Cheapest Moving Container Companies

Cheapest moving container companies compared

If you’re on a budget, compare the cheapest moving container companies to find the lowest overall prices for your move.

Moving container costs

Because most moving container companies use location-based quote systems, final costs vary significantly depending on distance, container size and time of year. Companies like U-Haul U-Box, Zippy Shell, 1-800-PACK-RAT, U-Pack and PODS calculate pricing differently based on logistics and space requirements. In many cases, overall price differences are influenced more by route and timing than by dramatically different base pricing structures.

Comparing container sizes

Container size is worth thinking about before you commit. PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT offer a few size options, so you're not paying for a half-empty container.

U-Haul’s U-Box is available in one standardized size, so customers may need multiple containers for larger moves.

U-Pack uses a pay-for-the-space-you-use model for its moving trailers and also offers ReloCube containers, allowing customers to pay based on the amount of space required.

Moving container availability

Availability varies by provider. U-Haul and U-Pack both offer nationwide service across the U.S., with U-Pack also servicing Canada and Puerto Rico. PODS operates in most U.S. states, while 1-800-PACK-RAT and Zippy Shell serve select markets. Customers in rural areas may need to confirm service availability before booking.

Cheapest moving containers by move type

The type of move you’re making determines which moving container company is cheapest. A short, cross-town move calls for a different provider than a cross-country trip, and the same goes for moving a studio apartment versus a larger family home. Container size options, pricing structure and storage availability all vary by company.

Cheapest local moving containers

For short-distance moves, container size and delivery flexibility may matter more than long-haul transport features.

• U-Haul offers a single-size U-Box container and allows customers to transport containers themselves or schedule delivery.
• Zippy Shell and PODS offer multiple container sizes and door-to-door delivery options.

Because pricing is location-based, final costs depend on distance, availability and timing.

Cheapest long-distance moving containers

When it comes to cross-country and long-distance moves, transportation structure and space flexibility may be more important.

• U-Pack offers a pay-for-the-space-you-use trailer option as well as smaller ReloCube containers.
• PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT provide long-distance container transportation and storage services.

Rates increase based on mileage and storage duration.

Cheapest moves for studios and small apartments

Smaller households may require only one container.

• U-Pack offers individual ReloCube containers and a space-based trailer option.
• U-Haul provides one standardized U-Box container size.

Cheapest moves for large homes and families

Moving three or more bedrooms requires more capacity.

• PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT offer containers up to 16 feet long.
• U-Pack provides trailer space options to accommodate larger loads.

Moving container costs and hidden fees

The base rate of moving containers rarely reflects the final cost. Prices can fluctuate based on delivery fees, storage, permits, insurance and more.

Delivery and pickup charges

Some companies charge per-trip fees, meaning you pay each time they drop off or pick up the container, while others charge one bundled flat rate upfront.

Delivery and pickup policies vary by provider:

• PODS provides quotes that include transportation, though final pricing depends on distance and service needs.
• 1-800-PACK-RAT calculates pricing based on distance, container size and service requirements.
• U-Haul offers delivery service and customer pickup options for U-Box containers.
• U-Pack includes transportation in its quote, with pricing based on mileage and space used.
• Zippy Shell provides delivery and transportation services depending on location and availability.

If your move-in date shifts or you need to reschedule your container, most companies will charge a redelivery fee, so it’s worth confirming the change and cancellation policy before you book.

Storage and late fees

Storage policies vary by provider. Most moving container companies bill on a month-to-month basis, and ongoing rental charges apply for each additional billing cycle.

• PODS charges $149 per month after the first month, with final rates depending on location and container size.
• 1-800-PACK-RAT includes 30 days of rental fees in your initial quote, then charges on a monthly basis.
• U-Haul charges monthly storage fees with a “1-Year-Price Lock” to keep monthly rates consistent for the first year.
• Zippy Shell provides portable containers for short-term or long-term storage, including month-to-month storage at secure facilities or on-site at the customer’s location.
• U-Pack provides storage at secure service centers, billed in 30-day increments.

Customers should confirm rental periods, extension terms and billing cycles before booking, as costs vary by location and service needs.

One thing to watch for across all providers is minimum rental periods and late return fees. If your move takes longer than expected, those monthly charges add up fast, so it’s worth building some buffer into your timeline when you book.

Permits and parking costs

Permit and parking requirements generally depend on where the moving container is being placed, not necessarily on the company you use. Permits and parking fees aren’t required if you’re placing the container on private property (like a driveway), but most cities require a parking permit and right-of-way permit if you’re placing it on a city street or curb.

Getting the necessary permits is almost always the customer’s responsibility, not the moving container company’s. Permit costs range from $25 to $150, but some cities are more expensive than others. You will need at least a week to secure a permit, but check with your city or HOA before delivery.

Insurance and damage coverage

Federal law does not require moving container companies to offer insurance, and protection options vary by provider. Check if your existing homeowners' or renters’ insurance covers belongings during a move before purchasing coverage for your moving container. Insurance plans often cover theft and weather damage, but they don’t cover every situation.

Most companies have optional protection plans for you to purchase for additional coverage. For example, PODS offers insurance to protect items ranging from $5,000 to $300,000 in value, with a $100 deductible per claim.

PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT also offer container-only coverage to protect the container itself, but not the items inside. Insurance plans from 1-800-PACK-RAT run from $9.99 to $149.95 per month, with coverage up to $75,000.

Zippy Shell offers optional protection plans for both container damage and contents coverage, with pricing and coverage levels varying by location and move details rather than a fixed nationwide insurance rate.

U-Pack includes catastrophic liability coverage at no additional charge that applies only to specific events, such as trailer fire, overturn, collision, or complete theft. This coverage is limited to up to $60,000 per trailer or $7,500 per ReloCube and does not function as full insurance for household goods. U-Pack also limits its liability for most damage to carrier negligence or customer-handling-related issues, and additional coverage options are available for purchase.

U-Haul U-Box offers Safehaul coverage for transit and Safestor coverage for storage, which are both optional. Coverage ranges from $1,000 to $20,000 per container.

None of these companies covers damage caused by shifting during transit or improper packing. Claims typically only qualify if damage results from an incident caused by the company.

» LEARN MORE: How much do moving containers cost?

Ways to get the lowest quote

Moving container rental prices are not fixed. Use these tactics to get a lower quote:

• Book mid-week and outside of peak seasons (peak seasons are spring and summer).
• Get at least three quotes to compare costs.
• Ask about discounts, especially if you’re a student, senior or military member.
• Pack belongings yourself and skip add-ons for supplies and labor.
• Book in advance — last-minute bookings often cost more.
• Ask about unadvertised promotions, as deals aren't always listed online.
• Downsize before you pack to fit your things in a smaller container.

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