HireAHelper's Advice: ABF U-Pack at a Glance for Your Move
ABF U-Pack is one of the best values out there for long-distance container moves, with thousands of cross-country moves behind it and a pay-for-what-you-use model that keeps smaller loads affordable. But the lowest sticker price isn't the whole story. In this review, we'll show you what U-Pack actually costs, help you decide between a ReloCube and trailer space, and point out when another option fits your move better.
ABF U-Pack Containers
Description
U-Pack (by ABF) takes a pay-for-what-you-use approach with steel ReloCubes — small metal containers that each hold roughly one furnished room — plus trailer space for larger loads. A professional driver handles the long-distance transport, so you never get behind the wheel. Built for long-distance and cross-country moves, not local hops.
Pros
Pay only for the cubes or trailer space you actually use
All-steel ReloCubes and commercial-grade freight trailers, sturdier than wooden boxes
A professional driver handles all the long-distance driving
Up to 3 business days each to load and unload, with one extra cube as a low-risk backup
Cons
Not built for true local moves or driveway storage
Only one ReloCube size — larger homes need several cubes
No access to your belongings while they are in U-Pack service-center storage
Booking a U-Pack move starts with an instant quote online — you don't need to call to see pricing. U-Pack delivers your ReloCubes or trailer within a scheduled delivery window rather than an exact appointment, and someone 18 or older must be home to sign for the equipment. You then have up to 3 business days to load. Once U-Pack picks everything up, a professional driver handles the haul, and long-distance shipments typically arrive within 4-6 business days. You provide your own padlock and keep the key the whole way, and because of the pay-for-what-you-use model, you're only charged for the cubes or trailer space you actually fill.
ABF U-Pack Reviews and Pricing
The prices below reflect what people actually paid for their U-Pack moves, not advertised estimates. Because U-Pack is built for long-distance moving rather than local hops, we pulled averages from real moves across two common distances — regional and long-distance — to give you a baseline for what to budget.
| U-Pack | Regional Move ~500 miles | Long Distance ~1,200 miles |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost | $1,896.43 | $2,628.85 |
| Average Review | 4.8/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Cost Per Mile | $3.79 | $2.19 |
ABF U-Pack Container Sizes
| Container | Exterior Dimensions (L x W x H) | Interior Capacity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| ReloCube | 6'3" x 7' x 8'4" | ~308 cu ft, up to ~2,500 lbs | Studios, dorms, small apartments — roughly one furnished room |
| 28 ft Trailer | 28' x 8' x 9' | ~1,944 cu ft (~six ReloCubes) | 3-4 bedroom homes or larger long-distance moves |
U-Pack uses a pay-for-what-you-use model, so you pay only for the ReloCubes or trailer space you actually use rather than for a fixed container size.
ABF U-Pack Services at a Glance
Steel ReloCubes, freight trailer space, professional long-distance driving, and service-center storage — here’s what ABF U-Pack offers under one service.
| Service | Availability |
|---|---|
| Containers | |
| ReloCube (single size) ~308 cu ft — about one furnished room per cube | ✔ Available |
| ABF Trailer Space Rent trailer space, pay per section used — sized for 3-4 bedroom homes | ✔ Available |
| Delivery & Storage | |
| Local Delivery U-Pack focuses on long-distance moves, not local | ✘ Not Offered |
| Long-Distance Transport A professional driver handles all the driving — no truck required on your end | ✔ Available |
| Service-Center Storage Stored at U-Pack service centers — no access while stored | ✔ Available |
| Supplies & Labor | |
| Packing Supplies Boxes, tape, padding, and protective materials available to purchase | ✔ Available |
| Moving Help Book vetted local movers through HireAHelper to load or unload | ✔ Available |
ABF U-Pack Costs & Fees
The prices in the table below show what customers say they paid for their U-Pack moves. Because U-Pack is built for long-distance moving, these averages cover two common distances: regional moves around 500 miles and long-distance moves close to 1,200 miles. Each row shows the cost for a different home size after factoring in the cubes or trailer space and transport.
| Home Size | Regional Move ~500 miles | Long Distance ~1,200 miles |
|---|---|---|
| 1 bed apt / small 2 bed apt | $1,404.83 | $1,969.37 |
| Large 1-bed / typical 2-bed apt | $1,549.87 | $2,501.73 |
| 3-bed apt / 2-bed house | $1,896.43 | $2,628.85 |
| 3-bed house / large townhome | $2,161.33 | $3,265.75 |
| 4-bed house / large townhome | $2,564.89 | $3,609.51 |
| 5-bed house / larger home | $3,012.46 | $4,089.31 |
Storage Billing Structure
If you need to store your belongings between homes, U-Pack offers month-to-month storage at its service centers only. Your belongings stay in the same equipment the whole time, so there's no transfer between containers, and you get up to 3 business days to load and 3 business days to unload by default.
| Storage Situation | Typical Billing Structure |
|---|---|
| Storage location | U-Pack service centers only (no at-home storage) |
| Billing | Month-to-month rate |
| Your belongings | Stay in the same equipment — no transfer between containers |
| Loading / unloading time | Up to 3 business days each, by default |
Additional / Hidden Costs
Most U-Pack pricing is listed up front in your instant quote, but a few extra charges may show up depending on your location and how the equipment is used. Common add-ons include:
- Environmental or regulatory fees in some states
- Delivery, pickup, or redelivery fees
- Parking fines if the equipment is cited while on your property
- Optional equipment like locks
- Cleaning fees if debris is left inside
Review your agreement before booking so you know exactly which charges might apply to your move.
ABF U-Pack Container Sizes & Features
U-Pack keeps things simple with one ReloCube size plus the option to rent trailer space, and the right choice depends almost entirely on how much you're moving. Both options share the same all-steel build and pay-for-what-you-use pricing. The chart below breaks down each option by ideal use case, standout features, and what to keep in mind when choosing.
ABF U-Pack Sizes at a Glance
| Option | Ideal Use Cases | Features | Placement Needs |
|---|---|---|---|
| ReloCube | Studios, dorms, small apartments — about one furnished room each | All-steel build, sits flat on the ground, single swing door, tie-down points | Fits most standard driveways or street spots |
| 28 ft Trailer | 3-4 bedroom homes or larger long-distance moves | Commercial-grade freight trailer; pay only for the space you use | Needs a clear, flat space large enough for a freight trailer |
Standard Features
Every U-Pack ReloCube shares a set of design details that make loading and security easier:
- All-steel construction
- Weather-resistant shell
- Sits flat on the ground — no steep ramp to navigate
- Interior anchor / tie-down points for securing your load
- A single swing door that fits any standard padlock (you provide the lock)
How to Choose the Right Option
The simplest rule of thumb is to estimate about one furnished room per ReloCube. When you're not sure, U-Pack lets you book one extra cube as a backup — you only pay for it if you use it, which makes it a low-risk way to avoid running out of room. For 3-4 bedroom homes or larger loads, consider renting trailer space instead, since it can hold the equivalent of roughly six ReloCubes.
What People Are Saying About ABF U-Pack
In hundreds of reviews, U-Pack is often described as cheaper than other container brands for long-distance moves, and many customers point out that the first month of storage is frequently included. Drivers and dispatch earn consistent praise for being polite, communicative, and skilled at placing equipment in tight spots.
Repeat customers are common, and many reviewers note that their belongings arrived dry and undamaged after long hauls. For people shipping a smaller load a long distance, U-Pack tends to land where they expect on price.
The most common complaint is size: ReloCubes are small, and many movers find they need more than one because U-Pack only offers a single cube size. A smaller group reports worn or dirty trailers, broken latches, or delivery and pickup timing that's unpredictable in some markets. And because belongings are stored at a service center, there's no access while they're in storage.
Overall, most people find U-Pack delivers strong long-distance value and reliable transport, especially for smaller loads. If you size your cubes carefully, book a backup, and confirm timing for your area, you'll likely have a smooth move. You can read more firsthand reviews below.
How ABF U-Pack Compares to Other Moving Container Companies
U-Pack is one of the best values available for long-distance container moves, but several other companies are worth considering depending on your move size, distance, and whether you need local service. The chart below compares U-Pack to the most common alternatives on the things customers care about most.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | U-Pack | PODS | 1-800-PACK-RAT | UHaul U-Box |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price range | Low to mid | Mid to high | Mid | Low to mid |
| Container build | Steel ReloCubes + freight trailers | Steel frame, aluminum or reinforced panels | All-steel frame and walls | Plywood with weather-resistant cover |
| Sizes offered | One ReloCube 6'3" x 7' x 8'4" + 28 ft trailer | 8 ft, 12 ft, 16 ft | 8 ft, 12 ft, 16 ft | One size: ~7'11" x 4'8" x 6'11" |
| Local moves | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Long-distance moves | Yes, nationwide | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Budget-conscious long-distance moves | Flexibility, storage, brand trust | All-steel durability | U-Haul ecosystem, lowest cost |
When U-Pack Is a Good Fit
U-Pack works well for people moving a smaller load a long distance who want to keep costs down. The pay-for-what-you-use model means you only pay for the cubes or trailer space you actually fill, and a professional driver handles the haul so you never have to drive a truck cross-country. It's a strong choice for studios, apartments, and downsizing moves where one or two ReloCubes will do the job.
When Another Company May Be Better
If you need a true local move or driveway-style storage, PODS or 1-800-PACK-RAT are better fits since U-Pack is built around long-distance transport. For a larger household, PACK-RAT's all-steel 16 ft containers or PODS' larger sizes can be simpler than juggling multiple ReloCubes, and if you want the absolute lowest cost on a small load, a single U-Haul U-Box is worth pricing out.
Alternatives to ABF U-Pack
If U-Pack isn't the right fit, several other portable storage and moving companies offer options worth considering. Each has its own strengths, whether that's local service, a larger container, or a different pricing model. Here are the brands people most often compare to ABF U-Pack and what they're best for.
PODS
Best for:
- Movers who want the widest nationwide network and built-in storage
- Flexible local and long-distance moves with multiple container sizes
PODS offers three container sizes (8, 12, and 16 ft) and handles both local and long-distance moves, making it a more flexible option than U-Pack if you need local service or driveway storage. Read our full PODS review.
1-800-PACK-RAT
Best for:
- Movers who want a noticeably sturdy, all-steel container
- Local and long-distance moves with 30 days of storage included
1-800-PACK-RAT builds all-steel containers in three sizes and serves both local and long-distance moves, so it's a good pick if you want more size options than U-Pack's single ReloCube. Read our full 1-800-PACK-RAT review.
Go Mini's
Best for:
- Larger households that need a 20 ft container option
- Local moves and on-site storage where long-distance isn't needed
Go Mini's offers 12, 16, and 20 ft containers and focuses on local and regional moves, giving larger households a size option U-Pack doesn't have. Read our full Go Mini's review.
Moving Truck Rental
Best for:
- People comfortable driving a large vehicle
- Budget-sensitive moves where driving is a worthwhile trade-off
If you don't mind driving, renting a truck from U-Haul, Penske, or Budget can be significantly cheaper than a container — especially for shorter distances. Compare all moving container options.
Final Verdict: Is ABF U-Pack a Good Option for Your Move?
ABF U-Pack is one of the best values for long-distance moves, especially smaller loads. The pay-for-what-you-use pricing means you only cover the cubes or trailer space you actually fill, and a professional driver handles the cross-country haul so you never get behind the wheel. For studios, apartments, and downsizing moves headed a long distance, it's hard to beat on value.
U-Pack is less ideal if you need a true local move, driveway-style storage, or on-demand access to your belongings while they're stored, since storage is service-center only with no access in the meantime. If your move fits the long-distance profile and you size your cubes carefully, U-Pack offers a reliable, budget-friendly way to get your things across the country.
ABF U-Pack Frequently Asked Questions
Recent ABF U-Pack Container Reviews from HireAHelper Customers
HireAHelper helps thousands of people move every year, and many of those customers book labor-only moving help to load or unload their ABF U-Pack container. See what our customers have to say about using ABF U-Pack — every review below is a vetted, verified review from a real HireAHelper customer who used ABF U-Pack for their move.
Karen G
Edgecomb, ME
6/13/2026
The transportation company added a moving cube for me at the last minute and were courteous and timely.
Distance
1,000 mi
Cost
$5,500
Per Mile
$5.50/mi
Sq Ft Moved
1,200
Larry H
Saco, ME
6/11/2026
So far in getting the pod here and placing it just how I wanted
Distance
—
Cost
—
Per Mile
—
Sq Ft Moved
—
Ramchandra G
Ann Arbor, MI
6/7/2026
No hidden costs, great customer support.
Distance
2,350 mi
Cost
$1,900
Per Mile
$0.81/mi
Sq Ft Moved
1,000
Sarah R
Hartford, CT
6/4/2026
Some miscommunications. Very frustrating
Distance
400 mi
Cost
$1,200
Per Mile
$3.00/mi
Sq Ft Moved
650
Kerri G
Brookfield, IL
5/26/2026
This was my 4th time using U-Pack. I hired professional movers to pack the pod and there was always space for last minute essentials. Excellent customer service!
Distance
1,800 mi
Cost
$1,500
Per Mile
$0.83/mi
Sq Ft Moved
1,600
Holly H
Everett, WA
5/19/2026
On time, driver helped me decide where to put them and orient them. Easy in, easy out.
Distance
3,000 mi
Cost
$7,000
Per Mile
$2.33/mi
Sq Ft Moved
—
