U-Pack Review 2025: Real Customer Experiences
Here’s the bottom line: U-Pack is one of the top recommendations on our list of the best moving container companies, offering unmatched value for long-distance DIY moves.
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
If you’re looking to save money on an upcoming move by using containers, U-Pack is an excellent choice, earning a spot as one of the cheapest moving container companies.
When our reader Chloe hired U-Pack for her 800-mile move from California to Utah, she was impressed by how flexible and affordable the company was, creating a near-perfect moving experience.
Chloe is one of hundreds of readers we’ve interviewed through our Better Moves Project. Read on to learn how she and other U-Pack customers rated their experience and to get our take on the company.
Pros & cons of moving with U-Pack
- Typically less expensive than full-service movers
- Fast delivery times and online shipment tracking
- Pay only for the space you use with U-Pack’s freight trailer
- Instant quotes for all moves
- Nationwide, rural, and international availability
- Only allows three business days to load and unload
- No local moves
- Only has eight-foot containers for storage, which must be stored at a facility
- Charges fee for cancelations within a week of a move
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What customers had to say about U-Pack
We talked to several U-Pack customers to get a sense of the company’s overall customer experience. Here are their biggest takeaways.


Chloe appreciated U-Pack’s punctuality and reliability. Her containers were picked up and delivered on time, which helped keep her cross-state move stress-free.
Although there was some minor damage during transit since Chloe packed and loaded everything herself, she thought the move went smoothly.
Shiri was also impressed with U-Pack’s efficient service when she relocated from Tarzana, CA, to Beaverton, OR. Like Chloe, there were no delays, and her belongings arrived in excellent condition.
Shiri’s only unexpected challenge came from the higher-than-anticipated third-party labor costs. Even so, she found U-Pack to be a cost-effective alternative to a full-service mover. Both Chloe and Shiri said U-Pack’s transparent pricing and dependable service stood out.


Everyone’s individual moving experiences are unique, so it’s helpful to compare multiple reviews. Here are a few more firsthand insights from U-Pack customers.




U-Pack pricing: How much it costs to move
U-Pack’s pricing can vary based on how many containers you need, how long you need storage, and how far you’re moving.
In June 2022, Ryan and his family moved from Portland, Oregon, to Westlake, Ohio. Before booking his move with U-Pack, Ryan got the following quotes:
Company | Estimated Cost |
---|---|
Zippy Shell | $5,009.00 |
1-800-PACK-RAT | $5,155.25 |
U-Pack | $5,761.00 |
PODS | $6,124.74 |
North American Van Lines | $12,612.19 |
Using a U-Pack trailer wasn’t the cheapest option, but Ryan felt comfortable with the company’s solid reputation, positive reviews, and top-notch customer service.
Moving costs with U-Pack can vary pretty drastically depending on the specifics of your move.
Here’s what some recent U-Pack customers paid for their moves:
Better Moves Participant | Approximate Distance | Route | Cost |
---|---|---|---|
Chloe D. | 785 miles | Fresno, CA, to Salt Lake City, UT | $2,952 |
Shiri W. | 830 miles | Tarzana, CA, to Beaverton, OR | $2,540 |
Ryan T. | 2,400 miles | Portland, OR, to Westlake, OH | $5,761 |
Gillian J. | 735 miles | Charlotte, NC, to New Orleans, LA | $1,146 |
Jason W. | 2,735 miles | Corvallis, OR, to Seneca, SC | $4,561 |
Check out our moving cost calculator to easily compare your U-Pack estimate to other companies.
U-Pack services
U-Pack’s services are a little different than full-service moving companies. U-Pack drops off a container, you pack and load it, and then U-Pack comes to pick it up and drop it off at your new home.
From there, you’ll do the unloading and unpacking. It’s a hybrid move option that can save money but requires more time and effort.
U-Pack’s services include:
- Portable storage container (ReloCube): This eight-foot container is ideal for smaller moves and long-term storage at a U-Pack facility.
- 28-foot freight trailers: If you’re making a larger long-distance move, U-Pack’s freight trailer is a better option.
- Moving supplies: You can purchase moving supplies directly from them, which isn’t always an option with container companies.
- Transportation: While you pack, load, and unload yourself, U-Pack’s professional drivers handle the logistics of transporting your belongings.
- Storage: For a monthly fee, U-Pack can store your ReloCubes at a secure facility, but not at your home, while storage is limited for short-distance moves.
- Insurance: U-Pack provides catastrophic liability coverage at $3 per pound up to $60,000 per trailer and $7,500 per ReloCube. You can also purchase additional coverage to insure your belongings against loss or damage in the case of carrier negligence liability.
U-Pack sizes
U-Pack offers two container sizes—an eight-foot ReloCube and a 28-foot freight trailer.
Let’s take a look at the differences between the Relocube and freight trailers:
ReloCube | Freight trailer | |
---|---|---|
Capacity | Studio apartment | 3+ bedroom home |
Best for | Smaller moves and locations with limited parking | Larger moves |
Types of moves | Long-distance only (more than 100 miles) | Long-distance only (more than 100 miles) |
Storage available | Yes, but only at a company facility | No |
Internal dimensions | 5’10” x 6’1″ x 7’9″ | 27′ x 8′ x 9′ |
Interior volume | 305 cubic feet | 1,800 cubic feet |
Container material | Metal | Metal |
Weight limit | 2,500 lbs | 22,000 lbs |
If you’re on the fence between a ReloCube and a freight trailer, remember that containers are easier and safer to load and unload because they sit directly on the ground.
Freight trailers have more interior space, but they’re 8 feet tall inside, which means loading and unloading can be tricky, and you’ll need to use a walk board (provided by U-Pack).
Where is U-Pack available?
U-Pack is available in all 50 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico. They have more than 240 service centers nationwide, and you can hire them for long-distance moves anywhere in the country.
Unfortunately, U-Pack isn’t available for local moves, but they’re well worth considering if you’re moving more than 100 miles. We found that U-Pack is especially competitive on moves in the 100- to 250-mile range.
How U-Pack stacks up against the competition
Let’s compare U-Pack to two of its biggest competitors: PODS and U-Haul’s U-Box.
Company | Our rating | BBB score | State availability |
---|---|---|---|
U-Pack | 5/5 | A+ | 50 states |
PODS | 4.8/5 | A+ | 46 states |
U-Haul U-Box | 4.15/5 | A+ | 50 states |
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U-Pack vs. PODS
PODS is also a competitively priced moving container company, but it edges U-Pack out by servicing local moves. That said, U-Pack has locations in all 50 U.S. states. PODS isn’t available in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
PODS has U-PACK beat in container sizes, too, with three container sizes to accommodate moves of all sizes. In short, choose PODS over U-Pack if you need more than the eight-foot container but less than a freight trailer. It’s also a better consideration for moves of less than 150 miles.
Read Michele’s story below to learn about her experience moving with PODS.


U-Pack vs. U-Haul U-Box
While U-Pack may be available in all 50 states, its actual number of locations doesn’t hold a candle to U-Haul U-Box.
U-Pack has two size options compared to U-Box’s one eight-foot container. But U-Box is likely better if you need long-term storage due to its location convenience and last-minute availability.
Both companies offer similar third-party assistance for packing, unpacking, and moving labor. However, U-Pack’s overall reputation tends to fare better than U-Haul.
Take a look at Jarom’s positive experience moving with U-Box for more insights.


How moving with U-Pack works
U-Pack makes booking and moving hassle-free. Here’s a closer look at how moving with U-Pack works.
1. Get quotes online
U-Pack’s website provides instant free quotes and transparent pricing. It also makes adding storage to your order a breeze.
In addition to guaranteed prices with no hidden fees, U-Pack’s online quotes automatically default to the least expensive option, whether it’s a ReloCube container or a freight trailer.
You can also easily add loading and unloading labor during the quote process if you’d rather not do the heavy lifting yourself.
2. Book your move
Once you get your quote, you can book online immediately or hang onto your reference number for future use if you’re not ready to commit. Don’t forget to ask about discounts for students, seniors, and active military personnel.
After reserving your moving dates and equipment, you can modify your quote up to the day before your containers are scheduled to be delivered.
Unfortunately, you could pay steep fees if your plans change and you need to cancel your reservation, up to $150 if you cancel within 24 hours of your scheduled drop-off date.
3. Make your move
Here’s how the actual U-Pack moving process works:
- Drop-off: Your empty container or freight trailer gets delivered to your current address.
- Loading: You have up to three days to load it. You can add loading labor with your order at most locations..
- Storage: If you need storage, U-Pack takes your ReloCube container to a secure storage facility.
- Delivery: If storage isn’t needed, U-Pack delivers your container or trailer to your new home or apartment.
- Return: You have three days to unload it yourself, or you can hire movers on your own or through U-Pack to help.
On his relocation from Oregon to Ohio, our reader Ryan hired loading and unloading labor and left the driving to the professionals at U-Pack.
His household goods arrived in Ohio in just 13 days. That said, delivery windows vary based on when you’re moving, the distance of your move, and whether you use containers or a freight trailer.
FAQ
Where will U-Pack drop off my items?
U-Pack will drop off your items in your driveway or a parking lot or street nearby, unless you opt for storage at one of their facilities.
They can’t deliver items to driveways with more than a 5% grade or slant. it’s also important to make sure you get parking permits if your city requires them.
What is the minimum mileage for U-Pack?
U-Pack has a minimum mileage of 150 miles. It doesn’t handle any local moves.
What does U-Pack do with your items?
U-Pack transports your items to their destination location after you load them. If you have a delay between your current housing and your new arrangements, you can store your Relocube indefinitely. You can store your freight trailer for up to 120 days.
What are the different sizes of U-Pack?
U-Pack offers two size options: the eight-foot Relocube container and the 28-foot freight trailer. If you don’t need the whole freight trailer, you’ll only pay for the space you use.
Does U-Pack offer insurance coverage?
Since U-Pack requires you to pack and load items yourself, they do not cover damage as a result of poor packing. They do offer carrier negligence liability and catastrophic liability coverage for your items.
Who is U-Pack best for?
U-Pack is best for customers who:
- Can load and unload their containers within three days
- Want to hire loading and unloading labor and build their own hybrid move
- Live in rural areas that other companies don’t service
- Are moving to Canada or Puerto Rico
Our rating methodology
At moveBuddha, we conduct extensive research on moving container companies using our unique methodology so we can provide reliable recommendations. Each company’s analysis is determined by the following metrics:
- Customer satisfaction (30%): For this metric, we interview Better Moves Project participants for their real-life perspectives and look at third-party reviews on Google, TrustPilot, the BBB, and elsewhere.
- Standard services (20%): We look at how a moving container company’s services stack up against its competitors — especially any added or missing services.
- Reputation (15%): This metric is based on industry ratings (including membership in professional organizations), compliance with government regulations, and insurance options.
- Add-on services (10%): We look at the number of add-on services and perks —such as climate-controlled storage and third-party labor help — the company offers in addition to their standard services.
- Availability (10%): We evaluate the availability of the company in each state, as well as the types of moves (local, long-distance, and cross-country) it offers.
- Type of mover (5%): The type of service a moving company provides — such as full-service vs. DIY — can directly impact your experience.
- Payment (5%): We determine how easy it is for moving customers to review their charges and make a payment, including the type of payment options available.
- Scheduling (5%): We also look at how easy it is to schedule your move, including what is needed to get an estimate or how the company addresses delays.
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