U-Pack is our top pick for cheapest moving containers thanks to their space-based pricing, fast long-distance delivery, and no hidden fees. They’re the best overall value for budget-conscious DIY movers who want reliable transport without paying for more than they use.
Key Takeaways
- Moving containers are an affordable alternative to full-service movers, letting you load and unload yourself while professionals handle transport.
- Most container moves cost $400-$4,000+, depending on distance, container size, and whether you need storage.
- Budget-friendly options like U-Pack and Zippy Shell keep costs low with transparent pricing and flexible timelines.
- You can save even more by comparing quotes, booking early, and downsizing before your move.
Why You Can Trust FreightWaves Checkpoint
At FreightWaves Checkpoint, we provide honest, data-driven reviews of the nation’s best moving and storage companies.
We evaluate over 4,000 professional movers based on pricing transparency, reliability, customer satisfaction, and overall service quality. Our editorial team also verifies real customer reviews to highlight what people love — and what to watch for — about each company.
All information is thoroughly fact-checked and regularly updated so you can make confident, informed decisions for your move.
5 Cheapest Moving Container Companies
Comparing the Cheapest Moving Containers
| Company | Best For | Price Range | |
|---|---|---|---|
| U-Pack | Overall value | $900–$3,000 | |
| Zippy Shell | Affordable city moves | $400–$3,800 | |
| PODS | Flexible pricing | $500–$4,000 | |
| 1-800-PACK-RAT | Deals | $1,000–$4,500 | |
| MovingPlace | Larger budget moves | $1,100–$3,500 |
Best Overall Value: U-Pack
U-Pack keeps prices low by charging only for the space you use, making them a perfect choice for affordable long-distance moves. They drop off a trailer or ReloCube, you load it, and they handle transport. There are no hidden fees, and you won’t end up paying for unused space.
Their transparent quotes and guaranteed transit times help you plan confidently without worrying about cost surprises. For budget-focused movers who still want professional reliability, U-Pack offers unbeatable overall value.
Why you should Choose U-Pack: You only pay for the space you need, making long-distance moving affordable without sacrificing service quality.
U-Pack Availability
Available in all 50 states.
U-Pack Container Sizes
- 6 ft. ReloCube
- 28-ft. trailer (pay for what you use)
U-Pack Discounts & Services
- Discounts:
- Military
- Students
- Returning customers
- Services:
- ReloCube containers
- Trailers
- Cross-country moves
- Guaranteed delivery
- Pay-by-space pricing
- Curbside pickup
- Long-distance moving
U-Pack Pricing
| Move Distance | ReloCube | 10 ft. of Trailer Space |
|---|---|---|
| Under 100 miles | $700–$1,000 | $1,000–$1,400 |
| 500 miles | $1,200–$1,800 | $1,600–$2,200 |
| 1,000+ miles | $1,800–$2,900 | $2,400–$3,000 |
U-Pack Pros & Cons
Pros
- Pay-for-what-you-use pricing
- Faster long-distance delivery than most competitors
- Fuel, mileage & tolls included
- Available in all 50 states
- Guaranteed delivery for cross-country moves
Cons
- No short-term storage options
- Not ideal for local moves
- Limited weekend availability
Most Affordable City Moves: Zippy Shell
Zippy Shell’s pricing is competitive for both local and long-distance moves, and the company’s partnership with 1-800-PACK-RAT helps expand coverage and service options. Their containers can fit into tight parking spots or alleyways, which cuts down on parking permit costs and logistical hassles that often come with city moves.
They also include 30 days of storage in every quote, making it easier to budget for moves that require short-term flexibility.
Why you should choose Zippy Shell: Their compact, street-ready containers keep city moves simple, affordable, and stress-free.
Zippy Shell Availability
Availability: 35 states (not in AK, HI, MT, ND, SD, WY, ME, or VT)
Zippy Shell Container Sizes
Container sizes:
- 10 ft.
- 15 ft.
Zippy Shell Discounts & Services
- Discounts: Military
- Services:
- Local moves
- Apartment & condo relocations
- Portable storage
- Long-distance moves
- Commercial deliveries
Zippy Shell Pricing
| Move Distance | 10-ft Container | 15-ft Container |
|---|---|---|
| Under 100 miles | $400–$700 | $500–$800 |
| 500 miles | $1,000–$2,000 | $1,300–$2,400 |
| 1,000+ miles | $1,800–$3,600 | $2,000–$4,200 |
Zippy Shell Pros & Cons
Pros
- Street-legal containers fit tight spaces
- 30 days of storage
- Ideal for apartments & city neighborhoods
- Weatherproof steel containers
- Simple, transparent pricing
Cons
- Limited container size options
- Only available in select states
- No onsite storage for long-term moves
Most Flexible Pricing: PODS
PODS has built its reputation on flexibility and reliability, offering month-to-month container rentals for moves of any size. Customers can pack at their own pace, store the unit onsite, or move it across the country without managing tight deadlines.
PODS pricing is month-to-month, which helps customers adjust to shifting timelines or delays between homes. Being able to extend storage or move containers between locations adds flexibility that keeps costs predictable and stress low.
Why you should choose PODS: Their flexible, month-to-month rentals make it easy to manage your move on your own timeline and budget.
PODS Availability
Availability: 46 states (not in AK, MT, ND, or WY)
PODS Container Sizes
Container sizes:
- 8 ft.
- 12 ft.
- 16 ft.
PODS Discounts & Services
- Discounts:
- USAA members
- Costco Executive members
- Services:
- At-home & facility storage
- Short- & long-term storage
- Local moves
- Long-distance & cross-country moves
- Optional moving labor
- Residential & business relocations
PODS Pricing
| Move Distance | 8-ft | 12-ft | 16-ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 100 miles | $350–$700 | $400–$800 | $500–$900 |
| 500 miles | $1,000–$2,000 | $1,200–$2,500 | $1,500–$3,000 |
| 1,000+ miles | $2,000–$3,800 | $2,500–$4,200 | $3,000–$5,000+ |
PODS Pros & Cons
Pros
- Nationwide availability
- Flexible month-to-month rentals
- Optional storage at local facilities
- Multiple container sizes
- Transparent, consistent pricing
Cons
- No same-day delivery
- Limited rural coverage
- No GPS tracking for containers
Best Deals: 1-800-PACK-RAT
1-800-PACK-RAT offers standout deals in the moving container industry, with a flat 10% discount on long-distance moves and regular promotional codes for students, seniors, and military customers. Their transparent pricing and frequent offers make them one of the most budget-friendly options for interstate relocations.
Beyond affordability, PACK-RAT also delivers durable, all-steel containers designed to keep belongings safe in all weather conditions. With flexible delivery options and nationwide partnerships for labor and storage, they make it easy to manage your move without sacrificing quality or security.
Why you should choose PACK-RAT: They combine strong protective containers with nationwide discounts, making long-distance moves both affordable and secure.
PACK-RAT Availability
Availability: 35 states (not in AK, HI, ME, MT, ND, SD, WY, or VT)
PACK-RAT Container Sizes
Container sizes:
- 8 ft.
- 12 ft.
- 16 ft.
PACK-RAT Discounts & Services
- Discounts:
- Military
- First responders
- Teachers
- Medical professionals
- Students
- Seniors
- Long-distance moves
- Services:
- Local moves
- Cross-country moves
- Long-term storage
- Packing help
- Climate-controlled facilities
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+ |
PACK-RAT Pros & Cons
Pros
- 10% discount on all long-distance moves
- All-steel, weather-resistant containers
- Multiple container sizes
- Optional labor (via HireAHelper)
- Wide ground-level doors for easy loading & unloading
Cons
- Limited state coverage
- Higher upfront deposit costs than other containers
- No instant online booking for some regions
Best for Large Moves on a Budget: MovingPlace
MovingPlace is a smart option for people tackling bigger relocations who still want to stay within budget. Their flexible freight-style trailer system lets you pay only for the space you use, and their pricing is often hundreds or even thousands less than full-service movers for multi-bedroom homes.
They’re especially cost-effective for long-distance moves because you can reserve partial trailer space or the full 28-foot trailer depending on your needs. With coast-to-coast coverage and simple, transparent pricing, they’re a go-to for large families and multi-room households that want to save without skimping on space.
Why you should choose MovingPlace: They make large, long-distance DIY moves more affordable with transparent, pay-by-the-foot pricing and flexible nationwide service.
MovingPlace Availability
Availability: 48 states (not in AK or HI)
MovingPlace Container Sizes
Container sizes:
- 28-ft. trailer (pay for the space you use)
MovingPlace Discounts & Services
- Discounts:
- Military
- Services:
- Cross-country moves
- Freight-style shipping
- Trailer rentals
- Partial-load options
MovingPlace 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+ |
MovingPlace Pros & Cons
Pros
- Pay-by-the-foot pricing
- Free loading ramp
- Dedicated customer service team
- No mileage fees
- Split-trailer options (shared shipments)
Cons
- No onsite storage
- No online booking
- Limited insurance coverage
How To Save on Moving Container Costs
- Book early. Container prices climb as demand increases, especially in summer. Reserving several weeks in advance can lock in lower rates and guarantee availability.
- Declutter before you pack. The fewer items you move, the less space you’ll need. Selling, donating, or recycling bulky furniture can help you cut container costs dramatically.
- Compare multiple quotes. Rates vary between companies, so getting at least three estimates helps you spot the best deal. Many movers will even match lower competitor pricing.
- Pick flexible dates. Midweek or off-season moves (October-April) tend to cost less than weekends or summer months when demand peaks.
- Skip the extras. If you’re comfortable loading and unloading yourself, avoid add-ons like moving labor or storage extensions to keep your total cost down.
Our Take
U-Pack is the best overall value for affordable container moves, combining transparent, pay-for-what-you-use pricing with reliable long-distance delivery.
That said, we think every company on our list is among the top moving containers, and each offers its own type of savings, from Zippy Shell’s city-friendly pricing to MovingPlace’s pay-as-you-go flexibility. Compare quotes from at least three of our cheapest moving container picks to find the best deal for your budget.
FAQ
Do moving container companies charge by weight or size?
Most moving container companies charge based on container size or the amount of trailer space you use, not the total weight of your shipment. For example, U-Pack and MovingPlace use pay-by-the-foot pricing, while others charge per container. This model makes it easier to predict costs and save money by packing efficiently.
Are there hidden fees with moving containers?
While reputable companies list major costs upfront, you may still see add-ons for things like storage extensions, city permits, or last-minute delivery changes. Always ask for a full cost breakdown before signing a contract so you’re not surprised later.
Is it cheaper to rent one large container or multiple small ones?
Renting one large container is usually more affordable since you’ll only pay one base delivery and pickup fee. Smaller containers, however, are ideal for partial or one-room moves. If you’re unsure, request quotes both ways — some companies even price-match to help you save.
Can I share a moving container with someone else to save money?
Some providers, like U-Pack and MovingPlace, allow you to share trailer space and pay only for what you use. This is one of the cheapest ways to move if you don’t have enough items to fill a full container. Just make sure your shipments are clearly labeled and loaded separately.
Are weekend deliveries and pickups more expensive?
Yes, weekend moves often cost slightly more due to higher demand and limited driver availability. If you’re flexible, scheduling delivery on a weekday can help you save $50–$150 or more depending on your route and company.
Do container movers charge extra for long-distance routes?
Long-distance moves typically include higher mileage fees, but container services are still cheaper than full-service movers. Some companies, such as U-Pack, offer guaranteed transit times with no fuel surcharges, keeping costs more predictable for cross-country moves.
Can I negotiate my moving container quote?
Yes. Many moving container companies are open to negotiation, especially if you have competing quotes. Ask about matching lower prices or waiving certain fees like delivery charges.
Are moving containers cheaper than full-service movers?
On average, moving containers cost 30%–50% less than hiring full-service movers for the same distance. For example, a cross-country move that might cost $6,000 with professional movers could be closer to $3,000 with a container company, especially if you handle loading yourself and avoid add-ons like storage or labor.
