PODS Competitors & Alternative Moving Container Companies
PODS are the best moving containers, but every portable storage company has different size containers, services options, and, most importantly, different pricing. So shopping around for an alternate to PODS is generally a wise decision.
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. There’s also MovingPlace, which offers better options for last-minute moves and U-Haul U-Box which offers more affordable pricing for small moves.
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While PODS is one of the biggest and best moving container companies out there, you should always compare them to other major storage container competitors. Not to worry, here we’ll walk you through the top five PODS competitors — U-Pack, Zippy Shell, 1-800-Pack-Rat, and U-Haul U-Box — including everything you need to know to compare the companies.
PODS Competitors: A breakdown of costs and services
| U-Pack | PODS | 1-800-PACK RAT | Zippy Shell | Moving Place | |
| Container sizes | 28-foot freight trailers and ReloCube containers | 8, 12, and 16-foot containers | 8, 12, and 16-foot containers | 10 and 15-foot containers (the 10-footers aren’t available everywhere) | 28-foot and 53-foot trailers |
| Container material and design | Enclosed, metal | Enclosed, metal | Enclosed, metal | Metal cage | Enclosed, metal |
| Storage availability | Yes, but only at a company facility | Yes, at your place or theirs | Yes, at your place or theirs | Yes, but only with 15-foot containers at a company facility | Temporary storage for three months, but only at a company facility |
| Average local move cost* | Not available for local moves | $200 – $800 | $150 – $790 | $190 – $750 | Not available for local moves |
| Average long-distance move cost* | $900 – $6,600 | $450 – $7,600 | $910 – $6,900 | $500 – $7,000 | $1,100 – $4,700 |
| Why it’s better | Larger national coverage area (all 50 states), competitive pricing | Unlimited loading/unloading time and coverage in 45 states | Barn-style doors are easier to load | Metal cage-style containers are better for items that need airflow | No advance notice needed so you can plan a last-minute move |
*These local and long-distance cost figures were calculated using data from moves of various sizes and distances. Scroll down to the “how much do moving containers cost?” section for more detailed pricing information.
In this post, we’ll look at everything you need to know about the top PODs competitors to help you get the services you want for a price you can afford.
Pressed for time? Skip to the section you’re interested in:
- Pricing
- The Competition
- ABF U-Pack
- 1-800-PACK-RAT
- Zippy Shell
- MovingPlace
- U-Haul U-Box
- PODS
- Which Should You Choose?
- Other Container Companies
How does PODS costs stack up?
PODs costs are generally competitive, but some moving container companies are better choices for certain kinds of moves than others. To make comparison easy, we collected data for each of the following companies across various move types.
Just keep in mind that they’re only averages. With so many factors affecting moving costs, it’s always a good idea to request personalized quotes from the companies you’re considering. Think of these figures as a starting point, but remember that your costs may differ from what’s listed here.
Estimated container costs on local moves
| PODS | U-Box | U-Pack | Zippy Shell | Pack Rat | |
| 1 bedroom | $200 – $400 | $150 – $600 | Not available for local moves | $190 – $240 | $150 – $500 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $300 – $650 | $300 – $700 | Not available for local moves | $300 – $630 | $200 – $630 |
| 4-5 bedrooms | $300 – $800 | $300 – $800 | Not available for local moves | $350 – $750 | $340 – $790 |
Experiencing information overload? If so, check out this head-to-head comparison between PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT, and U-Pack.
Estimated costs for container moves under 250 miles
| PODS | U-Box | U-Pack | Zippy Shell | Pack Rat | |
| 1 bedroom | $450 – $800 | $450 – $1,000 | $900 – $1,300 | $500 – $920 | $465 – $910 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $750 – $1,900 | $700 – $2,000 | $1,100 – $1,700 | $730 – $1,600 | $660 – $1,900 |
| 4-5 bedrooms | $900 – $2,100 | $800 – $3,000 | $1,200 – $1,900 | $1,100 – $3,100 | $1,000 – $3,400 |
Estimated costs for cross-country container moves
| PODS | U-Box | U-Pack | Zippy Shell | Pack Rat | |
| 1 bedroom | $2,000 – $4,000 | $1,200 – $3,500 | $1,500 – $2,500 | $1,800 – $3,900 | $1,200 – $3,800 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,000 – $4,900 | $2,500 – $4,500 | $2,400 – $3,900 | $2,800 – $4,500 | $2,400 – $4,600 |
| 4-5 bedrooms | $5,500 – $7,600 | $4,000 – $7,000 | $3,500 – $6,600 | $5,200 – $7,000 | $5,100 – $6,900 |
Price is important, but you’ll also want to consider services, coverage area, availability, reputation, and experience when choosing a moving container company. Check out our moving estimate calculator for a better idea on pricing.
Alternatives to PODs
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ABF U-Pack: Long-distance moves with seriously competitive pricing
U-Pack is one of the best PODs competitors. They’re hard to beat when it comes to competitive prices and a large national coverage area, but PODS may be a better choice if you’re moving locally or need more than three days to load and unload.
rating
5 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Here’s how PODS and U-Pack match up in the following key areas:
| U-Pack | PODS | |
| Cost | $$ | $$$ |
| Types of moves | Only long-distance moves | Local and long-distance moves |
| Coverage area | All 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada | About 45 U.S. states |
| Interior space | 28-foot freight trailers have about 1,944 cubic feet of interior volume, and you only pay for the space you use (not the space you reserve) | PODS’ 16’ containers have 857 cubic feet of interior space (if one 16-footer isn’t big enough, you’ll have to pay for a second container) |
| Loading/unloading time | Three business days | Unlimited |
| Parking | Trailers require around 40′ of parking space. Urban areas can be a challenge | Containers are smaller and can fit in the driveway/on the street |
| Insurance included | Yes | No |
One big difference between these top-notch companies is that PODS offers local and long-distance moving services, while U-Pack only handles long-distance moves. On the other hand, PODS “only” covers about 45 U.S. states compared to all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and Canada for U-Pack.
Both companies offer multiple container sizes, but PODS customers get unlimited loading and unloading time, while U-Pack customers are generally limited to three days for each.
It’s also worth noting that U-Pack’s quotes include basic insurance, but PODS’ quotes do not.
Read our comprehensive U-Pack review here or check out our look at U-Pack vs. U-Haul U-Box for more in-depth comparisons.
Janna’s experience with U-Pack
Janna recently participated in our Better Moves Project by sharing her experience with U-Pack on her move from San Antonio, Texas, to New York City.
Janna got three other quotes but selected U-Pack because the company came through with the cheapest price for the services she needed. Janna experienced minor delays and container parking issues in New York, but U-Pack communicated effectively, provided accurate and transparent pricing, and got her items where they needed to be safely and efficiently.
1-800-PACK-RAT: container moves designed to fit your budget
1-800-PACK-RAT and PODS offer similar pricing and identical container sizes, but there are a few subtle differences worth considering.
Here’s how 1-800-PACK-RAT and PODS compare:
| 1-800-PACK-RAT | PODS | |
| Cost | $$$ | $$$ |
| Types of moves | Local and long-distance moves | Local and long-distance moves |
| Coverage area | About 30 U.S. states | About 45 U.S. states |
| Largest container | Their largest option is a 16’ container (you’ll need to pay for a second container if you need more space, but you can use a smaller 8′ or 12′ unit) | Their largest option is a 16’ container (you’ll need to pay for a second container if you need more space, but you can use a smaller 8′ or 12′ unit) |
| Loading/unloading time | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Interior space | 16-foot containers have about 830 cubic feet of interior space | 16-foot containers have 857 cubic feet of interior space |
| Door style | Barn-style | Roll-up |
Both 1-800-PACK-RAT and PODS offer similar pricing, identical container sizes (8′, 12′, and 16′), and unlimited loading and unloading time.
However, 1-800-PACK-RAT’s containers have barn-style doors that open outward, whereas PODS doors open up and back into the container. Loading and unloading are generally easier with barn-style doors, but door type isn’t usually an issue unless you plan on packing your container from floor to ceiling.
Before choosing one of these two companies, keep in mind that PODS has a larger national coverage area and is usually a better option for long-distance moves than some of their PODs competitors.
Batool’s experience with 1-800-PACK-RAT
In February of 2022, Batool moved from Woodland, California, to Austin, Texas, for a new job. After considering full-service movers and moving containers, she decided that 1-800-Pack-Rat offered the best mix of price and services.
Batool experienced a few minor service issues, but when it was all said and done, 1-800-PACK-RAT delivered her items on time and on budget. Batool would consider using 1-800-PACK-RAT again, but she’d also shop around for a cheaper PODs competitor.
Zippy Shell: tons of add-ons at bare-bones prices
Danielle and her fiance considered various truck rental and moving container companies before relocating from Virginia to Florida in the summer of 2022.
rating
4.2 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Then after a week-long search for the perfect mover, Zippy Shell came through with the lowest estimate and best pre-move customer service. 
Customers like Danielle generally love Zippy Shell’s super competitive pricing and street-legal containers, but PODS may be a better option on some long-distance moves.
There were a few minor glitches on Danielle’s move, but Zippy Shell picked up and delivered her household goods on time, on budget, and without loss or damage.
Needless to say, she’d consider using Zippy Shell again on a future move.
If you’re contemplating a container move like Danielle’s, here’s how Zippy Shell and PODS compare in the following key areas:
| Zippy Shell | PODS | |
| Cost | $$ | $$$ |
| Types of moves | Local and long-distance moves | Local and long-distance moves |
| Coverage area | About 30 U.S. States | About 45 U.S. states |
| Space | Their largest option is a 15′ container with about 625 cubic feet of interior space (they also have 10′ units, but they’re not available everywhere) | Their large 16’ containers have 857 cubic feet of interior space |
| Loading/unloading time | Three days each for loading and unloading | Unlimited |
| Parking | Street-legal containers are perfect for city parking | Containers are smaller and can fit in the driveway/on the street |
| Container material | All metal cages that promote airflow | Enclosed, all metal |
Zippy Shell and PODS both offer local and long-distance moving services, but PODS has a significantly larger national coverage area and allows customers unlimited time to load and unload
Each company’s containers work well when moving from and to urban areas where parking is limited, but Zippy Shell’s cage-style containers are definitely the way to go if you’re shipping or storing items that need to “breathe.”
Read our comprehensive Zippy Shell review here.
MovingPlace: Two trailer sizes and car shipping, too
MovingPlace is head and shoulders above the competition when it comes to offering full-size trailers for really big moves.
rating
4.0 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Here’s how MovingPlace and PODS’ prices, services, and equipment compare:
| MovingPlace | PODS | |
| Cost | $$ | $$$ |
| Types of moves | Moves over 250 miles only | Local and long-distance moves |
| Coverage area | National coverage (the number of states isn’t specified) | About 45 U.S. states |
| Space | Their largest 53′ trailers have more than 3,600 cubic feet of interior space | Their large 16’ containers have 857 cubic feet of interior space |
| Loading/unloading time | Three days for loading and three days for unloading | Unlimited |
| Parking | Parking can be an issue with 28′ and 53′ trailers | Containers are smaller and can fit in the driveway/on the street |
| Availability | Often available on short notice | Need to book well in advance (especially during the peak summer moving season) |
MovingPlace’s cavernous 28′ and 53′ trailers are solid choices for big DIY moves, but they’re only available on moves over 250 miles, and parking can be a problem in tight urban areas and apartment complexes.
Customers generally get three days each for loading and unloading compared to unlimited time with PODS, but we love that MovingPlace can often provide equipment on short notice when container companies can’t.
MovingPlace is definitely worth considering if you’re OK with doing the loading and unloading yourself but would rather leave the driving to professionals.
Read our comprehensive review of MovingPlace review here.
Matt’s experience with MovingPlace
In the summer of 2022, Matt hired MovingPlace to help move his family from Berkeley, California, to St. Paul, Minnesota.
In addition to MovingPlace’s competitive pricing, Matt liked that his quote included fuel, transportation, door-to-door delivery, and basic insurance.
Matt ended up doing more work than expected due to a last-minute mix-up at MovingPlace, but the company delivered his items on time, without loss or damage, and for less than the original quote.
U-Haul U-Box: customizable, budget-friendly moves
U-Haul is most well-known for its orange and white rental trucks, but its U-Box moving containers are cost-effective alternatives for small studio and 1-bedroom apartment moves.
rating
3.95 / 5
89% of users select this mover
Here’s how PODS and U-Box stack up in a head-to-head competition:
| U-Box | PODS | |
| Cost | $ | $$$ |
| Types of moves | Local and long-distance moves | Local and long-distance moves |
| Coverage area | All 50 U.S. states, Canada, and many foreign countries | About 45 U.S. states |
| Space | U-Box only offers one container size that has about 257 cubic feet of interior space | Their large 16’ containers have 857 cubic feet of interior space |
| Loading/unloading time | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Pick-up/delivery | Optional. You can choose to pack and unpack at a U-Haul facility to save money | Customers can choose door-to-door, door-to-terminal, or terminal-to-terminal service |
| Container material | Treated plywood (each container comes with a weatherproof cover) | Enclosed, all metal |
U-Box consistently delivers far lower prices than the competition, and the company’s small wooden containers are great choices for cost-conscious customers who are moving locally, from state to state, or to another country.
U-Box customers have unlimited time to load and unload their containers, and they can choose door-to-door service or load and unload at a company facility if they’d like to save a few bucks.
Read our comprehensive U-Haul U-Box review here.
Jarom’s move with U-Box
Jarom, his wife, and their dog recently moved from Springville, Utah, to Tampa, Florida.
To take advantage of a $500 relocation grant and to help anyone planning a move like his, Jarom participated in our Better Moves Project by sharing his experience with U-Box.
Jarom was determined to keep his moving costs as low as possible, but he wasn’t willing to skimp on quality or work with a fly-by-night mover.
Jarom moved during the peak summer season, but U-Box came through with an accurate quote, top-notch communication, and professional service from beginning to end.
See how U-Box compares to PODS and U-Pack here.
And now, without further ado, let’s talk about PODS.
PODS: container moving and storage from an industry pioneer
Peter Warhurst founded PODS in 1998 after coming up with a unique moving and storage container concept that ultimately reshaped the relocation industry.
rating
4.8 / 5
89% of users select this mover
As a market leader with more than five million moves under its belt, it’s no wonder that so many customers rely on PODS for their local and long-distance moving and storage needs.
With three convenient container sizes, a large national coverage area, and competitive prices on moving and storage, we definitely recommend getting a quote from PODS.
Read our comprehensive PODS review here
Bethany’s experience with PODS
Bethany recently moved from Oakland, California, to Arlington, Virginia, for work and to be closer to her family.
Using a PODS container made the most sense because full-service movers were prohibitively expensive, and a 2,800-mile road trip in a rental truck just wasn’t an option.
In her Better Moves Project survey, Bethany praised PODS for pricing accuracy, timeliness, and communication. She’d use PODS again on a future move and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the company to anyone planning a move like hers.
PODS vs. the competition: which moving company is right for you?
We hope this comparison is helpful, but at the end of the day, we can’t tell you which of these companies (if any of them!) is right for your move. Every move is unique, and it’s up to you to find the moving company that best matches your own needs.
In some cases, you may even have better luck renting a truck (from a company like Penske) or biting the bullet and hiring a full-service mover.
Either way, why not compare prices from different service providers you can trust (including PODs competitors), all in one place? moveBuddha can help with instant quotes from full-service, container, and DIY movers.
Other moving container companies and PODs competitors worth checking out
Before signing off, check out these helpful moving resources:
- Moving container cost calculator: Get a free, personalized, and instant estimate of your move. Just enter the date, size, and where you’re moving to/from, and we’ll instantly tell you how much your move should cost.
- Best moving pods companies competitors: Ready to pick from one of PODS’ competitors? We’ve listed the best moving containers here!
- Best interstate moving companies: PODS and other moving containers are a great option. However, a true moving company offers more services and an easier move. Get to know the best moving companies in the country.
- PODS pricing: Learn the details about how much PODS cost.
- Cheapest moving containers: PODS is one of the most affordable container company, but there are others worth checking out
- Cheap Ways to Move Out of State
- The Best Moving Companies for Small Shipments
- You Load, You Drive – Moving With a Rental Truck
- Home Depot Truck Rental Company Review
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