Moving Containers: U-Box® By U-Haul® vs. 1-800-PACK-RAT®
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| Perks | U-Box by U-Haul | 1-800-PACK-RAT |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest Cost | Yes |
No |
| Multiple Delivery Options | Yes |
No |
| Available in all 50 States & Canadian Provinces | Yes |
No |
| Access Your Belongings in Storage | Yes |
Yes |
| Weather-Resistant Container | Yes |
Yes |
| International Shipping | Yes |
No |
| Free Rental Furniture Pads | Yes |
No |
Choosing a moving container solution can be an overwhelming decision since there are quite a few companies out there that offer the service. In this guide, we’ll help you understand the key differences, pros, and cons of two major players in the moving container industry, U-Box by U-Haul and 1-800-PACK-RAT.
Container Make & Size
Although U-Haul and 1-800-PACK-RAT both offer the same moving and storage container solution, there are some key differences in the construction, size, and features of the containers themselves.
U-Haul offers only one U-Box container size (8 x 5 x 7.5 feet with a 257 cubic feet capacity), while 1-800-PACK-RAT offers 3 different container sizes ranging from 8’ in length to 16’, with their 16’ container advertised as their most popular option.
U-Box containers are made from premium plywood that is covered with a weather-resistant vinyl cover, while 1-800-PACK-RAT containers are entirely made of steel. Both container types are effective at protecting your belongings from the elements, but wood construction offers one key advantage: better airflow. Improved air circulation inside the container helps reduce the risk of moisture buildup, which is especially important if mold or mildew is a concern.
A common concern with moving containers is knowing how many containers you need to fit all your belongings, which can be difficult to estimate. U-Box by U-Haul gives you more flexibility when estimating how many containers you'll need: you can overestimate, and you'll be refunded for any unused containers. With 1-800-PACK-RAT, you’ll be charged for all containers you order, even if you don’t end up using them. Need help figuring out how many containers are right for you? Check out our guide to how many U-Box containers you need, which features a helpful breakdown of container count by home size.
Both U-Box and 1-800-PACK-RAT containers come with a secure steel-locking mechanism that can be locked with a padlock.
Delivery & Shipping
U-Haul sets itself apart from 1-800-PACK-RAT with more flexible delivery and shipping methods made to make your move easier. With 1-800-PACK-RAT, there's only one delivery method, and it requires significant clearance in width, height, and length to place the container. This can be challenging for narrow driveways and especially problematic if you live in an apartment, condo, or anywhere without ample placement space.
With U-Box, there are a couple of delivery options that provide different levels of flexibility depending on your specific needs. U-Box truck delivery is the closest in style to 1-800-PACK-RAT’s method, but we use a small, maneuverable forklift that can place containers in tighter spaces where 1-800-PACK-RAT’s equipment may have difficulty accessing.
At U-Haul, we also offer other delivery options such as delivery on a trailer, which can be parked anywhere a car is legally allowed to park. Along with paid delivery, U-Box also offers a free self-delivery option, allowing you to pick up your containers from a U-Haul location using your own tow-capable vehicle. Alternatively, you can choose to load your containers directly at a U-Haul center, similar to using a self-storage unit.
Shipping moving containers can be a little stressful since the timeline can be less clear than if you chose to rent a moving truck and drive your belongings yourself. This is especially important if you are operating on a strict schedule. At U-Haul, we provide guaranteed arrival dates for U-Box container shipments, giving you added peace of mind. 1-800-PACK-RAT does not offer guaranteed delivery dates.
When you receive your U-Box online quote, you’ll see a guaranteed arrival date that will tell you when you can expect your containers at your destination after they’ve been shipped. U-Box is the clear winner if you’re working on a strict schedule and need to know when you can expect your containers at your destination.
Overall, U-Box stands out for its flexible and transparent delivery and shipping options, a major advantage for those with limited space at their residence or who need to stick to a tight schedule.
Affordability & Pricing
When it comes to using a moving container service, the cost is going to depend on several factors like how many containers you use, the delivery method you choose, the distance the containers will travel from your starting point to your final destination, and whether or not you’re going to store your items long-term.
When comparing costs between U-Box and 1-800-PACK-RAT for a move that’s about 1,200 miles in distance, U-Box comes out on top with lower container rental and transit fees. Here’s 2 sample quotes of the cost differences for a move from Atlanta, Georgia to Dallas, Texas with 2 U-Box containers versus 1 8’ container from 1-800-PACK-RAT:
| U-Box by U-Haul | 1-800-PACK-RAT | |
|---|---|---|
| Container Dimensions | Two 8’ x 5’ x 7.5’ containers | One 8’ x 8’ x 7’ container |
| Storage Space | 514 cu ft | 404 cu ft |
| Number of Rental Furniture Pads | 24 included per container, for free | Not included |
| Container Rental Cost | $79.95 per month, per container ($159.90 total for 2 containers) | $318 per month, per container |
| Delivery, Pickup, and Shipping Cost | $1,230 | $1,582 |
| Coverage | $199.90 for $10,000 in shipping protection and $43.90 per month for $10,000 in storage protection (all coverage optional) | $10,000 in coverage included in container rental fee (not optional) |
| Transit Time | Guaranteed arrival date 8 days after shipping | No guaranteed arrival date |
| Total Cost | $1,633.70* | $1,900* |
*Pricing shown based on rates from Atlanta, GA to Dallas, TX. Pricing subject to change. Last updated July 2025.
With U-Box, not only would you end up saving, but you’d also get slightly more storage space across the two containers versus just 1 container from 1-800-PACK-RAT.
Availability
U-Box stands out as the most widely available moving container in the industry.: U-Box is available in all 50 U.S. states and every Canadian province, with over 1,500 U-Haul locations offering the service. That makes U-Box more accessible and conveniently located than any competitor. 1-800-PACK-RAT only operates around 80 locations in 39 states, with no availability in Canada. U-Box also offers cross-border moves between the United States and Canada as well as international moves abroad to just about any country in the world.
With U-Box, you can see pricing online with the free quote process for any move within the U.S., Canada, or even a cross-border move. With 1-800-PACK-RAT, for some moves you may be able to see pricing online, but it’s common for them to request you give them a call to get a complete pricing quote.
Final Thoughts
While both U-Box by U-Haul and 1-800-PACK-RAT offer reliable moving container solutions, U-Box clearly stands out in several important areas. With nationwide and international availability, flexible delivery options, transparent online pricing, and guaranteed delivery dates, U-Box provides a more convenient and predictable experience, especially for those with space limitations or a strict moving schedule. Add in the lower average cost and added perks like included rental furniture pads and unused container refunds, and U-Box becomes the more versatile and budget-friendly choice for most moves. Backed by over 80 years of experience as the leader in the moving industry, U-Haul brings a level of trust, scale, and reliability that few competitors can match.