Zippy Shell has carved out a solid reputation among moving container companies for its flexible storage options, affordable pricing, and city-friendly design. As a sister company to 1-800-PACK-RAT, Zippy Shell combines reliable transport with the convenience of built-in storage for both local and long-distance moves.
Key Takeaways
- Urban-friendly delivery: Street-legal trailers fit tight city spaces better than many competitors
- Nationwide availability: Operates in 38 states for both local and long-distance moving
- Flexible storage options: Choose on-site or facility storage with month-to-month rental
- Sister company to 1-800-PACK-RAT: Shares container quality and service standards
- DIY hybrid model: You pack while they handle the driving and transport logistics
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Zippy Shell: Pros & Cons
Pros
- Street-legal container trailers
- Steel-framed, weather-resistant containers
- Competitive long-distance pricing
- Partnership with HireAHelper for loading help
Cons
- No real-time GPS tracking
- Container availability varies by region
- No guaranteed delivery
How Much Does Zippy Shell Cost?
On average, Zippy Shell costs between $250 and $600 for local moves and $1,800 to $3,500+ for long-distance moves. Pricing depends on distance, container size, and how long you keep your container. Their transparent month-to-month billing lets you pay only for the time you use.
Zippy Shell quotes include pickup, delivery, and one month of storage in most quotes.
Average Zippy Shell costs by move type:
| Move Type | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Local move | $250–$600 |
| Long-distance move | $1,800–$3,500+ |
| Storage extension | $150–$250 per month |
Factors That Affect Zippy Shell Pricing
- Distance: Longer routes cost more overall but less per mile
- Container size: 15-foot units cost more than 10-foot containers
- Storage duration: Monthly billing adds cost for extended use
- Season: Summer months often bring peak-season surcharges
- Local regulations: Some cities require street permits for drop-offs
Zippy Shell Services
- Local & long-distance moving
- Residential & commercial storage
- Short- & long-term container rental
- Optional moving labor help (via HireAHelper)
- Climate-controlled storage facilities
- 10- & 15-foot mobile storage containers
- Military & student discounts
- Online quotes & scheduling
Policies and “Fine Print”
- Service area: 80+ warehouse locations and 94 locations, with service across many U.S. states
- Payment & deposits: Pricing is quote-based, so your final charges, fees, and any deposit requirements will vary by location
- Discounts: Typically valid on new orders only
- Cancellation: Additional fees, costs, expenses, and penalties may apply, so review your quote and service agreement carefully before booking
Zippy Shell Customer Reviews
| Review Site | Rating | Positive Reviews Mention | Complaints Include |
|---|---|---|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) | 5 / 5 |
Repeat customers, good pricing, quality movers, strong customer service | BBB profiles are location-specific, so ratings and review volume can vary a lot by franchise/market |
| Trustpilot | 1.4 / 5 |
Helpful staff, accommodating service, fair rates | Delivery delays, surprise charges, communication issues, tracking frustrations |
| ConsumerAffairs | 1.1 / 5 |
Storage flexibility, city-friendly containers, three-day loading window | Limited availability, lack of transparent online pricing |
Real Customer Reviews
★★★★★ “This moving company is the best ever!”
Rating: 5/5 (Trustpilot)
“I couldn’t be happier! I have been treated with total respect and the service is out of this world. The movers go over and above and the owner, Don and his assistant, Jessica are extremely polite and professional. Thank you all for a job well done. I highly recommend this moving company to everyone!”
— Mary★★★★★ “The service was outstanding”
Rating: 5/5 (Trustpilot)
“We used ZippyShell to move from CO to TN. The service was outstanding from first contact through pick up, storage and delivery. The shipping rate was competitive, and the low monthly warehouse storage rate was a real plus. The movers/labor on both ends were timely, professional and very careful with our furniture and containers. We have unpacked now, and there was no damage or breakage. Everything happened on time as promised, with no surprises. We will definitely be using ZippyShell for our 2nd upcoming move.”
— Lisa★★★☆☆ “I would recommend Zippy Shell again”
Rating: 3/5 (Trustpilot)
“In general, I’ve received great service from Zippy Shell. I have done two moves with Zippy. Unfortunately, my last contact was not enjoyable. Zippy Shell used an outside vendor to deliver the container in a box truck, not in their trailer as had occurred three times prior. Assistance with unloading was forced upon me. I would recommend Zippy Shell again, however. I would warn people to ask whether a third-party vendor will be delivering the container. Additional fees me be charged to you for services that were not authorized.”
— ShaunZippy Shell vs. the Competition
Zippy Shell isn’t trying to outmuscle the biggest container movers. Instead, they’ve carved out their own lane with flexible pricing and containers built for real-world accessibility. While PODS, 1-800-PACK-RAT, and U-Pack focus on scale or heavy-duty builds, Zippy Shell stands out for being simple, city-friendly, and surprisingly affordable.
Here’s how they compare with top moving container companies when it comes to cost, storage, and convenience.
| Company | Best For | Nationwide Coverage | Storage | Labor Help | Avg. Cost (500 Miles) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zippy Shell | City-friendly delivery | 38 states | ✔️ | HireAHelper partnership | $1,800–$3,500 |
| PODS | Overall flexibility | 46 states (not in AK, MT, ND, WY) | ✔️ | HireAHelper partnership | $2,000–$3,200 |
| 1-800-PACK-RAT | Container strength | 35 states (not in AK, HI, ID, ME, MT, ND, NE, NV, OR, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, WY) | ✔️ | HireAHelper partnership | $1,000–$2,500 |
| U-Pack | Pay-for-space pricing | 48 states (not in AK, HI) | ❌ | Customer-arranged | $1,500–$2,500 |
Zippy Shell vs. PODS
PODS is still the best-known name in moving containers, but Zippy Shell appeals to customers who want something easier to use in smaller spaces. PODS offers wider availability and a slightly smoother booking experience, while Zippy Shell wins when it comes to affordable pricing and flexibility for apartment or city moves.
Bottom line: Choose Zippy Shell if you live in a city or need compact, street-ready delivery. Go with PODS if you want nationwide coverage and quick scheduling.
Zippy Shell vs. 1-800-PACK-RAT
Although they share the same parent company, Zippy Shell and 1-800-PACK-RAT serve slightly different needs. PACK-RAT’s all-steel containers are built for larger homes and long-term storage, while Zippy Shell focuses on portability and convenience. Their street-legal trailers make loading and drop-off easier in driveways or tight parking spots.
Bottom line: Pick Zippy Shell for smaller moves or city deliveries. Choose 1-800-PACK-RAT for bigger households or when you need maximum storage space.
Zippy Shell vs. U-Pack
U-Pack offers simple, pay-for-space pricing that’s perfect for budget-conscious customers who don’t need storage. Zippy Shell costs more upfront but includes built-in storage, container flexibility, and optional moving labor. For anyone juggling multiple stages of a move or renovations, Zippy Shell’s setup is more convenient.
Bottom line: Go with U-Pack if you want low-cost, straightforward shipping. Choose Zippy Shell if you want storage included and more delivery flexibility.
Is Zippy Shell Right for You?
Choose Zippy Shell if:
- You live in a city or apartment with limited parking
- You want affordable container moving with built-in storage
- You prefer month-to-month flexibility
- You like having the option to add labor help
Look elsewhere if:
- You live in a state not covered by Zippy Shell
- You need international or cross-border shipping
- You want real-time GPS tracking or instant online availability
FAQ
How does Zippy Shell deliver and pick up containers?
Zippy Shell delivers containers on street-legal trailers pulled by trucks, so they can park on most residential streets or driveways. This makes them easier to place in tight or high-traffic areas.
When you finish loading, they pick up the trailer and transport it directly to your destination or a Zippy Shell storage facility, depending on your plan.
Does Zippy Shell provide moving supplies?
While Zippy Shell does not include supplies with container rentals, they sell essential moving materials like boxes, tape, and furniture pads through their website.
They also offer optional add-ons for protective materials or tie-down straps to help keep items secure during transit.
How far in advance should I book Zippy Shell for a move?
Ideally, you should schedule your container two to four weeks before your move. Booking early helps ensure you get the container size you need and preferred delivery dates, especially during peak summer months.
For local moves or off-season dates, Zippy Shell can sometimes deliver within a few days, but last-minute availability varies by region.
Can I access my stuff in Zippy Shell storage?
Yes, you can access your container at a Zippy Shell storage facility by scheduling an appointment in advance. Access hours vary by location.
Does Zippy Shell ship vehicles or motorcycles?
No. Zippy Shell focuses solely on moving and storage containers for household items and does not provide vehicle or motorcycle transport services.
If you need to move a car, you can pair Zippy Shell with a third-party auto transport company that handles that portion of your move.
What if my new home isn’t ready when my container arrives?
If your home is not ready, Zippy Shell can transfer your container to one of their secure storage facilities until you are ready for delivery. Monthly storage fees will apply during this period.
This flexibility makes them a good fit for moves with delayed closings or unexpected construction timelines.
What happens if my Zippy Shell container is damaged during transit?
If a container is damaged during transport, Zippy Shell’s team will assess the issue immediately and coordinate repairs or replacement. Their protection plans cover damage to both the container and contents, depending on your policy.
Be sure to document any visible damage upon delivery and contact customer service right away to start a claim if needed.
