Is a PODS® container or U-Pack ReloCube better for your move?

If you’re planning to use moving containers for an upcoming long-distance move, you’ve probably heard of PODS®. What you might not realize is that U-Pack’s ReloCubes® are similar and often cheaper. Both companies offer containers for long-distance moves with options to add moving labor or extra storage, but there are also some key differences in how the billing, payments, and container fees are handled. Keep reading to learn how the two companies’ services compare and which one might work best for your move.

Learn more about portable storage. 

What you should know about PODS® long-distance services

PODS® offers long-distance moving and storage mostly in metro areas. They serve 44 U.S. states plus Washington, D.C., Canada, Australia and the UK. PODS® will deliver a moving container, you pack and load it, and then they’ll pick it up for delivery to your new home or to a storage center. 

Equipment and transit

PODS® has two size options for long-distance moves — the small (7’ x 7’ x 8’) and large (16’ x 8’ x 8’) containers. They also offer a medium container for local moves only. Transit times vary based on availability and distance. 

Getting a quote

To get a PODS® quote, you can enter moving details on their website, but then you’ll have to call or connect via online chat to get a final price.

Billing and charges

Delivery, transportation and equipment use prices are separated on PODS® quotes. If you don’t use a container that’s been dropped off, you’ll still have to pay the delivery charge.  

PODS® bills three times during the first 30 days’ use with each payment due seven calendar days before the service. That means the first payment is due before you receive the containers. Afterward, billing is monthly for additional storage time. 

Storage

With PODS® your quote will include the first 30 days of storage (whether you need it or not) and an option to add extra time for an additional fee per container. The first month starts as soon as the container is dropped off and will include the time it takes to transport the container and deliver it to your new home. PODS® storage costs may vary depending on if you choose to store the container at home or at one of their facilities.

How does U-Pack compare to PODS®?

U-Pack is a self-moving service that specializes in long-distance moves in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., Canada and Puerto Rico. We deliver moving equipment to your door, you pack and load it, and then we drive it to your new home (or store it for as long as you need based on availability). 

Equipment and transit

U-Pack’s ReloCube containers are all the same size (6’ x 7’ x 8’) and transit times average only 3-6 business days depending on location.  

Read more about how PODS® container sizes compare to U-Pack equipment. 

Getting a quote

It’s easy to get a free, no-obligation quote with U-Pack entirely online, or you can call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak with a helpful moving consultant. 

Billing and charges

U-Pack quotes include equipment, delivery, transportation and liability coverage. Our rates are flexible, so you only pay for the containers you actually use (even if you reserve more than needed).  

We don’t require a deposit or down payment. There’s no charge until the containers are in transit. You pay only once by credit or debit card. If you request storage, it’s billed every 30 days.   

When comparing U-Pack rates to PODS®, you’ll find that U-Pack prices are often cheaper.

Storage

U-Pack only includes storage in the quote if you request it, so you won’t be charged for a service you don’t need. This is different from PODS®, which requires payment for 30 days of storage whether you use it or not. U-Pack allows you three business days for loading and another three business days for unloading (and get the weekend days for free with Thursday or Friday deliveries). You can add service center storage at origin or destination (based on availability) for a monthly fee per container.

Ready to decide between PODS® and U-Pack? 

U-Pack offers comparable options to PODS® but often with cheaper and faster service to more locations.  When you’re ready to plan your move, get a quick U-Pack moving quote online or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to check our rates and compare them to PODS®.  

If you have more questions about U-Pack services or other competitors to PODS®, let us know in the comments section. We’re always happy to help! 

PODS® is a registered trademark of PODS® Enterprises, Inc. Use of third-party trademarks or registered trademarks does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by such third party.