PODs Competitors: 5 Alternatives to PODS with Reviews

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Most people assume portable storage containers are all the same. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Every portable storage company has different size containers, different service options, and, most importantly, different pricing.

In fact, it’s not uncommon for long-distance moving quotes between storage container companies to differ by thousands of dollars. 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, including everything you need to know to compare the companies.

  • 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 Competitors: Ready to pick from one of PODS’ competitors? We’ve listed the best moving containers here!
  • Best 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.

Otherwise, read on to learn about five of the biggest PODS competitors: U-Pack, Zippy Shell, 1-800-Pack-Rat, and U-Haul U-Box.

The top moving container companies at a glance

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

*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:

PODS competitors: how much do container moves cost?

Hybrid container moves are so popular because customers can save a bundle by doing the loading and unloading themselves (or booking labor through a company like HireAHelper), and best of all, the driving is handled by professionals.

Moving container companies generally have competitive prices, but some 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.

PODS alternatives: meet the competition

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a more in-depth look at the following reputable, nationwide PODS competitors:

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.

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 review of U-Pack here.

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.

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89% of users select this mover

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

container packed with household items

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.

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89% of users select this mover

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.

Then after a week-long search for the perfect mover, Zippy Shell came through with the lowest estimate and best pre-move customer service. danielle headshotCustomers 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 review of Zippy Shell here.

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89% of users select this mover

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.

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 here.

Matt’s experience with MovingPlace

man carrying moving box

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.

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89% of users select this mover

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.

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 review of U-Haul U-Box here.

Jarom’s move with U-Box

U-Haul U-Box PODs competitor

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.

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89% of users select this mover

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.

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 review of PODS here

Bethany’s experience with PODS

real life PODS competitor customer

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.

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89% of users select this mover

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

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