Moving Container Comparison 2026 — PODS vs U-Pack vs 1-800-PACK-RAT
Moving containers let you pack on your schedule and skip driving a truck across the country. The three biggest players are PODS ($350 to $5,500), U-Pack ($1,800 to $4,200), and 1-800-PACK-RAT ($350 to $5,000). This guide compares pricing, container sizes, storage, and flexibility so you can pick the best company for your move.
Calculate Your Moving Cost →PODS vs U-Pack vs 1-800-PACK-RAT: Head-to-Head
| Factor | PODS | U-Pack | 1-800-PACK-RAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Container Sizes | 8, 12, 16 ft | ReloCube (6x7x8 ft), Trailer | 8, 12, 16 ft |
| Local Move Cost | $350-$700 | N/A (long-distance focus) | $350-$650 |
| Long-Distance Cost | $2,500-$4,500 | $1,800-$3,500 | $2,200-$4,200 |
| Storage Options | On-site or facility | Warehouse only | On-site or facility |
| Delivery Time | 3-5 business days | 2-5 business days | 3-5 business days |
| Availability | Nationwide (48 states) | Nationwide (48 states) | Major metros (limited) |
| Loading Flexibility | 30 days included | 3 business days | 30 days included |
| Monthly Storage Cost | $150-$250/mo | N/A | $130-$220/mo |
Prices reflect 2-bedroom home estimates based on 2025-2026 market rates. Actual costs vary by season, distance, and location. U-Pack pricing is for long-distance moves only.
PODS Review
PODS (Portable On Demand Storage) is the most recognized name in moving containers. They offer three container sizes, nationwide availability across 48 states, and the most flexible loading timeline in the industry with 30 days included. PODS containers are delivered to your driveway on a patented low-ride frame for easy ground-level loading.
Container Sizes
8/12/16 ftPODS offers three sizes: 8-foot (studio or single room, holds about 500 cu ft), 12-foot (1 to 2 bedrooms, holds about 830 cu ft), and 16-foot (2 to 3 bedrooms, holds about 1,160 cu ft). For 4+ bedroom homes, you can order multiple containers.
Pricing Structure
$350-$5,500PODS quotes are based on container size, distance, season, and location. Local moves run $350 to $700. Long-distance moves (1,000+ miles) cost $2,500 to $4,500 for a single container. Cross-country moves reach $3,800 to $5,500. Prices include container delivery, pickup, and transport.
Storage & Flexibility
30 days includedEvery PODS move includes 30 days of on-site storage. You can keep the container in your driveway and pack at your own pace. Additional months cost $150 to $250 depending on size. PODS also offers secure facility storage at $100 to $200 per month if you do not want the container at your home.
Availability & Coverage
NationwidePODS operates in 46 US states (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, North Dakota, and Wyoming) plus Canada, Australia, and the UK. They have over 250 storage facilities nationwide, making them the most widely available container moving company.
PODS Pros
- - 30 days of included storage -- the most in the industry
- - Ground-level loading with patented PODZILLA system
- - Nationwide availability with 250+ facilities
- - Strong online tracking and customer portal
- - Stable pricing during peak season compared to trucks
PODS Cons
- - Most expensive container option for long-distance moves
- - Weight limits of 4,700 to 5,200 lbs per container
- - Not available in all 50 states
- - Scheduling can take 3 to 5 business days for delivery
- - HOA restrictions may prevent driveway container placement
U-Pack Review
U-Pack is a division of ABF Freight, one of the largest freight carriers in North America. Their unique "pay for what you use" model means you only pay for the space your belongings actually occupy inside the trailer or the number of ReloCubes you fill. This makes U-Pack consistently the cheapest long-distance container option.
Container Options
ReloCube / TrailerU-Pack offers two options: ReloCubes (6x7x8 ft individual containers holding about 335 cu ft each, equivalent to a large closet) and trailers (28-foot trailers where you load your portion and a divider separates your items from shared freight space). Most 2-bedroom moves need 2 to 3 ReloCubes.
Pricing Model
$1,800-$4,200U-Pack quotes are based strictly on distance and space used. You get an instant online quote. A 1,000-mile move costs $1,800 to $3,000 for 2 to 3 ReloCubes or $2,200 to $3,500 for trailer space. Cross-country moves run $2,500 to $4,200. You only pay for the ReloCubes you fill -- unused cubes are free to cancel.
ABF Freight Backing
2-5 day transitU-Pack benefits from ABF Freight infrastructure with terminals in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada. Your belongings ride on the same freight network that handles commercial shipments, with transit times of 2 to 5 business days for most routes. ABF has operated since 1941.
Loading Timeline
3 days load/unloadU-Pack gives you 3 business days to load at origin and 3 business days to unload at destination. This is more restrictive than PODS or 1-800-PACK-RAT, which offer 30 days. However, the shorter timeline is reflected in the lower price. No on-site storage is available.
U-Pack Pros
- - Cheapest long-distance container option by 20-40%
- - Pay only for space you use -- unused cubes are free
- - Instant online quotes with no hidden fees
- - ABF Freight network covers all 50 states
- - Fast transit times (2 to 5 business days)
U-Pack Cons
- - Only 3 business days to load and unload
- - No on-site storage option available
- - Not ideal for local moves (long-distance focus)
- - ReloCubes are smaller than PODS/PACK-RAT containers
- - Trailer option means shared space with freight
1-800-PACK-RAT Review
1-800-PACK-RAT offers a similar service to PODS with competitive pricing and strong storage options. Their containers are made from steel-framed, weather-resistant construction and are available in three sizes. Pricing is zipcode-based, which means rates can vary significantly depending on your origin and destination markets.
Container Sizes
8/12/16 ft1-800-PACK-RAT offers three sizes: 8-foot (studio or single room, about 400 cu ft), 12-foot (1 to 2 bedrooms, about 750 cu ft), and 16-foot (2 to 3 bedrooms, about 1,100 cu ft). Their containers are built with a steel frame and translucent roof panels for natural light during loading.
Zipcode-Based Pricing
$350-$5,000Unlike PODS, which uses a national rate structure, 1-800-PACK-RAT prices vary heavily by zipcode. Local moves cost $350 to $650. Long-distance moves (1,000 miles) run $2,200 to $4,200. In competitive markets (major metros), PACK-RAT often undercuts PODS by 10 to 20%. In rural areas, availability may be limited.
Storage Options
$130-$220/mo1-800-PACK-RAT includes 30 days of on-site storage with your move. Additional months cost $130 to $220 depending on container size. They also offer secure facility storage at company-owned warehouses. Their storage rates are generally 10 to 15% cheaper than PODS.
Availability
Major metros1-800-PACK-RAT operates in major metropolitan areas across the US but has more limited coverage than PODS or U-Pack. They serve most cities with populations over 100,000 but may not be available in rural areas or smaller towns. Always check availability for your specific zipcodes before comparing quotes.
1-800-PACK-RAT Pros
- - Often 10-20% cheaper than PODS in metro areas
- - 30 days included storage with lower monthly rates
- - Steel-frame containers with translucent roof panels
- - Strong customer service and damage claim process
- - Competitive zipcode-based pricing in major markets
1-800-PACK-RAT Cons
- - Limited availability outside major metro areas
- - Pricing varies widely by zipcode -- hard to predict
- - Fewer storage facilities than PODS nationwide
- - Less brand recognition and fewer online reviews
- - May require longer lead times in some markets
Cost Comparison by Distance
| Distance | PODS | U-Pack | 1-800-PACK-RAT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local (under 50 mi) | $350-$700 | N/A | $350-$650 |
| 500 miles | $2,000-$3,200 | $1,500-$2,400 | $1,800-$3,000 |
| 1,000 miles | $2,500-$4,500 | $1,800-$3,000 | $2,200-$4,200 |
| 2,000+ miles | $3,500-$5,500 | $2,500-$4,200 | $3,000-$5,000 |
Estimates based on a 2-bedroom home (12-foot container or 2-3 ReloCubes) at 2025-2026 average rates. U-Pack does not offer local-only moves. Actual costs vary by season, market, and availability.
Which Container Company Is Best For You?
Best for Budget: U-Pack
If keeping costs low is your top priority, U-Pack is the clear winner. Their pay-for-what-you-use model and ABF Freight network make them 20 to 40% cheaper than PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT for long-distance moves. The tradeoff is a tighter loading timeline (3 days) and no on-site storage option. Best for people who can pack quickly and do not need extended storage.
Best for Flexibility: PODS
If you need time to pack, want on-site storage during your transition, or value maximum flexibility, PODS is the best choice. With 30 days included, the widest national coverage, and both on-site and facility storage options, PODS removes the time pressure from your move. They are the most expensive option, but the convenience premium is worth it for families, multi-step moves, or anyone between homes.
Best for Storage Needs: 1-800-PACK-RAT
If you need affordable long-term storage along with your move, 1-800-PACK-RAT offers the best value. Their monthly storage rates are 10 to 15% lower than PODS, they include 30 days with your move, and their steel-frame containers are built for durability. The limitation is geographic coverage -- check that they serve both your origin and destination before committing.
Best for Local Moves: PODS or 1-800-PACK-RAT
U-Pack does not offer local moves, so your choice is between PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT. Both charge $350 to $700 for a local container move with 30 days included. In major metros, 1-800-PACK-RAT is often $50 to $100 cheaper. In smaller cities, PODS has better availability. For a quick local move on a tight budget, a truck rental ($29 to $150) may still be the cheapest option.
Compare Your Moving Container Costs
Enter your move details into the free calculator to estimate total costs for PODS, U-Pack, 1-800-PACK-RAT, truck rentals, or full-service movers -- including all the hidden fees most people miss.
Open Free Moving Cost Calculator →Moving Container FAQ
Which moving container company is the cheapest?
U-Pack is generally the cheapest moving container option for long-distance moves because you only pay for the space you use. A typical 2-bedroom long-distance move costs $1,800 to $3,500 with U-Pack compared to $2,500 to $4,500 with PODS and $2,200 to $4,200 with 1-800-PACK-RAT. For local moves, PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT are competitively priced at $350 to $700, while U-Pack focuses primarily on long-distance moves.
How do moving containers work?
A moving container company delivers a portable storage container to your home. You pack and load the container yourself (or hire labor), and the company picks it up and transports it to your new address. You unload at your destination. Most companies offer flexible timelines, giving you days or weeks to pack instead of the single-day rush of a truck rental. You do not need to drive a large vehicle yourself.
How long can I keep a moving container?
PODS includes 30 days with your move and charges $150 to $250 per additional month. 1-800-PACK-RAT includes 30 days and charges $130 to $220 per additional month. U-Pack gives you 3 business days to load at origin and 3 business days to unload at destination, with no extended on-site storage option. For long-term storage needs, PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT are better choices.
Are moving containers cheaper than hiring movers?
Yes, moving containers typically cost 30 to 50% less than full-service movers. A 2-bedroom long-distance move costs $2,000 to $4,500 with a container company versus $4,000 to $8,000 with full-service movers. The tradeoff is that you handle the packing and loading yourself. You can hire loading labor separately for $200 to $500 to split the difference.
What size moving container do I need?
For a studio or 1-bedroom apartment, an 8-foot container (PODS/1-800-PACK-RAT) or 1 ReloCube (U-Pack) is sufficient. For a 2-bedroom home, a 12-foot container or 2 to 3 ReloCubes works well. For a 3-bedroom home, use a 16-foot container or 3 to 4 ReloCubes. For 4+ bedrooms, you may need two large containers or a U-Pack trailer. Most companies offer free size consultations.
Can I track my moving container during transit?
PODS offers online tracking through your PODS.com account so you can monitor your container location and estimated delivery date. 1-800-PACK-RAT provides tracking through their customer portal. U-Pack allows tracking through their website using your order number. All three companies provide customer service phone lines for real-time status updates during transit.
What happens if my container is damaged or my belongings are damaged?
All three companies offer contents protection plans. PODS offers plans from $10 to $23 per month covering $5,000 to $150,000. 1-800-PACK-RAT offers similar coverage starting at $12 per month. U-Pack provides basic carrier liability coverage included in the price with optional additional coverage. Your homeowners or renters insurance may also cover belongings in transit -- check your policy before purchasing additional coverage.
Do moving container companies load and unload for you?
No, moving container companies deliver and transport the container, but loading and unloading is your responsibility. However, all three companies can connect you with local loading labor. PODS partners with loading companies ($200 to $500). 1-800-PACK-RAT offers labor referrals in most markets. U-Pack provides a labor referral service through their website. You can also hire independent movers through platforms like HireAHelper or Moving Help.