Upack vs. U-Box: Which Container Should You Rent?

What Are Moving Containers and Why Choose Them?

Moving containers are portable units that get delivered to your home, giving you time to pack on your schedule. Once loaded, the company picks up the container and either drives it to your new place or stores it until you’re ready. It’s a middle ground between a full DIY truck rental and the high cost of a full-service moving company.

• The pros: You don’t have to drive a large vehicle, you can often load over multiple days, and many providers include storage in the base price. Containers are also delivered right to your driveway, saving you the hassle of repeated trips to a storage unit.
• The cons: You still have to handle the heavy lifting yourself unless you hire movers separately, and you’ll need space (or a city permit) for the container.

People often choose moving containers if they’re comfortable with doing some of the move on their own but don’t want to drive a truck, or if they need storage during a move. They’re popular with families between homes, renters in cities who want convenience, and anyone planning a long-distance relocation on a budget.

UPack vs. U-Box: UPack uses all-steel ReloCubes or space in a trailer, charging by the linear feet or number of Cubes used. U-Box containers are wood with weatherproof covers, delivered by U-Haul, and usually come with a flat per-container rate. Want more comparisons? See our complete moving container guide.

UPack vs. U-Box At a Glance

UPack and U-Box both give you the convenience of a moving container, but they’re structured differently. UPack is designed for long-distance moves and charges based on the space you use in a ReloCube or trailer. U-Box is backed by U-Haul’s massive network, making it widely available and often cheaper for smaller moves.

Quick Comparison: UPack vs. U-Box

How we researched

We pulled quotes from UPack.com and U-Haul.com (U-Box) for three standardized scenarios and captured base price plus required delivery/pickup fees (no promo codes):

• Local: same metro area, typically 0–50 miles
• Regional: across a state or into a neighboring state, about 500–800 miles
• Cross-country/long-distance: coast-to-coast routes, 2,500+ miles

We priced ReloCubes and trailer linear-feet for UPack and per-container for U-Box, then noted add-ons (insurance, storage extensions, permits) separately. We also reviewed recent BBB and Trustpilot feedback to surface common praise and complaints, since service quality can vary by local branch and route.

UPack Overview

UPack is owned by ArcBest, a publicly traded logistics company valued at more than $2 billion. Since launching in 1997, UPack has become a major player in the container moving space, focusing almost entirely on long-distance and cross-country moves. Unlike some other competitors, UPack does not offer local-only service.

Here’s how it works: UPack delivers either a ReloCube (a small, all-steel, weather-resistant container) or space in a 28-foot moving trailer. ReloCubes are delivered curbside with a small lift and can fit into a single parking space, while trailers require larger clearances. Customers typically have up to 3 business days to load or unload. Once ready, UPack handles transportation to your new home or to one of its secure service centers for storage.

The compact ReloCube holds about one room’s worth of belongings, while larger moves can use multiple Cubes or reserve trailer space. This flexibility makes UPack a good fit for small apartments, tight city neighborhoods, and budget-conscious long-distance movers.

U-Box Overview

U-Box is offered by U-Haul, one of the largest moving and storage companies in North America. U-Haul is a privately held company with thousands of rental centers across the U.S. and Canada, giving U-Box some of the widest availability in the container market.

Here’s how it works: A U-Box container is delivered to your home by truck and can be placed in a driveway, parking lot, or on the street with proper clearance. Customers usually have a few days to load, depending on their reservation, and can extend that time with storage add-ons. Once packed, U-Haul transports the container to your new home or stores it in one of its facilities until you’re ready.

U-Box containers are constructed of wood and covered with a weather-resistant vinyl cover. Each unit holds about a studio or small one-bedroom’s worth of belongings, so larger households typically need multiple boxes. The trade-off: while not as durable as steel containers, U-Boxes are lightweight and easier to maneuver, and their small size makes them flexible for urban deliveries.

UPack vs. U-Box Comparison

If you want a container move without driving a big truck, UPack and U-Box are two of the most common choices. Below, we compare them on cost, sizes, coverage, flexibility, delivery, reputation, and company stability—so you can pick the option that actually fits your move.

Cost Comparison

Our secret shopping (see method below) consistently finds U-Box often edges out on price for local/smaller shipments, while UPack can be competitive on long-distance when you pack efficiently and pay only for the space you use. Prices vary by route, timing, and how much storage time you need, so always compare like-for-like.

Average Container Costs (Secret-Shopped Scenarios)

How we did this: We pulled quotes from UPack.com and U-Haul.com (U-Box) for local, regional (~500–800 miles), and cross-country (~2,500+ miles) moves. For UPack, we priced ReloCubes and trailer linear-feet; for U-Box, we priced per-container with delivery/pickup and standard storage where applicable. We captured base price plus required fees and logged add-ons (insurance, permits, extra storage) separately.

Pricing caveats you should know:

• UPack scales with space: Each Cube or extra linear foot adds cost, which is actually to your benefit if you can pack efficiently.
• U-Box scales with container count + months: Flat per-box pricing is simple. Costs rise if you need multiple boxes or extra months of storage.
• Access & timing can change totals: Saturday pickups, rush deliveries, permits, or reschedules may add fees for either provider. Details vary by location, so check your quote or contract’s fine print.

Container Sizes, Options, and Capacity

UPack equipment

• ReloCube (steel, weather-resistant): interior ≈ 5'10" × 6'10" × 7'9"; ~308 cu ft, up to 2,500 lb, which holds about one room. Fits in a single parking space.
• 28' Trailer: reserve by linear foot with a movable bulkhead; interior volume ~1,900+ cu ft; better for larger homes.

U-Box containers

• U-Box (wood box with weatherproof cover): 5' × 8' × 7.5' (ext.); ~257 cu ft; up to 2,000 lb, which fits about 1–1.5 rooms per box.

How size affects price

• UPack: Add another Cube or more trailer feet, and the price increases incrementally. This means that efficient packing can lower your total.
• U-Box: If you need more space, you’ll add another box (and another month if you keep it longer). Simple, but larger homes often need multiple boxes and that can add up when it comes to cost.

Service Area & Availability

• UPack: Long-distance service across all 50 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico, using door delivery or service-center options.
• U-Box (U-Haul): Nationwide footprint via U-Haul’s large network of company centers and dealers; broad U.S./Canada reach with local and long-distance options.

If you need Puerto Rico or a service-center load/unload workaround, UPack has specialized coverage. If you prioritize widespread availability or booking in person, U-Box benefits from U-Haul’s huge network.

Flexibility & Storage

UPack: Standard 3 business days to load and 3 to unload. Storage is available at UPack service centers, and the Cubes can be stored there month-to-month. This option presents a good balance if you want a defined schedule with optional storage.

U-Box: No fixed limit while the box sits at your place (billed monthly), but you can also store it at a U-Haul facility as long as you need. This is a highly flexible option for remodels or delayed closings.

Need more time on site? U-Box’s open-ended at-home window is hard to beat. Want a faster, scheduled cadence with predictable pickup? UPack’s 3-day windows keep things moving.

Convenience & Delivery

UPack delivery requirements

• ReloCube: Needs a standard parking space and room for the delivery truck. They deliver during typical weekday windows. You can also load at a service center if parking is tight.
• Trailer: Needs larger clearances (about 40' length / 10' width / 14' height) and a level surface.
• Pricing for trailers is by linear foot, and a bulkhead secures your section.

U-Box delivery options

• We Deliver: U-Haul drops off and picks up while you load at home. Flat, level surface required.
• Self-Delivery: Pick up the box on a small U-Box trailer with your own hitch vehicle (handy if street permits are tricky).

Pro Tip: If driveway space or tree clearance is limited, U-Box self-delivery can be a lifesaver. If you’d rather avoid towing anything, UPack door delivery (or service-center loading) keeps you hands-off on the transport side.

Customer Reviews & Reputation

Here is a snapshot of Upack and U-box’s customer service reviews. Keep in mind that your local branches might differ significantly from other areas, so always be sure to check what the reviews look like in your specific city or region.

Common themes (paraphrased from recent reviews): UPack:

• Pros: Transparent pricing and the “they drive” convenience.
• Cons: Missed/late windows in some markets and the need to coordinate loaders exactly.

U-Box:

• Pros: Availability and flexibility
• Cons: Delivery timing variability and wood box concerns (odor/condition) in some locations.

Company Operations

• UPack is a service of ArcBest (NASDAQ: ARCB), a publicly traded logistics company recognized by Newsweek/Statista among America’s Most Responsible Companies 2025 — a signal of governance/ESG focus.
• U-Box is part of U-Haul Holding Company (NYSE: UHAL), a long-standing, publicly traded DIY moving brand with extensive U.S./Canada operations and thousands of dealer locations.

Why it matters: Public companies publish more data (governance, risk, ESG). For consumers, that can translate to clearer policies and accountability.

Bottom line from our analysis

• Cheapest for small/local: U-Box often wins on simple, per-box pricing and wide availability.
• Best for pay-only-for-space on long-distance: UPack (Cubes or trailer linear feet).
• Most time-flexible at home: U-Box (no hard on-site time limit—billed monthly).

When to Choose UPack

UPack is often the right choice if you’re heading long-distance or cross-country. Its pricing model is based on the space you actually use — either by ReloCube or by linear feet in a trailer — which makes it appealing for people who pack efficiently or don’t have a huge household to move. If you can keep your load small, you avoid paying for empty space, which isn’t always true with other container providers.

UPack also fits well for smaller households, such as apartments, condos, or downsizing moves. A single ReloCube can hold about one room’s worth of belongings, and multiple Cubes or a trailer can cover larger homes. Because the containers are steel and weather-resistant, they’re a solid option for people worried about durability during transit.

UPack is best if you:

• Are planning a cross-country or regional relocation.
• Want transparent, pay-for-what-you-use pricing.
• Have a smaller or more efficient load.
• Prefer a durable steel container for long trips.

When to Choose U-Box

U-Box is a good fit for moves that demand availability, storage, and flexibility. Backed by U-Haul’s massive network, U-Box is widely available nationwide, making it easier to book than many competitors. Its flat per-container pricing is straightforward, especially for local or short-distance moves where costs stay low.

Each U-Box is small and lightweight, which means you can place it in tighter spaces or even tow it yourself on a small trailer. If your new place isn’t ready, U-Haul can store your boxes at one of its many facilities until you are, giving you breathing room during a tricky transition.

U-Box is best if you:

• You need short-term or long-term storage built into your move.
• You are completing a local or smaller move and want predictable pricing.
• Value nationwide availability and easy booking through U-Haul.
• Want the option of self-delivery for tricky parking or city moves.

Alternative Storage Container Providers

While UPack and U-Box are two of the most common container options, other providers may be worth considering depending on your needs.

• PODS: Offers multiple container sizes and includes 30 days of rental in the base price. It’s often the best fit if you want more time to load or need built-in storage during your move.
• Zippy Shell: Combines containers with a trailer-style delivery, which can be easier to place in dense urban areas. Its availability is more limited, but it can be a solid option if it serves your location.
• U-Haul U-Box: Even though this article compares U-Box directly with UPack, it’s worth emphasizing again for its broad availability. Backed by U-Haul’s national network, it’s often the easiest container to reserve quickly, especially for local moves.

These alternatives may not be perfect for every situation, but they give you more options to compare. Checking multiple providers ensures you get the best balance of cost, convenience, and availability.

Final Verdict: UPack vs. U-Box

UPack shines for long-distance moves and small households that can take advantage of its pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. But U-Box has the edge on nationwide availability, built-in storage options, and flexibility for both local and long-distance moves.

Overall, U-Box is the stronger choice for most families thanks to its availability, storage flexibility, and straightforward pricing.

What to Know Before a Moving Container Move

Booking a moving container can make your relocation less stressful, but there are a few things to keep in mind before delivery day.

• Space and permits: Containers need a flat, clear spot. Driveways usually work, but street placement often requires a city permit.
• Timing: UPack typically gives you three business days to load or unload, while U-Box rentals are billed monthly and can stay longer. Think honestly about how much time you’ll need.
• Loading: You’re responsible for the packing. If you’ve got heavy furniture or a big household, consider hiring hourly movers to save your back.
• Storage: Both companies offer storage, but it works differently — UPack keeps ReloCubes at service centers, while U-Box offers flexible storage at U-Haul facilities.
• Costs: Quotes may look simple, but extras like storage extensions, insurance, delivery changes, and permits add up. Read the fine print so you’re comparing apples to apples.
• Bottom line: The best container move comes from planning ahead — making sure you’ve got space, time, and budget covered before the box even arrives.