PODS vs. U-Box: Which Moving and Storage Solution Is Right for You?

Ever since its inception in 1998, PODS has transformed the moving and storage industry with its portable storage containers. Since then, more and more companies have begun to offer moving container services — one of the biggest being U-Haul with its U-Box container. U-Haul might be a giant in the moving industry with 72 years under its belt, but when it comes to moving containers, which is the better option — U-Box or PODS? In this guide, we’ll be looking at the pros and cons of PODS vs. U-Box so you can decide for yourself.

PODS vs. U-Box: How They Work

Why have portable storage containers been so impactful? Well, it’s an easy way for customers to store and access their belongings with ease, right in the comfort of their own driveway. And who doesn’t like the convenience of someone else picking it up and hauling it away?

That doesn’t mean every portable moving and storage container is the same. While both PODS and U-Box work similarly to get the job done, there are some major differences.

How PODS Works

Originating in the Tampa Bay region, PODS now offers moving and storage services in over 46 states. The flexible experience provided by PODS allows customers to have control over how they move and store their belongings.

PODS will deliver your moving container right to your driveway, where you can take as much time as you need to load your belongings. PODS offers priority scheduling options that allow you to choose both delivery and pickup windows.

• Speak with a PODS representative or get a free moving quote online
• Make a reservation for your container delivery
• Prep the drop-off area for PODZILLA (flat surface the length of two parking spaces with 15-feet of vertical clearance).
• Load everything up, or hire local packing and loading assistance to help with the heavy lifting.
• Book your pick-up time.
• Have the container dropped off at your new home or a secure PODS Storage Facility

How U-Box Works

Similar to PODS, U-Box allows you to keep your container in a storage facility or at home in your driveway. And you can also have it shipped or delivered wherever you need. U-Box containers are only offered in one size, though, and it’s around the same size as PODS' smallest container. If you have a lot of items to move, keep in mind you’ll likely need more than one container (which means more than one delivery).

• Decide how many U-Box containers you’ll need for your move
• Book your container delivery
• Prep the drop-off area (must be accessible by forklift)
• Load everything up, or hire assistance to do it for you
• Arrange for pick-up
• Have the container dropped off at your new home or a storage facility

PODS portable storage containers are made with a steel frame and polymer walls.

PODS vs. U-Box: Containers

Both PODS and U-Box allow customers to access their belongings while in storage, and both can be conveniently placed directly in your driveway for loading. That’s about where the similarities end, though.

PODS Containers

PODS containers come in three sizes: 8’, 12’ (local moves only), and 16’.

• The storage units PODS offers are made with a steel frame and polymer walls.
• Built-in tie-down rings allow you to secure your belongings using ropes or straps while in transit.
• PODS containers have roll-up doors that require less space in your driveway.
• With ground-level access, you don’t have to worry about a ramp to access your things.

U-Box Containers

• U-Box containers only come in one size of 8’ x 5’ x 7.5’.
• U-Box containers are made of a plywood frame and a vinyl cover.
• U-Box containers have one large barn-style door, so you have more room to pack in the container itself.

PODS vs. U-Box: Cost & Rates

PODS vs. U-Box may be quite different in certain ways, but in other areas, like pricing, they aren’t too far off from each other. You may notice that U-Box seems to offer more affordable initial quotes along with some added discounts. PODS is similar, offering discounts that can help bring the total PODS storage cost down. But don’t just take our word for it, have a look at the numbers:

A study from Move.org, based on 2024 data, looked into 48 quotes across four home sizes and six distances — from local to cross-country moves — and found that the average post-discount price for a typical move with PODS was $3,500, compared to $3,700 with U-Box. 

PODS City Service is designed specifically for those moving to big cities.

PODS vs. U-Box: Moving & Storage Options

Both PODS and U-Box offer customers portable storage on their property or on-site storage at a local secure storage facility. Both also offer drop-off and pick-up options for rentals.

PODS City Service

A move to the city typically means venturing into a new, vibrant atmosphere. But moving to a new metro can be challenging, to say the least — between logistics, parking regulations, and navigating narrow streets, you might not even know where to begin.

PODS City Service is designed specifically for those moving to big cities. Unlike traditional moving methods, the PODS delivery driver arrives at an assigned time and stays with the truck while you unload. They know local laws and regulations, and can move the truck if it’s ever needed. U-Haul does not offer a city service.

PODS vs. U-Box: Coverage & Availability

PODS has over 240 storage centers in 46 states and Canada, including Washington, D.C., and Hawaii. U-Box by U-Haul, on the other hand, serves all 50 states and Canada. U-Haul has storage centers across the U.S., as well, and can also be accessed whenever you need them. With both PODS and U-Box, you’re the only one with a key to the container during your rental period.

PODS vs. U-Box: Container Pick-Up & Delivery

When comparing PODS vs. U-Box, you’ll find that PODS containers are constructed with a steel frame, while U-Box containers use a plywood frame. PODS containers are delivered with the help of PODZILLA, a hydraulic level-lift system designed to keep containers level during loading, unloading, and transporting.

For both companies, you don’t have to be home for pickup or delivery. You just have to let the company know when you’re ready and arrange a time that works best for you.

Your belongings are protected from shifting and sliding with the help of PODZILLA — a state-of-the-art lift system that keeps PODS containers level while moving them on and off the truck.

The Pros and Cons of PODS vs. U-Box

While PODS and U-Box containers have similar qualities and offer similar services, all of the aspects covered in this guide show that PODS is the more solid moving and storage option. From overall security and safety to pricing and rates, PODS is the way to go.

Pros of PODS

• Containers come in three different sizes and are reinforced with a steel frame.
• PODS offers discounts — including a military discount — to help bring the total moving cost down.
• PODS City Service is available in major metros throughout the U.S. — whether you’re moving in or out of the city.
• Packing and loading assistance referrals can be provided upon request.
• Innovations, like PODZILLA, ensure smooth pick-up and delivery.
• Strong customer satisfaction.

Cons of PODS

• PODS isn’t available in every state, which could be a hindrance to some, depending on where you live and where you’re moving to.

Pros of U-Box

• U-Box containers can be delivered right to your driveway.
• U-Box is offered in every single state in the U.S., including Canada.
• U-Haul can refer you to local packing and loading assistance, if needed.

Cons of U-Box

U-Box only offers one container size.

U-Box containers are made with a plywood frame and vinyl covering.

U-Haul, the company behind U-Box, does not have great customer ratings (1.3 stars) on Trustpilot.

Choose PODS for Your Moving and Storage Needs

With more variety in sizing, frequent discounts, and the help of PODZILLA, PODS often stands out as a strong choice among moving container companies. If you’re deciding between PODS vs. U-Box, getting a quote from PODS could be a great place to start.

Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call PODS at 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

_{PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”) is the owner of this publication. The information and opinions expressed are based on data provided by PODS and publicly available information from competing moving and storage providers. All comparisons and pricing references in this post are based on information available as of November 2025. PODS Enterprises, LLC does not guarantee the accuracy of third-party data or that competitor pricing or service offerings remain the same after this date. This post is for informational and marketing purposes only and should not be construed as an endorsement or statement of fact regarding any competitor’s current business practices.}