PODS is our top overall pick for the best moving container company because of their nationwide coverage, transparent pricing, and flexible month-to-month rentals. They make moving easier for people who want a DIY approach without having to drive a moving truck themselves.
Key Takeaways
- Moving containers let you load and unload on your own time while professionals handle transport
- They’re great for flexible timelines, renovations, or long-distance moves on a budget
- Typical container moves range from $350–$5,000+ depending on distance and size
- Compare at least three quotes to find the best price and fit for your move
Why You Can Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint
At FreightWaves Checkpoint, our goal is to provide honest, data-backed reviews of the nation’s top moving and storage providers.
We evaluate more than 4,000 professional moving companies using a detailed scoring system that considers cost, reliability, customer satisfaction, and service quality. Our research also includes verified customer feedback to highlight real-world pros and cons.
Every review is fact-checked by our editorial team to make sure our information is accurate, relevant, and up to date for your move.
5 Best Moving Container Companies
Comparing the Top Moving Containers
| Company | Best For | Price Range | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PODS | Best Overall | $350–$5,000 | |
| Zippy Shell | Best for Urban Moves | $400–$4,800 | |
| U-Pack | Best for Long-Distance Moves | $1,500–$2,500 | |
| MovingYourself | Best for Larger DIY Moves | $1,000–$3,000 | |
| 1-800-PACK-RAT | Best Protection | $1,200–$5,000 |
Best Overall: PODS
PODS has been a leader in the moving container industry for more than two decades, known for their flexibility and nationwide reach. They let you pack at your own pace, store your container on-site or at one of their local facilities, and move when it fits your schedule — whether it’s across town or across the country.
PODS costs are also refreshingly straightforward, with transparent month-to-month pricing that makes budgeting easier than traditional movers. They’re an especially smart pick for anyone who wants a reliable, low-stress move without giving up control over timing and packing.
Why you should choose PODS: They offer flexible, month-to-month rentals and nationwide coverage that make moving or storage simple from start to finish.
PODS Container Sizes
- 8 ft.
- 12 ft.
- 16 ft.
PODS Discounts & Services
- Discounts:
- Military
- Seniors
- Students
- Services:
- At-home storage
- Cross-country moves
- Local moves
- Long-term storage
- Moving labor add-ons
- Residential & commercial moves
PODS Pros & Cons
Pros
- Multiple container sizes
- Optional moving labor (via HireAHelper)
- Online portal to manage your order
- 30 days to load & unload
Cons
- Not in AK, MT, ND, or WY
- No GPS shipment tracking
PODS Pricing
| Move Distance | 8-ft Container | 12-ft Container | 16-ft Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 100 miles | $350–$650 | $400–$700 | $450–$800 |
| 500 miles | $1,000–$2,000 | $1,200–$2,500 | $1,500–$2,800 |
| 1,000+ miles | $2,000–$3,500 | $2,500–$4,000 | $3,000–$5,000+ |
Best for Urban Moves: Zippy Shell
Zippy Shell stands out for its street-legal containers that are designed for tight urban spaces where larger moving units can’t fit. They make city moving easier with their smaller container sizes and flexible pickup and delivery options, making them a solid choice for apartment dwellers or anyone in a busy metro area.
They’re also one of the few container companies that combine portable storage with full-service moving support through their sister company, 1-800-PACK-RAT. Together, they cover both long-distance and local moves with dependable scheduling and weatherproof containers.
Why you should choose Zippy Shell: Their compact, street-legal containers make city moves simple and stress-free, especially if you need flexible delivery in tight spaces.
Zippy Shell Container Sizes
- 10 ft.
- 15 ft.
Zippy Shell Discounts & Services
- Discounts:
- Military
- Seniors
- Students
- Services:
- Apartment moves
- City deliveries
- Local & long-distance moves
- Portable storage
- Residential & commercial moves
Zippy Shell Pros & Cons
Pros
- Street-legal containers
- Ideal for small-space or downtown moves
- Weatherproof steel containers
- Transparent pricing with no surprise fees
Cons
- Only 2 container sizes (10- and 15-ft.)
- Only available in 35 states
Zippy Shell Pricing
| Move Distance | 10-ft Container | 15-ft Container |
|---|---|---|
| Under 100 miles | $400–$700 | $500–$800 |
| 500 miles | $1,000–$2,200 | $1,300–$2,500 |
| 1,000+ miles | $1,800–$3,800 | $2,000–$4,800 |
Best for Long-Distance Moves: U-Pack
U-Pack specializes in long-distance relocations with their flexible “you pack, they drive” model that saves customers time and stress. They deliver their heavy-duty ReloCubes or a 28-foot trailer to your home, you load it up, and they handle the transport to your destination — simple, efficient, and budget-friendly for cross-country moves.
They’re best known for their straightforward, space-based pricing model where you only pay for the trailer footage or number of ReloCubes you use. Combined with their dependable delivery timelines and nationwide coverage, they’re one of the most trusted options for long-distance DIY movers.
Why you should choose U-Pack: They make long-distance moving easy with transparent pricing, dependable timelines, and flexibility to pay only for the space you need.
U-Pack Container Sizes
- 6 ft. ReloCube
- 28-ft. trailer space (pay only for the space you use)
U-Pack Discounts & Services
- Discounts:
- Military
- Students
- Returning customers
- Services:
- Cross-country moves
- Curbside delivery
- Trailer & cube options
- Guaranteed transit times
- Pay-for-what-you-use pricing
U-Pack Pros & Cons
Pros
- Pay only for the space you use
- Heavy-duty all-steel ReloCubes
- Guaranteed transit times for long-distance moves
- Fast, reliable shipping within the continental U.S.
Cons
- No storage available between moves
- Limited availability for local moves
U-Pack Pricing
| Move Distance | ReloCube (per unit) | Trailer (10 ft. of space) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 100 miles | $700–$1,200 | $1,000–$1,500 |
| 500 miles | $1,200–$1,900 | $1,800–$2,400 |
| 1,000+ miles | $1,800–$2,800 | $2,400–$3,500 |
Best for Larger DIY Moves: MovingYourself
MovingYourself offers a freight-style moving experience designed for customers who want total control over packing and loading. They drop off a large commercial trailer, you fill as much space as you need, and they handle the driving. It’s a great fit for larger households that want the flexibility of a full trailer without paying for a full-service mover.
Their pay-by-the-foot model is straightforward and budget-friendly, letting you expand or shrink your reserved space as needed. With national coverage and dependable scheduling, they’ve built a reputation for helping DIY movers manage big relocations at a reasonable cost.
Why you should choose MovingYourself: They’re ideal for larger DIY moves where you want the space and control of a full trailer without paying premium full-service moving rates.
MovingYourself Container Sizes
- 28-ft. trailer space (pay by the linear foot)
MovingYourself Discounts & Services
- Discounts:
- Military
- Students
- Returning customers
- Services:
- Cross-country moves
- Freight-style shipping
- Residential & commercial moves
- Trailer space rental
- Flexible delivery scheduling
MovingYourself Pros & Cons
Pros
- Pay only for trailer space you use
- Ideal for multi-bedroom moves
- Flexible pickup & delivery scheduling
- No hidden fees or fuel surcharges
Cons
- No short-term storage options
- Limited weekend availability in smaller markets
MovingYourself Pricing
| Move Distance | 10 ft. of Trailer Space | Full Trailer (28 ft.) |
|---|---|---|
| Under 100 miles | $700–$1,000 | $1,200–$1,700 |
| 500 miles | $1,200–$1,800 | $1,800–$2,800 |
| 1,000+ miles | $1,800–$2,500 | $2,800–$3,500+ |
Best Protection: 1-800-PACK-RAT
1-800-PACK-RAT containers are known for durability and protection thanks to their all-steel and weather-resistant design. They’re a favorite among customers who want peace of mind knowing their belongings are safe during long-distance or long-term storage.
They also stand out for flexible storage options and partnerships with professional labor providers. Whether you’re moving across the country or remodeling your home, they deliver secure, well-built containers that can handle nearly any moving condition.
Why you should choose PACK-RAT: Their all-steel, weatherproof containers provide unmatched protection for valuable or long-term storage items.
PACK-RAT Container Sizes
- 8 ft.
- 12 ft.
- 16 ft.
PACK-RAT Discounts & Services
- Discounts:
- Military
- Students
- Seniors
- Returning customers
- Services:
- At-home storage
- Cross-country moves
- Long-term storage
- Local moves
- Residential & commercial moves
- Moving labor add-ons
PACK-RAT Pros & Cons
Pros
- All-steel, weatherproof containers
- Barn-style doors for easy loading
- Long-term & short-term storage options
- HireAHelper partnership for optional moving labor
Cons
- Not in 15 states
- Cancellation fee (after dispatch)
PACK-RAT Pricing
| Move Distance | 8-ft Container | 12-ft Container | 16-ft Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 100 miles | $500–$900 | $600–$1,000 | $700–$1,200 |
| 500 miles | $1,200–$2,200 | $1,500–$2,500 | $1,800–$3,000 |
| 1,000+ miles | $1,800–$3,500 | $2,200–$4,000 | $2,800–$5,000+ |
How To Choose the Right Container
- Compare at least three quotes. Prices vary widely between companies, so getting multiple estimates helps you spot the best deal and avoid hidden fees.
- Match the container size to your move. Smaller containers work well for apartments or local moves, while 12- or 16-ft units are better for multi-room homes or long-distance relocations.
- Ensure delivery and pickup access. Make sure your property allows container placement. Some HOAs or cities require permits for on-street storage.
- Look for flexibility. Choose a company that offers month-to-month rentals or storage extensions if your move dates aren’t set in stone.
- Check the pricing model. Some companies charge by container size, others by trailer footage or time used. Read your quote carefully before booking.
- Ask about insurance options. Confirm whether the company offers contents protection or if you’ll need to use your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance.
- Read customer reviews. Look for consistent feedback about delivery times, condition of containers, and billing transparency before deciding.
Our Take
PODS remains our best overall moving container choice for most situations. They combine nationwide availability, flexible month-to-month rentals, and transparent pricing that make both moving and storage simple.
That said, each company on our list has its strengths — from Zippy Shell’s urban accessibility to U-Pack’s long-distance reliability and 1-800-PACK-RAT’s superior protection. The best way to find your match is to get quotes from at least three of the top companies and compare your options side by side.
FAQ
How much does a moving container cost on average?
Most moving containers cost between $400 and $5,000, depending on distance, container size, and whether you need storage time. Local moves usually stay under $800, while cross-country moves can reach several thousand. Prices also vary seasonally, with higher rates during summer months.
Do I have to be present when my container is delivered or picked up?
Yes, someone 18 or older usually needs to be on-site to sign off on delivery or pickup. This ensures the container is placed correctly and avoids liability issues if something blocks access. Some companies offer flexible scheduling windows or same-day notifications to help you plan around your availability.
What can’t I pack inside a moving container?
Most companies prohibit flammable, hazardous, or perishable items. This includes things like paint, fuel, cleaning chemicals, live plants, and food. You’ll also want to avoid packing cash, jewelry, or important documents. Those should travel with you personally for security reasons.
Can I ship a vehicle or motorcycle inside a moving container?
In most cases, no. Moving containers are designed for household goods, not vehicles. However, some larger units or freight-style trailers (like those from U-Pack or MovingYourself) may allow small motorcycles or ATVs with proper tie-downs. Always confirm with the company before loading any motorized equipment.
How early should I reserve a moving container?
Ideally, book your container three to six weeks before your move. During peak season (May-September), availability can shrink quickly in busy metro areas. Booking early also helps you lock in lower rates before seasonal price increases hit.
