U-Haul U-Box® Containers vs. PODS® - Portable Storage
| Perks | U-Box by U-Haul | PODS® |
| 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 |
Portable storage containers are meant to give you flexibility in moving and there are plenty of great companies that are here to help you accomplish your move. While the right company for you may depend on your specific needs, only one has been named the best overall moving container by Forbes for multiple consecutive years- U-Box by U-Haul.
PODS® vs. U-Box Containers: Breaking Down the Difference
U-Box by U-Haul® and PODS® both offer portable storage containers, but U-Box containers make planning simple: they come in one size, cost less than our competitors, and are available nation-wide!
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most important qualities to consider in your portable storage container, as well as how we compare to the competition.
Container Size
U-Box containers are made to hold about one and a half rooms of furniture, so the more rooms you have, the more U-Box containers you’ll need. Don’t worry about having to crunch the numbers, we can help you determine how many U-Box containers you’ll need for your move.
The best part is that if you order too many U-Box containers, you’ll be refunded for the ones you don’t use. So, when in doubt, overestimate rather than underestimate!
PODS® offers three different container sizes, but not all containers may be available in your area, so you could be stuck with a bigger container than you need and wind up paying to move or store empty space.
Cost
| Company | U-Box by U-Haul | PODS® |
| Container Dimensions | 5’ W x 8’ L x 7.6’ H | 8’ W x 8’ H x 8’ L |
| Storage Space | 257 Cu. Ft. | 500 Cu. Ft. |
| Number of Furniture Pads | 24 | Not Included |
| Storage Price | $109.95/per month | Starting at $149/per month |
| Shipping Price | $1,298.00 | $3,326 |
| Delivery & Pickup | $150 | $456 |
| Quoted Total | $1,557.95 | $3,931 |
Quote based on rates from Los Angeles, California (90001) to Houston, Texas (77001).
Insurance/protection not included.
Last Updated May 2025.
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. The number of containers you use, and your chosen delivery method will determine the total price.
PODS® prices include the PODS® container, 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.
Remember, the best way to know how much your move will cost is by getting a quote! All we need is a little information from you and we’ll give you a better idea of how much your move will cost.
Security
Your belongings deserve to be stored and shipped safely! Here’s how each company works to protect your things:
Protection From the Elements
U-Box containers are custom-made from premium, pest-resistant plywood. The breathable wood construction helps keep items in the U-Box container protected from mold and mildew.
Our U-Box containers are designed to sit approximately six inches off the ground to protect against standing water. On top of that, we use composite pads on the feet of our container to keep water from seeping inside. Each U-Box container is equipped with a highly durable weather-resistant vinyl cover upon delivery to further protect your belongings from the elements.
PODS® containers are made of steel frames, which provide weather resistance and impact protection. These containers come with roll-up doors, which don’t always keep out water. Since steel isn’t a breathable material, any water that gets trapped inside may result in mold and mildew, which is something to be aware of if you live in a wet climate.
Protection in Transit
U-Box containers are shipped on semi-truck trailer. Our trucks also have gentle-ride suspension that ensures each container (and your belongings) don’t shift around too much in transit.
On the flip side, PODS® containers are shipped on flatbed trucks, leaving their containers 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!
Protection from Theft
Both PODS® and U-Box containers provide you with a secure steel-locking mechanism, but you’ll have to supply your own lock. By using your own lock, you ensure that you’re the only person with access to your belongings.
Delivery
PODS® offers door-to-door home delivery only and can only deliver one container at a time. PODS® also requires a space of 12' wide X 15' high X 40' long in order to drop off their containers, which is less ideal for apartment dwellers or homes with smaller driveways.
U-Box containers come with multiple delivery options to best suit your individual needs. One delivery fee covers both drop-off and pickup of your container(s). We deliver anywhere from one to nine containers at once!
Truck Delivery
U-Box containers will be delivered straight to your door via delivery truck. From there, just pack your items and when you’re ready, we will come to pick them up. You can choose to store your containers for the time being or ship them to your destination.
Self-Delivery
Want to skip the delivery fee? Find a U-Haul location near you to pick up your container. Tow it home, fill it up and tow it back to the U-Haul location for shipment or storage.
Assisted Delivery and Load
This option is great for people who need a little extra assistance. With this option, Moving Help service providers will bring your container and load your belongings into your U-Box containers. Once we ship the container over to you, you can enlist more Moving Help to unload, unpack, and set up your new space. You can customize how many Moving Helpers you’ll need as well as how long you’ll need them.
U-Box containers can be dropped off in a parking spot, curbside, or at an apartment complex, but sometimes you may need some additional permission before parking your container. For example, apartment renters will need to double-check with their building management team before leaving a U-Box container in a parking space. Similarly, certain areas may require permits for containers, so we recommend checking with your local HOA or researching city regulations for storage containers before you have your U-Box containers delivered.
Access at a U-Haul Location
You can also pack your U-Box container at your neighborhood U-Haul location. This option is best for those with limited driveway space or people just looking to save a few bucks. (Pro Tip: You can rent a pickup truck if you need a way to transport your larger items!)
Availability
PODS only has a little over 240 locations, and this lack of availability can mean you may have to pay more out of pocket for shipping and transit costs. This also means that PODS cannot serve certain states, like South and North Dakota, Wyoming, and Alaska.
No other portable storage container company delivers to all 50 states—except U-Box by U-Haul! With over 2,400 locations, our U-Box Program offers the most rental locations and shipping destinations in the industry. With our wide variety of locations, you’ll have a better chance of finding a U-Haul near you, giving you the best price for shipping and delivery.
International Shipping
U-Box containers can be shipped to the most international ports. So, no matter where in the world you want to go, we can help you get there! Fill out the form below to get your free quote today: