U-Pack is one of our picks for the best moving container companies, especially for long-distance moves. The company offers flexible equipment options and professional transportation without the cost of a full-service mover. It’s a good choice for homeowners who want to avoid driving a rental truck while still saving money. Our guide explains what to expect before, during, and after your U-Pack move.
Key Takeaways
- U-Pack is a self-service moving company that specializes in long-distance moves across all 50 U.S. states, Canada, and Puerto Rico, making it a good option for homeowners who want professional transportation without hiring a full-service mover.
- Customers can choose between a 28-foot moving trailer or the company’s ReloCube moving containers depending on the size of their move, parking specifics, and storage needs.
- U-Pack gives customers three business days to load and unload their belongings and offers flexible service options, including door-to-door or service center delivery, storage, and third-party loading and unloading assistance.
What Is U-Pack?
U-Pack is a self-service moving company that specializes in long-distance relocations. Rather than packing and loading your belongings like a full-service mover, U-Pack delivers a moving trailer or ReloCube to your home, transports your shipment, and gives you three business days to load and unload your belongings. If you don’t want to do the heavy lifting yourself, you can hire third-party labor to help.
U-Pack is an ArcBest brand, and ABF Freight serves as its primary transportation provider. The company has been helping customers move since 1997 and operates through more than 240 service centers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico.
In addition to household relocations, U-Pack supports military, job, student, and small moves. Customers can choose from the following services with U-Pack:
- Door-to-door equipment delivery
- Service center equipment delivery
- Online shipment tracking
- Storage at a U-Pack service center
- Guaranteed delivery date
- Loading and unloading assistance (through the company’s Moving Staffers program)
How Much Does U-Pack Cost?
U-Pack prices moves based on the equipment you use rather than with hourly rates. If you choose a moving trailer, you’ll pay only for the linear feet of space your belongings occupy. If you choose ReloCubes, your price is based on the number of containers you use.
Your final cost may vary depending on your moving distance, locations, optional services, and any changes you make to your reservation. Unlike many other moving companies, U-Pack doesn’t require a deposit to book your move. Instead, you’ll provide a payment method when making your reservation and won’t be charged until after your shipment has been picked up.
What Type of Moving Equipment Does U-Pack Offer?
U-Pack offers two equipment options based on the size of your move and your parking availability. Larger households with many belongings typically benefit from the company’s moving trailers, while ReloCubes work better for apartments, smaller homes, or moves with limited parking.
Moving Trailer
U-Pack’s moving trailer measures 28 feet long by 8 feet wide by 9 feet high and can accommodate the contents of a typical three- to four-bedroom home. Instead of paying for the entire trailer, you’ll only pay for the space your belongings occupy. After loading, you’ll install a bulkhead divider, which U-Pack provides at no additional cost, to separate your shipment from commercial freight traveling in the remaining trailer space.
The trailer includes a loading ramp and can hold up to 22,500 pounds. Trailer pricing is based on the linear feet your belongings occupy rather than the trailer’s full capacity.
ReloCube
Each weather-resistant ReloCube measures 6 feet 3 inches deep by 7 feet wide by 8 feet 4 inches high and provides 308 cubic feet of loading space, or about one room’s worth of furniture and belongings. Each container holds up to 2,500 pounds, and most mattresses and sofas fit inside.
You can reserve multiple ReloCubes for larger moves, and if you reserve more containers than you need, you won’t pay for the unused ones. You can also secure each ReloCube container with your own lock, keeping your belongings secure until you’re ready to unload.
Compare Moving Equipment Options
Your choice in U-Pack equipment depends on the size of your move, parking specifics, and how much flexibility you need. Compare U-Pack’s moving equipment options based on important features and specifics below.
| U-Pack Moving Trailer | U-Pack ReloCube | |
|---|---|---|
|
Best For |
Three- to four-bedroom homes |
Studios, apartments, and smaller moves |
|
Capacity |
Up to 28 feet of trailer space (pay only for what you use) |
308 cubic feet (equals about one room of belongings) |
|
Parking Needs |
Requires space for a 28-foot trailer |
Fits in about one parking space |
|
Loading |
Includes a built-in ramp |
Ground-level loading |
|
Security |
Bulkhead divider separates your shipment from commercial freight |
Lockable container that remains sealed until delivery |
|
Flexibility |
Pay only for the trailer space you use |
Reserve multiple containers and only pay for the ones you use |
If you’re unsure how much space you’ll need, it’s generally better to overestimate your needs when requesting a quote. U-Pack only charges for the trailer space or ReloCubes you actually use, helping reduce the risk of running out of room on moving day.
Homeowner Insights
We surveyed 1,000 homeowners nationwide about their most recent move and found that 36% relocated from a three-bedroom home, while 24% moved from a home with four or more bedrooms. If your move is similar in size, a U-Pack moving trailer may provide more flexibility than one or two ReloCubes.
What Is the U-Pack Moving Process?
Once you’ve chosen your equipment, U-Pack makes the moving process relatively straightforward. Here’s what you can expect from booking your move through final pickup:
- Receive a quote: Estimate how much trailer space or how many ReloCubes you’ll need, then request a free quote online.
- Reserve your move: Schedule your delivery, pickup, and destination dates.
- Receive container or trailer: Make space near your home for a 28-foot trailer or a ReloCube, which fits in a standard parking space. Someone 18 or older must be present to sign for the equipment.
- Load container or trailer: U-Pack gives you three business days to fill your ReloCubes or as much trailer space as you need. You can do this yourself or hire professional movers.
- Schedule pickup: After unloading, schedule a pickup so U-Pack can retrieve the empty trailer or ReloCube. You don’t need to be there when the driver arrives, but make sure to remove your lock and completely empty the equipment beforehand to avoid additional fees.
- Await delivery: U-Pack can deliver your ReloCubes to your door or to a nearby service center for storage.
- Unload container or trailer: You’ll have three days to empty the trailer or cube.
- Schedule final pickup: A U-Pack driver will return to remove the empty trailer or ReloCube.
What Does U-Pack Offer for Delivery and Storage Services?
U-Pack offers several delivery and storage options to accommodate different homes, schedules, and parking situations. Every U-Pack move includes an estimated delivery window. If you need an exact delivery date or a one- or two-hour delivery window, you can upgrade to U-Pack Guaranteed for an additional fee.
Door-to-Door Delivery
With door-to-door delivery, U-Pack delivers a trailer or ReloCube directly to your home. Before moving day, make sure you have enough space outside for the equipment. Trailers require a paved, level parking area with at least 14 feet of overhead clearance, and some neighborhoods or apartment communities may require advance permission or a temporary parking permit. U-Pack recommends parking on a driveway with no more than a 5-degree slope to ensure safe loading and unloading.
Service Center Delivery
If parking isn’t available, you can load or unload your belongings at a nearby U-Pack service center instead. You can also combine delivery methods, such as door delivery at your current home and service center pickup at your destination. In some locations, using a service center may also lower your moving costs.
Storage
If your new home isn’t ready when your shipment arrives, U-Pack can store your belongings at a secure service center until you’re ready for delivery. ReloCube storage is billed monthly, while moving trailers can remain in storage for up to 120 days. Note that because your belongings stay in the original equipment while in storage, you can’t access them until delivery. This flexibility can offer benefits for military moves, job relocations, or delayed home closings.
What To Expect on U-Pack Delivery Day
Once your shipment arrives, you’ll have three business days to unload your trailer or ReloCube. Before delivery, make sure you’ve arranged parking if you’re receiving your equipment at home. If you hired movers to help unload, confirm their arrival time in advance so you can make the most of your unloading window.
After you’ve emptied the trailer or ReloCube, contact U-Pack to schedule pickup if you haven’t already. If you finish unloading sooner than expected, you can request an earlier pickup through your local service center. You don’t need to be present when the driver arrives, but make sure you’ve removed your lock and emptied the equipment completely. If a driver has to cut off your lock, U-Pack may charge an additional fee.
Packing and Loading Tips for Your U-Pack Container
Packing your trailer or ReloCube correctly can help protect your belongings and make unloading easier. If you don’t want to handle the heavy lifting yourself, U-Pack can refer you to a local Moving Staffers crew, or you can hire another moving company to load and unload your shipment.
Before your equipment arrives, gather essential moving supplies, like boxes, tape, moving blankets, tie-down straps, moving dollies or hand trucks, and a lock to secure your trailer or ReloCube. U-Pack trailers include a loading ramp, but you’ll need to provide the rest of your moving supplies.
Tips for Packing Your Equipment
Follow these best practices to maximize space and help keep your belongings secure during transit:
- Pack loose items in boxes, bins, or drawers instead of placing them directly in the trailer or container.
- Fill gaps with moving blankets, furniture pads, pillows, or other soft materials to prevent shifting.
- Secure your belongings with the interior tie-down hooks and moving straps throughout the container.
- Distribute heavy items evenly across the floor, then stack lighter boxes on top to maximize vertical space.
- Stand large furniture, like couches and mattresses, upright whenever possible to create more usable space.
- If you’re using multiple ReloCubes, label each container and keep an inventory of what you’ve packed inside.
Homeowner Insights
In our most recent moving survey, about 7 in 10 homeowners hired a moving crew of two or three people. If you’re planning to hire loading or unloading help, a crew of that size is typically sufficient for most moves.
Comparing U-Pack to Other Moving Options
If you’re still deciding whether U-Pack is the right choice, it helps to compare it with other popular moving methods. Here’s how U-Pack stacks up against other options for long-distance moves.
Both U-Pack and PODS let you pack and load your belongings yourself while the company handles transportation. However, U-Pack focuses primarily on long-distance moves and typically offers faster transit times. PODS may offer a better option if you need on-site storage for an extended period or are planning a local move.
Unlike full-service moving companies, U-Pack doesn’t pack, load, or unload your belongings. Instead, you handle the physical work or hire third-party labor, while U-Pack transports your shipment. This self-service model often costs less than hiring a full-service mover but requires more preparation and effort.
U-Pack transports your belongings for you, so you don’t have to drive a large moving truck across the country. While a moving truck rental is typically the least expensive option, it’s also the most labor-intensive because you’re responsible for driving, fuel, lodging, and navigation the vehicle during the move. U-Pack offers a good middle ground for budget-friendly movers who want to save money without driving a rental truck themselves.
Is U-Pack Right for My Move?
U-Pack is a good choice for long-distance moves because it combines the convenience of professional transportation with the cost savings of a self-service move. It’s suited for budget-friendly movers, military and job relocations, and students who don’t want to drive a rental truck themselves.
However, U-Pack isn’t designed for local moves, so you’ll need to pack and load your belongings yourself or hire third-party labor. If you prefer a company that handles every aspect of your move, a full-service moving company may offer a better fit.
FAQs About Using U-Pack
Does U-Pack require a deposit?
No, U-Pack doesn’t require a deposit to reserve your move. You’ll provide a payment method when booking, but your card won’t be charged until after your shipment has been picked up.
How long do I have to load and unload my U-Pack equipment?
U-Pack gives customers three business days to load their trailer or ReloCube and another three business days to unload after delivery. Contact U-Pack before moving day if you think you’ll need additional time.
Can I hire movers to load or unload my U-Pack equipment?
Yes, U-Pack lets you hire third-party movers to pack, load, or unload your trailer or ReloCube. The company also partners with Moving Staffers to connect customers with local moving labor.
What if I don’t have enough space for a U-Pack trailer or ReloCube?
If door-to-door delivery isn’t possible because of parking restrictions or limited space, you can load or unload your belongings at a nearby U-Pack service center. You can also combine delivery methods, such as door delivery at one location and service center service at the other.
