U-Pack ranks as one of our top picks for best moving container companies, thanks to their transparent pricing, national reach, and fast long-distance delivery. Our U-Pack review covers how much they cost and how they stack up against other moving container companies.
Key Takeaways
- Nationwide coverage: U-Pack operates in all 50 U.S. states, plus Canada and Puerto Rico
- Space-based pricing: You’ll pay only for the trailer or container space you use
- Fast transit times: Most moves are completed within two to five business days after pickup, which is faster than many traditional movers
- No deposit required: Simple and stress-free booking
- Budget-friendly model: Customers do the loading and unloading while U-Pack handles the driving
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U-Pack Pros & Cons
Pros
- Nationwide coverage to all 50 states & Puerto Rico
- Pay-for-space flexibility
- Fast delivery windows, typically two to five business days
- Quick online quotes
Cons
- Not ideal for local moves under 150 miles
- Three-day load/unload window
How Much Does U-Pack Cost?
U-Pack pricing depends on how far you’re moving, how much space you use, and how many containers you need. They charge only for the portion of the trailer or number of ReloCubes® you actually fill, so their rates are highly customizable.
Average Cost Estimates
- One-bedroom move (100 miles): $1,000
- Three-bedroom move (1,000 miles): $4,100
- Cross-country move (2,000+ miles): $6,000+
Cost Estimates at a Glance
| Move Distance | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 100–300 miles | $1,000–$2,000 |
| 500–1,000 miles | $2,000–$4,500 |
| 1,000+ miles | $4,000–$7,000+ |
What’s Included in a Quote?
- Delivery of the trailer or container
- Transportation between origin and destination
- Pickup and delivery coordination
What Affects U-Pack Pricing
- Distance: Longer hauls naturally cost more
- Space used: Pay only for the container space filled
- Season: Summer and early fall rates run higher due to demand
- Storage time: Short-term storage adds to the total cost
- Labor help: Third-party loading and unloading services are optional and billed separately
U-Pack Services
- Long-distance domestic moves, including Puerto Rico
- International moving to and from Canada
- Two container options: ReloCubes® for smaller moves and large moving trailers for bigger households
- Online quoting, booking, and shipment tracking
- Basic liability protection with optional insurance upgrades
- Military, student, and senior relocations
- Short-term storage at service centers nationwide
U-Pack Policies and “Fine Print”
- Service area: Available nationwide in all 50 states, with additional service in Canada and Puerto Rico
- Payment and deposits: Typically no deposit to book, you’ll pay once your shipment is scheduled and final charges are based on the actual space used
- Discounts: U-Pack commonly offers discounts for military members and students, and promotional deals may be available depending on location and season
- Cancellation: U-Pack cancellations are generally allowed, but fees may apply depending on how close you are to your scheduled delivery or pickup date
Real Customer Feedback
| Review Site | Rating | What Positive Reviews Say | What Complaints Mention |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBB (Better Business Bureau) | A+ | Fair pricing, on-time drop-offs/pickups, helpful support | Communication issues, delivery timing changes, billing/claims frustration |
| Trustpilot | 4.8 / 5 | Easy booking process, competitive pricing, fast delivery | Delays, tracking/updates, coordination problems |
| ConsumerAffairs | 4.8 / 5 | Affordability, reliable long-distance delivery, helpful staff | Scheduling issues, delays, denied damage claims |
Real Customer Reviews
★★★★★ “Highly recommend to anyone moving.”
Rating: 5/5 (Trustpilot)
“This made what could have been a difficult move so easy. Moved more than a thousand miles and not having to lug everything myself in a trailer made it exponentially easier. The staff was super friendly and the entire process was very very smooth.”
– Ashley
★★★★★ “We’re so glad we went with UPack!”
Rating: 5/5 (BBB)
“I can’t say enough positive things about our move with our UPack Relocube. You read so many horror stories that people have with their long-distance moves, so it’s difficult to choose an option you think you can trust. What initially stood out is the significantly lower cost compared to other similar options and moving companies. But what most impressed us with the company is the absolutely incredible customer service we experienced.”
– Kasey
★★★☆☆ “They eventually got my stuff from point A to point B”
Rating: 3/5 (Trustpilot)
“I chose Upack as the moving company to move my things from one state to another state due to its price and reputation compared to other moving companies. Overall I believe that the Upack service was great to use but made also had me to feel stressed at times. I believe that everyone at each part of the process were doing their best and that things will not always go smooth as planned. I’m glad that they did not lose my things but that moment did scare me when I first heard that they could not find my stuff. I still recommend others to use their services if they do not want to move their own stuff in a moving truck.”
– Shanel
U-Pack vs. the Competition
U-Pack goes head-to-head with other big names in the moving container world like PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT, and MovingYourself. They’re known for clear pricing and wide coverage, but each company brings something different to the table when it comes to storage, flexibility, and overall service.
Here’s a quick look at how U-Pack stacks up against the competition on a typical 500-mile move:
| Company | Best For | Coverage | Storage | Labor Help | Avg. Cost (500 Miles) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U-Pack | Budget long-distance DIY moves | 50 states + Canada/Puerto Rico | Limited to facility storage | Customer-arranged | $2,000–$3,000 |
| PODS | Overall value | 46 states | Yes | HireAHelper partnership | $2,000–$3,200 |
| 1-800-PACK-RAT | Contents protectioin | 30 states | Yes | HireAHelper partnership | $1,800–$2,800 |
U-Pack vs. PODS
PODS is the go-to name for flexibility. They offer month-to-month rentals and built-in storage that can stay right in your driveway or at one of their facilities. That setup works great if you’re juggling closing dates or need extra time to unpack.
U-Pack takes a simpler, faster approach. They focus on getting your stuff from point A to point B without the extra frills, usually for less money than PODS cost and in less time. You won’t get long-term storage or built-in labor help, but you’ll save quite a bit on the total move cost.
Bottom line: Pick PODS if you want more storage options and flexible timing. Go with U-Pack if you care more about affordability and fast delivery.
U-Pack vs. 1-800-PACK-RAT
1-800-PACK-RAT is known for their heavy-duty, all-steel containers, perfect if you’re hauling bulky furniture or want extra protection against bad weather. Their service quality is solid, but their coverage is limited to about 35 states, so availability can be hit or miss.
U-Pack covers the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, and typically delivers faster, thanks to their partnership with ABF Freight’s national trucking network. While their ReloCubes aren’t as rugged as PACK-RAT’s containers, they’re still sturdy and secure enough for most household moves. And they usually come with a lower price tag.
Bottom line: 1-800-PACK-RAT is best if you need super-tough containers. U-Pack is the smarter choice for nationwide coverage and faster delivery at a lower cost.
U-Pack vs. MovingYourself
MovingYourself has a freight-style setup where you only pay for the truck space you use. It’s a straightforward, budget-friendly system that works well for smaller or one-way moves, though you’ll need to handle all the logistics yourself.
U-Pack offers a similar pay-for-space model but backs it with ABF Freight’s massive carrier network and dedicated customer support. That means faster delivery times, clearer tracking, and optional short-term storage if your timeline changes.
Bottom line: MovingYourself keeps costs ultra-low, but U-Pack delivers better reliability, broader coverage, and more flexibility if your plans shift.
Is U-Pack Right for You?
Choose U-Pack if:
- You’re planning an interstate or cross-country move
- You want to pay only for the space you use
- You can handle loading and unloading yourself
- You value predictable, no-deposit pricing
Look elsewhere if:
- You’re moving locally and need full-service help
- You prefer door-to-door loading and unloading included
- You want long-term at-home container storage
FAQ
How much space do most people need with U-Pack?
U-Pack offers two options for loading: their portable ReloCubes® and larger moving trailers. Each ReloCube holds about one room’s worth of furniture (roughly 305 cubic feet), while the trailer option is best for multi-bedroom homes. Customers can mix and match depending on how much space they need.
If you overestimate, U-Pack will adjust the final cost down once your container is loaded.
What kind of insurance does U-Pack offer?
U-Pack automatically includes carrier negligence liability coverage at no additional cost, which protects your shipment against damage caused by carrier handling. Coverage limits depend on whether you use a trailer or ReloCubes®, and upgrades are available for added peace of mind.
They also allow customers to purchase additional protection for higher-value shipments. Check your homeowner’s or renter’s policy to see if your belongings are already covered during transit. You might be able to combine both for full protection.
Does U-Pack have hidden fees?
U-Pack is known for straightforward, all-inclusive quotes. The price you receive upfront includes delivery, transportation, and pickup, so you won’t be surprised by fuel surcharges or mileage fees after the move.
The only extras you might pay for are optional add-ons like storage time, extra containers, or third-party labor.
When should I book my move with U-Pack?
Book your move at least two to four weeks before your desired moving date, especially during the summer when demand spikes.
For last-minute relocations, U-Pack can sometimes accommodate moves within a few business days. Because they handle so many long-distance routes, availability is usually better than smaller regional container services.
Does U-Pack handle local or same-state moves?
Generally, no. U-Pack is built for interstate and long-distance relocations and doesn’t typically service local moves under about 150 miles. Their pricing model and logistics network are optimized for multi-state deliveries rather than short-haul transport.
If you’re staying within the same city or metro area, a local mover or small truck rental is usually more cost-effective. U-Pack is best suited for customers moving across state lines who want professional transport without the cost of full-service movers.
