We Compared the Top 5 Moving Container Services on Price: Here's the Cheapest
Portable moving containers have become a popular alternative to full-service movers and rental trucks, offering a flexible, DIY-friendly solution. But with several major companies competing for your business, which one is the cheapest? We gathered quotes from the top 5 moving container services for a sample long-distance move to see how they stack up on price.
The Short Answer: The Cheapest Option
For long-distance moves, U-Pack is consistently the cheapest moving container service. Their "pay for what you use" model with ReloCubes often results in the lowest final price. U-Haul U-Box is a close second and is also a strong budget-friendly choice.
The Methodology: A Sample Long-Distance Move
To get an accurate price comparison, we requested quotes for the same move from each company:
- Move: A 3-bedroom home (requiring ~16 feet of space) moving from Chicago, IL, to Austin, TX.
- Services Included: Container delivery, one month of total use, transportation, and final pickup.
- Companies Compared: U-Pack, PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT, Zippy Shell, and U-Haul U-Box.
Note: Prices are based on quotes obtained in early 2025 and can vary based on season, route, and fuel costs.
The Price Comparison Results
| Company | Container/Space | Estimated Cost | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-Pack | ReloCube Containers | ~$2,800 | Pay-for-what-you-use model |
| U-Haul U-Box | U-Box Containers | ~$3,100 | Widely available, frequent promos |
| Zippy Shell | 15' Container | ~$3,900 | Street-legal cage for city moves |
| PODS | 16' Container | ~$4,500 | Industry leader, great service |
| 1-800-PACK-RAT | 16' Container | ~$4,800 | All-steel, high-quality containers |
The Verdict: Why U-Pack Consistently Wins on Price
Across multiple test quotes, U-Pack came out as the most affordable option for long-distance moves due to their unique pricing model.
U-Pack's "Pay for What You Use" Advantage
U-Pack's model is a hybrid between container rental and freight shipping. You rent small "ReloCubes" (or space on a larger trailer). For our example, we could reserve three ReloCubes but only pay for the two we actually filled and used. This is a major advantage over PODS or PACK-RAT, where you pay for the entire 16-foot container whether you fill it completely or not.
When are PODS and PACK-RAT Worth the Extra Cost?
While more expensive for long-distance moves, the premium brands have their advantages:
- Local Moves: For moves within the same city, the price difference narrows considerably, and PODS' extensive network can make them very competitive.
- Superior Containers: 1-800-PACK-RAT's all-steel containers are arguably the most durable and secure in the industry. If you have valuable items, the extra peace of mind might be worth the cost.
- Long-Term On-Site Storage: If your primary need is storing the container on your property for several months, the monthly rental rates from all companies are more competitive.
Your Pro Savings Checklist
Use these tips to get the lowest possible price, no matter which company you choose:
- Book in the Off-Season: Moving in the fall or winter (October-February) is almost always cheaper than in the peak summer season (May-August).
- Be Flexible with Dates: If you can be flexible with your delivery and pickup dates by a few days, you can often save money.
- Get Quotes from Everyone: This is the most important step. The market is competitive, and prices change daily. Get a detailed, written quote from every company on this list.
- Ask for a Price Match: Don't be afraid to use a lower quote as leverage. Ask a company like PODS if they can match U-Pack's price. They will often offer a discount to win your business.
- Declutter Before You Move: The less stuff you move, the less space you need. Selling or donating items is the easiest way to lower your cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there hidden fees?
Reputable companies like those listed will include all transportation and standard delivery fees in your quote. However, be aware of potential extra charges for things like needing a specific delivery time, long-term storage, or additional liability coverage.
What's the difference between U-Pack's ReloCube and U-Haul's U-Box?
The main difference is construction. U-Pack's ReloCubes are made of steel and are weatherproof. U-Haul's U-Boxes are made of treated plywood and require you to put a heavy-duty vinyl cover over them to be weatherproof. Both are smaller containers designed for flexibility.
Is insurance included?
Basic liability coverage is usually included, but it's very limited (e.g., $0.10 per pound). You will be offered the option to purchase more comprehensive insurance coverage for an additional fee, which is highly recommended.
Conclusion
If your number one priority is finding the absolute cheapest moving container service for a long-distance move, your search should start with U-Pack . Their flexible, pay-for-what-you-use model consistently delivers the lowest prices. While U-Haul's U-Box is a close competitor on price, U-Pack's reputation for better customer service and steel containers often gives them the edge. By getting quotes from all the major players and being flexible, you can make your DIY move as affordable as possible.
Community Discussion
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