Zippy Shell vs U-Pack: How Do They Compare?
Fact Checked by: Bottom line: U-Pack is the better choice for most long-distance moves, with pay-for-space pricing starting around $900 for a one-bedroom move under 250 miles. Zippy Shell is the stronger option for local moves, urban areas, and movers who want built-in short-term storage.
On average, moving containers cost about 30% less than hiring a full-service mover, making both companies a solid middle ground between a DIY truck rental and full-service help. This guide compares costs, container sizes, and customer reviews for both U-Pack and Zippy Shell so you can decide which one fits your move.
If the cost of moving has you ruling out full-service movers, portable moving containers deserve a close look. With the best moving container companies, you load on your own schedule and professionals handle the driving. With so many portable storage options available, knowing which provider fits your move will save you money and headaches.
In this article, we compare U-Pack and Zippy Shell, two of the most widely used moving container providers. Both are worth considering, but in most categories, U-Pack is the clear winner.
Jump to the Zippy Shell vs. U-Pack info you’re looking for:
- U-Pack at a glance
- Zippy Shell at a glance
- What Zippy Shell’s mesh container actually is
- Features and benefits comparison
- Container size chart
- How much do U-Pack and Zippy Shell cost?
- Fees and cancellation policies to know before you book
- How do Zippy Shell and U-Pack compare on customer reviews?
- Which company is right for your move?
- FAQs
Why compare moving containers with moveBuddha?
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U-Pack at a glance
U-Pack has moved more than a million families since 1997.
As a division of ABF Freight, one of the country’s largest trucking companies, U-Pack has the experience, facilities, and equipment to move shipments of all sizes quickly, efficiently, and affordably. U-Pack serves all 50 states and Washington, D.C., including rural areas that many container companies skip.
U-Pack only handles moves over 100 miles, so it is not an option for local moves.
Customers can choose from U-Pack ReloCube containers or freight trailers, so their services work well on moves of all sizes.
If a trailer makes the most sense but you’re not sure how much space you’ll need, you’ll only pay for what you use. If you order more ReloCubes than you need, U-Pack takes back the unused containers and drops them from your bill. With trailers and containers, you’ll have three days to load and another three to unload. Labor can be added if you’d rather not do the heavy lifting yourself.
If you need storage, you can keep your items at one of U-Pack’s secure, climate-controlled facilities for as long as you like, but rates and availability vary by location. Storage is generally available on all long-distance moves.
rating
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
Zippy Shell at a glance
G’day, mate!
Though Zippy Shell was founded in Australia, the company entered the US market in 2010 when the moving container business was growing by leaps and bounds.
A few years later, Zippy Shell formed an alliance with 1-800-PACK-RAT, which allowed the former competitors to streamline operations and offer more services while keeping prices low.
Zippy Shell offers both moving and storage services. Customers can load their belongings at their home or apartment. You can also save money by loading at one of the company’s terminals or storage facilities instead of using door-to-door pickup and delivery.
You may only be able to request one Zippy Shell container at a time, though the company will deliver another if you need more space. Labor can be added if you’d rather not load and unload yourself, but rates vary by location since this is contracted with a third party.
Once your container is loaded, Zippy Shell ships it to your new residence, and you’ll have up to 3 days to unload it. Zippy Shell also offers short and long-term storage at its secured, climate-controlled facilities if you won’t be moving into your new home right away. The company also offers on-site storage in some areas.
The availability of storage options varies by location, and there’s no guarantee that you’ll have access to your items while they’re in the company’s possession. This can be a deal-breaker for some families. In that case, renting a storage unit from a local company and moving your items in yourself gives you more control.
Storage for local moves can be added for an additional charge. The average cost for Zippy Shell storage is about $189 per container per month, but for storage over 45 days you may need to make an upfront payment.
- Available for local and long distance moves
- Street legal containers perfect for city parking
- Innovative metal cage containers that promote airflow
- Expedited and guaranteed delivery options
What Zippy Shell’s mesh container actually is
A Zippy Shell container is an open-frame cage with mesh walls, not a sealed metal box. When your container ships, Zippy Shell loads this mesh cage inside an enclosed 1-800-PACK-RAT trailer for transit. When your belongings go into storage at a Zippy Shell facility, the mesh cage sits in the warehouse, typically wrapped in plastic sheeting.
Here’s what the mesh design means in practice:
- Transit protection is solid: The outer trailer is fully enclosed, so your belongings are shielded from weather and road conditions during the drive. The mesh walls inside don’t create a direct exposure risk while the truck is moving.
- Warehouse storage is more exposed: In the facility, your belongings sit in an open-frame cage. Plastic wrap reduces exposure, but it doesn’t seal the container the way a solid metal enclosure would. This can be a concern if the storage period is long or if the facility has pests.
- Irregular items can catch on the mesh: Heavy or oddly shaped furniture that shifts during loading or transit can push against or through the mesh walls. Customer reviews citing damaged items frequently trace back to this design characteristic.
U-Pack’s ReloCubes are fully enclosed solid metal containers on all sides. If protecting fragile or high-value items is a priority, this is a meaningful difference between the two companies.
Zippy Shell and U-Pack features comparison
Here’s a side-by-side look at what each company brings to the table.
| Zippy Shell | U-Pack |
| Usually more affordable than full-service movers | Usually more affordable than full-service movers |
| Good option for family consolidations, young professionals moving between cities, and minimalists moving cross-country | Straightforward pricing with no hidden fees (easy-to-use website provides instant quotes) |
| Third-party labor for loading and unloading available | Moving Staffers can coordinate loading and unloading assistance |
| Containers are transported by professional drivers | Containers are transported by professional drivers |
| Equipment options include 10 and 15-foot containers | Equipment options include ReloCube moving containers and freight trailers |
| Zippy Shell containers fit in standard parking spaces, which means special permits generally aren’t required | Customers only pay for the number of containers and actual trailer space used |
| Services are available in 37 states | Large national coverage area including many rural areas; shipments can be tracked online |
| Three days each for loading and unloading | Three days each for loading and unloading |
Drawbacks to Zippy Shell and U-Pack
Both companies have real drawbacks. Here’s what to watch out for with each.
| Zippy Shell | U-Pack |
| Business hours and delivery options vary by location | No local moving services (moves over 100 miles only) |
| No online quotes. You have to call and speak with an agent to get an estimate. | Parking for moving trailers can be an issue due to their size and height |
| You pay 50% of your move balance two business days before your container is delivered | Due to deck height, trailers are more difficult and dangerous to load and unload |
| Availability of supplies like blankets and boxes varies by location | Spring-ride suspensions on moving trailers can damage fragile household goods |
| Limited 10-foot container availability and smaller national coverage area | Due to deck height, trailers can be more difficult to load and unload |
| Changing dates and services once your move is booked can be a hassle | Canceling within a week of your move means you’ll pay a fee |
| They may limit the number of containers customers can order at one time | Equipment availability can be spotty during peak summer months |
Zippy Shell and U-Pack container size chart
Container size affects both cost and what you can fit. Here’s how each company’s equipment compares.
| Equipment specs | U-Pack ReloCube | U-Pack 27-foot trailer | Zippy Shell 10-foot container | Zippy Shell 15-foot container |
| Internal dimensions (L x W x H) | 5’10” x 6’10” x 7’9″ | 27′ x 8′ x 9′ | 9’7″ x 6’4″ x 6’4″ | 15’7″ x 6’4″ x 6’4″ |
| Volume (cubic feet) | 308 | 1,800 | 420 | 680 |
| Good for | College students, studio and 1-bedroom apartments | Single-family homes | 1–2 furnished rooms and boxes | 2–3 furnished rooms and boxes |
| Types of moves | Long-distance only | Long-distance only | Local only | Local and long-distance |
| Weight limit (pounds) | 2,500 | 22,000 | 3,500 | 5,500 |
| Container | Metal | Metal | Galvanized steel mesh container | Galvanized steel mesh container |
Check out this Relocube overview for more detailed information on ReloCubes.
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How much do U-Pack and Zippy Shell cost?
Pricing for both companies varies based on distance, home size, and container type. You’ll need to contact each company directly for a quote specific to your move, but the ranges below give you a solid starting point for comparison.
Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service movers on average, according to moveBuddha pricing data.
U-Pack pricing guide
U-Pack does not charge a deposit. You are billed when your shipment is picked up. Because you only pay for the trailer space or number of ReloCubes you actually use, costs can come in below the high end of these ranges if you pack efficiently.
| Local move | Under 250 miles | Cross-country move | |
| 1 bedroom | Unavailable | $900–$1,300 | $1,500–$2,500 |
| 2 or 3 bedrooms | Unavailable | $1,100–$1,700 | $2,400–$3,900 |
| 4 or 5 bedrooms | Unavailable | $1,200–$1,900 | $3,500–$6,600 |
U-Pack isn’t always the cheapest option, but because you only pay for the space you actually use, it often beats the competition on cost. The company also offers military, student, and corporate relocation discounts.
You can reduce your rates further by loading and unloading at one of U-Pack’s service centers rather than using door-to-door delivery. U-Pack does not service local moves under 100 miles.
Zippy Shell pricing guide
Zippy Shell does not publish pricing online. You’ll need to call or submit a request to get a quote.
$5,200–$7,000The first credit card payment (50% of your total move cost) must be made two business days before your containers are delivered. Like U-Pack, you can reduce your rates by loading and unloading at one of Zippy Shell’s service centers.
The first credit card payment (50% of your total move cost) must be made two business days before your containers are delivered. Like U-Pack, you can reduce your rates by loading and unloading at one of Zippy Shell’s service centers.
Final payment is generally due when your container arrives at its destination warehouse or 31 days after your initial delivery date, whichever comes first.
Fees and cancellation policies to know before you book
Both Zippy Shell and U-Pack have surcharges and cancellation windows that can meaningfully change your final cost. Knowing these before you sign helps you compare true costs and avoid surprises.
Zippy Shell surcharges
Zippy Shell’s base quote doesn’t always capture every fee. Two charges customers commonly encounter after booking:
- Stair carry fee: If you add loading or unloading labor services to your move, Zippy Shell may charge a per-flight fee for stairs. Confirm this cost with your representative before adding labor, and ask for the exact amount in writing.
- Fuel surcharge: Some Zippy Shell contracts include a diesel surcharge that activates when diesel prices exceed a set threshold. Ask your representative whether this applies to your move and request the current rate before signing.
Cancellation fees
Both companies allow cancellations, but the fees depend on how close to your drop-off date you cancel. Here’s what each company charges:
| Company | More than 10 days before drop-off | 7–10 days before drop-off | Day of drop-off |
| Zippy Shell | No fee | $299 cancellation fee | May retain all submitted payments (typically 50% of total cost) |
| U-Pack | No fee | $50 fee (within 7 days of delivery) | $150 fee |
Pro tip: Always request a written quote from Zippy Shell that itemizes all applicable surcharges before you sign. Because pricing is quote-based and not posted online, the final contract can include fees that weren’t mentioned upfront. For more on your rights during a move, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration publishes a guide to your rights and responsibilities as a shipper.
How do Zippy Shell and U-Pack compare on customer reviews?
U-Pack generally gets better customer reviews than Zippy Shell on sites like Consumer Affairs and Trustpilot. Based on moveBuddha’s analysis of over one million verified reviews, U-Pack’s longer track record and more consistent service translate to higher satisfaction scores.
Online reviews for any moving company tend to skew negative. Customers are more likely to post when something goes wrong than when a move goes smoothly. Personal referrals from friends, family, and coworkers remain one of the most reliable ways to vet a mover before booking.
Insurance coverage is also worth comparing. Zippy Shell’s Content Protection Plans include up to $50,000 of coverage for your belongings. A container damage waiver is also available to cover damage to the container itself while it’s on your property.
U-Pack offers carrier negligence coverage at $0.10 per pound per piece, as well as catastrophic coverage at $3 per pound per piece, with maximum coverage of $60,000 per trailer and $7,500 per ReloCube.
With both providers, speak to a representative to understand exactly what types of damage or loss are covered by their plan and how much coverage will add to your total moving quote.
Which company is right for your move?
If you’re not interested in using the best interstate movers, a portable moving container is a strong alternative. U-Pack is the clear winner for most long-distance moves.
Booking with U-Pack is straightforward. You get an instant online quote, equipment is automatically matched to your move size, and you only pay for the space you use.
- Container options: Customers can choose between ReloCube containers and a 27-foot trailer, giving more flexibility than most container companies offer.
- Smart quoting: U-Pack’s system automatically recommends the right equipment for your move size, so you don’t have to guess how much space you’ll need.
- Easy add-ons: Storage, labor, and other services can be added directly through U-Pack’s website without a phone call.
- Packing supplies: U-Pack sells furniture pads, bubble wrap, shrink wrap, and tape directly, so you can order everything in one place.
- Rural coverage: U-Pack’s national network covers rural areas that many container companies skip entirely.
U-Pack pricing can run high, but you only pay for the space you actually need. The flexible pricing model is a real advantage, even with the 100-mile minimum for service.
That said, Zippy Shell is a viable option for families on the move. If you’re moving locally, from one major city to another, or need short-term storage built into the service, Zippy Shell can be the right call.
- No online quotes: Zippy Shell requires a phone call for pricing estimates, which adds time to the process compared to U-Pack’s instant online quotes.
- Transparency issues: Zippy Shell’s website makes it difficult to find detailed information about cancellation policies and service terms.
- Limited availability: Zippy Shell serves fewer states than U-Pack, and service quality can vary significantly between franchise locations.
- Container scarcity: The 10-foot container size is not available at every Zippy Shell location, which can limit options for smaller moves.
Still not sure if U-Pack is the right choice? Check out our comparison of U-Pack vs. U-Haul U-Box to see how U-Pack stacks up against another top competitor.
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FAQs
Is PODS more expensive than Zippy Shell?
PODS is generally more expensive than Zippy Shell, but their prices are usually still competitive. PODS offers wider availability in 46 states compared to Zippy Shell’s more limited coverage, and PODS containers are fully enclosed steel units rather than mesh cages.
Does U-Haul have portable moving and storage containers?
Yes, U-Haul U-Box portable storage and moving containers are available for customers who do not want to drive a moving truck. U-Box containers are smaller than most moving containers at 257 cubic feet, which can work well for studio apartments and smaller loads.
Are moving containers weatherproof?
It depends on the company. U-Pack’s ReloCubes and most PODS containers are fully enclosed metal units that protect against weather, pests, and road debris. Zippy Shell’s containers are galvanized steel mesh cages, which are loaded inside an enclosed 1-800-PACK-RAT trailer for transit but stored as open-frame cages in the warehouse. This design offers less protection than a fully sealed container during storage periods.
How do I book a move with Zippy Shell?
Start by entering your ZIP codes on the Zippy Shell website. A representative will then contact you to complete the booking, which typically includes a survey of your furniture and belongings to determine how many containers you need. Zippy Shell recommends booking at least three to four weeks before your move date. If you are moving during summer, book further in advance, as peak season fills up fast and container availability gets tight.
What are the cancellation fees for Zippy Shell and U-Pack?
Both companies allow penalty-free cancellations with enough advance notice. Zippy Shell charges a $299 cancellation fee if you cancel within 10 days of your scheduled drop-off date. Cancel on drop-off day and the company may retain all payments submitted at that point, which is typically 50% of your total cost. U-Pack charges a $50 fee for cancellations within seven days of delivery, and $150 for same-day cancellations. Confirm the current cancellation policy when you book, as terms can vary by location.
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