PODS® Reviews
This was my second time using PODS container, and I was equally as happy as the first time. Everything went smoothly, from the initial estimate, to scheduling, and final pick up. I received periodic emails reminding me of things coming up. The customer service representatives were helpful and knowledgeable.
I used PODS at the recommendation of some of my friends. Caveat to this review at this particular time: I have only had my POD delivered and picked up from my initial location, I cannot comment (yet) on the service of my POD to my final destination. Distance 2,100 miles. INITIAL LOCATION (delivery 6/26/24, pickup 6/27/24): I was mostly moving my goods and valuables (for which I have a lot of), but less so big furniture - hence, I had a small pod. Pod delivery and pickup did require a decent amount of coordination on my part and was not nearly as streamlined or easy as I would have liked (ie would cost money to confirm a specific time or morning/afternoon, and was somewhat "luck of the draw") though within what is expected with moving (unfortunately) - so not entirely a POD specific problem. I will say the email time of delivery differed from the website time of delivery, so I did have to call with questions/concerns about the discrepancies. That all being said, Maria (x2) and Nicole were very helpful in providing me with updated information and assistance to best coordinate my move, so that I was able to coordinate getting my POD delivered, movers moving my stuff into the POD, and then my POD picked up all fairly streamlined. The delivery and pickup service was also quite easy, the drivers were good with communication, easy to work with, my POD deliverer was flexible with slight location change of my POD delivery. FINAL DESTINATION: to be determined, however my website says that the delivery will be set for 7/13/24, whereas my email and texts keep saying "not set up yet" - not sure if this means the specific time, but the date is set (since it is set on the website), but this has been an ongoing confusion/worry for me. Of note, my friends have had delay(s) in their pod delivery at final destination(s), which has posed some inconveniences. Certainly possible just a manifestation of moving, though this is possibly a bigger downside compared to movers who are driving directly and can better communicate delays. RECOMMENDATIONS: I would overall recommend PODS at this current time. I did not look much into others (limited time) or movers, so I went based purely on my friends' experiences. I would suggest that, if using PODS, when you know some details about your move, try to let PODS know asap (ie, if you want to put in a "preference" for the morning or afternoon drop off or pickup, etc) because the teams can put in notes in your file and they may be able to accommodate without further charges - do not do this the day before because once the information gets submitted to the drivers, it is more likely set. I would also recommend PODS consider having both the website and email with better updates on information, because mine were different with the PODS delivery, though it all worked out in the end. Finally, would recommend PODS to consider if there is an earlier way to provide information on delivery/drop off to the customers - of course, the downside is that if the customer needs some modification then they may have to know earlier, so this perhaps is just an inherent challenge with moving.
Pods did not put our unit number in our address, so the driver left our pod in the wrong driveway. However, the driver did not call us beforehand to let us know he was on his way. And then when he returned, he gave me a hard time about “me” not giving the correct address, and how/where to position the pod. But the driver who picked up our pod did call us, to ask if our community was gated, and other information about location. We chose pods because we used them before, specifically because of the convenience and storage capability. We’re hoping for a smoother experience on the next pod.
His manager made is out like it was my fault because the grass was a little wet. called customer service and they are worthless ( they are in a foreign country and can barely speak english). Was told I would have to fix it myself and then file a claim and MAYBE it would be paid later. When I asked for a manager I recieved noithing but attitude... Took at least 20 requests for a manager. After being on hold for about 20 minutes another foreign lady with bad english got on the line and gave more attitude. Asked for her manager and was basically told to F___ off as this is their process. She refused to give me her manager. Said you get nothing but her... Asked for Corporate phone number and was told they wont talk to you and that they wont give out their number. look on line, and the only number available is back to the same customer service. After all that, finally got a call from the Manager at the local distributor of the POD. After a bit of discussion he told me he'd work on getting my SOD repaired. that was almost 4 days ago... haven't heard much since.
The entire process with PODS was "spot on" and not a single mishap has taken place. They are hospitable and understanding of how stressful a move can be. They were helpful in arranging a timeframe for pickup since I have to have another moving company come and complete the job. The only downside of this whole experience with PODS is they have a recommendation on their website for Hire A Helper.
I regret using PODS for my long-distance move. Everything went wrong, and it almost ruined my entire move. First, the inexperienced driver failed to deliver the PODS container to my house and ended up damaging my neighbor’s property. This led to a heated argument between the driver and my neighbor, who then called the police. The police arrived and issued a report. When I contacted PODS customer service, they suggested I move my belongings to the container at their warehouse. The next day, I had a moving helper scheduled to assist me. Due to the change in plans, I had to urgently contact the helper within 24 hours, or my entire move would be ruined. I had no choice but to accept the new quote they gave me. Fortunately, Daniel and his team were very helpful and willing to adjust the plan. Despite their failure to deliver the container, PODS still charged me a delivery fee. When I tried to dispute this charge, PODS customer service was terrible and very difficult to communicate with. They refused to cancel the fee, and when I asked to speak to a manager, my request was declined. I don't understand why PODS has so many good reviews, which influenced my decision to use them. Their customer service is absolutely the worst. Long-distance moving, which involves packing and cleaning, is already very stressful and time-consuming. Using PODS and dealing with their customer service took hours of my time, but my problem still wasn't solved, adding another layer of stress that is completely unacceptable. I strongly do not recommend PODS.
First PODS was delivered to our driveway, no issue. He did have to jockey the truck around a bit to get a good angle (we are on 3 acres, 480' driveway). Second PODS delivery trucker refused to drop. Said first PODS was in his way. FIRST PODS DRIVER returned with 2nd PODS container and dropped it right beside the first one perfectly. NICE JOB !! Drivers vary. YAY to DRIVER NUMBER ONE ! He was super accommodating and very professional. Our Sotheby's real estate agent messed up royally and we had to do a second move and lots of storage costs.
PODS is a great idea if you have control of a suitable driveway or parking space at origin and destination. Otherwise, the space and time requirements can turn present many problems to solve. The city I moved from required a permit that cost a few hundred dollars but did not guarantee me use of the parking in front of my home... which is a hostile neighbor's favorite place to park. The destination had lots of parking, including the space assigned to me, but the BOD told me to use the visitor parking at the end of the street, effectively tripling my unloading costs. Having the POD on site for two nights and 3 days was also an issue. They will probably never allow a POD to be used on their property again.
PODS is a good company with whom to work. They provide very good telephone support, and their local drivers are helpful at working with you to site the PODS. We had an inclined driveway that way relatively flat at the top, and the driver, using the PODS delivery system and his own ingenuity, was able to safely site the POD. They helped estimate the number of PODS needed, and helped adjust that number as we got closer to the actual pick-up date.
Everything was good until the day of the drop at the new address. It was scheduled for 9 am (the apartment complex does not allow earlier access) but The carrier called at 6:30 in the morning and said he needed to come early. He showed up at 7 and the loud truck was under the windows causing other tenants to complain. It turned out that he had a pick-up scheduled for later and wanted to drop my pod so he could pick up the other one with one trip. That would be a reasonable way to work it if it hadn't meant coming in at 7 to get started and disturbing close tenants. His pick-up was at the far end where they were doing construction so I doubt he disturbed anyone there. However, the construction people aren't supposed to have something with that much noise before nine. It was explained to the building manager and we didn't get written up, but it was not the way to do things.
Really good experience with PODS. 3 large containers + a small one that we added at the last minute for all the stuff that didn't quite fit, haha. Excellent communication, nice website so it's easy to understand what is going on, and every driver or phone support associate I talked to was professional and competent.
