Best Portable Storage Container: U-Box Containers vs. Competitors
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When it comes to choosing a portable storage unit for storage, moving, or whatever your needs are, it's important to look at all the pros and cons of moving container companies in the industry to make sure you make the right pick for your move.
Key Takeaways
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One of the biggest benefits of using a portable storage container is the storage component. Having a convenient storage unit option that can be delivered to your location takes out all the hassle. No more getting in your car, sitting in traffic, and realizing you forgot your key when you get to your storage unit.
The biggest moving container companies are:
- U-Box by U-Haul
- PODS
- U-Pack
- 1-800-PACK-RAT
- Zippy Shell
Keep reading to learn how the services, container sizes, and companies all stack up with local storage quotes and long-distance moving.
U-Box Containers vs. PODS® vs. 1-800-PACK-RAT® vs. U-Pack® vs. Zippy Shell®: Local Storage Container Prices
|
Storage Provider |
U-Box® |
PODS® |
1-800-PACK-RAT® |
U-Pack® |
Zippy Shell® |
|
Container Dimensions |
5’ W x 8’ L x 7.6’ H |
8’ W x 8’ H x 8’ L |
7.2’ W x 7.8’ H x 8.5’ L |
7’ W x 6’3” L x 8’4” H |
15’ L Or 16’ L |
|
Storage Space |
257 Cu. Ft. |
500 Cu. Ft. |
404 Cu. Ft. |
308 Cu. Ft. |
680 Cu. Ft. or 830 Cu. Ft. |
|
Furniture Pads |
24 |
Not included |
Not included |
Not included |
Not included |
|
Quoted Price |
$234.90 |
$357.18 |
$298 |
N/A |
$298 |
*Quotes include 1 month of facility storage in Los Angeles, CA, in April 2026, home delivery of an empty storage container, insurance/protection not included, pick up/shipping not included. U-Pack does not offer storage, only moving. 1-800-PACK-RAT® and Zippy Shell® are sister companies and will sometimes offer the same price.
U-Box Containers vs. PODS® vs. 1-800-PACK-RAT® vs. U-Pack® vs. Zippy Shell®: Long-Distance Moving Quotes
|
Moving Container Company |
U-Box® |
PODS® |
1-800-PACK-RAT® |
U-Pack® |
Zippy Shell® |
|
Container Dimensions |
5’ W x 8’ L x 7.6’ H |
8’ W x 8’ H x 16’ L |
7.2’ W x 7.8’ H x 8.5’ L |
7’ W x 6’3” L x 8’4” H |
7.2’ W x 7.8’ H x 8.5’ L |
|
Containers |
2 U-Box Containers |
One 16ft Container |
One 16ft Container |
2 ReloCube Containers |
One 16ft Container |
|
Furniture Pads |
48 |
Not included |
Not included |
Not included |
Not included |
|
Quoted Price |
$2,113.85 |
$3,874.17 |
$4,986 |
$3,233 |
$4,000 |
*Quotes include moving from Los Angeles, CA to Austin, TX in April 2026, home delivery of an empty storage container, insurance/protection not included, pick up/shipping not included. 1-800-PACK-RAT® and Zippy Shell® are sister companies and will sometimes offer the same price.
U-Box containers include 24 rental furniture pads per container at no additional charge and offer multiple delivery options. Additionally, you can ship U-Box containers to destinations around the world. These features help set U-Box containers apart from competitors.
U-Box vs. PODS®
U-Box® containers by U-Haul® and PODS® both offer portable moving and storage solutions, but U-Box containers stand out for their flexibility, affordability, and availability. U-Box containers use a modular system with one optimized container size, allowing customers to order extra containers and only pay for the ones they use.
U-Box containers are designed for any move, especially apartment moves, with a compact size that fits in tight parking spaces and gives DIY movers more control over delivery, loading, and scheduling.
U-Haul also offers multiple loading options, including home delivery, customer pickup, and loading at a U-Haul facility, while PODS primarily relies on home delivery.
The U-Box container is built with a galvanized steel frame, engineered composite panels, and a sealed swing door for added durability and security. Features like dual locking latches, weather resistance, ventilation, and furniture pads help protect belongings during storage and transport.
Compared to PODS roll-up doors, the U-Box swing door offers easier access, improved sealing against weather, and stronger security. U-Box containers are also shipped inside enclosed tractor-trailers during long-distance moves; PODS® containers are not.
Pricing and convenience are another major difference between the two services. U-Box containers provide instant online quotes, guaranteed arrival dates for long-distance moves, refunds for unused containers, and multiple delivery or pickup options.
Learn more about U-Haul U-Box® Containers vs. PODS® - Portable Storage
U-Box vs. U-Pack®
Both allow you to pack your items into a container and ship them to your destination or store them securely, but they differ in container size, delivery flexibility, storage access, and pricing.
U-Box containers are built with breathable, weather-resistant materials and include furniture pads, while U-Pack ReloCubes® containers are steel and may require using a large trailer in markets where cubes are unavailable.
A major difference between the two services is delivery and flexibility. U-Box offers multiple delivery methods, including home delivery, self-delivery, loading at a U-Haul location, and home delivery with Moving Help® labor, allowing customers to pack and load at their own pace.
U-Box containers can also be stored at home or in secure U-Haul storage facilities with scheduled access. On the other hand, U-Pack offers only one delivery option and requires loading and unloading within a three-day window, with additional fees for extra time or trailer space. ReloCube containers are not allowed for storage.
Cost and overall convenience further separate the two options. U-Box pricing includes container rental, delivery, shipping, and furniture pads with no cancellation fees 24 hours before reservation, and customers only pay for the containers they use. U-Pack pricing will include cancellation fees and additional charges for extra trailer space or time.
Overall, U-Box is a more flexible and accessible portable moving and storage solution, especially for customers who want transparent pricing, multiple delivery options, and the ability to move or store their belongings on their own timeline.
Learn more about Storage Containers: U-Box® by U-Haul vs. U-Pack®.
U-Box vs. 1-800-PACK-RAT®
1-800-PACK-RAT provides multiple steel container sizes but charges for all containers ordered, even if unused. They offer an 8 ft, 12 ft, and 16ft moving container, but the 12 foot container is not available to be used for long-distance moving, only local moves and storage.
Delivery and shipping flexibility is a major difference between the two services. 1-800-PACK-RAT offers a single delivery method that requires more space for placement and does not provide guaranteed delivery dates, which can make planning more difficult for customers with tight schedules or limited space.
In contrast, U-Box is available in all 50 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, offers international shipping, and provides transparent online quotes with lower average costs in sample comparisons. 1-800-PACK-RAT operates in fewer states and does not offer international or cross-border moves, and you need to call to get a quote.
Overall, U-Box stands out as a more versatile and budget-friendly option, offering flexible delivery, wider availability, guaranteed shipping timelines, and included rental furniture pads to help simplify the moving and storage process.
Learn more about Moving Containers: U-Box® By U-Haul® vs. 1-800-PACK-RAT®
U-Box vs. Zippy Shell®
1-800-PACK-RAT and Zippy Shell are sister companies, meaning that your move with Zippy Shell may be done by 1-800-PACK-RAT and vice versa, or at a franchised location. Zippy Shell provides larger container options that may require more space and availability, depending on location.
Only six Zippy Shell locations offer road-legal trailer containers, so they’re not an option for most movers who need a street-legal moving container option.
However, U-Box containers are different. They can be loaded onto a “single” and “double” trailer, which allows them to be parked and unloaded on the road, even in strict areas like Chicago.
Available at more than 1,500 locations across the United States and Canada, U-Box Containers are conveniently located to be there whenever you need them. U-Box also offers international shipping, transparent online quotes, and strong customer support options, making it a versatile option for customers who want predictable pricing, flexible delivery, and secure storage for their move or storage needs.
In contrast, Zippy Shell operates in fewer states, requires more space for delivery equipment, limits loading time on certain container types, and requires advance notice to access stored belongings. Zippy Shell orders also include additional fuel surcharges and high cancellation charges. Learn more about U-Haul U-Box® Containers vs. Zippy Shell® - Portable Storage
The U-Box Container Difference
Flexible Delivery Options: U-Box containers offer more ways to access and pack your containers than anyone else. This unmatched flexibility allows you to store your items most conveniently for you and access them in a way that suits your needs. Discover more about the delivery options available for U-Box containers.
Only Pay for Containers You Need: When you store your belongings with U-Box, you can trust that you'll never run out of space. With our flexible pricing model, you only pay for the containers you use. This means that if you opt for more containers than you actually need, we’ll refund you those containers and pick them up at no additional cost.
The Best Availability: Other portable storage container providers only have limited availability in certain states and Canadian provinces. Because U-Box containers are a U-Haul product, we have the infrastructure to offer U-Box containers in all 50 states and Canada, providing the most coverage in North America. Plus, we even ship internationally!
Store Almost Anywhere: U-Box containers are specifically designed for easy placement in parking spaces, driveways, and other tight spots where our competitors' containers can't fit. Whether you're tackling a home renovation, working on a job site, or just need some extra storage for college, U-Box containers have got you covered wherever you are.
U-Box containers are designed for long-term, secure storage. If you need a helping hand, Moving Help is available to do the heavy lifting. With no long-term contracts, you can rent your containers month to month for added flexibility.
Ready to start your portable storage journey? Get your instant, no-call, transparent U-Box container quote today!