U-Haul U-Box® Containers vs. PODS® - Portable Storage
* U-Box trailer with license plate allows container to be parked in any legal parking space.
What is the best moving-container company?
Portable moving and storage allows you to pack your belongings in a container and ship it to wherever you’re moving, keep it on your property or store in a secure facility. Both U-Box® containers and PODS® give you the convenience of moving long distances without having to drive a moving truck. When in storage, you can access your container for no extra charge with both U-Box and PODS.
Find out which moving container is best for you by comparing the products for yourself.
Security
We know that your belongings deserve to be stored and shipped safely. It is important that your items make it to their destination safely and come out in the same condition as they were when you put them in storage.
Both PODS and U-Box containers provide you with a secure steel-locking mechanism. You use your own lock and key, so that only you have access.
U-Box containers are custom-made from premium, pest-resistant plywood. Breathable wood construction helps keep the items in the U-Box container protected from mold and mildew. Containers sit approximately six inches off the ground to protect against standing water and have composite pads on the feet that keep water from seeping inside. Each container is equipped with a highly durable weather-resistant vinyl cover upon delivery to further protect your belongings from the elements.
PODS containers use roll-up doors, which take up space at the top of the container and don’t always keep out water.
U-Box containers are shipped inside an enclosed semi-truck trailer to provide further protection. PODS containers must be shipped on flatbed trucks, exposed to Mother Nature along their journey.
Each U-Box container comes with the free use of 24 furniture pads. This allows you to pack your things safely and securely, and stuff empty spaces with pads so that your things don’t shift in transit.
Container Size
U-Box containers are made to hold about one to one and a half rooms of furniture. This allows you to order as many as you need in order to easily customize your move. Large moves are easily accommodated by ordering more U-Box containers. The best part is that if you order too many, you’ll be refunded for the ones you don’t use. That’s flexibility built right into your move. See full dimensions and estimate the number that’s right for you. See full dimensions and estimate the number that’s right for you.
PODS has three different-size containers. Not all containers are in all markets, so you could be stuck with a bigger container than you need and wind up paying to move or store empty space.
Delivery
U-Box offers multiple delivery options to best suit your individual needs and can deliver anywhere from one to nine containers at once! One delivery fee covers both drop-off and pickup of your container(s). Some competitors charge a fee to deliver the empty container and a separate fee to pick it up once it’s full.
U-Haul offers each of the following delivery methods. Get an online quote to see what rates and options are available in your area.
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Home Delivery: U-Box containers will be delivered straight to your door. Just pack them full of your items and, when you’re ready, we will come to pick them up. You can then choose to store or ship your moving container(s) to your destination. If truck delivery isn’t available in your area, Moving Help delivery may be! Local service providers drop off your container and will pick it up when you are ready.
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Self-Delivery: Choose from one of the 2,400+ U-Haul locations to pick up your container. Tow it home, fill it up and bring it back. Choose this option to skip the delivery fee. Pack on your own schedule and keep the U-Box container as long as needed. When you’re finished packing it, just tow it back to the U-Haul location for shipment or storage.
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Full Service Delivery and Load: With this option, Moving Help service providers will bring your container, load it with your belongings and return it for you! This option is great for people who don’t want to lift a finger. It is an easy way to make your move lower stress.
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Access at U-Haul Location: Pack your container at your neighborhood U-Haul location. This option is best for those who live in metro areas with limited driveway space or people just looking to save a few bucks. Rent a pickup truck if you need a way to transport your larger items.
PODS offers door-to-door home delivery only and can only deliver one container at a time.
Do you have an HOA or a city ordinance preventing you from having a container placed in the street or driveway? Only U-Box containers can be placed in any legal parking spot. Choose U-Box with self-delivery or Moving Help delivery and your container on a trailer can be legally parked in a parking spot at your condo, curbside or at an apartment complex.
With multiple delivery options, U-Box allows you to choose the delivery option that best fits your needs and budget.
Availability
With more than 2,400 locations, our U-Box Program offers the most rental locations and shipping destinations in the industry. U-Box containers are available in all 50 U.S. states and all Canadian provinces, and ship to the most international ports.
Company Facts
U-Box containers are backed by U-Haul® International, a company you have known and trusted for over 70 years. U-Haul Company is, hands down, the leader in the self-moving industry with the most experience. U-Haul Company is a family owned and operated, U.S.-based organization.
Cost
The number of containers you use and your chosen delivery method will determine the total price. Not sure how many containers you will need? No problem! Order as many as you think you will need, because the cost of any unused U-Box containers will be refunded. Your U-Box® Container quote includes moving containers, 24 furniture pads per container, your chosen delivery method, all shipping costs and one month of storage at a nearby, secure U-Haul storage facility. If you’d like help packing or unpacking the U-Box container, it’s easy to add Moving Help during or after your reservation.
PODS prices include the PODS containers, delivery drop-off and pickup, and shipping to your destination. Be careful to reserve the correct number of PODS containers, however, because you’ll be charged for what you order even if you don’t need all of them. Storage is available with PODS for an extra fee.
Get a free quote instantly and see for yourself why a U-Box container move is the lowest cost option in the industry. There are no hidden costs.