Updated March 18, 2026
Pros
- Often cheaper than other container brands for long-distance moves, especially when you only pay for the cubes or trailer space you use
- The first month of storage is frequently included, which helps if your new place is not ready right away
- Drivers and dispatch teams are usually praised for being polite, communicative, and skilled at placing cubes in tight spots
- ReloCubes and trailers handle long routes well when packed correctly, and many repeat customers say they would not use anyone else
- Flexible options for small moves with cubes or larger homes with ABF trailers
Cons
- ReloCubes are on the smaller side, so many households will need more than one
- Only one cube size is available, which can make planning trickier if you are between sizes
- Some reviews mention worn or dirty trailers and minor cube issues like broken latches or interior damage
- Delivery and pickup timing can feel unpredictable in some markets, and city moves with parking rules may require extra coordination or added costs
- You cannot access your things while the cubes are in U-Pack storage, unlike keeping a container in your driveway
HireAHelper's Advice: Are ReloCubes the Right Choice for Your Move?
People usually consider U-Pack when they want to avoid driving a large rental truck, keep costs in check, and still have some control over packing and timing. U-Pack's ReloCube containers and ABF trailers tend to shine on long-distance routes where you need both transport and a built-in storage option. Many customers mention clear communication, honest pricing, and drivers who know how to place containers in tricky driveways or narrow streets.
In this U-Pack storage container review, we will walk through real customer prices, how ReloCubes and trailers work, what the container size can realistically hold, and where people ran into problems with timing or equipment condition.
Overall, U-Pack makes the most sense for small to midsize homes going a moderate or long distance, especially if you need that first month of storage included. If you have lots of furniture, live in a dense city, or need very tight delivery windows, we will also point out when another option, such as a traditional moving company or a different container brand, might better fit your move.
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U-Pack At a Glance
U-Pack focuses almost entirely on long-distance moves, with a simple model built around two options: ReloCube containers for smaller homes and ABF trailers for larger ones. They do not handle local moves, but they do offer short-term storage when you need extra time between loading and unloading.
The way it works is that a driver drops off your ReloCube or trailer, you pack at your own pace, and U-Pack returns to pick it up and transport it to your next address. If your schedule changes, you can keep the container at one of their service centers until your new place is ready.
The delivery system is one of the things customers talk about most. ReloCubes arrive on a small flatbed with a forklift that can place them in tighter spots than many competitors, which helps in apartment complexes or neighborhoods with limited space. U-Pack also sends steady updates by phone and email so you know when your container has arrived, is in transit, or is ready for pickup at the destination. This setup keeps things easy for long-distance movers who want a hands-off transport option without paying for full-service movers.
U-Pack Reviews & Pricing
U-Pack tends to work best for those planning long-distance moves who want clear, predictable pricing and a simple drop-off and pickup process. The table below shows what customers actually reported paying for their ReloCubes and trailers for moves similar to a 3-bedroom apartment or a 2-bedroom home.
These numbers come from verified HireAHelper reviews, giving you a realistic view of costs beyond the initial quote. If you want to see more details about extra fees or how storage works, you can jump to the pricing breakdown section.
|
|
Local Move* Under 50 miles |
Regional Move ~500 miles |
Long Distance ~1,200 miles |
| Average Cost | N/A | $1,896.43 | $2,628.85 |
| Average Review | N/A | 4.8/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Cost Per Mile | N/A | $3.79 | $2.19 |
* Local move pricing data is not currently available for U-Pack ReloCubes.
U-Pack Container Sizes
U-Pack keeps things simple with just two options: ReloCubes and a trailer. The ReloCube is designed for small spaces and typically holds the belongings from one furnished room, which is why many customers reserve more than one.
For larger homes, the 28-foot trailer offers flexible space based on the linear feet you use. The chart below shows the exact dimensions and interior capacity so you can quickly tell which option fits your move.
U-Pack Container Size Guide
Container Size |
Exterior Dimensions (L x W x H) |
Interior Capacity |
Best For |
| ReloCube | 6'3" x 7' x 8'4" | About 308 cubic feet (roughly one room) | Studios, dorms, small apartments |
| 28 ft Trailer | 28' x 8' x 9' | About 1,944 cubic feet (about six ReloCubes) | 3 to 4 bedroom homes or larger long-distance moves |
U-Pack Services Offered
Services Legend
- Available
- Not Offered
Small Containers
Medium Containers
Large Containers
Delivery
Storage
Packing Supplies
Local Movers
U-Pack Costs & Fees
The prices in the table below reflect what customers actually paid for their U-Pack moves, based on verified HireAHelper reviews. Since U-Pack does not handle local moves, the averages start with regional routes around 500 miles and long-distance moves near 1,200 miles. Each row shows the typical cost for different home sizes, which includes container or trailer delivery, transportation, and the standard loading window.
These numbers give a clearer picture of what people spend in real life, beyond the initial online quote.
Home Size |
Local Move Under 50 Miles |
Regional Move ~500 Miles |
Long Distance ~1,200 Miles |
| 1-bed apt/small 2-bed apt | N/A | $1,404.83 | $1,969.37 |
| Large 1-bed / typical 2-bed apt | N/A | $1,549.87 | $2,501.73 |
| 3-bed apt / 2-bed house | N/A | $1,896.43 | $2,628.85 |
| 3-bed house / large townhome | N/A | $2,161.33 | $3,265.75 |
| 4-bed house / large townhome | N/A | $2,564.89 | $3,609.51 |
| 5-bed house / larger home | N/A | $3,012.46 | $4,089.31 |
The Cost of Short-Term Storage
U-Pack gives you up to three business days to load and three business days to unload by default. If you need more time between homes, you can add storage at one of U-Pack's service centers. Storage works differently from other container companies, since U-Pack does not offer on-site storage, and you will not have access to your belongings until the container is delivered to your destination.
Storage prices vary by location and time of year, but the structure is simple. You pay a monthly rate for each ReloCube or trailer section stored at a service center until you are ready for delivery. Your belongings stay inside the same equipment the entire time. There is no transfer or offloading.
Here is the general layout of how U-Pack storage is billed:
Storage Type |
Typical Billing Structure |
| Included loading and unloading window | Up to 3 business days on each end of the move |
| Storage at a U-Pack service center | Monthly rate per ReloCube or per trailer section |
| Access during storage | Not available until the container is re-delivered |
| Extending storage time | Simple monthly billing until you schedule delivery |
If you know you will need storage for a while, U-Pack can keep your equipment at a service center for as long as you need, with simple month-to-month pricing and no long-term commitments.
Additional/Hidden Costs
U-Pack pricing is generally clear, but a few extra charges may apply depending on your location and the specifics of your move. These can include small regulatory fees, delivery-related charges, or costs tied to equipment handling. The most common extras customers encounter include:
- Environmental or regulatory fees in certain states
- Delivery, pickup, or redelivery fees
- Parking fines if the trailer or ReloCube receives a citation while on your property
- Optional equipment, such as locks
- Cleaning fees if debris is left inside the container
Staying on schedule with loading, unloading, and delivery helps keep these costs predictable. You can also ask a U-Pack consultant to walk through any potential extras before you reserve your move.
U-Pack Sizes and Features
Choosing the right equipment matters, especially because you cannot make extra trips the way you can with a rental truck. With U-Pack, most people either use several ReloCubes or reserve a section of the 28-foot trailer, depending on how much space their home requires.
If you are unsure how many cubes you need, you can book one extra as a backup. This is a common practice because you only pay for the cubes you actually use. You can also hire professional movers through HireAHelper to help load efficiently. A good crew knows how to maximize every inch of space, which can sometimes prevent you from needing another cube.
Container Size Comparison Table
Container Size |
Exterior Dimensions (L x W x H) |
Interior Usable Space |
Weight Capacity |
Best For |
| ReloCube | 6'3" x 7' x 8'4" | About 308 cubic feet | Up to 2,500 lbs | About one furnished room |
| 28 ft Trailer | 28' x 8' x 9' | About 1,944 cubic feet | Varies by linear feet used | 3 to 4 bedroom homes |
Container Build Quality & Security
U-Pack's ReloCubes are built from metal and designed to keep belongings protected during long-distance travel. The all-steel construction gives each container a solid, weather-resistant shell that withstands rain, sun, and road vibration. The trailer option uses commercial-grade freight equipment, built for daily highway transport and typically sturdier than the lighter wooden containers offered by some competitors.
Loading is simple because ReloCubes sit flat on the ground, so there is no need for a steep ramp. Each container includes interior anchor points for tie downs, which help keep furniture stable during transit. The single swing door has a latch that fits any standard outdoor-rated padlock. Since you provide the lock and hold the key, only you can access your items until delivery.
Our Experience & How Renting with U-Pack Works
When we tested U-Pack, the process started the same way most people begin their move. We went to the website, entered the basic details about the home size and destination, and got an instant quote without needing to call anyone.
One thing we noticed right away is that U-Pack automatically recommends either ReloCubes or a trailer, depending on how much you are moving. Small apartments are usually matched with one or two cubes. Larger homes often get a trailer quote.
Once we chose our equipment, we picked a delivery date, confirmed a parking space, and got a clear outline of what to expect during pickup and transit.
Delivery & Pick-up Process
Scheduling delivery was done through a time window rather than a specific appointment, which is standard for U-Pack. When our ReloCube arrived, the driver called ahead and used a small forklift to place the container exactly where we needed it.
The placement rules are important. You need a legal parking space for each cube, a stable surface like pavement or concrete, and enough clearance for the truck to maneuver. Steep driveways, soft ground, or tight alleys can be a challenge, and some city streets require permits.
U-Pack does ask that someone 18 or older be home to sign for the equipment, but pickup is more flexible. You do not have to be present as long as the container is empty, unlocked, and ready to go.
Moving With U-Pack
Once loaded, the container travels with a professional ABF driver, which is one of the reasons people choose U-Pack over renting a truck because you do not have to handle any of the transportation. The ReloCube stays locked the entire time, and you keep the key.
We were told that long-distance shipments typically arrive within 4 to 6 business days, which was our experience as well. U-Pack sends updates once the container is in transit and again when it reaches the destination service center.
If you want a guaranteed delivery date, a paid option is available. Otherwise, you get a delivery window based on their route schedule. U-Pack uses commercial freight equipment, so your items ride in the same type of equipment they use to ship goods nationwide.
Using U-Pack for Storage
Storage with U-Pack is available only at their service centers, not at your home, which is different from some other portable container brands. If your new place is not ready, you can keep your ReloCube or trailer section stored month-to-month until you schedule delivery.
Storage pricing varies by location, but the structure is simple. Your items stay in the same container the entire time, and nothing is unloaded or transferred.
- Storage is billed monthly per cube or per trailer section
- You will not have access to your belongings until delivery
- Transit and storage are handled at secure U-Pack service centers
- Climate-controlled storage is not available, but you can have the container delivered to a climate-controlled facility if needed
Overall, the storage option is helpful if you need time between homes, as long as you are comfortable not accessing your things until delivery.
Photos of U-Pack® in the Wild
What People Are Saying About U-Pack
Most reviewers describe U-Pack as dependable for long-distance moves. Containers and trailers typically arrived within the expected delivery window, and several people reported their shipments arrived at the destination earlier than planned. When delays happened, they were usually tied to weather or route timing rather than the company itself.
Customers also had a lot to say about the equipment. Many received clean, sturdy ReloCubes or well-maintained trailers, while a smaller number mentioned dents or cosmetic wear. Even when the containers looked older, they held up well in transit, and damage reports were rare. Most reviewers said their belongings arrived safely, and any minor issues were usually linked to packing rather than the container itself. Drivers were often described as polite, communicative, and careful when placing the equipment.
Another common theme was pricing and support. People felt the quotes were accurate as long as they used the number of cubes or trailer space they were originally shown. Extra charges typically came from parking rules, timing issues, or storage, not surprise rate changes. Several reviewers said customer service was responsive when they needed to adjust delivery or ask questions. Overall, customers saw U-Pack as a clear, predictable option for long-distance moves with solid communication and equipment that protects their belongings.
How ReloCube Compares to Other Storage Container Companies
We pulled together what we found across the major container brands so you can see where U-Pack fits. This side-by-side view makes it easier to compare build quality, size options, and how each company handles long-distance routes and storage.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Company |
Cost Range |
Build Quality |
Sizes Offered |
Availability (Local, Long-Distance, Storage) |
| U-Pack (ReloCubes & trailers) | Low to mid for long-distance moves | Steel ReloCubes, commercial-grade freight trailers | ReloCube, 28 ft trailer | Local: No, Long-distance: Yes, Storage: Yes at service centers |
| PODS | Mid to high | Steel frame with aluminum or reinforced panels | 8 ft, 12 ft, 16 ft | Local: Yes, Long-distance: Yes, Storage: Yes at home or in PODS centers |
| 1-800-Pack-Rat | Mid-range, often close to PODS | All steel frame and steel walls | 8 ft, 12 ft, 16 ft | Local: Yes, Long-distance: Yes, Storage: Yes at home or in Pack Rat facilities |
| SMARTBOX | Lower in select markets | Wood-based interior with protective siding and canvas cover | One size: 8 ft x 5 ft x 7 ft | Local: Yes in many metro areas, Long-distance: More limited, Storage: Yes in company facilities |
| Zippy Shell | Often lower than big national brands | Galvanized steel mesh shell with weather cover | 10 ft, 15 ft | Local: Yes in covered markets, Long-distance: Yes through a carrier network, Storage: Yes |
| Go Mini's | Mid range | Welded steel frame with steel or composite siding | 12 ft, 16 ft, 20 ft | Local: Yes, Long-distance: No, Storage: Yes |
| U-Box (U-Haul) | Low to mid | Plywood container with a weather-resistant cover | One size, about 8 ft x 5 ft x 7 ft 10 in | Local: Yes, Long-distance: Yes, Storage: Yes at U-Haul centers |
When U-Pack ReloCube Is a Good Fit
U-Pack makes sense for long-distance moves where you have a clear idea of how much you are taking, and do not want to drive a moving truck. ReloCubes work well for studios and 1-bedroom apartments, and the trailer option gives larger households enough room without paying for full-service movers. Customers like that pricing is tied to the number of cubes or the trailer space you actually use. If your timeline lines up with their standard loading and unloading windows, the whole process feels organized.
It is less ideal if you need a true local move, need a container parked in your driveway for weeks, or need to access your things while they are in storage. U-Pack stores equipment only at its own service centers, so you will not have access to your belongings until everything is delivered. City moves with strict parking rules can also require more planning, since trailers and multiple cubes need legal street parking. In situations like these, a brand like PODS or Pack Rat can be a better fit. U-Pack is usually the right call when you are crossing state lines, can pack on their schedule, and like the idea of paying for just the space you end up using.
Final Verdict: Is a U-Pack Moving Container a Good Option?
U-Pack is a strong fit for people moving a smaller home across state lines who want predictable pricing and don't want to drive a truck. The ReloCube works well for studios, one-bedroom units, and partial home moves, while ABF's trailer space is a practical upgrade for larger households. If you need a local move, flexible container sizes, or more loading time, another brand may be a better match. U-Pack offers the most value when you can load efficiently and stick to your delivery window, since you only pay for the space you use and the timing you reserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are U-Pack ReloCubes worth it?
For long-distance moves, especially smaller ones, U-Pack's ReloCubes offer a good balance of price, convenience, and reliability. Many people like that the company handles the driving and that you only pay for the space you actually use. If you pack well and stay on schedule, the service delivers strong value compared to hiring a full-service mover or driving a rental truck yourself.
Are U-Pack ReloCubes suitable for long-distance moves?
Yes. Most customers use U-Pack specifically for cross-country moves, and the company is built around that type of transport. The drivers handle all the hauling, the cubes perform well on long routes, and delivery windows are usually dependable. It's one of the more predictable options for interstate moves.
How much does U-Pack really cost?
Pricing depends on your distance, how many ReloCubes you need, and whether you choose a trailer instead. Most people moving a small place long distance pay between a few thousand dollars for one or two cubes, while larger moves using trailer space cost more. You can get an exact instant quote online, and it typically includes transportation, fuel, and basic liability coverage.
Are the ReloCubes weatherproof?
Yes. The ReloCube is made of steel and designed to withstand rain, heat, and typical road conditions during long-distance travel. Many customers reported that their items arrived dry and undamaged, even after days in transit or periods in outdoor storage. As long as you close and lock the door properly, the cube holds up well.
How long can I keep a ReloCube?
You get three days to load and three days to unload by default. If you need more time between homes, U-Pack can store your cube at a service center for a monthly rate. You won't be able to access it while it's stored, but you can keep it there as long as needed until you're ready for delivery.
Are there any hidden fees?
Most costs are outlined in your quote, but a few extras may apply depending on your location and setup. The most common include environmental or regulatory fees, delivery or redelivery charges, cleaning fees if the cube is not swept out, and parking fines if the equipment gets cited while on your property. Reviewing the agreement before booking is the easiest way to see which of these might apply to your move.
U-Pack® Reviews
picked and delivered ontime without any issues
delivered container on time. Picked up on time and will deliver in 1 week.
Delivered on time. Fast relocation. Would definitely use again.
Very easy to get a quote online. Arrived on time. Picked up in a timely fashion. Delivered quickly. Would definitely use again and recommend.
They claimed the cubes were weather tight, but I found snow in them when they dropped off and found water marks on my items when they delivered.
ABF UPack did not disappoint! Excellent communication and very accommodating. Will definitely use them again on any future relocations.
We chose the Relocube because it was the safest option for moving our large TV. We have not completed our move yet. That will be done in another state. I can only say now that our Relocube was delivered safely, on time, and it was very clean.
Drop off and pickup was a breeze!
Still awaiting my Upack. But the arrival, loading, and first legs of delivery were first class!
I talked to someone from the office to request the cube drop-off in the afternoon due to the snow emergency in effect in the morning, but the driver still showed up before noon. At the end the driver came back later and everything went well, but I would hope the commiunication could be more effective. In addition, they said the cube was weather-proof but I saw some snow in it.
Perfect for the move. Excellent Communication from start to finish. Would definitely use them again!
Easy scheduling even when I had a date change. Website provides you with all of the information regarding your move and status.
The ReloCube® image above is used solely for identification purposes and serves as the primary means of visually identifying the subject of this article and provides an illustration of the entity that is represented.
ABF®, U-Pack®, ABF U-Pack Moving®, ReloCube® are registered trademarks of ABF Freight System, Inc. HireAHelper, LLC has no affiliation with ABF Freight System, Inc. and ABF Freight System, Inc. has not authorized the use of its trademarks.
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