Understanding U-Pack Pricing

Flexible long-distance moving prices with no surprises 

Preparing for life in a new state brings new and unexpected experiences. But something no one wants taking them by surprise is their moving price. While searching for a long-distance mover, you’ll likely see various services with costs that change over time — even in multiple quotes from the same company. Why does this happen? 

Fortunately, U-Pack® offers transparent pricing and no hidden fees. We specialize in affordable long-distance moves and understand our customers’ concerns about sticking to a budget. Keep reading to learn how we calculate rates, why they can fluctuate over time and what you can do to save money on your out-of-state move.   

5-part blueprint for determining U-Pack rates

All moving services figure prices a bit differently. Some common pricing aspects, like distance and the size of the shipment, are easy to understand, but others can be more complex.  

These factors affect U-Pack costs:

1. Home size (space used in moving equipment)

When you move with U-Pack, you pay only for the space you use in the moving trailer (down to a 5-foot minimum) or the number of ReloCube® containers you use.

Reducing or increasing the amount of space used will change the total cost of your move. You can easily adjust the number of ReloCube moving containers or linear feet in a moving trailer on your quote to see how it will affect your price.

2. Equipment availability

U-Pack quotes are based on the equipment we have available at the time, considering all the details of your move (home size, distance and date).

If you request a new quote days or weeks later, even with the same moving details, your preferred equipment (ReloCubes or a moving trailer) might already be reserved. Changing equipment or booking a move during times of high demand can affect the total cost.

3. Distance (including fuel costs)

While U-Pack doesn’t charge a separate fee for it, fuel costs impact your moving price. When diesel prices rise, U-Pack rates may have to be adjusted to help offset the costs. And if those prices decrease, we can pass along the savings to you. Moves of longer distances might see the most significant increase when fuel prices are higher.

4. Date of the move

Typically, moving during the summer (peak moving season) is more expensive than moving during other seasons because more people need equipment and services. You can expect lower rates if you can relocate during less busy times, like winter.

Mid-week or mid-month moves are generally more cost-effective than weekend moves or those at the beginning or end of the month because fewer people choose to move then. You can adjust the dates on your quote to see how they affect the price, or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 for a moving consultant to help you find the cheapest date to move.

5. Freight industry variables

Our main transportation partner, ABF Freight®, handles most U-Pack shipments. Their freight transportation costs can be affected by factors like the amount of goods that need to be shipped.

What does that mean for U-Pack? If ABF costs go up, U-Pack rates may increase as well.

When can I expect U-Pack rates to change?

Moving prices change daily based on equipment availability and freight costs. The most significant changes happen seasonally — you can expect higher prices during the peak moving season (May-September) and lower costs outside that time.

Avoid fluctuating moving prices with U-Pack

To save the most money and prevent moving rate changes, get a U-Pack quote early and lock in the price with a free reservation. Costs are set for booked moves as long as you don’t change the moving details (shipment size, date, destination).

We understand that plans can change, so you can cancel for free up to 7 days before the move.

If you have questions about U-Pack billing and payments, call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to speak to a moving consultant or let us know in the comments.