U-Pack Review 2026: Real Customer Experiences

Here’s the bottom line: U-Pack is one of the best values for long-distance DIY moves. Better Moves Project customers paid $1,146–$5,761 for U-Pack moves of 735–2,735 miles. Below, we cover U-Pack’s costs, services, equipment sizes, and customer reviews, plus why U-Pack ranks among our best moving container companies.

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5

Pros & cons of moving with U-Pack

  • Cheaper than most full-service movers
  • Pay only for the trailer space you use
  • Free instant online quotes 24/7, no phone call needed
  • No deposit and Affirm financing available
  • Online tracking & transit averaging four to six business days
  • Serves all 50 states, Canada & Puerto Rico
  • First 30 days of ReloCube storage free
  • Only three business days to load & unload
  • Built for interstate moves, not local ones
  • Storage only at U-Pack service centers

Why moveBuddha:

  • On average, moveBuddha users save more than 30% by comparing movers before booking.
  • When you choose a moveBuddha Certified mover, you get $1,000 in added move coverage, plus dedicated support throughout your move.
  • If something goes wrong, moveBuddha provides dispute mediation with Certified movers to help resolve the issue and protect your move.

What do customers say about U-Pack?

Most U-Pack reviewers report on-time deliveries and prices that held to the quote. As of October 2026, U-Pack holds an A+ BBB rating, has been BBB-accredited since 2001, and averages 4.58 out of 5 stars across 126 BBB customer reviews. On Trustpilot, U-Pack scores 4.9 out of 5 from more than 1,400 reviews.

The complaints that do come up focus on damaged items and slow handoffs at destination service centers. U-Pack doesn’t cover damage caused by how you pack or load, so careful packing matters more than it would with a full-service mover.

What did Better Moves Project participants say about U-Pack?

We interviewed U-Pack customers through our Better Moves Project, part of the 1 million+ reviews moveBuddha has analyzed to rank movers. All four participants below would recommend U-Pack.

Chloe moved a one-bedroom home 785 miles from California to Utah for $2,952. Her containers arrived on time, and she rated U-Pack 5 out of 5 despite minor damage to items she packed herself.

Shiri paid $2,540 to move a three-bedroom home from California to Oregon with no delays or damage. Her only surprise was third-party labor costing more than she expected.

Freddy stored his belongings at a U-Pack service center for two months before delivery. He recommends confirming loading locations and door-to-door delivery in your area before you book.

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Chloe's Move with U-Pack
“U-Pack checked all my boxes. Their competitive prices, shipping model (You load, we drive), and rock-solid reputation appealed to me. The company was the perfect balance between affordability and convenience, and I give U-Pack 5 out of 5.”
From
CA
To
UT
Cost
$2,952
Size
1 bdrm
Read The Full Story
mover
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Shiri's Move with U-Pack
“I chose U-Pack since they were the most budget-friendly option and had consistently good reviews for customer service. I liked how U-Pack handled the majority of the process. Every time I called the local dispatchers, they answered promptly and assisted. They were quick to deliver the containers and there was no damage.”
From
CA
To
OR
Cost
$2,540
Size
3 bdrms
Read The Full Story
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Freddy's Move with U-Pack
“I’d recommend U-Pack with the caveat of making sure you get clear confirmation about loading and unloading locations and door-to-door delivery in your area. I moved between states and stored my items for two months at a freight center. Delivery took 12 days. I probably wouldn’t use this option if money were not an object, but if you’re looking for a storage container on a budget, U-Pack is a good option.”
From
GA
To
IL
Cost
$1,438
Size
1 bdrm
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Sree's Move with U-Pack
Sree’s moving experience with U-Pack was exemplary, with few complaints, but we aren’t surprised. With decades of experience, their track record speaks for itself.
From
TX
To
MN
Cost
$2,352
Size
1 bdrm
Read The Full Story

Before you book, moveBuddha’s free calculator shows what a move like yours typically costs, so you can tell whether a U-Pack quote is a good deal.

What do BBB & Trustpilot reviewers say about U-Pack?

Recent BBB and Trustpilot reviewers praise U-Pack’s tracking, timelines, and friendly staff. Negative reviews describe items damaged in transit and poor communication between U-Pack and the ArcBest service centers that handle delivery.


“Everything was on time, it was easy to track it, they were really kind and they had a lot of patience, thank you so much.”

  Erick B., Trustpilot


“Everyone was friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. No hidden surprises.”

  David H., BBB


“The central problem was the disconnect between U-Pack and the ArcBest terminals.”

  Ian P., BBB


How much does U-Pack cost?

U-Pack moves cost $1,146–$5,761 for Better Moves Project participants moving 735–2,735 miles. U-Pack’s pricing depends on your distance, your dates, and how much space you use, since you pay per ReloCube or per linear foot of trailer space, with a 5-foot minimum.

Every U-Pack quote includes equipment, delivery, transportation, fuel, and standard liability coverage. U-Pack requires no deposit and charges your card only after your shipment is in transit. U-Pack accepts credit and debit cards, PayPal, and Affirm, which lets you split the cost of your move into monthly payments.

Here’s what recent U-Pack customers paid for their moves:

Customer Move Distance (miles) Cost
Gillian J. NC to LA 735 $1,146
Chloe D. CA to UT 785 $2,952
Shiri W. CA to OR 830 $2,540
Ryan T. OR to OH 2,400 $5,761
Jason W. OR to SC 2,735 $4,561

U-Pack isn’t always the cheapest option. Before booking his move with U-Pack, Ryan collected these quotes for his family’s move from Portland, Oregon, to Westlake, Ohio:

Company Quote
Zippy Shell $5,009.00
1-800-PACK-RAT $5,155.25
U-Pack $5,761.00
PODS $6,124.74
North American $12,612.19

Ryan chose U-Pack for its reputation, positive reviews, and customer service, even though two container companies quoted less. His U-Pack quote still came in at less than half of North American’s full-service price.

Pro tip: Ask for a U-Pack promo code before you book. U-Pack lists $100 off for active military with code DITY10, an extra $50 off for veterans with code MIL50, and $50 off for students with code CAMPUS. Our guide to moving container discounts covers more ways to save.

moveBuddha’s moving cost calculator weighs distance, home size, move date, and services together, so you get a price range for your actual move to measure a U-Pack quote against.

What services does U-Pack offer?

U-Pack is a hybrid moving service: U-Pack handles the driving, and you handle the packing, loading, and unloading. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service movers on average, according to moveBuddha pricing data. The tradeoff is more of your own time and effort.

U-Pack’s services include:

  • ReloCube containers: Each ReloCube holds about one room of furniture and belongings. You pay only for the ReloCubes you use, no matter how many you reserve.
  • 28-foot freight trailers: U-Pack’s moving trailer fits a three- to four-bedroom home. You pay only for the linear feet you fill, with a 5-foot minimum, and U-Pack provides a heavy-duty loading ramp rated for 1,000 pounds.
  • Transportation: U-Pack’s sister company ABF Freight drives your shipment, with transit averaging four to six business days in the continental U.S. U-Pack Guaranteed locks in a specific delivery date or window.
  • Storage: U-Pack stores ReloCubes for as long as you need, and the first 30 days are free. Trailers can stay up to 120 days, billed every 30 days. All storage is at U-Pack service centers, isn’t climate controlled, and stays sealed until delivery.
  • Service center loading: You can save money by loading or unloading at one of U-Pack’s service centers instead of getting door-to-door delivery.
  • Moving labor: U-Pack drivers don’t load or unload, but U-Pack can refer you to HireAHelper for a local crew at either end of your move.
  • Sales support: U-Pack’s sales consultants are available 24/7 by phone and chat to help with quotes and bookings.
  • Military PPM moves: U-Pack handles military PPM moves (formerly called DITY moves) and provides the weight tickets you need for reimbursement when you request them.
  • Moving supplies: U-Pack doesn’t sell moving supplies. It points customers to major retailers for boxes and locks, in stores or online.
  • Liability coverage: U-Pack includes catastrophic coverage of $3 per pound, up to $60,000 per trailer and $7,500 per ReloCube, for fire, collision, overturn, or theft. Default carrier negligence coverage is $0.10 per pound, and upgrades to $1–$3 per pound cost $75–$175.

What sizes do U-Pack containers & trailers come in?

U-Pack offers two equipment sizes: the 8-foot ReloCube container and the 28-foot freight trailer. The ReloCube suits small moves and tight parking, while the trailer suits larger homes.

ReloCube Trailer
Fits About one room Three- to four-bedroom home
Interior (D x W x H) 5’10” x 6’10” x 7’9″ 27′ x 8′ x 9′
Loading space 308 cubic feet About 1,944 cubic feet
Weight limit 2,500 pounds 22,500 pounds
Pricing Per container Per linear foot
Storage ✓ No time limit ✓ Up to 120 days

If you’re on the fence, the ReloCube is easier to load. The trailer floor sits 48 inches off the ground, so you’ll load with a heavy-duty ramp that U-Pack provides, rated for 1,000 pounds. Our guide to what fits in a U-Pack container can help you estimate how many ReloCubes you need.

Where is U-Pack available?

U-Pack serves all 50 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico through more than 240 service centers. That reach makes U-Pack a strong option for rural moves that other container companies don’t serve.

U-Pack specializes in long-distance moves, which it defines as moves of more than 100 miles across state lines. Shorter interstate moves are still a strong fit, and U-Pack says its pricing is especially competitive on moves of 100–250 miles.

How does U-Pack compare with PODS & U-Box?

PODS and U-Haul’s U-Box are U-Pack’s two biggest moving container competitors. moveBuddha scores all three across 72 data points covering reputation, licensing, pricing transparency, and customer service.

U-Pack vs. PODS

PODS beats U-Pack on local moves and container choice. PODS offers 8-, 12-, and 16-foot containers, so it’s a better fit if you need more space than one ReloCube but less than a full trailer.

U-Pack wins on coverage. U-Pack serves all 50 states, while PODS doesn’t serve Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, or Wyoming. Our PODS vs. U-Pack comparison breaks down pricing in more detail.

Michele used PODS for her move of more than 2,000 miles from California to Colorado.

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Michele's Move with PODS
“I feel like I got my money’s worth because my stuff arrived when they said it would and overall was in great shape. I thought this would be significantly more stressful to move over 2000 miles, but the movers made it stress-free.”
From
CA
To
CO
Cost
$13,462
Size
3 bdrms
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5

U-Pack vs. U-Haul U-Box

U-Haul U-Box offers one container size with 257 cubic feet of space, smaller than a 308-cubic-foot ReloCube. U-Box also has more pickup locations, which makes it more convenient for long-term storage and last-minute bookings.

U-Pack offers two equipment sizes and a stronger reputation than U-Haul overall. For a long-distance move larger than a few rooms, U-Pack’s trailer is the better value.

Jarom moved a one-bedroom home from Utah to Florida with U-Box.

mover
moveBuddha icon
Jarom's Move with U-Haul
They are a lot cheaper than their competitors and often will end up being cheaper than renting your own moving truck since you’ll need to pay for lodging, food, gas, etc. I would recommend them because every step of the move was communicated to me and my items arrived safely to our new destination and I didn’t have to stress or worry about them.
From
UT
To
FL
Cost
$2,650
Size
1 bdrm
Read The Full Story
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5

How does moving with U-Pack work?

Moving with U-Pack takes three steps: get a quote, book your dates, and load your equipment while U-Pack handles the drive.

Get a quote online

U-Pack’s website gives free instant quotes 24/7, with no phone call or in-home visit required. Quotes cover equipment, transportation, fuel, and standard liability with no hidden fees, and you can add storage or loading labor before you book.

Book your move

Book your U-Pack move online right away or save your quote number for later. Ask about discounts for students, seniors, and active military personnel and veterans.

You can reschedule drop-off or pickup through your U-Pack dashboard until 5 p.m. one business day before. Canceling is free more than seven days out, but it costs $50 within seven days of your move and $150 on move day.

Load, ship & unload

Here’s how the U-Pack moving process works:

  • Drop-off: U-Pack delivers your empty ReloCube or trailer to your driveway, an approved parking lot, or the street.
  • Loading: You get up to three business days to load, not counting weekends. Keeping equipment longer costs $50 per day per ReloCube and $250 per day per trailer.
  • Transit or storage: U-Pack drives your shipment to your new home or holds it at a service center if you need storage.
  • Delivery: You can track your shipment at each stage through your online U-Pack dashboard until it arrives.
  • Unloading: You get another three business days to unload, either yourself or with a crew you hire.

Ryan hired loading and unloading labor for his move from Oregon to Ohio, and his belongings arrived in 13 days. Delivery times vary based on your dates, distance, and equipment.

Who is U-Pack best for?

U-Pack is best for budget-minded customers making long-distance moves who can pack and load themselves. It’s a weaker fit for local moves or anyone who needs full-service help.

  • Fast loaders: U-Pack gives you three business days to load and three to unload, so it works best if you have the time and help.
  • Hybrid movers: U-Pack pairs well with hired loading labor if you want to build a hybrid move for less than full service.
  • Rural movers: U-Pack’s 240+ service centers reach areas that other container companies don’t serve.
  • Canada & Puerto Rico movers: U-Pack serves both, which few container companies do.

moveBuddha’s pricing tools run on 1,000+ live price points collected every month, so you can check whether a U-Pack quote is fair before you book. If U-Pack isn’t the right fit, compare it with other top moving container companies below.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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  • Price matching
  • 10% discount
  • Local/long dist.
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ mile moves

U-Pack FAQs

Is U-Pack legit?

Yes, U-Pack is a legitimate long-distance moving company that has operated since 1997. U-Pack holds an A+ BBB rating and has been BBB-accredited since 2001. It’s owned by ArcBest, whose ABF Freight network transports your shipment. U-Pack operates under Moving Solutions Inc., which the FMCSA lists as a household goods freight forwarder (USDOT 2632086, MC 914011).

What is the minimum distance for a U-Pack move?

U-Pack handles moves of more than 100 miles across state lines, which is how it defines a long-distance move. U-Pack doesn’t offer local moves, but it says its pricing is especially competitive on shorter interstate moves of 100–250 miles. PODS and U-Box both serve local customers.

How long do you have to load a U-Pack container?

You have up to three business days to load a U-Pack container or trailer, and another three to unload it. Weekends don’t count toward those days. Extra days cost $50 per ReloCube or $250 per trailer.

Where will U-Pack drop off my container?

U-Pack will drop off your container in your driveway, an approved parking lot, or on the street. U-Pack needs a solid, level surface with room to open the doors and use the ramp. Check whether your city, HOA, or landlord requires a parking permit.

Does U-Pack include insurance?

Yes, U-Pack includes free catastrophic coverage of $3 per pound for fire, collision, overturn, or theft. Default coverage for carrier negligence is only $0.10 per pound, so consider an upgrade. U-Pack doesn’t cover damage caused by your own packing or loading.

Can you store your belongings with U-Pack?

Yes, you can store your belongings with U-Pack at one of its service centers. ReloCubes can stay as long as you need, with the first 30 days free, and trailers can stay up to 120 days. U-Pack doesn’t offer storage at your home.

Is U-Pack cheaper than PODS?

U-Pack is often cheaper than PODS on long-distance moves, but it depends on your route and how much space you use. On one move from Portland, Oregon, to Westlake, Ohio, U-Pack quoted $5,761 and PODS quoted $6,124.74. Compare quotes for your route before you book.


How we chose the best moving companies

The moveBuddha team has spent nearly 10 years evaluating moving companies using a rigorous review system to identify the best moving companies. Our thorough methodology evaluates each moving company's services, cost, customer service, and reputation:

Moving services (35%):
We verify operating authority, insurance, and service scope against FMCSA/SAFER and state databases. We confirm availability via standardized mystery-shopping calls (packing tiers, storage type, specialty handling, delivery windows, valuation), and then review contracts alongside complaint and claims patterns over time.

Customer feedback (28%):
We run structured post-move surveys through our Better Moves Project with verifiable documentation. We emphasize on-time performance, care of goods, and estimates’ accuracy, and we investigate outliers before they influence scores.

Online reviews (7%):
We aggregate ratings across multiple third-party sites to reduce platform bias, analyze overall trends and company response behavior, and discount obvious spam/fake signals such as sudden bursts, duplicate language, and low-history profiles.

State availability (12%):
We confirm USDOT numbers, broker vs. carrier status, and any required state permits, then score a state-by-state service matrix that accounts for coverage gaps, seasonal limits, and lane strength. We award additional credit for documented cross-border or specialty lanes.

Additional services (12%):
We verify whether add-ons are performed in-house or subcontracted, look for crew training/certifications for high-value or oversized items, count only documented offerings (tariffs, photos, written service descriptions) confirmed via mystery shopping, and reward robust pre-move planning (virtual surveys, itemized crating).

Quotes/Payment options (6%):
We test standardized move profiles to assess estimate type (binding, not-to-exceed, non-binding), line-item transparency, and disclosed surcharges, require clear written policies for deposits, refunds, and cancellations, and award points for secure, flexible payment methods and customer portals.

Ryan Carrigan
Ryan Carrigan is the co-founder of moveBuddha and a leading voice in the moving industry, helping hundreds of thousands of Americans make smarter, safer relocation decisions each year. With more than a decade of experience analyzing moving companies, pricing trends, and industry regulations, Ryan brings hands-on industry knowledge and data-driven insight to every guide and review. His research has been featured in Forbes, Consumer Reports, The New York Times, and NBC News.

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