Choosing a self-service move starts with one key decision: renting a moving truck or using a portable moving container. To help you choose the right option, we compared PODS and U-Haul based on the things that matter most—like cost, services, flexibility, and customer experience.
A moving truck gives you complete control over every aspect of your move, while a container lets you load at your own pace and leaves the transportation to the provider. Our PODS versus U-Haul comparison breaks down the pros and cons of each option so you can find the best moving company for your relocation.
Key Takeaways
- U-Haul offers a 26-foot truck rental ideal for moving three- to five-bedroom homes that costs $914, and its U-Box containers started around $1,674. Renting a 16-foot container from PODS costs $2,850, based on sample moves from Charleston, South Carolina, to Dallas, Texas.
- U-Haul has broader nationwide coverage, serving all 50 U.S. states. PODS is only available in 46 states, plus Washington, D.C.
- U-Haul edges out PODS on customer service tools, offering a mobile app alongside 24/7 phone and chat support. PODS provides 24/7 chat only through its MyPODS portal.
Our Take on PODS vs. U-Haul
PODS is a popular alternative to traditional full-service moving, with convenient drop-off, pick-up, and transport of portable steel containers in three sizes that you can load at your convenience. U-Haul’s main offerings include moving trucks and vans of varying sizes, however the company also offers a container that holds less than two rooms of belongings. Pricing will vary depending on whether you rent a truck or moving container, as well as the size you need.
While PODS is available in most states, U-Haul is the most widely available moving vehicle rental company in the country. U-Haul is the more experienced of the two companies, having been founded in 1945 versus PODS starting in 1998. However, PODS generally holds higher customer review ratings on platforms like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot, while U-Haul has lower ratings and a larger number of complaints.
What Services Do PODS and U-Haul Offer?
To help you compare options, we put together a side-by-side look of the services PODS and U-Haul offer below.
| Service | PODS | U-Haul |
|---|---|---|
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Storage containers |
✓ |
✓ |
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Vehicle transport |
✓ |
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Delivery service |
✓ |
✓ |
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Moving labor (packing, loading, etc.) |
✓ |
✓ |
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Trailer rentals |
— |
✓ |
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Protection plans |
✓ |
✓ |
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Storage solutions |
✓ |
✓ |
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Online moving resources |
✓ |
✓ |
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✓ |
✓ |
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Truck Rentals |
— |
✓ |
PODS Moving Services
PODS specializes in the drop-off, pick-up, transport, and storage of portable, steel moving containers. It’s a good fit for anyone who needs short- or long-term storage options before, during, or after their relocation. PODS can provide third-party moving crews at an added cost for those who want assistance with loading and unloading.
U-Haul Moving Services
Unlike PODS, U-Haul provides rental moving vehicles, including pickups, cargo vans, and trucks. Trucks come in the following sizes:
- 10 feet
- 15 feet
- 20 feet
- 26 feet
- 29 feet
A 10-foot truck is suitable for moving a one-bedroom or studio apartment, while a 26-foot truck is large enough for most three- to four-bedroom homes. All trucks come equipped with rub rails on three interior walls for tying down furniture.
U-Haul also rents a container that comes in one size, as well as cargo and utility trailers that come in various sizes. The larger utility trailers have an open top, which is ideal for large or oddly shaped items that are difficult to load in a truck. All trailers come with security locks.
What Container Options Do PODS and U-Haul Offer?
PODS and U-Haul both offer moving containers, although PODS has a larger variety of sizes available. We go over each provider’s container options below.
PODS Container Options
PODS has steel-framed containers, rented by the month, available in the following three sizes:
- 8 feet
- 12 feet
- 16 feet
For reference, a 16-foot container will usually accommodate homes up to 1,200 square feet or roughly the equivalent of three to four rooms’ worth of furniture and household items. The company delivers the containers directly to your home for easy loading. Once you load your items, you can schedule a time for PODS to pick-up your container and transport it to your new residence.
Homeowner Insights
Half of the homeowners who reported renting PODS containers in our most recent moving survey said that their move was for a three-bedroom home.
U-Haul Container Options
U-Haul is known for its moving truck and van rental services, but the company also offers portable containers. Like PODS, U-Haul will handle drop-off, pick-up, transport, and delivery of its U-Box containers. U-Haul’s portable containers come in one size and can typically accommodate about 1.5 rooms’ worth of furniture and belongings. Plus, U-Haul’s Moving Help package allows customers to create a full-service experience—including loading, unloading, driving, and unpacking—at a lower cost than most major professional moving companies.
How Much Does PODS vs. U-Haul Cost?
The cost to move with PODS or U-Haul depends on if you need a moving truck or containers, the number and sizes of that equipment, the distance you’re moving, and any add-on options you select.
What Does PODS Cost?
PODS requires a phone call for long-distance moving quotes, but the company provides online estimates for local moves. For example, we received an estimated quote of about $2,850 to rent a 16-foot container for one month and transport it from Charleston, South Carolina, to Dallas, Texas. The company charges a flat monthly rental rate, so you pay for the full month even if you use the container for less than 30 days.
PODS bills local moves one day before container delivery and processes long-distance payments one week before service, which covers delivery, the first month of rental, transit, and final drop-off. The company also offers promotions, including free delivery and discounts on rental costs with qualifying local storage purchases, active-duty military, veterans, and retirees.
What Does U-Haul Cost?
U-Haul provides instant online quotes for trucks, trailers, and U-Box containers based on your vehicle selection, rental period, and mileage. For example, a move from Charleston, South Carolina, to Dallas, Texas, costs about $914 for a 26-foot truck or $238 for a 6-by-12-foot trailer. This move also starts at around $1,674 for four U-Box containers, which U-Haul recommends for a three-bedroom home.
Rental quotes include mileage and time limits based on your route, making it easy to estimate costs before booking. U-Haul also offers seasonal promotions, including no-deposit relocations and one free month of storage at participating locations.
Homeowner Insights
Of the homeowners who used PODS and U-Haul moving services in our survey, nearly 92% reported that their final moving cost matched their original quoted rate.
Do PODS or U-Haul Offer Any Added Services?
Both PODS and U-Haul offer several additional services to enhance your moving experience. For example, PODS can recommend and connect you with professional moving partners to assist with packing, unpacking, loading and unloading. The company also offers a “City Service” in which PODS drivers remain with your container as you load and unload to prevent tickets, theft, or other issues within specified cities.
U-Haul complements its truck rentals with multiple protection plans, including SmartMove, SafeTrip, and SmartMove Plus, which cover vehicle accidents and cargo damage from covered events. You can also add roadside assistance for services like jump-starts, lockouts, fuel delivery, winching, and trailer hook-up support. Additionally, the U-Haul mobile app includes the “My Belongings Organizer,” which lets you catalog your boxes with photos and descriptions to help track items from packing through unpacking.
How Do Customers Feel About PODS vs. U-Haul?
We analyzed customer reviews for PODS and U-Haul on the BBB and Trustpilot and found mixed results, with U-Haul having a more unfavorable customer rating. We read through several reviews to give you an idea of how each company handles customer service.
PODS Customer Reviews
PODS has an A+ rating with the BBB and is accredited by the organization. Positive reviews often talk about the simplicity and convenience of moving with PODS, as well as a streamlined delivery and pick-up process. Negative feedback is related to damage to belongings, difficulty or delays with the claims process, and poor communication throughout the moving process.
U-Haul Customer Reviews
U-Haul also holds an A+ rating and accreditation through the BBB. While the BBB and Trustpilot feature mostly negative reviews, we found more favorable ratings for local branches on Google Reviews. Positive reviews often mention U-Haul’s quality customer service and assistance with unexpected issues. The most frequent complaint we found from U-Haul customers was the provider’s last-minute rental cancellations, changes, and delays.
How Do You Choose Between PODS and U-Haul?
If you prefer to handle the bulk of the moving process on your own or want a more cost-effective alternative to full-service movers, consider U-Haul for its variety of products, competitive pricing, and nationwide availability. However, PODS might work better if you need large containers, storage between moving dates, or prefer professional transport of your belongings.
We recommend requesting quotes from both companies so you can compare costs and services before deciding on the best option for your move.
FAQs About PODS and U-Haul
What time will my PODS container arrive?
Exact delivery and pick-up times vary, but PODS should give you an estimated time via email, phone, and the online customer dashboard the evening before your scheduled service. Deliveries typically begin at 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday, with no delivery or pick-up options on Sundays. You don’t need to be present for the delivery or pick-up of your PODS container.
Does U-Haul require a deposit to rent a moving truck, trailer, or container?
Whether U-Haul requires a deposit and the amount depends on your method of payment. U-Haul doesn’t require deposits if you pay with a major credit card, however, you may owe a deposit if you pay with cash.
What items can you not load into a PODS storage container?
You can’t store or transport hazardous materials, like toxic chemicals, gas, and illegal items, in a PODS container. Human or animal habitation is also specifically prohibited. Otherwise, a PODS container is suitable for most household items, excluding lawn mowers and motorized vehicles. The company also recommends keeping irreplaceable items like family heirlooms and important documents out of your container as an added precaution.
How many passengers can ride in a U-Haul truck?
Larger U-Haul trucks starting at 15 feet in size can seat up to three passengers. The company’s 10-foot box trucks and cargo vans can only accommodate one passenger.
Do I need to put gas in my U-Haul truck before I return it?
Yes, you must refill your U-Haul truck with the same amount of gas that was in the tank before you left the company’s parking lot. U-Haul will check the gas level at the time of vehicle pick-up and note the amount in your contract. U-Haul vehicles typically take unleaded gasoline.
Our Rating Methodology
We back up our moving company ratings and recommendations with a detailed rating methodology to objectively score each company. We conduct research by reading through the company websites, analyzing customer reviews, conducting consumer surveys, requesting quotes, and speaking with customer representatives. We then score each moving company against our review standards for services, contents coverage, scheduling, trailer and container options, additional benefits, and reputation to arrive at a final score out of 100.