Moving containers have become a popular alternative to rental trucks and full-service movers. They offer flexibility, storage options, and a way to move without having to drive a big vehicle. But which container company should you choose? Among the most well-known providers are UPack and PODS, both with nationwide reach and slightly different approaches.
This guide breaks down how UPack and PODS compare on price, container sizes, services, and reputation so you can choose with confidence. In most cases, PODS is the better choice thanks to its flexible options, built-in storage, and wider availability.
Table of Contents
What Are Moving Containers and Why Choose Them?
Moving containers are portable storage units delivered to your home, so you can load them on your own schedule. Once packed, the company picks up the container and either drives it to your new home or stores it in a secure facility until you’re ready. This model takes the stress out of driving a large rental truck and gives you more flexibility than a one-day move.
- The pros: Containers give you time to load, reduce the number of times your belongings are handled, and often include storage as part of the package. They’re also available in multiple sizes, so you can pick what fits your household.
- The cons: You’re still responsible for loading and unloading (unless you hire movers separately), and you’ll need space for the container on your property or a city permit for street placement.
PODS vs. UPack: PODS uses flat-rate pricing and includes 30 days of rental with storage built in. Their containers come in three sizes and can stay in your driveway or at a PODS facility. UPack prices moves by the linear feet of space you use in a shared trailer or by the number of ReloCubes — small, weatherproof steel containers that each hold about a studio or one-bedroom’s worth of belongings. This setup can make UPack cheaper for smaller shipments.
UPack vs. PODS At a Glance
Both UPack and PODS help you move without renting or driving a big truck, but they’re structured differently. Here’s how they stack up:
Quick Comparison: UPack vs. PODS
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How we researched
We pulled average pricing from HireAHelper’s 2025 cost database, PODS.com published quotes, and UPack’s ReloCube and trailer pricing tools. To keep comparisons fair, we secret-shopped both providers using the same move scenarios: local, regional (~500 miles), and cross-country (~2,500 miles). Costs were averaged across small (1-bedroom), medium (2–3 bedroom), and large (4+ bedroom) moves.
UPack Overview
UPack is part of ArcBest (NASDAQ: ARCB), a transportation and logistics company valued at more than $2 billion. It focuses on long-distance moves and has helped thousands of households relocate since launching in 1997. Unlike PODS, UPack does not serve local-only moves — it’s built for regional and cross-country relocations.
Here’s how it works: UPack drops off either a ReloCube or space in a large moving trailer. ReloCubes are delivered curbside with a small lift, while trailers are parked outside your home for loading. You generally have up to three business days to load. Once packed, UPack arranges transport to your new home or to a secure service center if storage is needed.
ReloCubes are compact (about 305 cubic feet each) and can fit in tight spaces like city driveways or alleys, making them a good option for apartments or smaller households. Larger homes can use multiple cubes or opt for the trailer, paying only for the linear feet they fill.
UPack Pros and Cons
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PODS Overview
PODS (Portable On Demand Storage) launched in 1998 and has grown into one of the largest moving and storage container companies in North America. With more than 240 storage centers across the U.S. and Canada, PODS has completed millions of moves and is a household name in the portable storage industry.
Here’s how it works: PODS delivers a steel-framed, weather-resistant container directly to your driveway using its proprietary PODZILLA lift system, which keeps the container level during drop-off. You typically get 30 days included in the base price to load at your own pace. When ready, PODS picks up the container and either drives it to your new home or stores it at one of their secure facilities.
PODS containers come in three sizes: 8 ft, 12 ft, and 16 ft. All are ground-level for easy access, with roll-up doors and tie-down points to keep belongings secure. Larger households can mix and match container sizes to fit their needs.
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UPack vs. PODS Comparison
If you want a container move that keeps costs predictable and the driving off your plate, UPack and PODS are the two names you’ll run into most. Below, we stack them side-by-side on price, size options, coverage, flexibility, delivery logistics, reputation, and corporate stability — so you can decide which one fits your move.
Cost Comparison
In our experience, UPack typically prices out lower for longer distances when you optimize space (ReloCubes or trailer “linear feet”), while PODS is often more predictable for one-container moves that also need built-in storage time.
Average Container Move Costs (Secret-Shopped)
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UPack |
PODS |
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| Cost Structure | Space used + delivery (by Cube count or trailer linear feet; fuel included). | Flat price per container size + delivery; 30-day rental standard. |
| Average Local Rental | No local-only service | $612–$825 |
| Regional rental (~460 miles, Tampa → Atlanta) | No regional quote available | $1,521–$2,332 (avg. ~$1,927) |
| Long-distance (~2,660 miles, San Diego → Miami) | $7,802 | $4,484–$7,385 (avg. ~$5,935) |
| Cross-country (~2,940 miles, Poughkeepsie → Bellingham) | $6,854 | $5,552 |
How we gathered this data: We pulled quotes from the official tools on UPack.com and PODS.com during the same week, using the same city pairs for local, regional, and cross-country scenarios. We captured the base price plus required delivery and pickup. For PODS, we priced both 8′ and 16′ containers (the 12′ is local-only). For UPack, we tested both ReloCubes and trailer space by linear feet. As expected, UPack did not return quotes for local or short regional trips, since it does not offer local-only service. We excluded promo codes and noted potential add-ons separately.
Pricing caveats to know:
- UPack scales with space: Each ReloCube adds cost, and trailer pricing increases by the linear feet you use (pay for what you fill). This is great if you pack efficiently.
- PODS scales with container size & months kept: You pay a flat rate per container size, and monthly storage can extend the bill — typically $249–$376 per month depending on location and container size. The first 30 days are usually included in the base price.
- 12′ PODS = local only: Long-distance PODS moves generally use 8′ and 16′ containers, which affects price options for multi-container households.
Container Sizes, Options, and Capacity
UPack equipment
- ReloCube: Exterior ~6’3″×7’×8’4″; interior ~5’10″×6’10″×7’9″; ~308 cu ft; weight limit ~2,500 lb; roughly one room of goods per Cube. Fits in a single parking space.
- Trailer: Interior ~27’×8’×9′ (~1,944 cu ft). You reserve space by the foot; a movable bulkhead locks in your section.
PODS containers
- 8′: ~8′×8′×7′–8′; fits a studio/one room; comparable to a 5′×10′ storage unit or 10′ truck.
- 12′: 12′×8′×8′; local moves/storage only; fits 2–3 rooms.
- 16′: 16′×8′×8′; most popular for 2–3 bedroom homes; comparable to a 10′×15′ unit or 20′ truck.
How size impacts price:
- With UPack, costs step up for each Cube you add or each extra linear foot in a trailer — so efficient packing = lower cost.
- With PODS, going from 8′ to 16′ increases the flat container rate; keeping the container for additional months also increases the total.
Service Area & Availability
UPack: 240+ service centers; services all 50 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico with door delivery or service-center alternatives. It also has good coverage for military bases and campuses.
PODS: Serves 46 U.S. states (plus D.C. and Hawaii) and six Canadian provinces, with 200+ local branches; also operates in the UK and Australia.
Flexibility & Storage
UPack: Standard 3 business days to load and 3 to unload, with storage available at secure service centers. The ReloCube is available to store as long as you need, while the trailer can act as storage for typically up to 120 days. If you lack driveway space, you can load/unload at a service center to save money.
PODS: Monthly rental model with 30 days included in the base price. You can keep the container at home for access or store it at a PODS center and extend month-to-month as needed.
In short, if you need time or built-in storage, PODS’ month-based setup is hard to beat. But if you’re running tight on space or lack permits, UPack’s service-center option can be a workaround.
Convenience & Delivery
UPack delivery needs:
- ReloCube: One standard parking space, 40′ maneuvering room for the delivery trailer, 14′ overhead clearance, and a paved, level surface.
- Trailer: Roughly 40′ length, 10′ width, 14′ height clearance, paved, level surface, and overnight parking permission (up to 3 business days).
- Most delivery/pickups are weekday windows, but you can ask about Guaranteed Service for specific timing.
PODS delivery needs:
- Uses the PODZILLA level-lift, which requires about 12′ wide × 15′ high × 40′ long clearance to place the container. Street placement may require a city permit.
Note: If your driveway is short or tree-covered, check clearances early. PODS’ level-lift helps with tight angles, while UPack’s Cube can fit standard parking spaces, but still needs room for the delivery rig.
Customer Reviews & Reputation
The ratings below are snapshots of public reviews as of September 2025. Scores can change over time, and experiences often depend on the local branch and route. Before you book, check recent reviews for your specific pickup and delivery areas (BBB, Google, Trustpilot), and scan for patterns like reschedules, delivery window issues, or surprise fees.
| Source | UPack | PODS |
| BBB | A+, Accredited; 240+ service centers noted. | A+, Accredited; 200+ locations listed. |
| Trustpilot | 2.2 / 5 (≈237 reviews): Delivery/communication issues cited by detractors, while strong positives mention convenience and price. | 4.2 / 5 (≈9.6K reviews): Praised for smooth process with some complaints about fees/timing. |
Representative themes from real reviews:
- UPack: Great value and “they drive” convenience. Complaints tend to cluster around missed windows/communication and claims handling.
- PODS: Consistent kudos for driver professionalism and easy scheduling. Pain points include reschedules, surprise charges, and delivery windows.
Company Operations
UPack is a service of ArcBest, a large U.S. logistics company with public reporting and ESG initiatives. It was recently recognized by Newsweek/Statista among America’s Most Responsible Companies 2025. Public ownership and published governance can be a trust signal for some shoppers.
PODS is privately held with millions of completed moves and a long operating history across North America, the UK, and Australia. The network scale shows in day-to-day availability.
What this means for you:
- Cheapest potential: UPack, if you pack efficiently and only pay for the space you use.
- Most time-flexible: PODS, with 30 days included per month-based rental and easy storage hand-offs.
- Availability quirks: Need Puerto Rico or a remote ZIP? UPack often reaches more places. PODS covers most U.S. metros and several Canadian provinces, but not all areas.
When to Choose UPack
UPack is a smart pick when distance and efficiency matter most. The company is built for long-distance and cross-country moves, so if you’re relocating hundreds or thousands of miles, it’s designed with your situation in mind. Because UPack charges by the space you actually use — either by ReloCube count or trailer linear feet — it can be cost-friendly for smaller households that don’t need a full 16-foot container. That transparency means you aren’t stuck paying for empty space.
“UPack typically prices out lower for longer distances when you optimize space (ReloCubes or trailer “linear feet”), while PODS is often more predictable for one-container moves that also need built-in storage time.”
UPack also works well in cities or tight neighborhoods where a ReloCube can fit into a single parking spot. For people comfortable doing their own packing and loading, it’s a balance between savings and convenience: no driving required, but still a lower cost than hiring a full-service mover.
UPack is best if:
- You’re planning a cross-country or regional move.
- You want to pay only for the space you use.
- You’re moving a smaller household that packs into one or two ReloCubes.
- You don’t mind DIY loading in exchange for a cheaper bottom line.
When to Choose PODS
PODS is often the better fit when flexibility and storage time are your top priorities. Each rental includes 30 days, so you can load gradually instead of rushing through a single weekend. That’s especially helpful if you’re juggling work, kids, or a tricky moving timeline. PODS also offers multiple container sizes, giving larger households more flexibility than UPack’s one-size ReloCube.
Because PODS can store your container at one of their secure facilities, it’s also ideal if you’re between homes, remodeling, or waiting on a closing date. And with no driving required, PODS removes one of the most stressful parts of a DIY move: navigating a big truck.
PODS is best if:
- You need storage built into your move.
- You want extra time to load and unload.
- You prefer multiple container sizes for larger households.
- You’re making a local move and want to avoid truck rentals.
Alternative Storage Container Providers
While UPack and PODS are the two biggest names in container moving, they’re not the only options. A few other providers may be worth a look depending on your location, budget, and move type.
- 1-800-PACK-RAT: Similar to PODS, offering steel containers in multiple sizes. Pricing can be competitive, though availability is limited in some regions.
- Zippy Shell: Known for combining a trailer-style delivery system with weatherproof containers. It’s often easier to place in tight driveways or urban settings, but service areas are narrower.
- U-Haul U-Box: The budget-friendly choice for smaller moves. U-Boxes are wooden containers wrapped in weatherproof covers, and they can be shipped long-distance. They’re cheaper upfront but not as durable as steel options.
These alternatives are worth considering if PODS or UPack don’t service your ZIP code, if you want to compare quotes for leverage, or if you’re making a smaller move where a budget container might be enough.
Final Verdict: UPack vs. PODS
Both UPack and PODS offer a way to skip driving a rental truck, but they serve slightly different needs. UPack is great for small households and long-distance moves where paying for only the space you use makes sense. PODS shines when you need multiple sizes, built-in storage, or extra flexibility in your timeline.
Overall, PODS is the stronger choice for most families thanks to its storage options, flexible rentals, and broad availability.
What to Know Before a Moving Container Move
Booking a moving container takes some of the stress out of relocating, but there are a few things to know before your container shows up in the driveway.
- Space and permits: Containers require clear placement space. Driveways usually work fine, but if you need street placement, many cities require a permit. Always confirm with your local government before delivery day.
- Timing: PODS rentals include 30 days, while UPack generally gives three business days to load or unload. That flexibility can make a big difference, so be realistic about how much time you’ll need.
- Loading: Even though you don’t have to drive, you’re still responsible for packing and loading. It’s worth budgeting for hourly movers if you have heavy furniture or a large household.
- Storage: If your move-in date doesn’t line up with your move-out, containers double as storage. PODS will store your container at a secure facility, while UPack offers ReloCube storage at their service centers.
- Costs: Container quotes often look straightforward, but extras like insurance, extended storage, delivery reschedules, and permits can raise the final bill. Always read the fine print so you’re comparing true apples-to-apples between providers.
The takeaway: Containers are a flexible, lower-stress alternative to driving a truck, but they do require planning. If you think through space, timing, and budget ahead of time, a container move can be one of the smoothest ways to relocate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UPack or PODS cheaper?
It depends on the move. UPack can be more affordable for smaller households and long-distance relocations since you only pay for the space you use. PODS may cost more upfront, but it includes 30 days of rental and storage, which can save money if you need extra time.
What size container do I need?
A single ReloCube from UPack holds about one room’s worth of belongings. PODS offers 8-, 12-, and 16-foot containers: an 8′ usually fits a studio, a 12′ works for 2–3 rooms, and a 16′ is best for 2–3 bedrooms. Larger homes often require more than one container.
Can you use UPack for local moves?
No. UPack is built for regional and long-distance moves only. If you’re moving locally, PODS or another provider may be a better fit.
Does PODS offer cross-country moving?
Yes. PODS handles everything from local to cross-country relocations. Your container is delivered, you load it, and PODS transports it to your new home or stores it until you’re ready.
Are moving containers cheaper than hiring movers?
In many cases, yes. Containers usually cost less than hiring a full-service moving company, especially for long-distance moves. The trade-off is that you’ll still need to handle the loading and unloading, unless you hire hourly help separately.
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