vehicles must be used exclusively for official University business. Official University business is activity that directly promotes the mission of The University of Montana-Missoula (2.6.203)
• Authorized passengers are primarily limited to individuals who are traveling on official University business. (2.6.204)
• Individuals required to drive as part of their job, must report any single driving infraction of five or more conviction points, accumulated while driving either a university or personal vehicle for state business to their supervisor within 10 day of conviction (2.6.205)
• Individuals required to drive as part of their job, must inform their supervisor when their total conviction points within the past 36 months exceed 12 points. Points must be reported to your supervisor within 10 days of accumulation if they were received while driving a vehicle for either university business or personal use. (2.6.205)
• If total accumulated points exceed 15, the individual will not be allowed to operate a university or personal vehicle for university business. (2.6.205)
• Any material false statement or use of vehicles not permitted by this agreement will require the individual to assume the full legal and financial consequences of their actions.

Animals are not allowed in the vehicles unless they are directly involved in University business.

Alcoholic beverages are not to be transported or consumed in Transportation Services vehicles.

Fines as the result of traffic violations are the responsibility of the person operating the vehicle.

If a major breakdown occurs during normal business hours, call the Transportation Services Office (406-243-2024).  After hours, or if an emergency, call UM Public Safety (406-243-4000) and they will notify the appropriate person to assist you.  All repairs must be approved.

Each University vehicle should have within the glove compartment an “In Case of Accident” Guide to assist you in the steps to take if you are in an accident. A copy of the guide can be found at: http://discoveringmontana.com/doa/rmtd/claims/incaseaccidentform.asp If you are in an accident with a University owned, rented or leased vehicle you will need to contact Kathy Benson, Insurance Coordinator at ext. 2700 or via e-mail at BensonKM@mso.umt.edu to fill out a State of Montana Report of Incident: http://discoveringmontana.com/doa/rmtd/claims/reportincidentform.asp

The University of Montana or State of Montana owned, rented, leased or borrowed motor vehicles are covered by liability insurance with liability limits of $750,000 per claimant and $1,500,000 per occurrence. This coverage provides protection to the motor vehicle operator and the University for claims filed by third parties for property damage and personal injury arising out of use of the University of Montana or State motor vehicles. UM motor pool vehicles also carry comprehensive/collision coverage, as do a few of the other departmental vehicles at that department’s request. A $250.00 deductible is the responsibility of the department owning or renting the vehicle for any damage sustained by the vehicle. Employees of the State of Montana are covered for bodily injury by Worker's Compensation insurance.  Persons not employed by the State - such as students - are not covered by Worker's Compensation insurance. 

Vehicles may be checked back in to Transportation Services 24 hours a day, any day of the year.  During work hours, drive vehicle into yard and park it on south side of Motor Pool building.  Please leave keys in vehicle and do not lock it.  After working hours, return vehicle to the parking lot in front of the (Plew) Physical Plant building.  Close windows and lock vehicle.  Deposite keys in the mail box in the front door of the (Plew) Physical Plant building.