1-800-PACK-RAT vs. U-Pack: Comparing Service, Quality, and Price
Overall opinion: In the case of 1-800-PACK-RAT vs. U-Pack, we’d lean toward hiring U-Pack. They have some of the most transparent pricing in the entire industry, plus fast shipping times and coverage across all 50 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico. U-Pack’s long-distance pricing typically ranges from $900 to $3,900 for homes up to three bedrooms, depending on distance.
Those are just a few of the reasons we ranked U-Pack in the top moving container companies. The one exception is a local move. U-Pack only handles moves over 100 miles, so if your new place is right across town, Pack Rat is the better choice.
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Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
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ABF U-Pack and 1-800-PACK-RAT are two of the biggest names in container moving and storage. They provide similar services to one another, which means getting quotes from both (plus some other moving companies that serve your area) is a good idea before booking a move.
Container companies all operate with the same basic service. You order containers from them, which they can usually deliver to your property. Then you pack your belongings into the containers, and the company handles driving or shipping them to their final destination. It’s similar to a DIY move, but popular because it doesn’t require the person moving to haul a trailer or drive a moving truck.
While all container companies share similarities, there are differences in their services, costs, containers, and more. We compiled everything you should compare when choosing between 1-800-PACK-RAT and U-Pack right here. We also have comprehensive reviews of each company that you can check out for more information. Read on for all the details.
What are the pros and cons of Pack Rat and U-Pack?
Let’s start with the basics: the pros and cons of hiring each of these companies. Here are our favorite and least favorite features about both 1-800-PACK-RAT and U-Pack, as well as all the other pros and cons you should consider before choosing one over the other.
1-800-PACK-RAT pros and cons
Read our comprehensive review of 1-800-PACK-RAT here.
- Barn-style container doors make packing easier
- Available for both local and long distance moves
- $10k insurance included with option to purchase more
- Free lock provided for container door
What we love: One of Pack Rat’s goals is to give you the best possible price for your move, which means they’re also one of the only moving companies we know of that allows haggling over the price you’re quoted, even if the quote is already competitive.
What we don’t: Pack Rat only operates in 37 states, so it might not even have coverage in your area. If it does serve where you live, you might end up paying more because of the company’s added costs for transporting containers farther to and from its limited locations.
- Usually less expensive than full-service movers
- Full refunds up to 48 hours before move day
- 30-day minimum rental period
- $10,000 contents insurance included
- Multiple container sizes available
- Barn-style doors for easy loading
- Moving supplies available
- Free security lock included
- No online quotes or booking
- Only available in 29 states
- Monthly storage fee can’t be prorated
- Fuel surcharges not always disclosed upfront
- No Sunday deliveries
U-Pack pros and cons
Read our comprehensive U-Pack review here.
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
What we love: Besides that ultra-transparent pricing we love so much, U-Pack is owned and operated by freight shipping company ABF. That means there’s serious shipping experience behind the brand, and you can trust your belongings to arrive quickly and safely to their destination.
What we hate: U-Pack is our favorite container mover, but if you’re making a local move, they’re probably not even an option for you. They only do moves of at least 100 miles, so for cross-town movers, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
- Usually less expensive than full-service movers
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
- Instant online quotes
- Fast delivery with online tracking
- Pay only for the space you use
- Coverage in all 50 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico
- No deposit required
- Monthly storage and add-on services available
- Competitive pricing on 100–250-mile moves
- No local moves
- Three-day packing and unpacking window
- No onsite storage
- More expensive for cross-country moves
- Large freight trailer is difficult to park and pack
- Strict cancellation policy
What services and locations does each company offer?
While the basic services offered by Pack Rat and U-Pack are very similar, they’re not identical. Depending on the services you need for your move, one or the other might be a better choice for you. Here’s what Pack Rat and U-Pack offer.
| Pack Rat | U-Pack | |
| Moving | ✔ | ✔ |
| Storage at a facility | ✔ | ✔ |
| Storage on your property | ✔ | |
| Storage between destinations during a move | ✔ | ✔ |
| Delivery and pickup of containers | ✔ | ✔ |
| You pack the containers | ✔ | ✔ |
| Professionals pack the containers | Available as an add-on service | Available as an add-on service |
| Limited time to pack containers | ✔ (up to three business days) | |
| Shipment of containers to new address | ✔ | ✔ |
| Insurance included | ✔ | |
| Insurance available to purchase | ✔ | ✔ |
| Free cancelation or modification | ✔ (up to 48 hours before your move) |
U-Pack has a clear coverage advantage over Pack Rat. U-Pack serves all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada, while Pack Rat only operates in 37 states with no international coverage. Both companies are licensed interstate carriers registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
The major downside to U-Pack is that the company isn’t available for local moves. Unless you’re moving more than 100 miles, U-Pack isn’t an option, so you’ll have to go with Pack Rat or another competitor.
Here’s how availability for Pack Rat and U-Pack compares.
| Pack Rat | U-Pack | |
| Available in the U.S.? | In 37 states | All 50 states and Puerto Rico |
| Available in Canada? | No | Yes |
| Available internationally? | No | No |
How do Pack Rat and U-Pack containers compare?
Both companies offer a few different container size options, and all containers are made of metal, which means maximum weatherproofing and safety for your belongings.
While U-Pack offers fewer size options than Pack Rat, one of the features we love about U-Pack is that you can reserve an entire 27-foot tractor-trailer, and then only pay for the amount of space you actually use.
That means no guessing about how many containers you’ll need. With a container that size, you’re unlikely to run out of space, but since you only pay for what you use, you know you’re getting a good deal.
Here’s how containers offered by 1-800-PACK-RAT and U-Pack compare.
| Pack Rat | U-Pack | |
| How many container sizes available? | 3 | 2 |
| What are the container sizes? | 8-foot, 12-foot, 16-foot | 5’10” U-Pack ReloCube; 27-foot trailer (only pay for the space you use) |
| Storage available for all container sizes? | Yes | Yes |
| Cubic footage available? | 404–830 cf | 305–1,800 cf |
| Container material? | Metal | Metal |
How much does a move cost with Pack Rat or U-Pack?
Moving containers typically cost 30% less than full-service movers on average, and both Pack Rat and U-Pack fall into that range. That said, your actual price depends on several variables. Distance, home size, time of year, and fuel surcharges all play a role. Getting quotes from both companies is the only way to compare accurately for your specific route.
If you’re weighing container moving against hiring a full-service interstate moving company, containers are almost always the more affordable option. We compiled these price ranges using moveBuddha’s pricing database, which tracks more than 10,000 fresh data points each month from moves across the country. Use these as a starting point. Your actual quote will vary based on your move date and location.
Moving containers like U-Pack and Pack Rat typically cost 30% less than full-service movers on average, according to moveBuddha data.
Cost for a local move
| Pack Rat | U-Pack | |
| 1 bedroom | $150–$500 | Not available for local moves |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $200–$630 | Not available for local moves |
| 4–5 bedrooms | $340–$790 | Not available for local moves |
Cost for a move under 250 miles
| Pack Rat | U-Pack | |
| 1 bedroom | $465–$910 | $900–$1,300 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $660–$1,900 | $1,100–$1,700 |
| 4–5 bedrooms | $1,000–$3,400 | $1,200–$1,900 |
Cost for a cross-country move
| Pack Rat | U-Pack | |
| 1 bedroom | $1,200–$3,800 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $2,400–$4,600 | $2,400–$3,900 |
| 4–5 bedrooms | $5,100–$6,900 | $3,500–$6,600 |
For more accurate pricing, use our moving cost calculator below.
How do Pack Rat and U-Pack handle quotes and payment?
Getting a price from these two companies works very differently, and it matters before you pick up the phone.
Pack Rat has an online form where you enter your origin and destination zip codes and a preferred delivery date. The form returns a reference number but not a price. You still have to call customer service for the actual quote. Out-of-state moves require a $500 deposit at the time of reservation. Monthly storage fees are due when the container is delivered, and Pack Rat does not refund unused storage time once charged.
U-Pack gives you an instant price online with no phone call required. There’s no deposit to book, and you aren’t billed until your shipment is already in transit to its destination. If you need to spread the cost out, U-Pack offers financing through Affirm. Storage fees only apply if you actually need storage.
Here’s a side-by-side breakdown of how the quoting and payment process compares.
| Pack Rat | U-Pack | |
|---|---|---|
| How to get a quote | Online form, then call for price | Instant online quote |
| Deposit required | $500 for out-of-state moves | No deposit |
| When you’re billed | Deposit at booking; storage at delivery; balance after move | After shipment is in transit |
| Refund for unused storage | No | N/A — only charged if storage is used |
| Financing available | No | Yes, through Affirm |
Pro tip: Always get quotes from both companies before booking. U-Pack’s online quote takes under two minutes, while Pack Rat requires a phone call. Use our moving cost calculator to compare prices from multiple container companies at once.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 4,500+ moving companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
Pack Rat vs. U-Pack: Frequently asked questions
Can I access my belongings while they’re in storage?
Yes, if you use Pack Rat. Pack Rat allows customers to access their belongings while containers are stored at one of the company’s facilities. U-Pack stores containers at its nearest service center but does not provide customer access to stored items during that time. If being able to retrieve things from storage mid-move is important to you, Pack Rat has the edge here.
Does Pack Rat or U-Pack have better customer reviews?
Both companies have strong reputations among long-distance movers. U-Pack customers frequently cite transparent pricing and the accuracy of their final bill as standout positives. Pack Rat customers tend to highlight container quality and the flexibility of their storage timeline. For independent reviews, check our full U-Pack review and 1-800-PACK-RAT review.
rating
5 / 5
Which company is right for your move?
Whether you choose Pack Rat or U-Pack for your move depends on a lot of factors.
If you’re making a local move, Pack Rat is the better choice, since U-Pack doesn’t offer local moves.
If you’re not sure how much container space your belongings will take up, U-Pack is a great choice because of its pay-for-the-space-you-use policy for its largest trailers.
If you need to store belongings in a container on your own property, Pack Rat is the better choice, since U-Pack only offers storage at facilities. Same thing if you need extra time to pack and unpack your containers. Pack Rat allows you to take as long as you need, while U-Pack requires packing and unpacking within a few days.
But if you’re moving to or from Canada, Puerto Rico, or a state where Pack Rat doesn’t have a location, U-Pack is likely the better choice. Its national coverage makes it a strong option for many long-distance movers.
Whatever moving company you choose, you should research and compare multiple options before booking. Looking to compare U-Pack vs. U-Box, U-Pack vs. PODS, and other well-known container companies?
Before you book, compare price quotes from multiple trustworthy movers (from containers to DIY to full-service), all instant and online with moveBuddha.
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