U-Haul U-Box is a moving container company that provides flexibility and affordability for those looking to relocate. With easy access to U-Haul’s nationwide locations, availability is a significant strength for U-Box. The company has over 20,000 locations, providing easy access to U-Box containers in all 50 states, North America, and international ports.

U-Box containers are available for both local moves and long-term storage, and U-Haul’s reputation and expertise as a moving company back them. Additionally, U-Haul provides full-service moving and packing at thousands of locations nationwide. The U-Box is approximately 8’ x 5’ x 7’6” and is a plywood box wrapped in a plastic tarp. Users can pack their items themselves or hire U-Haul movers to pack them at their convenience.

Pricing for U-Box is based on a per-container basis, with each container fitting approximately 1.5 to three rooms. For example, a one-bedroom apartment move from San Diego to Austin, TX, scheduled three months in advance, would cost $2,273.90.

While U-Box has many benefits, such as being a well-known brand with locations nationwide, the ability to transport containers anywhere, and competitive pricing, there are some cons. Containers come in only one size, and they are relatively lightweight and not made of the most durable materials. And most notably, U-Haul’s customer service could be not very good at times. Wait times can be lengthy, leaving customers frustrated.

In conclusion, U-Haul U-Box provides an affordable and flexible way to relocate, with an extensive network of locations and shipping options. However, users should keep in mind the trade-off: low prices come with below-average customer service.

Founded: 1945
Headquarter: Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.
Revenue in 2022 (TTM): $4.54B
Website: www.uhaul.com

PODS, or Portable On Demand Storage, is a pioneer in the portable container moving industry known for its red-and-white packing containers that are a common sight in driveways across the country. The company offers customers the convenience of packing their belongings in a portable container, which can be left outside their home ready to be picked up and moved to their new location at their convenience. Aside from moving, customers can also rent the containers for temporary storage purposes, such as during renovations or decluttering.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, PODS performed remarkably well despite the significant increase in demand. While most industry players struggled to keep up, PODS managed to perform at a high level, earning it the reputation of a COVID-19 rockstar. The company has also become more affordable, with its pricing now 2% below industry average, translating to an average price reduction of around $270.

PODS offers two container sizes, 8 ft and 16 ft, with flexible rental options suitable for short and long-term storage needs. The company has maintained a good rating and receives positive customer reviews. However, customers must call to get a quote, as pricing is not available online, and there are no in-house packing services offered.

Overall, PODS is an excellent choice for those looking for a convenient moving and storage option. With its innovative container system, flexible rental options, and affordable pricing, PODS continues to be an industry leader.

Founded: 1998
Headquarter: Clearwater, Florida, U.S.
Revenue in 2022 (TTM): $642.9M
Website: www.pods.com

Zippy Shell is a leading provider of portable container moving and storage services. Founded in 2007 in Australia, it expanded to the United States in 2010 and now includes 66 independently-owned franchises across 32 states.

The company offers a variety of services, including temperature-controlled portable storage facilities, long- and short-term self-storage options, drop-off and pick-up container delivery, and connections to third-party full-service movers. For those seeking storage solutions only, Zippy Shell offers portable storage, local moving, and long-distance moving services.

Zippy Shell has only one container size, which is bigger than most other companies and made of steel construction, leading many to believe it would be more expensive. However, Zippy Shell's container is cheaper than smaller ones made of cheaper materials offered by other companies. The company's pricing is the best in the industry, saving customers an average of $390 compared to other companies for homes of all sizes other than a one-bedroom apartment, which costs $250 more than competitors.

Despite its affordable pricing and flexible storage options, Zippy Shell has some drawbacks. While the company provides insurance options, its customer reviews are poor, and its Better Business Bureau rating is underwhelming. Additionally, Zippy Shell's availability is limited to 32 states in the United States, making it challenging for customers outside of these areas to access its services.

Founded: 2009
Headquarter: Washington, District of Columbia, U.S
Revenue in 2022 (TTM): $129.8M
Website: www.zippyshell.com

1-800-PACK-RAT is a top-notch moving and storage option that offers a variety of services. Its mobile storage container option provides customers with the flexibility and convenience to pack at their leisure. With excellent customer service, safe all-steel moving containers, and flexible rental options, 1-800-PACK-RAT is an excellent choice for anyone planning a move. Despite the somewhat cheesy name, the company provides excellent services, with online reservations and quotes available.

In addition to storage facilities in dozens of large metro areas around the U.S., 1-800-PACK-RAT offers both local and long-distance moves. Short- and long-term storage options are available for those who need storage before or after a move. The containers have barn doors, which make loading and unloading your possessions easy, even if you are moving a car.

When it comes to container strength, 1-800-PACK-RAT leads the pack, as it uses all-steel moving containers. The company is among two others that use steel containers, with only PODS and 1-800-PACK-RAT being suitable for nearly any moving job. However, with 1-800-PACK-RAT, the all-steel design provides that extra safe feeling, making it the best containers on the market. Pricing information reveals that 1-800-PACK-RAT offers two container sizes, an 8-foot and a 16-foot container.

Recent customer reviews indicate really good customer service. Although some issues stem from late or absent drivers, customer representatives from 1-800-PACK-RAT are proactive in following up with customers who leave negative reviews.

Pros of using 1-800-PACK-RAT include that insurance comes with the rental, rental includes a 30-day window with a flexible change and cancellation policy, and the company is perfect for those who prefer a do-it-yourself approach when moving. However, there are cons to consider. For instance, 1-800-PACK-RAT does not offer international moves, high fuel surcharges are possible, and smaller cities and rural areas may not offer 1-800-PACK-RAT or have storage locations.

Founded: 2001
Headquarter: Wake Forest, North Carolina, U.S
Revenue in 2022 (TTM): $76M
Website: www.1800packrat.com

U-Pack is a popular DIY moving service that offers long-distance moving services in all 50 states in the US, as well as Puerto Rico and Canada. The company provides a unique service where they drop off a large moving trailer at your address, which you must then pack over a three-day period. U-Pack also provides flexible pickup and delivery options to cater to unique situations such as little to no street parking at a location.

One benefit of U-Pack's pricing system is that they only charge customers for the space that they use in a larger moving truck. Shipments are kept separate and secure through dividing walls. For instance, a sample move from San Diego to Austin, TX of a one-bedroom apartment that is scheduled three months ahead of time would cost $2,704.00.

U-Pack has the industry's best customer reviews with almost a full star higher than their competitors from over 16,000 customer reviews across different sites. Customers often compliment U-Pack's fast service, professional movers, and affordable cost. However, the latter point now poses a drawback because of its increased moving rates due to the COVID-19 pandemic. U-Pack's rates went up from being 2020's most affordable option to 2021's most expensive in the industry. Nevertheless, the company's years of positive customer reviews still reflect their high-quality service, albeit more expensive than before.

U-Pack's service also comes with its set of cons. According to some reviews, the company does not offer packing services or moving supplies, and local moves are not available.

Founded: 1997
Headquarter: Fort Smith, Arkansas, U.S
Revenue in 2022 (TTM): $5.7M
Website: www.upack.com