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 - $1,300 for a one-bedroom move under 250 miles. Zippy Shell is the stronger pick for local moves and city-to-city moves where you want storage built in. This guide compares U-Pack and Zippy Shell on cost, container sizes, fees, and reviews, plus how both stack up against the best moving container companies.
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Why compare movers with 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 is U-Pack?
U-Pack is a long-distance moving container company founded in 1997 and part of ArcBest, one of the country’s largest freight companies. It operates 240+ service centers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, including rural areas many container companies skip.
U-Pack only handles moves over 100 miles, so it isn’t an option for local moves. You can choose ReloCube containers or a moving trailer, and you only pay for the space you use. If you order more ReloCubes than you need, U-Pack takes back the extras and drops them from your bill.
You get up to three business days to load and three to unload. U-Pack also offers storage at its service centers, though rates and availability vary by location.
rating
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
What is Zippy Shell?
Zippy Shell is a moving and storage container company and a division of 1-800-PACK-RAT. It operates 80+ warehouse locations across the continental U.S., but it doesn’t serve Alaska, Hawaii, or international moves.
Zippy Shell handles both local and long-distance moves, and every long-distance move includes 30 days of storage. You can load at your home or save money by loading at a Zippy Shell facility. Labor is available through third-party partners, with rates that vary by location.
You get up to three days to load and three days to unload. Zippy Shell also offers temperature-controlled warehouse storage if your new home isn’t ready, though access to your items during storage isn’t guaranteed.
- 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 is a Zippy Shell mesh container?
A Zippy Shell container is an open-frame cage with galvanized steel mesh walls, not a sealed metal box. During transit, Zippy Shell loads the cage inside an enclosed 1-800-PACK-RAT trailer. In a Zippy Shell warehouse, the cage is typically wrapped in plastic sheeting.
- Transit protection: The outer trailer is fully enclosed, so your belongings are shielded from weather and road conditions during the drive.
- Warehouse storage: Plastic wrap reduces exposure, but it doesn’t seal the cage the way a solid metal container would. That matters more on long storage stays.
- Irregular items: Heavy or oddly shaped furniture can shift and push against the mesh walls, and damage complaints often trace back to this.
U-Pack’s ReloCubes are solid metal on all sides, which is a meaningful difference if you’re moving fragile or high-value items.
Zippy Shell vs. U-Pack features comparison
Here’s a side-by-side look at what each company offers.
| Zippy Shell | U-Pack |
|---|---|
| Local & long-distance moves | Long-distance moves only (100+ miles) |
| Online quotes & booking | Instant online quotes |
| 10-foot & 15-foot mesh containers | ReloCube containers & moving trailers |
| 30 days of storage on long-distance moves | Storage at service centers |
| Containers fit in a standard parking space | Pay only for the space you use |
| 80+ warehouses in the continental U.S. | 240+ service centers in the U.S., Canada & Puerto Rico |
| Three days each to load & unload | Three business days each to load & unload |
Zippy Shell & U-Pack drawbacks
Both companies have real drawbacks. Here’s what to watch for with each.
| Zippy Shell | U-Pack |
|---|---|
| Mesh walls offer less protection in storage | No local moves |
| Hours & delivery options vary by location | Trailer parking can be tricky |
| Supplies like blankets & boxes vary by location | High trailer deck makes loading harder |
| 10-foot containers aren’t available everywhere | Fees for canceling within a week |
| No service in AK, HI, or abroad | Equipment can run short in summer |
Zippy Shell & U-Pack container size chart
Container size affects both cost and what you can fit. Here’s how each company’s equipment compares.
| Specs | ReloCube | U-Pack trailer | Zippy 10-ft | Zippy 15-ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volume | 308 cu ft | 1,800 cu ft | 420 cu ft | 680 cu ft |
| Good for | Studio or 1 bedroom | Full home | 1 - 2 rooms | 2 - 3 rooms |
| Move type | Long-distance | Long-distance | Local | Local & long-distance |
| Weight limit | 2,500 lbs | 22,000 lbs | 3,500 lbs | 5,500 lbs |
| Material | Metal | Metal | Steel mesh | Steel mesh |
See our ReloCube overview for more on U-Pack’s containers.
How much do U-Pack & Zippy Shell cost?
U-Pack costs $900 - $1,300 for a one-bedroom move under 250 miles and $1,500 - $2,500 cross-country, while Zippy Shell only gives prices through a quote. Your cost with either company depends on distance, home size, and container type.
U-Pack pricing guide
U-Pack doesn’t charge a deposit, and you’re billed when your shipment is picked up. Because you pay only for the space you use, efficient packing can bring your cost below the high end of these ranges:
| Home size | Under 250 miles | Cross-country |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | $900 - $1,300 | $1,500 - $2,500 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,100 - $1,700 | $2,400 - $3,900 |
| 4 - 5 bedrooms | $1,200 - $1,900 | $3,500 - $6,600 |
U-Pack also offers military, student, and corporate relocation discounts. You can save more by loading and unloading at a U-Pack service center instead of using door-to-door delivery.
Zippy Shell pricing guide
Zippy Shell doesn’t publish prices, so you’ll need to request a quote online or by phone. Loading and unloading at a Zippy Shell facility instead of your home can lower your cost.
Before you book either company, run your move through the moveBuddha Moving Cost Calculator. It weighs distance, home size, move date, and service level together, so you can see whether a container quote beats full-service pricing for your move.
Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service movers on average, according to moveBuddha pricing data.
What fees & cancellation policies should you know?
Both companies have fees and cancellation windows that can change your final cost, so check them before you sign.
Zippy Shell surcharges
Zippy Shell’s base quote doesn’t always cover every fee. Two charges customers commonly run into:
- Stair carry fee: If you add loading or unloading labor, Zippy Shell may charge a per-flight fee for stairs. Get the exact amount in writing before you add labor.
- Fuel surcharge: Some contracts include a diesel surcharge when fuel prices pass a set threshold. Ask whether it applies to your move before you sign.
Cancellation fees
Here’s what each company charges if you cancel:
| Company | Within 7 days | Same day |
|---|---|---|
| U-Pack | $50 | $150 |
| Zippy Shell | Partial refund possible | Partial refund possible |
Zippy Shell says you may not get a full refund if you cancel close to your service date, so confirm its current policy when you book.
Pro tip: Ask Zippy Shell for a written quote that lists every surcharge before you sign. Our guide to additional moving costs covers the fees to watch for.
How do Zippy Shell & U-Pack compare on reviews?
U-Pack generally gets better customer reviews than Zippy Shell, thanks to its longer track record and more consistent service. Zippy Shell’s reviews vary more by location, and damage complaints often involve its mesh containers.
Online reviews for any moving company skew negative, since customers are more likely to post when something goes wrong. Referrals from friends and coworkers are still one of the most reliable ways to vet a company.
Both companies include basic coverage. U-Pack includes carrier negligence and catastrophic liability coverage on every move, and Zippy Shell includes basic liability with paid upgrades available. Ask each company what types of damage or loss are covered and what extra coverage costs.
Should you choose Zippy Shell or U-Pack?
U-Pack is the clear winner for most long-distance moves, while Zippy Shell is the better fit for local moves and moves with built-in storage.
Choose U-Pack if:
- You’re moving more than 100 miles and want to pay only for the space you use.
- You want solid metal containers for fragile or high-value items.
- You’re moving to or from a rural area, Canada, or Puerto Rico.
Choose Zippy Shell if:
- You’re moving locally or between major cities in the continental U.S.
- You want 30 days of storage included on a long-distance move.
- You need a container that fits in a standard parking space.
If you’d rather skip the loading, a moveBuddha Certified full-service mover adds $1,000 in extra coverage and dispute mediation. Our list of the best interstate moving companies is a good place to start, and our U-Pack vs. U-Haul U-Box comparison covers another container option.
FAQ
Is Zippy Shell cheaper than U-Pack?
Zippy Shell is often cheaper than U-Pack for local and short moves, since U-Pack doesn’t handle moves under 100 miles. For long-distance moves, U-Pack’s pay-for-space pricing frequently costs less. Get quotes from both on the same inventory to compare.
Does U-Pack do local moves?
U-Pack doesn’t do local moves, since it only handles moves over 100 miles. For a local container move, Zippy Shell is a better option. You can also compare the best moving container companies for your area.
Is Zippy Shell part of 1-800-PACK-RAT?
Zippy Shell is a division of 1-800-PACK-RAT. Its mesh containers travel inside enclosed 1-800-PACK-RAT trailers on long-distance moves. The two companies share the same parent organization.
How long do I have to load a U-Pack or Zippy Shell container?
You have up to three days to load a U-Pack or Zippy Shell container, and another three to unload it. U-Pack counts business days. Ask either company about extra time before your delivery date if you need it.
Are Zippy Shell & U-Pack containers weatherproof?
U-Pack’s ReloCubes are weatherproof, fully enclosed metal containers. Zippy Shell’s mesh cages travel inside enclosed trailers but sit in the warehouse wrapped in plastic. That gives Zippy Shell less protection during long storage stays.
What are the cancellation fees for Zippy Shell & U-Pack?
U-Pack charges a $50 cancellation fee within seven days of your move and $150 for a same-day cancellation. Zippy Shell says you may not get a full refund if you cancel close to your service date. Confirm each company’s current policy when you book.
How far in advance should I book Zippy Shell?
You should book Zippy Shell a few weeks to a month before your move. Book earlier for peak season, which runs from late April - July. You can reserve containers up to six months ahead.
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.
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