800-413-4799

PODSŪ Rates Compared to U-Pack

Category: PODSŪ Comparisons
 
Posted By:

4/18/2013
1:26:17 PM

Does your PODS® rate seem a little high?
If you’ve seen PODS® containers around town, you’ve probably found yourself thinking that they look like such a convenient way to move – much better than a renting a huge rental truck for a cross-country move (because who wants to drive, right?). It looks like they would fit just perfectly into a driveway or in front of a house, and they sit close to the ground so moving things in and out would be super easy. But then you get the rate... and you reconsider.

If that’s the scenario you’ve found yourself in – getting a PODS® rate, only to discover that it’s wayyyy outside your budget – you’ve got another option.  The U-Pack ReloCube®.

So today, let’s talk a little about how PODS® rates compare to U-Pack® rates and compare the PODS® container to the ReloCube. My hope is that you’ll leave with some helpful information that will make the process of choosing a moving service a little easier. 

How to start comparing PODS® rates to U-Pack rates

The very first step is to get moving quotes; both companies offer them for free.

Once you know the rates for each company, you’ll be able to compare the numbers. Based on my experience, what you’ll likely see is that when you’re moving long distance, U-Pack rates are typically quite a bit lower than PODS® rates. Of course, that’s not always the case, but the one way to know for sure is to get quotes for your specific locations.   

As you’re comparing prices, I suggest also comparing how the overall service meets your needs.

  • Service Area: Once you request a PODS® rate, you should know instantly whether PODS® can provide door-to-door service on both sides of your move. While they service many of the larger markets, you may find that service isn’t available in smaller areas. But don’t worry, if PODS® can’t service your area, more than likely U-Pack can. With access to nearly 300 service centers across the country, U-Pack can provide service to over 90% of the U.S.

  • Time to Load: While PODS® allows as much time as you need to load and unload, U-Pack offers up to three business days on each end. We’ve found that this is typically the perfect amount of time to get the job done (and many apartment complexes, city parking regulations, homeowners associations, etc., will not allow longer parking). If you need a little extra time, you can have it delivered on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday, and load/unload over the weekend, too! And, of course, storage is available if you need it. If you have loading/unloading needs that differ from U-Pack’s standard offering, call a moving specialist at 800-413-4799 to discuss your options!

  • Transit time: Thanks to one of the most efficient transportation systems in the industry, U-Pack is able to move your belongings across country quickly and safely – transit times average just 2-5 business days (your U-Pack quote will display the estimated transit time). In most locations, you also have the option of adding U-Pack Guaranteed. With this service, you know the exact day your ReloCube or trailer will deliver to your destination. PODS® transit time depends on factors such as the availability of delivery vehicles and the distance to the delivery location.

The PODS® container compared to the ReloCube
In case you are not familiar with the ReloCube, it’s a 6’ x 7’ x 8’ (lwh) moving container – that translates into 336 cubic feet. It typically holds one room of furniture (or a studio-size apartment). So, what if you need a larger container for a larger home? No problem. You can reserve just one or as many as you think you’ll need. And in the end, you only pay for the number of Cubes you actually use. If you have a REALLY large home and you don’t want to use multiple Cubes, you can also move in a trailer, and pay only for the space you use. So convenient.

PODS® rates vs. U-Pack rates: Payment requirements
A perk U-Pack customers love is that we don’t require a down-payment or deposit. Just reserve with a credit card (no holds or charges are placed on the card), and pay for your move in transit, or by cashier’s check or money order at the destination (if you choose storage in combination with a move, payment is made by credit card). If you move long distance with PODS®, payment is required 5 days before your delivery day.

Need more info?
If you have more questions about how U-Pack works, or you need help comparing your PODS® rate to your U-Pack rate, leave a comment, or call 800-413-4799 – we look forward to helping!

If you would like to read more about U-Pack or PODS®, check out these additional resources:
ReloCube Size
Moving and Storage
Trailer Size
Comparing PODS® competitors
How much does PODS® cost compared to U-Pack
PODS® promotional code vs. U-Pack savings
PODS® Alternative 

Back To Blog Home | Visit U-Pack Moving

Comments
Name: john meyer
Date: 2-21-2010
I need help on a weekend...I’ve reserved a move using ABF Upack’s trailer. Now I have concerns about the trailer on my street. I want to see if I can switch to Relocubes if needed. My drop off is scheduled this Thursday. Please advise me on this when you can early on Monday. Thanks!
Name: Becky
Date: 2-22-2010
Mr. Meyer,

I spoke with our Baltimore, MD service center this morning and they advised they will send someone out this week to take a look at your area. Thanks!
Name: Missy
Date: 2-24-2010
Very helpful info. I’ll be moving in the next 9 months. I’m beginning to collect information. Thanks!
Name: Becky
Date: 2-25-2010
Missy,
It's such a great idea to start planning your move early! If you're looking into some type of portable storage service, the U-Pack ReloCube might be a good option for you. Just let us know if we can help.
Name: Willie Rivera
Date: 2-27-2010
If we order a trailer, and park it in the street, could we load with-in 5 hour and have it pick up the same day?
Name: Becky
Date: 3-1-2010
Mr. Rivera,
This is a question we need to ask the local service center in your area. Is it a situation where overnight parking isn't allowed? I will send you an email and get a little more information about where you're moving from and when you're planning to move and we'll check with the service center for you.
Thanks!
Name: Noel
Date: 3-14-2010
Becky,

Excellent blog and responses!

I’m goign to be relocating from Virginia to Pennsylvania at the end of June/Beginning of July. I’m planning to put some of my things into storage at the beginning of April to declutter my house to sell, and then have those items sent to my new house after I move. The problem is, I don’t have a new house yet and won’t know specifically for about 2 months or so. Is it a problem to change the destination address? right now I have my destination as 18834, but what if I end up about 20 miles north of that due to the housing that’s available when I go to purchase? Is there a significant charge to change addresses? What formula would they use if the move was further away? Thank you.
Name: Becky
Date: 3-15-2010
Noel,
I recommend that you let us check any potential zip codes ahead of time to make sure there are no issues with service area, moving cost etc. I don't anticipate there would be, but it's best to verify ahead of time. One solution may be to store it at the origin ABF service center and wait to ship it until you know your final address. It's common for customers to not know a destination address at the time of reservation, so we're accustomed to working through these issues! This may be a situation where calling to speak with a moving coordinator will be the most helpful.
Name: Becky
Date: 4-17-2010
Question: Do you have a list of ABF terminals that handle Relo-Cubes and/or provide storage so I can better plan my cross-country move? I know I cannot get door-to-door delivery so hope to get within a few hundred miles, unload at terminal. I’m moving 2400 miles, cannot use trailer, don’t have enough stuff to justify using professional movers...but I’m flexible and can unload at a terminal if I only knew which one to ask about. Where are they?
Name: Ba Java
Date: 5-30-2010
Do ABF provieds storage? I would like to use storage for almost 15-20 days prior to my move.

Thanks,
Ba
Name: Kay Lynn
Date: 6-1-2010
Yes, ABF can provide storage at origin prior to your actual move date. In most cases, we can offer storage on either equipment - trailers or ReloCubes. Call us at 800-240-7422 to get a storage quote and we'll see what we can do for you. Or you can email quotes@upack.com.
Name: Becky
Date: 6-15-2010
AGAIN I ask: Which ABF terminals handle Relo-Cubes? Surely you have a directory or listing of available services. No? Thanks.
Name: Becky
Date: 6-16-2010
Becky,

You can see the U-Pack Coverage map here: http://www.upack.com/moving-resources/coverage/. Most of these terminals have ReloCube pick-up and delivery equipment, and availability is based on terminal inventory on your move date. I will send an email to you to get the cities you are moving from and to and can verify for you whether they are serviceable with a ReloCube.

Thank you,
Becky
Name: Michael Broughton
Date: 8-27-2010
Can the trailer be dropped off at a storage facility? I will obviously find out the rules of the facility beforehand. Thanks
Name: Becky
Date: 8-30-2010
Michael,
As long as there is adequate trailer parking, and the storage facility management approves, we can drop it off there.
Name: roberta
Date: 5-16-2011
be careful of the arrival time!
i was told ir would be here on monday. not going to be the city till wed. with delivery on thursday.
after re reading the contract it is accurate but when i spoke with a person they told me differenT days and i believed it. READ YOUR CONTRACT CAREFULLY!
Name: Autumnn
Date: 5-17-2011
Roberta, I'm sorry to hear of any inconvenience with your move. If I can help or if you have any questions, please feel free to shoot me an email at publicrelations@upack.com.
Name: Dave
Date: 9-17-2011
I am about to move across the way from my current residence, but the house will not be ready until November. I need to leave current residence by the end of September. What rates do you have and what is the pricing structure for that short period of time and that short distance.
Name: Autumnn
Date: 9-19-2011
Dave, those are good questions! I'll have a moving analyst contact you via email to help work out a solution for your moving situation. Thanks for visiting the U-Pack blog!
Name: KP
Date: 9-20-2011
Can these trailers handle a compact utility tractor and full dresser Harley along with furniture? About a 700 mile move.
Name: Tacey
Date: 9-1-2012
I've used both PODS and Packrat before. I like PODS a little better, but they are more expensive. Be sure to use a promo code with either to make the cost a bit less.
Name: DB
Date: 10-25-2012
Unfortunately, it looks like I’ll have to cancel my reservation for a Relocube because same day is not available at my location. They are doing it for the trailer I need but can’t guarantee it for the Relocube. I’d pay a bit extra. I do understand though and appreciate their honesty; better tell me upfront than get me in trouble with my landlord when they don’t come for my relocube on the same day as it was dropped off. I’ll keep my trailer reservation.
Name: Becky
Date: 10-26-2012
DB,
Thank you for visiting the U-Pack Blog and for sharing your comments with us. I'm sorry that the ReloCube didn't work out, but glad that we are able to do a same day with the trailer. Please let us know if you have any questions!
Name: carol
Date: 1-7-2013
how long in advance do you need to make a reservation? i am planning on moving in mid febuary or the first of march..also wondering if this trailers could hold a a pickup truck?
Name: Becky with U-Pack
Date: 1-8-2013
Hi Carol! We recommend reserving one week in advance, but it's best to reserve as soon as possible to verify equipment availability(there is no down-payment or deposit). To answer your second question, we are not able to transport vehicles inside the trailer. If you need help transporting your pickup truck, we often refer customers to Auto & Boat Relocation Service at 877-284-2125. We look forward to helping with your move!
Name: wm
Date: 4-18-2013
I recently moved from AL to IL. My experience with U-Pack was the only portion of my moving process that went without a hitch! Awesome service throughout the entire process, and exactly as the process and timeline were laid out to me.
Name: Becky with U-Pack
Date: 4-19-2013
WM, Thank you so much for the kind comments! We love hearing from our customers. If you can think of any tips that other U-Pack customers might find helpful, we would love to hear them! I hope the transition to your new home in IL goes very smoothly. Please let us know if you need help moving again in the future!

Please leave a comment.

Name:
E-Mail Address:
Comment:
Verification Code:
FREE U-Pack Moving Quote
Moving From:
Moving To:
When Are You Moving?
Size of Residence:
 
Email Address (optional):
Provide loading/unloading rates
Provide storage rates
800-413-4799
Search
Ask the Experts
Questions about packing, loading, parking or anything else related to moving? Ask a moving expert.
See how much money you'll save moving with ABF U-Pack. Get a free moving quote online or call 800-413-4799.
Categories
  • Welcome (1)
  • Packing (15)
  • Auto Shipping (5)
  • Parking (12)
  • Moving Tips (155)
  • U-Pack Equipment (12)
  • Puerto Rico (8)
  • Moving Fun (48)
  • NASCAR (11)
  • Storage (14)
  • U-Pack (26)
  • Packing and Loading Help (9)
  • Alaska Moves (19)
  • Moving Tools (10)
  • Moving to Mexico (2)
  • Moving to Hawaii (13)
  • College Moving (20)
  • Organization and Decorating (17)
  • Moving Boxes and Moving Supplies (8)
  • Press Room (64)
  • Moving Costs (58)
  • Moving Companies (12)
  • Moving Insurance (2)
  • Moving Budget (25)
  • Moving Containers (23)
  • Military Moving (24)
  • Moving Company Reviews (8)
  • Relocation (3)
  • Moving to Canada (7)
  • PODSŪ Comparisons (11)
  • Truck Rental (66)
  • Long Distance Moving (38)
  • Cross Country Moving (51)
  • ABF Moving (7)
  • Moving Checklists (6)
  • Portable Storage (2)
  • Small Move (2)
  • Full-Service Movers (1)
  • Door-to-Door Moving (4)
  • Self Moving (6)
  • Job Relocation (1)
  • Travel (15)
  • City Info (15)
  • Avoiding a Moving Scam (2)
  • Cool Stuff (45)
    • Follow Us
         

       
    U-Pack Moving
    Subscribe to New Posts
    Your E-Mail:
    Meet the Experts
    Shane
    MyMove
    Lyndsay
    Featured Video

    Get the Flash Player to see this video.
    Watch more U-Pack Videos
    Moving Articles