Portable moving containers compared on pricing model, container sizes, storage options, long-distance coverage and customer satisfaction.
Moving containers sit between a rental truck and full-service movers: a company drops a container or trailer at your door, you load it on your schedule, they drive it, and you unload at the other end. For long-distance moves the savings versus full-service movers are typically large, and you avoid driving a 26-foot truck across three states.
The companies differ on what you pay for (space used versus a fixed container), how long you get to load, storage options and where they serve. We score pricing transparency heavily because container quotes are notoriously hard to compare.
You pack, they drive: ReloCube containers and trailer space for long-distance moves, priced by what you use.
Two models dominate. U-Pack prices by the linear feet of trailer you use (or per ReloCube), with a quote that adjusts down if you use less space. PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT and U-Haul U-Box price per container per month, plus delivery, with storage built in. Space-based pricing favors smaller moves; per-container pricing favors people who need storage between homes.
Containers win for long-distance moves of one to three bedrooms when you can do the loading or hire local labor. Full-service movers win for large homes, tight timelines and anyone who cannot lift. Local moves under 50 miles are usually cheaper with a truck rental.
For long-distance moves, U-Pack is often cheaper because you pay only for the space you use and the move is handled by a freight network. PODS tends to be more flexible for local moves and storage. Get both quotes — they take minutes.
Typically three business days with U-Pack; PODS and PACK-RAT bill monthly, so loading time is effectively a month.