PODS vs U-Pack (Head-to-Head): Comparing 2 of Our Top Picks for Container Moving
THE VERDICT: U-Pack barely edges out PODS.
U-Pack’s transparent pricing, quick delivery times, and extensive national coverage area 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
How the moving container business works
It couldn’t be easier –
1. You get quotes online or over the phone
2. You schedule a time to have your empty container(s) delivered
3. You load the container at your own pace (or hire labor through a company like HireAHelper)
4. The company transports your container to your new home
5. You unload it
6. They pick it up when it’s empty
PODS vs. U-Pack: pros and cons
Let’s start with the pros and cons.
Take a look, then read on for more comprehensive reviews.
PODS: multiple container sizes, lenient change, and cancellation policies
| PODS pros | PODS cons |
|
|
What we like:
- PODS offers tons of flexibility
- 30-day rentals mean you can take your time loading and unloading and use your container for storage
- Full refunds on date changes and cancellations made at least one day before your scheduled service date
- All-around peace of mind
What we don’t like:
- Capacity may be an issue during peak times
- It may be necessary to book your container up to six months before your move (this isn’t feasible for most customers)
Read our full review of PODS here.
Check out our in-depth breakdown of PODS pricing here.
U-Pack pros and cons
ABF U-Pack: long-distance moves with seriously competitive pricing
| U-Pack pros | U-Pack cons |
|
|
What we like:
- Transparent pricing with a no-hidden-fee guarantee
- Customers can choose from moving containers and freight trailers
- Online quotes for all moves
- Fast transit times
What we don’t like:
- No local moves or moves under 100 miles
- Tall containers make loading and unloading tricky
Read our full U-Pack review here.
PODS vs. U-Pack: services and availability
| PODS | 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 | |
| Free time for loading, unloading, and storage | Up to 30 days | Up to three business days |
| Shipment of Containers to New Address | ✔ | ✔ |
| Insurance Included | ✔ | |
| Insurance Available to Purchase | ✔ | ✔ |
| Free Cancelation or Modification | ✔ (Up to the day before your move) |
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Takeaways –
- PODS customers have 30 days for loading, unloading, and storage
- You can’t store U-Pack containers on your property
- U-Pack has strict cancellation and change policies
PODS vs. U-Pack: where are services available?
Coverage area is another factor worth considering when choosing a container company.
| PODS | U-Pack | |
| Available in the U.S.? | In 44 states | All 50 states and Puerto Rico |
| Available in Canada? | Yes | Yes |
| Available internationally? | Yes, in Australia | No |
Before deciding on a container company, confirm that your origin and destination locations are in their service area.
Takeaways –
- U-Pack services more states than PODS
- Both companies service Canada
PODS vs. U-Pack: who has better containers?
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?
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