Which U-Box® Delivery Method is Best for your Moving Containers

When it comes to moving, flexibility makes all the difference. That’s why U-Box containers by U-Haul are a favorite among do-it-yourself movers who want a simple, stress-free, and customizable experience. With four delivery methods available, you can choose exactly how much help you need, from a completely hands-off, full-service option to a fully do-it-yourself approach. 

So, which option is best for you? 

It depends on your timeline, how many containers you need, and your budget. Below, we break down each U-Box delivery method along with key pros and cons to help you choose the best fit for your move. 

1. We Deliver (Truck Delivery)

Best for: Movers who want convenient doorstep service without doing the driving. 

If you prefer to have your U-Box containers delivered directly to your home and want the freedom to pack on your own schedule, the We Deliver option is your most convenient choice. A U-Haul driver brings your containers on a flatbed truck and places them using a forklift. After you finish loading, U-Haul returns to pick them up, all for one flat delivery fee that covers both drop-off and pickup. 

This method is especially cost-effective if you need three or more containers, and it works well for homes with driveways, open curbside parking, or available container placement areas. 

Pros: 

•  Convenient delivery and pickup at your doorstep with no towing required 
•  Most cost-effective for moves requiring 3+ containers 
•  Great for homes with adequate placement space (driveways, curbside, open parking) 

Cons: 

•  City or HOA permits may be required. 

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2. Moving Help® Full Service Delivery & Load

Best for: Movers who want a full-service experience at an affordable cost. 

If you’d rather not lift anything yourself, Moving Help Full-Service Delivery & Load brings professional labor right to your home. Local Moving Help Service Providers will deliver your containers, load your belongings securely, and return the filled containers for storage or shipment. For long-distance moves, your containers will travel with Gentle-Ride Shipping and arrive by the guaranteed delivery date, or you’ll receive a $50 refund for each day they’re delayed. 

This is perfect for 1–2 container moves, tight timelines, or situations where you need same-day delivery and loading help. 

Pros: 

•  Professional movers handle delivery, loading, and pickup 
•  Ideal for 1–2 container moves 
•  Great for tight schedules or same-day load needs 
•  Full-service feel at a fraction of traditional moving costs 

Cons: 

•  Typically, the most expensive option since the cost not only covers delivery but also loading.  

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3. Self-Delivery 

Best for: DIY movers who want maximum flexibility and the lowest cost. 

Self-Delivery is the most budget-friendly U-Box delivery option. You pick up your containers from a nearby U-Haul location using your own vehicle, or a U-Haul rental truck equipped with a trailer hitch and a U-Box trailer. You then tow the containers back to your home, load them at your own pace, and return them when you're ready to ship or store your containers. There are no delivery fees, no deadlines, and full control stays in your hands. 

This is ideal if you feel comfortable towing and prefer to work independently. It’s also great for city moves, because U-Box containers on a U-Box trailer are street-legal and can be parked anywhere a car can, which is helpful in neighborhoods where container placement isn’t allowed. 

Pros: 

•  Most affordable delivery method with no delivery or labor fees 
•  Full control over timing and loading 
•  Street-legal parking provides flexibility for dense city neighborhoods 

Cons: 

•  Requires a towing-capable vehicle 
•  You must handle pickup, towing, loading, and drop-off yourself 

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4. Access at a U-Haul Location

Best for: Movers with limited space or HOA restrictions. 

If your home, building, or HOA doesn’t allow portable container placement, you can still enjoy the benefits of U-Box containers. You bring your belongings to a nearby U-Haul center and load your containers on-site. After loading, U-Haul will store or ship your container to your next destination without any local delivery fees. 

Access at a U-Haul Location is especially useful for apartment movers, city residents, or anyone moving items out of a self-storage unit that needs to be shipped elsewhere. 

Pros: 

•  No delivery fees 
•  Secure on-site loading at a nearby U-Haul facility 
•  Great for movers with placement restrictions or HOA limitations 
•  Ideal for shipping items from existing U-Haul storage units 

Cons: 

•  You must transport your belongings to the U-Haul facility 
•  Loading access is limited to business hours 

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Compare U-Box Delivery Options 

Delivery Method	Best For	Cost Level	Pros	Cons
We Deliver (Truck Delivery)	Movers who want easy doorstep service	Flat delivery fee (covers drop-off + pickup)	No towing; convenient placement; best for 3+ containers	Placement restrictions may apply
Moving Help Delivery & Load	Movers who want professionals to handle everything	Delivery fee + Moving Help labor	Hands-free; pros load/unload; great for 1–2 containers	Slightly higher cost due to labor
Self-Delivery	DIY movers who want flexibility + savings	No delivery fee	Most affordable; full control; containers are street-legal	Requires towing; must handle all logistics yourself
Access at a U-Haul Location	Movers with limited space or HOA restrictions	No delivery fee	Secure storage onsite; convenient for city movers	Must bring items to facility; access limited to business hours

 

Why Choose U-Box Containers? 

U-Box containers are built for durability, airflow, and protection. Made from premium, pest-resistant, pressure-treated plywood, each container is breathable, helping prevent mold and mildew. Containers sit six inches off the ground with composite pads to block moisture and include a weather-resistant vinyl cover for added protection. 

U-Box Advantages:  

• – Only pay for what you use. Unused containers receive a full refund 
•  – Guaranteed arrival dates with a $50-per-day late fee refund 
•  – One flat delivery fee for both drop-off and pickup 
•  – Complete flexibility to go full DIY or add Moving Help services 

U-Box containers make moving simple, affordable, and totally customizable. Whether you want professional help or prefer to take matters into your own hands, we're always here to help.