THE VERDICT: U-Pack barely edges out PODS. U-Pack’s transparent pricing, quick delivery times, and extensive national coverage for long distance moves put the company ahead of the competition.
U-Pack and PODS are heavyweights in the moving and storage container niche.
PODS pioneered the use of portable containers nearly three decades ago
U-Pack is backed by shipping giant ABF
Though the companies offer similar services, there are subtle differences.
We compiled pricing, service, and availability data to help you decide whether to use PODS or U-Pack.
Before reading on, check out these helpful resources:
How much will your move cost? – Our moving cost calculator is a great resource. Just enter your move dates, origin and destination cities, and the estimated size of your move, and let the magic algorithms do the rest
Best interstate movers – The moving industry is full of shady players. With so much at stake, it’s worth hiring a top-rated long-distance mover with verified customer reviews
Best moving container companies – It’s simple. You load and unload, they drive, and you save big bucks
Moving containers should be sturdy and weatherproof to keep your items safe during transit.
PODS and U-Pack use high-quality metal containers that are available in multiple sizes.
Here’s how they stack up:
PODS
U-Pack
Number of different container sizes
3
2
What are the container sizes?
7-foot
12-foot
16-foot
5’10” U-Pack Relocube 27’ (interior length) U-Pack trailer – only pay for the space you use
Storage available for all container sizes?
Yes
Yes
Interior space (in cubic feet)
390-1,008
305-1,800
Container material
Metal
Metal
Takeaways –
PODS has three metal container sizes to choose from
U-Pack customers can choose Relocubes or freight trailers
With freight trailers, customers only pay for the floor space they use
PODS vs. U-Pack: how much do container moves cost?
We get it; price is important.
Cost for local moves
PODS cost
U-Pack cost
1 bedroom
$200 – $400
No local moves
2-3 bedrooms
$300 – $650
No local moves
4-5 bedrooms
$300 – $800
No local moves
Cost for moves under 250 miles
PODS cost
U-Pack cost
1 bedroom
$450 – $800
$900 – $1,300
2-3 bedrooms
$750 – $1,900
$1,100 – $1,700
4-5 bedrooms
$900 – $2,100
$1,200 – $1,900
Cost for long-distance moves
PODS cost
U-Pack cost
1 bedroom
$2,000 – $4,000
$1,500 – $2,500
2-3 bedrooms
$3,000 – $4,900
$2,400 – $3,900
4-5 bedrooms
$5,500 – $7,600
$3,500 – $6,600
Just remember, these are “ballpark” figures.Your actual move costs will vary based on:
Your origin and destination locations
When you move
How much you have
Average fuel cost at the time of your move
Which company you use
PODS vs. U-Pack: which moving container company is right for you?
U-Pack is our top pick for several reasons, but other companies may be a better fit for some customers.
In the end,PODS and U-Pack are both solid choices.Check out the following two posts to see what recent participants in our Better Move Project said about their moves.
THE VERDICT: U-Pack barely edges out PODS. U-Pack's transparent pricing, quick delivery times, and extensive national coverage for long distance moves put the company ahead of the competition. U-Pack and PODS are heavyweights in the moving and storage container niche.
PODS and U-Pack both feature nationwide availability and multiple container size options, but each provider is uniquely suited to different move types. PODS offers three container size options for local moves, while U-Pack provides more cost-effective options for larger long-distance moves.
The average cost of PODS is $3,810 while U-Pack's average price is $4,500. PODS is below the industry average, while U-Pack is above. PODS has three steel-framed containers (8, 12, and 16-foot containers), U-Pack has one metal container called a ReloCube that's 6 ft.
Compared to PODS, storage containers from 1-800-PACK-RAT have all-steel walls, frames, and doors and are the most weatherproof containers available. PODS wood moving containers have steel beams, aluminum skin, and vinyl semi-transparent roofs, and can't match the quality.
U-Haul's U-Box is one of the most affordable ways to move locally or long-distance, but its containers are small and lower in material quality. PODS offers larger, tougher containers for large moves, but the company is typically more expensive, and it's available in fewer locations.
U-Pack offers services at an often-more-affordable price than full-service competitors because you do the packing. Despite its self-service model, the company does partner with a number of companies to do the packing if you don't want to do the work yourself.
The best PODS competitors include U-Pack — thanks to a large national coverage area and competitive pricing —, 1-800-Pack-Rat because of their easier to load barn-style doors, and Zippy Shell's street-legal containers that are ideal for city moves.
One JUUL pod contains 20 cigarettes worth of nicotine.
In fact, young people who use e-cigarettes are four times more likely to go on to smoke cigarettes than their peers who do not vape. (Interested in quitting?
Juul Labs reports that each 5% (nicotine-by-weight) cartridge contains approximately 40 mg nicotine per pod and is 'approximately equivalent to about 1 pack of cigarettes'.
PODS's top competitors include Zippy Shell, Master Removers, and 1-800-Pack-Rat. Zippy Shell provides portable storage and moving solutions. The company offers services including self-packing options, secure storage facilities, and long-distance mov…
PODS has lower initial prices than 1-800-PACK-RAT, but 1-800-PACK-RAT often has lower final prices (because of discounts and aggressive price matching). PODS typically has lower prices for small homes and short distances, while 1-800-PACK-RAT is usually more affordable for big houses and long distances.
The following items are prohibited from being placed in your U-Box container: Living organisms. Flammable/combustible liquids (gasoline, alcohol, paint thinner, etc.) Hazardous materials (corrosives, bleach, ammonia, etc.)
The average cost of a move with PODS is about $350 to $550 for local moves and about $5,700 for long-distance moves. The size of the container you choose and your moving distance are the primary factors that influence cost, but your moving date and delivery fees can also impact price.
For example, while you might expect to pay up to $5,000 for a 1,000-mile move with PODS, you're likely to pay between $5,500 and $9,200 for professional movers to travel the same distance.
Sizes: The inside of each ReloCube measures 70” x 82” x 93” and can hold up to 2,500 pounds – or roughly one full room of furniture and boxes. U-Pack provides an easy Moving Space Estimator tool to help customers figure out exactly how many ReloCubes they will need to order for their upcoming move.
For a limited time only, 1-800-PACK-RAT will beat any comparable portable storage competitor's price. Whether you're moving across town or across the country, give us a call to get the best rates available.
Introduction: My name is Mrs. Angelic Larkin, I am a cute, charming, funny, determined, inexpensive, joyous, cheerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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