PODS vs. U-Pack: how they compare
U-Pack and PODS are both moving companies that offer storage containers and delivery services, but neither offers in-house packing and loading services. You can request a free quote from either company to see which is right for your needs and budget.
How U-Pack and PODS are similar
- Shipping containers are delivered directly to your door
- You can load at your leisure or store with the company until your new residence or business is ready
- Pricing is based on the required distance and container size
- Neither company requires a down payment
How U-Pack and PODS are different
- U-Pack offers more transparent pricing, with easy online quotes with the press of a button
- PODS provides personalized quotes over the phone with a representative
- U-Pack is available nationwide and offers full-size trailer options
- PODS is available for local and long-distance services, while U-Pack specializes in long-distance moves
PODS vs. U-Pack side by side
 |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Shipment options | Small to large containers | ReloCube or trailer |
| Average cost* | $349 to $2,999 | $500 to $2,500 |
| Deposit required | ||
| Offers packing services | ||
| On-site storage | ||
| Customizable insurance options | ||
| Local moving services | ||
| Available in all states | ||
| Customer satisfaction | Read reviews | Read reviews |
*As of publishing
| Small to large containers | $349 - $2,999 | Read reviews | ||||||
| ReloCube or trailer | $500 - $2,500 | Read reviews |
What you need to know about U-Pack
U-Pack is a convenient long-distance moving service that provides shipping containers and trailers that you load for storage or long-distance transport. Choose your equipment and U-Pack will drop it off, giving you up to three days to load your items. U-Pack picks up the trailer or ReloCube and takes it to your new address or to one of its service centers for storage.
U-Pack does not offer local moving services.
- Moving services: U-Pack delivers a storage container or trailer to your address, then picks it up and transports it long-distance to any state. You can ship from door to door or save money by loading and/or unloading at one of U-Pack’s more than 240 service centers. U-Pack can store your belongings at a service center if your new home isn’t ready.
- Packing options: U-Pack doesn’t offer packing services, but it can refer you to Moving Staffers for hourly help with loading or unloading.
- Availability: U-Pack services all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. There are more than 240 U-Pack service centers across the country.
U-Pack pricing
U-Pack's pricing is based on the type of equipment you choose (ReloCube or trailer), the amount of space you need, whether you want door-to-door service, the distance and locations of the move and the move date. Free quotes are available over the phone and online.
For example, moving a two-bedroom home from Cincinnati to Providence, Rhode Island, will cost between $2,000 and $3,500, depending on how many ReloCubes or how much trailer space you use.
No down payment is required, and your card won't be charged until your belongings are on the move. You can cancel and get a full refund up to seven days before your move; otherwise, U-Pack charges a cancellation fee.
What we like about U-Pack
As of publishing, U-Pack has an overall satisfaction rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on verified ConsumerAffairs reviewers. Happy customers seem to like the “pay for what you need” pricing model and friendly customer service.
“We have used UPack twice, going from Washington to South Carolina, then from SC back to the west again. I would highly recommend anyone use them to move,” wrote Craig, a reviewer from South Carolina.
“The folks at UPack and ABF trucking are nothing but fantastic and amazing to make your move smooth. Yes, you have to pack the trailer however, for us, whether we had friends or hired muscles, to do this was easy,” he wrote.
» READ MORE: U-Pack reviews
What you need to know about PODS
PODS, which stands for Portable On Demand Storage, delivers storage containers to your property and allows you to load them on your schedule, then schedule a pickup for transport to storage at a PODS storage facility or to a different address. You can also keep the container on your property for at-home storage. PODS will move your container across town or long-distance.
PODS is available in most states.
- Moving services: PODS delivers 7-, 12- and 16-foot containers that you can pack for local or long-distance moves or storage at a PODS facility. Services are available for both residential and commercial customers.
- Packing options: PODS works with three companies to connect customers with local help for packing and loading. Expect to pay an hourly rate. You can get as little or as much assistance as you need.
- Availability: PODS is available in 44 states, including Hawaii. It also has locations in Washington, D.C., and parts of Canada. The company currently does not offer service in Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia or Wyoming.
PODS pricing
According to the company, the cost to rent a portable container for a local move is between $349 and $549, while the price for a long-distance move costs from $999 to $2,999. Pricing is based on the size and number of the container(s), the distance of the move, the season and the length of time you need the container(s).
For the most accurate estimate, call PODS for a free quote. No deposit is required. PODS doesn’t charge you until seven days before container delivery. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before your delivery.
What we like about PODS
As of publishing, PODS has an overall satisfaction rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on verified ConsumerAffairs reviewers. Happy customers seem to appreciate the professional delivery drivers and reliable service.
“I loved PODS so much and I would recommend it. It was such a great decision. It was overall easier to use the pod than to hire a crew and have a truck driven,” wrote Julie-Ann, a reviewer from Florida.
“When I booked the pod, I did a lot of it online and then, the rep called me with the final pricing and walked me through everything. I logged back in, and the communication was wonderful. Everything was exactly what they said, and there were no surprises,” she wrote.
» INTERESTED? PODS reviews
Compare more moving container companies
If you still aren’t sure which company is right for you, compare moving container companies below. Read reviews to learn more about typical customer experiences.
 |  |  |  | |
| Optional pro packing | ||||
| Auto transport services | ||||
| Available nationwide | ||||
| Customer satisfaction | Read reviews | Read reviews | Read reviews | Read reviews |
| Read reviews | |||
| Read reviews | |||
| Read reviews | |||
| Read reviews |
FAQ
Are U-Pack and PODS the same company?
No, U-Pack and PODS are separate moving companies. ABF Freight (an ArcBest carrier) operates U-Pack, which focuses on pay-for-the-space moves with freight trailers or containers. PODS offers portable storage containers with flexible moving and storage options.
Is U-Pack cheaper than full-service movers?
Yes, in most cases, U-Pack is cheaper than hiring full-service movers because you handle packing and loading yourself. You’re mainly paying for transportation and the space you use rather than moving labor.
What are the downsides of using PODS?
Potential downsides of using PODS include higher costs for longer-distance moves, limited availability in some areas and extra fees for extended container rental or storage. You’ll also need enough space to place the container and may need permits in certain cities.
How much is U-Pack's monthly storage?
U-Pack doesn’t charge a flat nationwide storage rate. Monthly storage costs depend on your location, equipment type and how long you store your items. According to U-Pack, you’ll get a set number of transit days, which can include short-term storage at a service center; if you need more time, you’ll pay a monthly fee that’s outlined in your quote. You can choose storage at a U-Pack facility or keep the container at your home if available in your area.
Bottom line: Which is better, U-Pack or PODS?
Either company can work as an alternative to a DIY move. Both U-Pack and PODS deliver storage containers to you for loading, then pick them up and transport them. Both also offer storage at their own facilities. Based on our analysis, U-Pack may be more affordable for long-distance moving and storage, while PODS is better suited for local moves.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- PODS, "Portable Container Sizes." Accessed Feb. 15, 2026.
- PODS, "PODS vs Moving Truck Rentals." Accessed Feb. 15, 2026.
- U-Pack, "How U-Pack Works." Accessed Feb. 15, 2026.
- U-Pack, "Portable Storage Containers." Accessed Feb. 15, 2026.
